Juggling multiple apps on my phone to get things done can sometimes feel overwhelming. Thankfully, Android offers a range of features that make multitasking a breeze.

1

Split Screen Mode

One of my favorite Android features for multitasking is split screen mode. This feature lets me make full use of my phone’s 6.8-inch screen by allowing me to run two apps simultaneously, eliminating the need to constantly switch between them.

For instance, I often use split-screen mode to check my calendar on one half of the screen while taking notes in a separate app on the other. Similarly, during downtime, I like to read articles while scrolling through my Instagram feed.

2

App Pairs

Another feature that takes my split-screen experience to the next level is saving app pairs—combinations of apps I frequently use together. For instance, I’ve created an app pair of Google Calendar and Keep since I use them every morning to plan my day.

Setting up app pairs on my Samsung phone is incredibly easy. While in split-screen mode, I can simply tap the three dots on the divider and then select the star icon to save the pair. Once saved, these app pairs appear on my home screen, allowing me to access them quickly whenever I need them.

3

Chat Bubbles

I receive and send a lot of messages throughout the day. However, instead of opening Google Messages or Messenger in split-screen mode every time I want to chat, I prefer to use chat bubbles.

This way, whenever I get a message, the chat bubble pops up on the side of my screen, and I can quickly reply without disrupting whatever I’m doing. Whether I’m reading an article or scrolling through my feed on X, I can tap the bubble, type a quick response, and then go right back to my task.

The chat bubble floats conveniently on the screen without taking up much space. If I need to focus more on my current activity, I can easily move the bubble out of the way or swipe it away completely.

4

Gestures to Switch Between Apps

While split screen mode and chat bubbles are incredibly useful, not all Android apps support them. That’s when I rely on Android’s swipe gesture to switch between apps quickly. Instead of opening the app switcher and scrolling through app cards, I simply swipe left or right on the navigation bar to switch between my recently used apps.

Whether I’m moving between grocery apps and my notes or switching from music to maps, this gesture saves me precious seconds and keeps me in the flow of things. It’s a small but efficient trick that helps keep my multitasking smooth and effortless.

5

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is another Android feature I use regularly to enhance my multitasking experience. It’s especially handy when I need to watch YouTube videos, make video calls on WhatsApp, or navigate using Google Maps while working on something else. With PiP, I can keep a video playing in a tiny window that floats over the top of whatever app I’m using.

What’s great about PiP is its flexibility. I can move the window around the screen to keep it out of the way, resize it to fit my needs, or even swipe it off to the side when I don’t need it in my direct line of sight. It’s perfect for consuming content or staying connected without having to constantly pause or switch between apps.

If you haven’t tried these multitasking features yet, I highly recommend giving them a go. They’ll make managing multiple tasks at once feel effortless, allowing you to get more done in less time.