If you notice that your WhatsApp screen is split into two sections, with the chat window on one side and a blank space on the other, there are a few possible causes for this:
You have WhatsApp open in Multi Window mode
Multi Window is a feature on some Android devices that allows you to run two apps simultaneously in a split screen view. If you have WhatsApp open in Multi Window mode, it will divide your screen into two sections with the chat window on one side.
To exit Multi Window mode, drag the divider line in the center of the screen all the way to the edge or tap the Multi Window icon in your navigation bar and select “Exit split screen” or “Close app.” WhatsApp should go back to displaying normally in full screen.
Your screen orientation is landscape
Another reason your WhatsApp screen may be split is if you have your phone rotated into landscape orientation. When viewed horizontally, WhatsApp will show your chats on the left side and blank space on the right.
To fix this, just rotate your phone back to portrait orientation by holding it vertically. The blank space should disappear and WhatsApp will take up your full screen.
You enabled WhatsApp for Android tablets
WhatsApp has a special split screen UI designed for Android tablets. If you enabled WhatsApp for tablets on your Android device, it will make WhatsApp open in a tablet-style view with chats on the left and blank space on the right.
To return back to the normal smartphone UI, open WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Turn off WhatsApp for Android tablets. The tablet view will be disabled and your chats will display normally again.
You have media controls enabled
Some Android devices have an option to show media playback controls on your screen when music or video is playing. If enabled in your WhatsApp settings, this can cause a split screen effect with media controls on one side.
To check if this is enabled, go to WhatsApp Settings > Notifications > Turn off Show media playback controls. Once disabled, your WhatsApp screen should go back to normal.
Your display size is set to small
On some devices, having your display size set to small can trigger a split screen view in WhatsApp. The small display makes WhatsApp adapt to fit the reduced screen width.
You can fix this by adjusting your display size – go to Settings > Display > Display size and set to Default or Large. WhatsApp should resize to fit your full screen width.
You have Split Screen mode enabled
Some manufacturers like Samsung and LG have their own Split Screen or Dual Window mode that lets you view two apps at once. If you have this enabled, it can cause WhatsApp to be shown in split screen.
To disable it, check your device manufacturer’s settings to turn off Split Screen or Dual Window mode. Once turned off, WhatsApp will return to a full screen view.
You’re using a custom ROM or mod
Using a custom ROM or mod on your Android device can sometimes cause issues with apps displaying properly. If you’re running a custom ROM or mod, it may be forcing WhatsApp into a split screen view.
Try disabling any mods or customizations related to split screen, Multi Window, or app display. If the issue persists on a custom ROM, you may need to switch back to the official firmware.
Conclusion
In summary, here are some things to check if your WhatsApp screen is split into two sections:
- Disable Multi Window mode
- Rotate phone to portrait orientation
- Turn off WhatsApp for Android tablets
- Disable media playback controls
- Adjust display size setting
- Turn off Split Screen mode
- Check for any custom ROM issues
Going through these troubleshooting steps should help identify what’s causing the split screen behavior and get WhatsApp back to displaying normally. If the problem persists, try reinstalling WhatsApp or contacting the developer for further support.
What causes WhatsApp’s split screen view?
There are a few different technical causes that can trigger WhatsApp to display in a split screen view:
- Multi-window modes – Android’s native multi-window support and manufacturer options like Samsung’s Split Screen use API calls to put apps into split screen.
- Orientation changes – Rotating to landscape orientation on some devices forces WhatsApp into split screen.
- Tablet optimization – The WhatsApp tablet interface is designed specifically for split view.
- Media controls – Overlay notifications for media playback take up part of the screen.
- Display size – Small display widths trigger WhatsApp’s adaptive split screen.
- Modifications – Custom ROMs and mods may cause unintended display issues.
In these cases, WhatsApp is either being explicitly told to display in split screen by Android or UI settings, or is implicitly adapting its layout to fit different orientations and screen sizes.
Multi-window modes
Android has native support for displaying apps side-by-side using freeform multi-window. Samsung, LG, and other manufacturers also have their own multi-window implementations. These all work by calling split screen APIs that tell the app to adapt its layout.
WhatsApp responds to these multi-window signals by displaying the chat list on the left and blank space on the right. This allows the chat list to remain visible while freeing space for another app’s UI.
Orientation changes
Some Android device manufacturers have implemented custom behavior in response to orientation changes. When rotating specific devices into landscape orientation, WhatsApp’s layout manager will trigger the tablet-style split layout.
This seems to be an optimization to make use of the extra horizontal space in landscape mode on phones. But since most users don’t interact with their phones in landscape orientation, it usually ends up just showing blank space next to the chat list.
Tablet optimization
WhatsApp has a specially optimized tablet interface designed for large Android tablets. It displays the chat list on the left and conversation thread on the right.
Enabling this tablet mode on smartphones, which WhatsApp allows, will force the two-panel layout even on smaller screens. This mode is intended for the extra screen real estate on big tablets though, so it appears broken on phones.
Media controls
Android has the ability to display media notifications with playback controls on top of other apps. When enabled in WhatsApp’s settings, this can trigger a split screen effect.
The media notification takes up space on the right side, pushing the chat list over to the left. This makes it seem like WhatsApp is split, when really it’s just adapting to the space taken up by playback notifications.
Display size
WhatsApp automatically optimizes its layout based on available display size. At smaller display widths, it will adapt into a split screen view.
The app switches layout to avoid cramming the UI when there isn’t enough horizontal space. But if the display size is mistakenly set small, it will always default to the adapted split view.
Modifications
Using unsupported modifications like custom ROMs and tweaks can sometimes interfere with WhatsApp’s interface. These low-level software changes can end up forcing WhatsApp into split screen, even though that experience is designed for tablets.
Custom ROM modifications are generally not optimized for WhatsApp’s layout code, which relies on standard Android APIs and behaviors. So if your phone is running a custom ROM, UI issues like split screen views may occur in WhatsApp and other apps.
How can I prevent WhatsApp split screen?
If you want to avoid having WhatsApp open in split screen view, here are some tips:
- Don’t enable Multi Window – Skip enabling any manufacturer multi-window options for WhatsApp.
- Use portrait orientation – Open WhatsApp only while holding your phone vertically.
- Disable WhatsApp for tablets – Don’t turn on this setting if you’re using a phone.
- Turn off media controls – Disable the setting to show media playback notifications.
- Use default display size – Don’t decrease the display size smaller than default.
- Avoid custom ROMs – Stick to stable official firmware if possible.
Following these guidelines will prevent most situations that trigger WhatsApp’s split screen views. The key is avoiding any configuration or settings that tell WhatsApp to divide your screen or adapt its layout to fill horizontal space.
Keeping your phone in portrait orientation and at the default display size will ensure WhatsApp displays normally in full screen on smartphones. Disabling things like multi-window, media controls, and unnecessary tablet modes will also stop WhatsApp from going into split screen.
And if you start to see UI issues after enabling a custom ROM or mod, consider switching back to official stable firmware versions. Custom software changes often have unintended side effects like forcing split screen views.
How do I fix WhatsApp split screen?
If WhatsApp is already displaying in split screen, here are some steps to try fixing it:
- Close WhatsApp completely – Force stop the app via your device settings menu.
- Check for Multi Window – Disable any multi window or split screen settings.
- Rotate device to portrait – Make sure phone is oriented vertically.
- Disable WhatsApp for tablets – Turn off the setting in WhatsApp settings.
- Turn off media controls – Disable option in WhatsApp notifications settings.
- Set default display size – Don’t use small or reduced display sizes.
- Disable custom ROM tweaks – Remove any screen layout mods.
- Update WhatsApp – Install latest version from Play Store.
- Restart your phone – Power down and boot up your device.
Following these troubleshooting steps can help identify and fix the cause of the split screen issue. The key things to address are any misconfigured display or multi-window settings telling WhatsApp to divide the screen.
Resetting app data or reinstalling WhatsApp can also help if the split view persists. And on custom ROMs, you may need to disable screen layout tweaks or switch back to stable official firmware.
What are some alternatives to split screen?
If you find WhatsApp’s split screen view disruptive, here are a couple alternative messaging apps to consider:
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is a popular messaging app for Android and iOS devices. It has a similar feature set to WhatsApp, allowing free messaging and voice/video calls.
Benefits of Facebook Messenger:
- Intuitive full-screen interface
- Sync chats across devices
- Fun features like AR effects and chat themes
Downsides of Facebook Messenger:
- Requires Facebook account
- Sometimes lags or glitches
- Too many notifications
Telegram
Telegram is a popular secure messaging app focused on speed and privacy. It offers robust messaging features comparable to WhatsApp.
Benefits of Telegram:
- Fast, fluid performance
- Enhanced privacy controls
- Powerful bot platform
Downsides of Telegram:
- No native video calling
- Smaller user base than WhatsApp
- Can be overwhelmed by large groups
Weighing the pros and cons of alternative apps can help find one that best meets your needs if WhatsApp’s split screen is a deal-breaker.
Summary
- WhatsApp split screen is caused by Multi Window modes, landscape orientation, tablet settings, media controls, display size, or custom ROMs.
- Avoid multi-window, stay in portrait orientation, use default settings to prevent split screen.
- Fix it by disabling multi-window, tablet mode, media controls, mods, and updating WhatsApp.
- Facebook Messenger and Telegram offer full-screen messaging alternatives to WhatsApp.
While occasionally annoying, WhatsApp’s split screen behavior stems from optimizations to adapt its layout to different devices and orientations. Following troubleshooting tips should help resolve or prevent the issue.