Modern Android smartphones, foldables, and tablets feature large high-resolution displays engineered for robust split-screen multi-tasking. Users frequently run complementary applications side-by-side—such as Google Docs alongside Chrome for research, YouTube alongside WhatsApp, or Google Sheets alongside a calculator. However, manually initiating split-screen mode multiple times a day requires navigating recent apps, selecting app icons, choosing Split Screen, and locating the second application.
Android includes native App Pairs functionality (formalized and expanded in Android 14 and 15), allowing users to link two applications together into a single unified shortcut saved directly to the home screen. Tapping the App Pair icon launches both applications simultaneously in your customized split-screen ratio. This guide details step-by-step setup, ratio adjustments, and troubleshooting.
Creating an App Pair on Modern Android Devices
The standard procedure across Google Pixel, Motorola, and stock Android hardware:
- Open the first application you want to include in the pair (e.g. Google Chrome).
- Swipe up from the bottom of your screen and hold briefly to access the Overview / Recent Apps screen.
- Tap the circular application icon located at the top of the app preview card.
- Select Split screen from the pop-up menu. The first application pins to the top half (or left half in landscape mode).
- From the lower pane or app drawer, tap the second application you wish to pair (e.g. Google Keep).
Saving the App Pair Shortcut to the Home Screen
Once both applications are running comfortably in split-screen mode:
- Swipe up and hold to open the Recent Apps screen once more.
- You will notice that the two apps are now docked together inside a single combined preview card.
- Tap the Save app pair icon (a dual-app square with a plus symbol) beneath the combined card.
- An App Pair shortcut containing both app icons is immediately placed onto your home screen.
Customising Split Ratios and Orientation
- Adjusting Pane Sizes: Drag the central divider bar up or down to configure a 70/30, 50/50, or 30/70 split. The App Pair shortcut preserves your chosen split ratio when relaunched.
- Swapping Top and Bottom Positions: Double-tap the central dividing bar to instantly flip the vertical positions of the two running applications.
- Foldable & Tablet Taskbar Docking: On large-screen devices running Android 14+, you can drag App Pair icons directly into the persistent bottom taskbar for one-tap access across any workspace.
Comparison: App Pairs Across Manufacturers
| Manufacturer / Skin | Feature Name | Maximum Simultaneous Apps | Home Screen Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel (Android 14/15) | App Pairs | 2 applications | Yes (Native home screen shortcut) |
| Samsung One UI | App Pair / Edge Panel | Up to 3 apps (Multi-Active Window) | Yes (Home screen and Edge Panel) |
| OnePlus / OxygenOS | Open Canvas / Dual App | Up to 3 apps | Yes (Recent apps menu) |