How to Multitask on OnePlus Pad in 2026 (Split Screen & More)

The OnePlus Pad is a capable Android tablet with a large 11.61-inch display — and multitasking is where its screen real estate really shines. This guide covers every multitasking feature available on the OnePlus Pad in 2026, from split screen to floating windows and the Smart Sidebar.

OnePlus Pad Multitasking Features in 2026

1. Split Screen — Two Apps Side by Side

Split screen lets you run two apps simultaneously on the OnePlus Pad’s large display.

How to enable Split Screen:

1. Open the first app you want to use
2. Tap the Recent Apps button (square icon or swipe up and hold)
3. Long press the app’s icon at the top of the preview card
4. Select Split Screen
5. Choose the second app from your home screen or recent apps

Drag the divider in the middle to resize each app. Swap apps by dragging the divider fully to one side. Works with most apps — some apps that don’t support split screen will show a warning.

2. Floating Window

Floating windows let a small app hover over your main app — ideal for keeping a calculator, messaging app, or notes visible while working in another app.

How to open a Floating Window:

1. Open Recent Apps
2. Long press the app icon on its preview card
3. Select Open in Floating Window
4. The app opens as a resizable, moveable window

Drag the floating window anywhere on screen. Tap the top bar to minimize it to a bubble on the side. Tap the bubble to restore it. You can have multiple floating windows open simultaneously.

3. Smart Sidebar

The Smart Sidebar is a swipeable panel on the edge of the screen with quick-launch apps — ideal for opening apps in floating windows instantly.

How to use Smart Sidebar:

1. Swipe inward from the right edge of the screen to reveal the sidebar
2. Tap any app in the sidebar to open it as a floating window
3. To customize: go to Settings → Convenience Tools → Smart Sidebar
4. Add or remove apps from the sidebar panel

4. Three-App Split Screen (OxygenOS 14+)

On OxygenOS 14 and later, the OnePlus Pad supports running three apps simultaneously — two in split screen plus one floating window on top. To enable:

1. Set up two apps in Split Screen mode
2. Open the Smart Sidebar and tap a third app
3. It opens as a floating window over the split screen pair

5. Shelf

The Shelf is a widget panel accessed by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen. It shows recent apps, contacts, notes, and custom widgets. While not traditional multitasking, it gives quick access to information and apps without leaving your current app.

6. Screen Split Shortcut

Enable a dedicated split screen shortcut button in the navigation bar: Settings → Display → Navigation Bar → Enable Split Screen Shortcut. A split-screen icon appears in the navigation bar for instant activation without going through Recent Apps.

Tips for Better OnePlus Pad Multitasking

• Use landscape orientation for split screen — the wide display gives each app much more space
• Pair YouTube or a video player in one split with a browser or notes app in the other for productive sessions
• Minimize floating windows to edge bubbles to keep the main app uncluttered
• Add your 5 most-used quick-launch apps to the Smart Sidebar for fastest access

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the OnePlus Pad support split screen?
Yes — the OnePlus Pad supports split screen, floating windows, Smart Sidebar, and three-app multitasking on OxygenOS 14+. Access split screen via Recent Apps → long press app icon → Split Screen.

How do I open floating windows on OnePlus Pad?
Open Recent Apps, long press the app icon on any preview card, and select Open in Floating Window. The app opens as a moveable, resizable window. You can minimize it to a side bubble when not actively using it.

Can the OnePlus Pad run three apps at once?
Yes — on OxygenOS 14 and later. Set up two apps in split screen, then open a third from the Smart Sidebar as a floating window. This gives you three simultaneous apps on the 11.61-inch display.