Android has free built-in tools that show two apps at once, group browser tabs and float small windows, so you can stop jumping between apps.
Most Android phones can show two apps on the screen at the same time, and many people never turn it on. Android Police writer Anu Joy says a handful of lesser-known features cut the constant app switching that wastes time on everyday jobs. They cost nothing and live in settings your phone already has.
Split-screen mode keeps two apps open together. It helps when you are researching, taking notes, following instructions or copying details from one app to another. You could keep Google Keep open beside Chrome, or check a shopping list while browsing an online store.
Not every app supports split-screen, and the menu options can differ by device.
Chrome can sort open pages into groups. Planning a trip, for example, you can put hotel, attraction and transport pages into separate sets instead of leaving dozens of tabs scattered around. Tap the three-dot menu, select Add tab to new group, then name the group and pick a color.
On Android tablets, Chrome can also open multiple windows and move tabs between them. Dragging a tab to the edge of the screen starts split view, which suits comparing products or checking two sources.
Sometimes you need to step out of one task to check another app. On phones running Android 17, app bubbles keep an app in a small floating window over the screen. A chat bubble can open a conversation on top of your browser so you can reply and go straight back. A calculator bubble works while you compare prices.
To make one, long-press an app icon on the home screen or in the app drawer and select Bubble. Tap the floating icon to expand it, and tap outside the window to collapse it. Several bubbles can be grouped together.
Gemini, Google's assistant, can appear over whatever you are viewing instead of opening its full app. Say "Hey Google" or long-press the power button, then select Share screen with Live to ask about the content on screen.
If that option does not show up, check Gemini's Settings, then Screen context. Make sure Access onscreen text and Access screenshots are turned on.
Each trick solves a different problem: seeing two apps at once, organizing research, or getting a quick answer without losing your place. Bubbles require Android 17, and steps may look different depending on your phone.
Try split-screen first: open your recent apps, tap an app icon, choose Split screen and pick a second app.
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