You open two apps like usual — maybe YouTube on top and Messages below — only to realize the split-screen option is suddenly gone. Or it appears briefly and closes on its own. For many users, this happens right after a system update, which makes the timing feel suspicious.
What makes the situation frustrating is that nothing else seems broken. The phone runs normally, apps still open, and performance feels fine. Yet multitasking — something you relied on daily — quietly stops behaving the way it used to.
This type of issue is more common than it looks, and in most cases, the update didn’t actually “remove” the feature. Instead, small system changes alter how Android manages apps, gestures, or compatibility behind the scenes.
What is actually happening after the update
When Android updates install, they don’t just add new visuals or security patches. The system also reorganizes how apps interact with memory, screen scaling, and background activity. Split-screen multitasking depends heavily on those internal rules.
If one part changes — even slightly — Android may temporarily disable split-screen for certain apps or across the system until everything stabilizes.
Users often notice patterns like:
- The split-screen button no longer appears in Recent Apps
- Only certain apps refuse to enter split mode
- The screen exits split view unexpectedly
- Gestures feel different than before the update
None of these necessarily mean the feature is permanently broken.
Common causes users rarely suspect
After updates, Android rebuilds app optimization in the background. During this period, multitasking behavior may feel inconsistent.
Another overlooked factor is app compatibility. Some apps temporarily disable split-screen support until developers adjust them for the newest Android version. From the user’s perspective, it looks like the phone changed — but the limitation actually comes from the app.
Launcher adjustments can also play a role. Updates sometimes reset gesture navigation sensitivity or multitasking shortcuts, which changes how split-screen is triggered.
And occasionally, system updates reset permissions related to background activity. Split-screen relies on both apps remaining active simultaneously, so stricter power management can interfere.
Things worth checking first
Before assuming something is seriously wrong, a few simple checks often clarify the situation.
Restart the phone once after the update
Many users skip this step because the device already restarted during installation. However, a manual restart helps Android finish rebuilding system caches and background indexing.
Try different app combinations
Open two widely supported apps, such as Chrome and Settings. If split-screen works there but not elsewhere, the issue is likely app-specific rather than system-wide.
Check gesture navigation behavior
Some updates slightly change how you access multitasking. Opening the Recent Apps screen more slowly or holding an app icon longer can reveal options that appear missing at first glance.
Practical actions that often help stabilize multitasking
Update all installed apps
Right after a major Android update, many apps release compatibility fixes. Updating everything from the Play Store helps align apps with the new system framework.
Clear recent apps completely once
This sounds simple, but it resets how Android reloads multitasking sessions. Closing all apps and reopening them fresh can restore split-screen availability.
Check battery optimization settings
If Android becomes more aggressive about saving power after an update, it may restrict apps from running side by side. Allowing commonly used apps to run normally (without heavy optimization) can improve stability.
Give the system a little time
During the first one or two days after an update, Android performs background optimization tasks. Phones may behave slightly differently until this process finishes. Many users notice split-screen returning to normal without further action.
When the behavior is actually normal
Not every app supports split-screen, and updates sometimes enforce those limits more strictly. Streaming apps, games, and camera-based apps frequently disable multitasking intentionally to prevent performance or privacy problems.
It’s also normal for older devices to reduce multitasking flexibility after large updates. Newer Android versions may require more memory, so the system becomes selective about allowing two active apps at once.
This can feel like a regression, but it’s often Android prioritizing stability over forcing multitasking.
External factors that can influence the feature
Some users notice split-screen issues only when certain apps are running in the background — messaging apps, floating chat bubbles, or screen overlay features can interfere with how Android divides the display.
Accessibility services and screen filters may also temporarily block split-screen activation because they modify how touch input is interpreted.
If the feature works normally in Safe Mode (without third-party apps running), it usually indicates an app conflict rather than a system failure.
What improvement usually looks like
Recovery rarely happens all at once. Instead, users often notice small signs first — the option reappears for some apps, transitions feel smoother, or split-screen stops closing unexpectedly.
System updates are followed by smaller background adjustments through app updates and Google system components. As those updates arrive, multitasking behavior gradually returns to what feels familiar.
Keeping split-screen stable going forward
Installing app updates regularly helps prevent compatibility gaps after future Android releases. Avoid opening too many heavy apps simultaneously right after a system upgrade, when optimization is still ongoing.
Most importantly, give new updates a short adjustment period. Phones often feel slightly different immediately after upgrading, and multitasking features are among the first things affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Android update remove split-screen permanently?
In most cases, no. The feature usually remains available but may behave differently due to compatibility or system adjustments.
Why does split-screen work with some apps but not others?
Individual apps decide whether they support multitasking. Developers sometimes disable it temporarily after major Android updates.
How long should I wait before worrying about the issue?
If the problem started immediately after an update, giving the system a few days and installing pending app updates often resolves inconsistent behavior.