Google Pixel phones offer powerful multitasking features: Split Screen and Picture-in-Picture (PiP). Using them together allows you to run two apps simultaneously in Split Screen while keeping a third app in a floating PiP window. This setup maximizes productivity and efficiency, perfect for work, media, and communication.
This guide will show you how to use Split Screen and Picture-in-Picture together on Pixel phones step by step.
Split Screen: Allows two apps to share the screen simultaneously. Ideal for multitasking.
Picture-in-Picture (PiP): Displays a small floating window for apps like YouTube or Maps, usable while interacting with other apps.
✅ Using both together lets you watch a video or navigate in PiP while using two other apps in Split Screen.
Both features are available on Pixel phones running Android 9 or later:
Split Screen: Android 9+
PiP Mode: Android 8+
Open Settings → About phone → Android version
Ensure your device is updated: Settings → System → System update → Check for updates
Open Settings → Apps → See all apps
Select the app you want PiP enabled (e.g., YouTube, Google Maps)
Tap Advanced → Picture-in-picture → Allow picture-in-picture → ON
✅ Repeat for all apps you plan to use in PiP.
Open the first app for Split Screen
Tap Recent apps button (square icon) or swipe up if using gestures
Tap the app icon at the top → Select Split screen
Open the second app from Recent apps or App Drawer
💡 Both apps now share the screen.
Open a supported PiP app (e.g., YouTube, Google Maps) from Recent apps or App Drawer
Start the activity (play video or start navigation)
Press Home button or swipe up → App minimizes into a PiP floating window
✅ Now you have two apps in Split Screen plus one floating PiP window.
Move: Tap and drag to any corner
Resize: Pinch in/out (if supported)
Hide temporarily: Drag to screen edge
Close: Tap X icon
💡 Keep PiP in a corner that does not interfere with Split Screen apps.
Drag the divider line between Split Screen apps to resize
Prioritize app visibility while ensuring PiP window does not block content
Use landscape mode for more space
✅ Effective resizing keeps all apps functional and visible.
Replace one Split Screen app: Tap divider line → App icon → Select new app
Replace PiP app: Open a different PiP-supported app → Enter PiP mode
💡 This flexibility allows you to adapt multitasking for changing tasks.
Exit Split Screen: Drag divider fully up/down or left/right
Close PiP: Tap X or drag off screen
Press Home button → Exits Split Screen, keeps PiP minimized until closed
✅ Exiting is seamless without interrupting background tasks.
Problem: PiP not working in Split Screen
Solution: Ensure PiP is enabled in app settings
Some apps may not support PiP while in Split Screen
Problem: Apps overlap or window too small
Solution: Resize Split Screen and move PiP window
Use landscape mode for more screen space
Problem: Lag or performance drop
Solution: Close unnecessary background apps
Avoid running resource-heavy games in Split Screen + PiP simultaneously
Use larger Pixel devices (Pixel XL, Pixel 6/7 Pro) for better multitasking
Combine with Gesture Navigation for fast app switching
Place PiP in a corner that doesn’t obstruct Split Screen content
Avoid heavy apps in PiP when using two active apps in Split Screen
✅ Proper setup maximizes productivity and usability.
Using Split Screen and Picture-in-Picture together on Google Pixel phones unlocks advanced multitasking capabilities.
By enabling PiP, starting Split Screen, launching PiP apps, resizing windows, and managing layouts efficiently, you can multitask like a pro. Proper use improves workflow, productivity, and media consumption — all on a single Pixel screen.
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