• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Kindle Fire For Kid

  • Home
    • About
    • Privacy
    • Contact
  • How-to
    • How to use Quick Settings on Fire tablets?
    • How to take a screenshot on a Fire tablet without using any apps like a pro?
    • Everything about Fire OS 8
      • How to Use Dark Theme on Fire Tablets with Fire OS 8?
    • How to install Google Play Store on Amazon Fire Tablet: Fire 6, Fire 7, Fire HD 8 and Fire HD 10?
    • How to Use Split Screen on Fire HD 10 (2019,2021), Fire HD 10 Plus, Fire HD 8 (2020, 2022), and Fire HD 8 Plus (2030, 2022)?
    • How to use the official wireless keyboard for Amazon Fire HD 10 2021 (and Fire HD 10 Plus)?
      • How to use the 15 special keys and 11 keyboard shortcuts on the official wireless keyboard for Amazon Fire HD 10 2021 (and Fire HD 10 Plus)?
    • The ultimate guide of USB-C fast charging on Fire HD 10 2019, Fire HD 8 2020, and later devcies
    • How to use the micro SD card on Fire HD 10 (9th,11th Gen), Fire HD 8 (8th,10th, 12th Gen) and Fire 7 (9th,12th Gen)?
    • How to sideload Android apps in Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD and Kindle Fire HDX?
    • How to enable and access developer options on Amazon Fire tablet, and how to hide developer options again?
    • How to setup a Google account on Amazon Fire tablet?
  • Buyer’s Guide
    • Fire Tablet Buyer’s Guide 2022
    • What’s new in Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen) vs Fire HD 8 2022 (10th Gen)?
    • Fire 7 2022 vs Fire 7 2019: top 10 new features and improvements
    • Fire HD 10 Plus vs Fire HD 10 2021 vs Fire HD 10 2019
    • Fire HD 8 Plus (2020) vs Fire HD 8 2020 (10th Gen) vs Fire HD 8 2018 (8th Gen)
    • Fire HD 10 2019 (9th Gen): everything you need to know
    • Top 10 things you should know about new Kindle Fire HDX 7 and HDX 8.9

How to Use Split Screen on Fire HD 10 (2019,2021), Fire HD 10 Plus, Fire HD 8 (2020, 2022), and Fire HD 8 Plus (2030, 2022)?

Last updated on: October 15, 2022, first published on: July 10, 2021 Leave a Comment

Use Split Screen on Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD Plus (2021)Split Screen is a new feature introduced in the 11th Gen of Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD 10 Plus.  It allows you to use two apps side by side concurrently.

This Fire tablet guide explains what Split Screen on Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) is, how to launch apps in the Split Screen mode, and how to manage and resize screen size for Split Screen on Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD 10 Plus (2021).

Please note, although 9th Gen Fire HD 10 (2019), 10th Gen Fire HD 8 (2020), and Fire HD 8 Plus (2021) also are on Fire OS 7.3, the split-screen feature currently is exclusive for the 11th Gen of Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD 10 Plus (2021). It is unclear whether Amazon will port back this feature to these older devices. This feature is now available on all Fire HD devices  (8″ and 10″) with Fire OS 7 or Fire OS 8.

Fire 7 2022 (12th Gen) and Fire HD 8 2022 (12th Gen) are both shipped with Fire OS 8.  But the split-screen is supported on Fire HD 8 2022 and is NOT supported on Fire 7 2022.

Table of Contents hide
1) What is Split Screen on Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD Plus (2021)?
2) How to open apps in the Split Screen mode on Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD Plus (2021)?
2.1) Step 1: Tap the task-switching button (aka Recents/Overview button) in the navigation bar
2.2) Step 2: Open the first app in the Split Screen mode
2.3) Step 3: Add the 2nd app.
3) How to resize screen size for Split Screen on Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD Plus (2021)?
4) How to exit the Split Screen mode on Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD Plus (2021)?
4.1) Method 1: Use the back button to close the first app.
4.2) Method 2: Drag the handle to the edge of the screen to close one of the apps.
5) How to choose the 2nd app for the split-screen mode from the Home screen, instead of from the Recents screen?
6) How to use the Recents button (Overview/task-switching) in Split Screen mode on Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD Plus (2021)?
7) What happens if an app does not support the Split Screen mode?

What is Split Screen on Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD Plus (2021)?

On Android, the split-screen feature was introduced in Android Nougat (7.0).  Fire OS 6 is derived from Android 7.1. But Amazon did not implement it, possibly due to the low memory configurations on previous Fire HD tablets.

Now, Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD 10 Plus (2021) have 3GB and 4GB RAM, respectively. So, Amazon finally added this multi-window feature.

In a nutshell, the Split Screen on Fire HD 10(2021) and Fire HD 10 Plus allow you to use two apps side-by-side concurrently.

For example, you can browse the website and open a note-taking app at the same time. In this way, you can quickly copy contents from the browser app to the note-taking app. Of course, there are many different combinations depending on your needs.

By default, each app occupies half of the screen in the split-screen view mode. You can adjust the size for the two apps. If one app occupies 40% of the screen, the other app will use the rest 60%.

Please note, the minimum size of an app is about 1/3 of the screen in the Split Screen mode. If you try to set the size of an app to less than 35%, it will automatically set it at about 1/3 of the screen.

How to open apps in the Split Screen mode on Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD Plus (2021)?

By default, when you open an app on a Fire HD tablet, the app will occupy the whole screen. This is a “universal” feature of most mobile devices.

To open apps in the Split Screen mode on Fire HD 10 (2021) or Fire HD 10 Plus (2021), you may follow these steps.

Step 1:  Tap the task-switching button (aka Recents/Overview button) in the navigation bar

On Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD 10 Plus (2021),  you can only initiate the multiwindow mode through the task-switching button, which is on the right of the Home button in the navigation bar, as shown in the screenshot below.

In other Android phones and tablets, this button is usually called the Recents button or Overview button.

navigation bar with 3 navigation buttons

Once you tap the task-switching button, you will be on a special page/screen with a list of recently opened apps, as shown in the screenshot below. This screen is usually called the Recents screen or Overview screen.

On the Recents screen, you can use the following gestures:

  • Swipe to the left or right to switch different thumbnails.
  • Swipe up to remove the app from the screen.
  • Tap the thumbnail to open it.

Recents screen

Of course, in this guide, we will learn to open the app in the special split-screen mode. So, we need to explore the Recents screen a bit deeper.

Step 2: Open the first app in the Split Screen mode

On the top of each thumbnail, you can find the icon of the app with a down arrow (marked as A), as shown in the screenshot above.

Tap the icon to expand it. You now can see the option for Split Screen, in addition to App info, as shown in the screenshot below.

 Split Screen mode option

As you may already know, you can tap App info to check the details of the app and manage the app in the Application Manager.

If you tap the Split Screen option, the app will now be re-opened in split-screen mode.

For example, we open the Chrome browser app in this way.  As shown in the screenshot below, you should notice the app only occupies half of the screen on the left side.

At the same time, the shape of the task-switching (Recents) button changes the shape from a square to two lines.  The new button shape indicates the tablet is now in the multiwindow (split-screen) mode.

If you are using the Bluetooth keyboard case in the Productivity bundle, you can use Fn + S key to change the currently opened app from the normal mode to the split-screen mode (as the 1st app) instantly.  And you do not need to use the Recents screen to open the first app.

You may check this guide on how to use the special keys and shortcuts on the official wireless keyboard for Amazon Fire HD 10 2021 (and Fire HD 10 Plus).

Open the first app in the Split Screen mode, added

Please note, the first app always occupies the left (in landscape orientation) or top (in portrait orientation) of the screen. Fire HD 10 and Fire HD 10 Plus do not allow you to switch the app slots.

Step 3: Add the 2nd app.

By default, the second half of the screen now shows the Recents screen after you open the first app in split-screen mode.

You can swipe left or right to navigate through all recently opened apps, then tap on the chosen one to open it as the second app to fill the second half of the screen.

For example, we choose the Google Play Store app as the 2nd app.  As shown in the screenshot below, the Google Play store app resizes itself to fit into the right half of the screen.

If the 2nd app you want to use side-by-side with the first app is not on the Recents screen (e.g., it was not previously opened, or you removed it from the Recents screen), you can choose it from the Home screen by using the home button (read on)

Open the second app in the Split Screen mode

How to resize screen size for Split Screen on Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD Plus (2021)?

When two apps are opened side-by-side in the multiwindow mode, there is a handlebar separating two apps, as highlighted in the screenshot above.

You can drag it left or right (in landscape orientation) to resize the screen size for the two apps. For example, the resized app pair is shown in the screenshot below.

Like in stock Android, the minimum size of screen size for any app is about 1/3 of the screen.  If you attempt to resize one app below 30%, the minimum size will be used automatically.

resize screen size

If you drag the handle too close (less than about 10%) to the edge, the app will be closed. The other app will take over the whole screen.  At the same time, the tablet exits the Split Screen mode.

How to exit the Split Screen mode on Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD Plus (2021)?

Once Fire HD 10 (2021) or Fire HD 10 Plus is in Split Screen mode (you can tell it from the shape of the task-switching/Recents button, as mentioned above), the Home button will NOT bring you back to the Home screen.

The Back button also works independently for each app. You can tap the corresponding app screen to make it “in focus.”

You have two ways to exit the Split Screen mode on Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD Plus (2021).

Method 1: Use the back button to close the first app.

Most apps can be closed if you keep tapping the Back button.

In the Split Screen mode, if you close the 1st app, the 2nd app will take over the whole screen. Simultaneously, the tablet exits the Split Screen mode.

This method works only for the 1st app. If you close the 2nd app in this way, Fire HD 10 and Fire HD 10 Plus will still in the split-screen mode. It will ask you to choose an app from the Home screen.

Method 2: Drag the handle to the edge of the screen to close one of the apps.

As discussed earlier, you can drag the handle between two apps to the edge of the screen to close one of the apps.

Once one of the apps is closed, the other app will occupy the whole screen. The tablet also exits the Split Screen mode.

This method does not differentiate between the 1st and 2nd apps.

How to choose the 2nd app for the split-screen mode from the Home screen, instead of from the Recents screen?

Occasionally, you may want to open the second app that is not on the Recents screen. Or you may want to open a book or a video directly from the library.

To choose the 2nd app from the Home screen, you just need to tap the Home button when the Recents screen is shown on the second half of the screen.

As shown in the screenshot below, you can choose any apps, or any library items, as the second app.

choose the 2nd app for the split-screen mode from the Home screen, instead of from the Recents screen

How to use the Recents button (Overview/task-switching) in Split Screen mode on Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD Plus (2021)?

The Recents button changes from a square to 2 vertical (or horizontal in the portrait orientation) lines once Fire HD 10 (2021) or Fire HD Plus (2021) are in the split-screen mode.

Some users may call the new button as Split-Screen button.

You can use the split-screen button to change the 2nd app.

  • If you tap the button once, it will switch between the Recents screen and the last 2 used apps for the 2ndf half of the screen.
  • If you tap the button twice quickly, it will cycle the last two used apps as the 2nd app.

What happens if an app does not support the Split Screen mode?

Most apps support the split-screen view mode. But there are a few apps that do not.  This is decided by the app developer.

You cannot add this app as the 1st app because there is no split-screen option on the Recents screen for these apps.

If you attempt to add such apps as the 2nd app, this app will take over the screen, and the tablet exits the split-screen mode immediately.

Do you have any questions on Split Screen on Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD Plus (2021)?

If you have any questions about using the split-screen on Fire HD 10 (2021) and Fire HD Plus (2021),  please let us know in the comment box below.

Detailed information on how to use Google Play Store on Fire tablets can be found here.

Need advice on choosing a Fire tablet? Check the Fire Tablet Buyer’s Guide now.

You may check other Fire tablet how-to guides and tutorials on the Fire tablet how-to guides page.

You may also reach us via our Facebook page or the contact us form.

Amazon Fire 7 tablet, 7” display, 16 GB, 10 hours battery life, light and portable for entertainment at home or on-the-go, (2022 release), Black
All-new Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet, 8” HD Display, 32 GB, 30% faster processor, designed for portable entertainment, (2022 release), Black
Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet, 10.1", 1080p Full HD, 32 GB, latest model (2021 release), Black
Amazon Fire 7 tablet, 7” display, 16 GB, 10 hours battery life, light and portable for entertainment at home or on-the-go, (2022 release), Black
All-new Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet, 8” HD Display, 32 GB, 30% faster processor, designed for portable entertainment, (2022 release), Black
Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet, 10.1", 1080p Full HD, 32 GB, latest model (2021 release), Black
-
-
-
$59.99
$99.99
$149.99
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Amazon Fire 7 tablet, 7” display, 16 GB, 10 hours battery life, light and portable for entertainment at home or on-the-go, (2022 release), Black
Amazon Fire 7 tablet, 7” display, 16 GB, 10 hours battery life, light and portable for entertainment at home or on-the-go, (2022 release), Black
-
$59.99
Buy on Amazon
All-new Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet, 8” HD Display, 32 GB, 30% faster processor, designed for portable entertainment, (2022 release), Black
All-new Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet, 8” HD Display, 32 GB, 30% faster processor, designed for portable entertainment, (2022 release), Black
-
$99.99
Buy on Amazon
Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet, 10.1", 1080p Full HD, 32 GB, latest model (2021 release), Black
Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet, 10.1", 1080p Full HD, 32 GB, latest model (2021 release), Black
-
$149.99
Buy on Amazon

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Filed Under: How-to guides, Kindle Fire Guide, Kindle Fire Update Tagged With: 12th Gen Fire 7, Bluetooth keyboard, Fire 7 2022, Fire HD 10 11th Gen, Fire HD 10 2021, Fire HD 10 Plus, Fire OS 7, Fire OS 8, Google play services, Google Play Store, multiwindow, navigation bar, navigation button, productivity bundle, Recents screen, screenshot, split screen, take screenshots

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Be the first one to get the update on Kindle Fire for Kids Guide? Get our free Newsletter Today!

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • RSS Feed

Kindle Fire for Kid Guide (free newsletter)

RSS Galaxy S22 Guides

  • How to extract text from photos and images on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20?
  • A complete list of the new features of One UI 5.1 update for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
  • How to use multiwindow on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20?
  • How to Use the Help Icon and Histogram for Pro Camera Mode in Android 13 (One UI 5) Update for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20?
  • How to customize the call background on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20 with the Android 13 update (One UI 5)?
  • How to Automatically Add and Customize Watermarks on Photos on Galaxy S22, S21, or S20 with the Android 13 update (One UI 5)?
  • The Definite Guide to Stack Widgets in One UI 5 on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
  • Top 13 new features in One UI 5 update (Android 13 update) for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
  • Master Galaxy S22 Lock Screen Settings
  • The complete guide to Home Screen panels on Galaxy S22

RSS Galaxy S21 Guides

  • Top 12 new features in Android 12 update for Galaxy S21, S20 and S10
  • Android 12 update vs One UI 4.0 vs One UI 4.1: update Galaxy S21, S20 and S10 to Android 12
  • How to set and resize photo size on Samsung Galaxy S21, S20, S10, and S9 without using any third-party apps?
  • How to Customize Galaxy S21 Home Screen?
  • Master Galaxy S21 Lock Screen Settings
  • How to use widgets on Galaxy S21?
  • How to Use and Customize Galaxy S21 Side Key?
  • How to hide Galaxy S21 password and PIN when typing?
  • How to power on, power off, and reboot Galaxy S21,even when the phone hangs?
  • How to use Galaxy S21 quick settings panel?

RSS Headphone & Earbuds

  • AirPods Pro 2 New features explained
  • What is Samsung Seamless Codec? 4 things you should know about this new codec
  • How to use widgets to check battery levels and control Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, and Galaxy Buds?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro: which one should you choose?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2: Top 8 improvements and new features of AirPods 3
  • How to Use and Adjust Force Sensor on AirPods Pro like a Pro?
  • Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: the Top 8 Pros and Cons
  • 4 ways to check Galaxy Buds Live battery level

RSS Moto G phone

  • Moto G8 vs Moto G8 Power vs Moto G8 Power Lite vs Moto G Power vs Moto G Stylus vs Moto G Pro vs Moto G fast: What are the differences?
  • Moto G8 User Manual for Moto G8 Plus and Moto G8 Play
  • Moto G8 Plus vs Moto G8 Play: Differences and common features
  • Official Moto G7 user manual
  • Moto G7 vs Moto G7 Play vs Moto G7 Plus vs Moto G7 Power: what are the differences?

RSS Galaxy S20 Guides

  • How to Use Enhanced Processing on Galaxy S20 with Android 11 update?
  • How to access, use, and customise widgets on Galaxy S20 lock screen and AOD screen with Android 11 update for Galaxy S20?
  • How to update Galaxy S20 to Android 11?
  • How to use Galaxy S20 lockdown mode?
  • Top 11 new features in Galaxy S20 Android 11 update
  • How to use Galaxy S20 recovery mode?
  • How to use 5 different shooting methods for Galaxy S20 camera?
  • How to use and customize power mode on Galaxy S20?
  • A Complete Guide Of Galaxy S20 Assistant Menu
  • How to manage location services on Galaxy S20 to protect your privacy?

RSS Moto E Guides

  • How to use Moto E6 camera?
  • How to use SIM cards on Moto E6, E6 Plus, E6 Play, and E6s 2020?
  • How to remove Moto E6 back cover (including Moto E6, Moto E6 Plus, Moto E6 Play)?

RSS Galaxy S4 Guide

  • Samsung Galaxy S4 User Manual in Traditional Chinese (繁体中文)
  • Cloud
  • Play Books, Movies, Music and Magazines

RSS Chromecast Guide

  • Meaning of LED light on voice remote for Chromecast with Google TV
  • Site Search
  • How to disable Google Home and Chromecast casting notification?
  • Chromecast vs Chromecast Audio: which one is for you?

RSS Drive in Singapore

  • Top 5 rules of driving in Singapore safely and legally during COVID-19 Circuit Breaker period
  • Understand COE Price by 10 Simple Questions
  • How to convert a foreign driving license to a Singapore driving license?
  • How to get a Touch ‘n Go card as a Singapore driver?
  • What is covered in the car warranty in Singapore? What is not?
  • What is the Singapore Road Speed Limit?
  • How to register, collect and use Malaysia Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)?
  • Why are cars in Singapore are so expensive?
  • Drive to Malaysia
  • Car Maintenance and Servicing in Singapore

Footer

RSS Galaxy Note Guides

  • Top 11 disappointments of Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
  • How to use the Dynamic Lock screen on Galaxy Note 10?
  • Galaxy Note 10 LED View Cover Guide and Review
  • Install S Note app and Extension pack on Galaxy Note 10
  • How to Use Galaxy Note 10 Camera App?
  • Galaxy Note 10 SIM Card Guide
  • How to use Samsung DeX for PC with Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+?
  • How to use Galaxy Note 10 Clear View cover (S View cover)?
  • How to charge Galaxy Note 10 battery?
  • How to use and remap Galaxy Note 10 Side key?

RSS Google Home Guides

  • How to Factory Data Reset Nest Hub (Google Home Hub and Nest Hub 2nd Gen)?
  • Meaning of Nest Audio LED lights
  • How to control Nest Audio?
  • How to Factory Data Reset Nest Audio?
  • How to reset Google Nest Mini (Google Home Mini 2nd Gen)?
  • Google Home Mini Guides
  • How to reset Google Home Mini?
  • How to use Google Home as a Bluetooth speaker?
  • How to customize Google Home settings?
  • How to change Google Home WiFi network settings?

RSS Chinese Classical Music

  • How to Cast Chinese Music Radio to Chromecast or Google Home?
  • 十面埋伏 (Ambushed,Pipa,琵琶曲,Shi Mian Mai Fu)
  • 高山流水(High Mountain and Running River, Gao Shan Liu Shui, Guzheng, 古筝曲)
  • Meet in Yurt(敖包相会, Ao Bao Xiang Hui,Hulusi,葫芦丝)
  • Meet in Yurt(敖包相会, Ao Bao Xiang Hui,Folk song,民歌)

RSS Galaxy S5 Guiide

  • Samsung Galaxy S5 Android Lollipop User Guide (PDF)
  • How to use Galaxy S5 camera effects?
  • How to manage Galaxy S5 home screen panels?

© 2012–2023 · · Kindle Fire for Kid:Parent guide of Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD, Kindle Fire HDX, Fire HD, Fire HD7, and Fire HD 10 .· Hosted by PTRHosting .
· Powered by Genesis framework for WordPress

Disclaimer: Amazon, Kindle, Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HDX, Fire HD, Fire HD 6 Fire HD7, Fire HD8, and Fire HD 10 are trademarks of Amazon Inc. This website is NOT affiliated with Amazon Inc in any way. All the information provided on this website is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own risk.

Add Kindle Fire For Kid to your Homescreen!

Add
pixel