How to Run Same Apps in Split Screen on Android Nougat (No Root)

Along with some extremely features, Android 7.0 Nougat brought something that we have been waiting for long, the multi-window or split-screen multitasking. The ability to run two apps side by side makes up for an extraordinary multitasking background. While the feature has been all around executed, along with a cool Alt+Tab like feature, it does not give you a chance to use the same app in two separate windows.

For example, when you are talking to several people on WhatsApp and you need to talk with them simultaneously through the split screen mode. Gratefully, you can enable the ability to run same apps in split screen mode in Nougat and it does not require root access.

How to Run Same Apps in Split Screen on Android Nougat

Step 1:

First, install the app dubbed Parallel Windows for Nougat (free) from the Play Store. The app brings a sidebar, which lets you mirror apps, to make a single app run in multiple windows. It is currently only available for devices running Android 7.0 Nougat, which is pretty obvious.

Step 2:

When you first open the app, you will be presented with a warning suggesting the experimental nature of the app. Just tick the “I have read and understood” option and tap on “Continue“.

Step 3:

Once done, you will have to give the app permission to “draw over other apps” and enable it in “Accessibility “. Here, you can also decide the size of the sidebar.

Step 4:

Then, you should see a sidebar on the right edge, which feature options to open the app drawer, trigger split screen mode and the option to mirror apps to run a single app side by side in the split screen mode.

Step 5:

After that, just open an app or tap on the Recents/Multitasking button. Then, just swipe from the rightedge to bring up the sidebar and select the third option, which will ask you to “Select an app to mirror“. Just select the app and two windows of the app should open up in the split screen mode.

That’s it and you will be able to use the same app in two separate windows in Nougat. We tested the app and it works fine with messaging apps like WhatsApp & Allo but do remember that some apps just fail to mirror and some apps are still unsupported in the split screen mode. However, there is a way to force apps to run in the split screen mode. To do it, go to Settings->Developer Options, scroll down to the bottom and enable “Force activities to be resizable“.

Note: You can enable Developer Options by going to Settings->About Phone and tapping the “Build Number” seven times.