Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Unlock secret multi-window function

Android 6.0 Marshmallow already includes a multi-window function, but it's pretty much hidden. In this practical tip, we will explain where you can activate the feature.

Multi-window function for Android - why hidden?

• The function is not yet official, and there is certainly a reason for this: the feature is probably not yet mature enough to be released with the release.
• Therefore, we would like to point out in advance that the activation involves risks and you activate the feature at your own risk. You will be on the safe side if you exercise patience and wait for the multi-window function to be released by Google.

Unlock the multi-window function in Marshmallow - how it works

If you want to use the multi-window function on your smartphone now despite the risks, proceed as follows:

• Android 6.0 must be installed on your device. Start your smartphone in recovery mode.
• First activate the "Mount System" option in recovery mode.
• Connect your smartphone to a computer via USB cable and open the command prompt there. Note that the necessary ADB drivers must be installed on the PC. Our practical tip on the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will help you with this step.
• By entering the command "adb pull /system/build.prop" you copy the file "build.prop" from the smartphone to the computer so that you can edit it there.
• Now open the copied file "build.prop" in an editor. Look for the entry "ro.build.type". Change the text behind "=" from "user" to "userdebug". You can also adjust the resolution by changing the value behind "ro.sf.lcd_density". This makes the apps smaller and therefore better to act in windowed mode. Once you have made the changes, save the file.
• Switch back to the command prompt, enter the command "adb push build.prop / system /" and confirm the entry.
• Now open a shell by entering the "adb shell" command. Execute the command "cd system chmod 644 build.prop" in the shell.
• Then restart your smartphone, you should now be able to activate the multi-window mode in the developer options.
• If you have activated the option, you will see a switch in the multitasking menu with which you can position an app in the upper or lower area of ​​the screen.

The multi-window function has been available on Samsung smartphones for a long time and can be reached without detours. How you use the split-screen apps on the Samsung Galaxy S5, for example, can be read in another practical tip.