How to Make the Most of Your Mobile Device’s Multi-tasking Features

18 September 2025

Let’s be real—our smartphones have practically become an extension of our hands. Whether we're texting, checking emails, scrolling through social media, or binge-watching cat videos, we count on our mobile devices to do it all. But are you really squeezing every last drop of productivity out of your phone’s multi-tasking features?

You might be juggling between apps like a circus performer, but we’re here to help you do it with finesse. Buckle up because we’re diving into the world of mobile multi-tasking like never before!

What Is Multi-tasking on Mobile Devices?

Before we jump in, let's set the stage. Multi-tasking on mobile devices means using multiple apps or functions simultaneously. It's like being a digital octopus—handling emails, streaming music, and checking your calendar, all at the same time.

Gone are the days when you had to open and close apps like a caveman. Thanks to modern advancements, smartphones now support split-screen mode, picture-in-picture, app switchers, and even floating windows. Let’s dig deeper into these features and how you can squeeze every bit of efficiency out of them.

Mastering Split-Screen Mode

Ever wanted to watch a YouTube tutorial while simultaneously taking notes? Or scroll through Twitter while replying to that “urgent” work email? Split-screen mode is your best friend.

How to Enable Split-Screen Mode

Most modern smartphones have this feature baked in. Here’s how you can enable it on popular devices:

- Android Users: Open two apps > Tap the app switcher (Recent Apps) > Select "Split-screen" > Choose your second app.
- Samsung Devices: Use the Edge Panel and drag apps for a seamless split-screen experience.
- iPhone Users (Sort Of): iOS doesn’t officially support split-screen for iPhones, but iPads do! You can still use Slide Over or Picture-in-Picture to some extent.

Best Use Cases for Split-Screen

- Watching a tutorial while following along in another app.
- Messaging while checking an important document.
- Keeping an eye on social media while doom-scrolling through the news.

Picture-in-Picture (PiP): Watch & Work at the Same Time

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is the MVP for all binge-watchers. With PiP, you can shrink your video into a tiny floating window and continue using your phone.

Enabling PiP Mode

- Android Users: Open a supported video app (YouTube, Netflix, etc.), start playing a video, press the home button, and boom—your video shrinks into a mini window.
- iOS Users: Open a video in Safari or a supported app, swipe up to go home, and it pops up as a tiny floating window.

When to Use PiP

- Watching Netflix while texting your mom back.
- Following a cooking video while scrolling through your grocery list.
- Keeping an eye on a live sports game while pretending to be productive.

The Almighty App Switcher

If you’re the type of person who keeps 100 tabs open on their phone at all times (no judgment), then the app switcher is your holy grail.

How to Use It Like a Pro

- Android: Swipe up and hold for the app switcher. Swipe between apps like a pro. Some devices even have gestures for quick switching.
- iOS: Swipe up and pause or use the trusty double-tap on the home button (for older devices).

Why You Should Use It

Instead of always closing and reopening apps, use the switcher to instantly jump between them. It's like teleportation but for your phone.

Floating Windows: The Hidden Power Tool

Some devices, especially Samsung and OnePlus models, support floating windows. These are like sticky notes, but better.

Activating Floating Windows

- Samsung Users: Open an app, go to the Recent Apps menu, tap on the icon, and select "Open in Pop-Up View."
- Android Users: Some third-party launchers or manufacturer skins support floating windows.
- iOS Users: Not supported natively, but widgets and PiP come close.

When to Use Floating Windows

- Keeping reference notes handy while drafting an email.
- Jotting down thoughts while watching a lecture.
- Chatting without fully switching apps.

Voice Assistants: The Ultimate Hands-Free Multitasking

Siri, Google Assistant, and Bixby (RIP, maybe?) can do more than just set alarms and tell bad jokes.

Tasks You Can Offload to Voice Assistants

- Sending texts while driving (safety first!).
- Setting reminders without lifting a finger.
- Asking for the weather while your hands are full with your morning coffee.

Pro tip: Train your voice assistant to recognize your voice commands accurately for higher efficiency.

Automation: Multitasking on Steroids

Why do things manually when your phone can do them for you? Automation tools like IFTTT (If This Then That) and Shortcuts (on iOS) can make daily tasks effortless.

Things You Can Automate

- Auto-silencing your phone when you enter a meeting.
- Sending a message when you leave work.
- Automatically opening your favorite apps when you wake up.

Keyboard Shortcuts & Gestures: Speed Up Your Workflow

Most people don’t utilize the power of gestures and keyboard shortcuts. But trust me, once you do, there’s no turning back.

Handy Shortcuts to Know

- Android: Three-finger swipe for screenshots, double-tap to wake.
- iOS: Back tap for shortcuts, swipe to switch between apps.

Save yourself time and effort by learning these built-in tricks.

The "Do Not Disturb" Multitasking Paradox

Now, here's the kicker—sometimes, the best way to multitask is by not multitasking. Ever feel like constant notifications are ruining your productivity? That’s where Do Not Disturb (DND) comes into play.

When to Use DND for Better Multi-tasking

- While in deep work mode (because those memes can wait).
- During meetings (so your boss doesn’t hear your phone buzzing).
- While watching content (because nothing ruins immersion like a random “Hey!” text).

Final Thoughts

Your mobile device is far more capable than you might realize. Whether it’s split-screening like a pro, floating windows for effortless navigation, or automating repetitive tasks, there’s no reason to live life in a single-tasking world.

So go ahead—unleash your phone’s true multi-tasking potential. Who knows? You might just become the productivity guru you always aspired to be.