{"id":61327,"date":"2026-10-13T10:43:47","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T10:43:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/?p=61327"},"modified":"2026-10-13T10:43:49","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T10:43:49","slug":"how-to-split-screen-on-iphone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/airtalkwireless.com\/blog\/how-to-split-screen-on-iphone","title":{"rendered":"How To Split Screen On iPhone: What Works And What Doesn\u2019t"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ever tried to follow a video tutorial while taking notes or reply to a message without losing track of what you were watching?  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Switching back and forth between apps can get frustrating when you’re trying to do two things at once. If you’re looking for how to split screen on iPhone<\/strong>, keep reading to explore the options available and find a setup that works best for your needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Can You Split Screen on an iPhone? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No, iPhone doesn’t have a built-in Split View feature that displays two regular apps side by side.<\/strong> Unlike an iPad, where you can arrange compatible apps in separate areas of the screen, an iPhone normally shows one main app at a time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This limitation applies to the iPhone lineup, including newer models. You won’t find a setting that turns on traditional split-screen multitasking, and changing your display settings won’t add one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re wondering how to do split screen on iPhone, the closest built-in alternative is Picture in Picture (PiP). It lets a supported video or FaceTime call appear in a small floating window while you open another app.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also switch between apps quickly with the App Switcher or use certain app-specific features to view content in a different layout. These options can make multitasking easier, but they don’t provide the same experience as having two fully interactive apps open side by side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"how
How to split screen on iPhone? It’s impossible. Unlike an iPad, an iPhone normally shows one main app at a time.\u00a0(Image by Pexels)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

>>> Read more: <\/em>How to Split Screen on iPad: Use Two Apps Side by Side<\/em><\/a><\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. How to Use Picture in Picture as a Split-Screen Alternative <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Picture in Picture is a practical option when you want to keep watching a video or stay on a FaceTime call while using another app. Instead of dividing the display into two sections, iOS shrinks the video or call into a movable window that sits over the rest of your screen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the closest built-in option for people looking for how to split screen on iPhone, especially when they want to watch something while browsing or messaging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start Picture in Picture on iPhone <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The exact steps depend on the app you’re using, but you can usually start PiP directly from a video player. Here’s how to turn on Picture in Picture and use it while browsing other apps: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Check your PiP settings.<\/strong> Open Settings > General > Picture in Picture<\/strong> and turn on Start PiP Automatically<\/strong> if the option is available. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Open a supported app.<\/strong> Start playing a video or begin a FaceTime video call<\/a>. Not every app or video supports PiP, so the option may not appear everywhere. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Minimize the video.<\/strong> While the video is playing, tap the Picture in Picture or Minimize Video button if the player provides one. In supported situations, you can also return to the Home Screen while the video is playing. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Open another app.<\/strong> Go to Messages, Safari, Notes, or another app you want to use. The video window should remain visible over the app. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Adjust the window.<\/strong> Drag it to another corner of the screen or pinch with two fingers to change its size. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    If the window doesn’t appear, check whether the app supports PiP and whether the feature is enabled. Some services have their own restrictions, which can vary by app, account, or region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What You Can and Cannot Do with Picture in Picture <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    PiP works best when one activity can continue in a small window while you focus on something else. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can use it to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n