Enable Multi-Window Mode on Android 6.0
Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Exploring the Hidden Multi-Window Mode
Android 6.0 Marshmallow incorporates a multi-window mode that is currently in a highly experimental phase. Its stability is anticipated to improve in subsequent Android releases. This feature has the potential to significantly enhance the functionality of devices like the Google Pixel C, Nexus 9, and Nexus 6.
Activation of this mode currently requires some user configuration and adjustments to the system settings.
Functionality and Compatibility
A key distinction between Android’s native multi-window functionality and that offered by manufacturers like Samsung is its universal compatibility. Android’s implementation is designed to function with all Android applications.
This represents Android’s response to the multi-app capabilities found on operating systems for tablets, such as Windows and iPadOS.
Extending Use Cases
The multi-window mode isn't limited to tablets; it can also be utilized on Android-powered smartphones.
This expands the possibilities for multitasking and productivity across a wider range of Android devices.
While currently requiring manual enabling, the inclusion of this feature signals Google’s commitment to providing users with enhanced multitasking options.
Installing TWRP or Rooting for Advanced Android Features
The ability to utilize certain Android functionalities, such as multi-window multitasking, isn't always straightforwardly accessible. Specifically, enabling multi-window mode in Android 6.0 often necessitates system-level modifications.
Currently, Google restricts easy access to this feature. Activation typically involves altering the system's build.prop file to simulate a "userdebug" build, rather than the standard "user" configuration.
Achieving this requires either installing a custom recovery environment or gaining root access on your Android device. Google appears to be intentionally delaying widespread availability of this capability for typical users.
Installing TWRP Custom Recovery
To begin the TWRP installation process, navigate to the official TWRP Devices page. Locate your specific device model and carefully adhere to the provided instructions.
It's important to note that rooting an Android 6.0 device frequently necessitates a custom recovery like TWRP in the first place. Therefore, proceeding with the TWRP installation method may be the most efficient approach.
This process will require a USB cable and a computer – whether it runs Windows, macOS, or Linux – with access to the adb command-line tool.
Enabling Multi-Window Mode Using TWRP Recovery
It is also possible to activate multi-window functionality on your device through the TWRP custom recovery environment, even without rooting.
Begin by booting your device into recovery mode. The specific button combination varies depending on your device model; this information can be readily found online.
Mounting the System Partition
Within the TWRP recovery environment, navigate to and select the "Mounts" option. Ensure that the "System" partition is checked to mount it.
To proceed, you will require the Android Debug Bridge (adb) installed on your computer. If you have previously installed TWRP, adb should already be available.
Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
Pulling the build.prop File
Execute the following command to download a copy of the /system/build.prop file from your Android device to your computer:
adb pull /system/build.prop
This action retrieves the build.prop file. Open this file using a text editor; Notepad++ is a recommended choice for Windows users.
Modifying the build.prop File
Locate the line that reads "ro.build.type" within the build.prop file.
Change the text following the equals sign (=) from "user" to "userdebug". The line should then appear as:
ro.build.type=userdebug
Save the modified build.prop file.
Pushing the Modified build.prop File
Return to the command prompt or terminal window. Use the following command to upload the altered build.prop file back to your Android device:
adb push build.prop /system/
Setting Permissions and Rebooting
Next, enter a shell on the device via adb and execute commands directly on the Android device to adjust file permissions.
Type the following commands sequentially:
adb shell
cd system
chmod 644 build.prop
Finally, reboot your device. Select the "Reboot" option within TWRP, and then choose "System" to initiate a normal reboot.
Enabling Multi-Window Mode Through Root Access
For devices with root access, the Build Prop Editor application, available as a free download from Google Play, provides a convenient method for modification. Upon launching the application, grant it the necessary root permissions to begin altering the build.prop file.
Alternatively, a text editor with root capabilities can be utilized to directly load and edit the file located at /system/build.prop.
Modifying the Build.prop File
Within the build.prop file, identify the line containing "ro.build.type".
Change the existing value, typically set to "user", to "userdebug".
Following this alteration, a device reboot is required for the changes to take effect.
Activating Multi-Window Mode
Related: A guide to Enabling Developer Options and USB Debugging on Android devices.
Following modifications to your build.prop file, this functionality can be activated through the Developer Options menu. Should Developer Options not yet be enabled, navigate to the Settings application.
Within Settings, locate and select either "About phone" or "About tablet." Then, repeatedly tap the "Build number" entry until a notification confirms your developer status.
The "Developer options" category will now be visible at the bottom of the primary Android Settings interface.
Navigate to the Developer options screen and scroll down to the "Drawing" section. Tap the "Enable multi-window" toggle to activate the feature.
A warning message will appear, requiring acknowledgement. This is because the multi-window feature is considered experimental.
Leveraging Multi-Window Mode on Android
After activating multi-window mode, initiate the Android overview – often referred to as the multitasking button – to display a comprehensive list of your installed applications.
A new control will become visible to the left of the close button on each application’s card within this overview.
Selecting this icon will prompt you to designate the desired location for the application on your device’s display.
This process can be repeated to position additional applications in different areas of the screen.
Furthermore, the boundary separating two active applications can be adjusted through a drag-and-drop action.
While the initial setup may appear somewhat involved, it is comparable to the configuration required for Xposed Framework modules offering similar functionality.
Importantly, this is a native Android capability and is anticipated to become a standard feature in future Android releases.
Acknowledgement is given to Quinny899 from the XDA Developers forums for their research and the compilation of these detailed instructions.