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.

1. What Are Split Screen and PiP?

  • 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.

2. Check Compatibility

Both features are available on Pixel phones running Android 9 or later:

  • Split Screen: Android 9+

  • PiP Mode: Android 8+

Steps:

  1. Open Settings → About phone → Android version

  2. Ensure your device is updated: Settings → System → System update → Check for updates

3. Enable Picture-in-Picture for Apps

  1. Open Settings → Apps → See all apps

  2. Select the app you want PiP enabled (e.g., YouTube, Google Maps)

  3. Tap Advanced → Picture-in-picture → Allow picture-in-picture → ON

✅ Repeat for all apps you plan to use in PiP.

4. Start Split Screen

  1. Open the first app for Split Screen

  2. Tap Recent apps button (square icon) or swipe up if using gestures

  3. Tap the app icon at the top → Select Split screen

  4. Open the second app from Recent apps or App Drawer

💡 Both apps now share the screen.

5. Launch PiP While in Split Screen

  1. Open a supported PiP app (e.g., YouTube, Google Maps) from Recent apps or App Drawer

  2. Start the activity (play video or start navigation)

  3. 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.

6. Adjust and Move 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.

7. Adjust Split Screen Layout

  • 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.

8. Switch Apps in Split Screen or PiP

  • 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.

9. Exit Split Screen or PiP

  • 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.

10. Troubleshooting Multitasking Issues

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

11. Tips for Efficient Use

  • 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.

Final Thoughts

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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