How to Stop Forced Split Screen in Chrome for Android

If you use Google Chrome on an Android tablet or foldable device, a recent update might have introduced a highly disruptive layout change. Many users are reporting that when they try to open a new tab, open a link, or launch an Incognito window, Chrome automatically forces the screen into a side-by-side Split View (multi-window) layout.

Instead of a standard, full-screen tab, your browser window splits in half, shrinking your viewing space and creating a clumsy desktop-like interface on a mobile device.

Here is how to quickly exit the split view, close out the hidden background windows causing the loop, and regain control of your screen real estate.

1. How to Collapse the Split Screen View

If you are currently trapped in a side-by-side split screen and just want to return to a normal full-screen view, you don’t need to restart your device or uninstall Chrome. You can collapse the interface using the layout controls.

• The Swipe Method: Locate the thin, vertical divider line running down the center of your screen between the two Chrome windows. Tap and hold the center handle of this divider, then slide it completely to the left or right edge of the screen. Dragging it off the screen entirely forces the remaining window to snap back into full-screen mode.
• The Menu Method: Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top corner of the secondary window you want to get rid of. From the dropdown menu, select Manage Windows or look for an Exit Split View option to instantly collapse the layout.

2. Clear out “Ghost Windows” from the Android App Switcher

One of the most annoying aspects of this bug is its persistence. Users often close a split window only to find that the very next time they open an Incognito tab, Chrome forces the split screen right back open.

This happens because Chrome’s multi-window engine creates hidden background instances—often referred to as “ghost windows”—that stay cached in Android’s memory. To stop the automatic splitting loop, you need to flush them out.

1. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen and hold (or press your device’s physical Recents/App Switcher button) to view all currently open applications.
2. Look closely at your open apps. On tablets and foldables running modern versions of Android, you will likely see multiple, separate preview windows for Google Chrome.
3. Swipe away every single background instance of Chrome to force-close them completely.
4. Relaunch Chrome. The browser’s window layout engine will reset, allowing you to open new tabs normally without defaulting to a split layout.

3. Bypass Split View Using App Icon Shortcuts

If Chrome continues to aggressively split the screen when you tap the internal + button or menu options inside the app, you can completely bypass the broken UI using Android’s native app shortcuts.

Instead of launching Chrome and then trying to open a tab:

1. Go to your tablet or foldable’s home screen or app dock.
2. Press and hold the Google Chrome app icon for two seconds.
3. A context menu will pop up directly above the icon. Tap New Tab or New Incognito Tab from this list.

Using this shortcut tells the Android system to launch a pristine, full-screen instance of the browser right from the start, preventing Chrome from dynamically dividing your display.