To stop Google Chrome forcing a split screen on an Android tablet or foldable, drag the center divider off the screen to collapse the split view, then close every Chrome window in the app switcher to clear the cached background windows. Opening new tabs from the Chrome app icon shortcut keeps the split view from coming back.
What You Need Before You Start
- Applies to: Google Chrome on Android tablets and foldable phones.
- Chrome version: Not version specific. Affects recent multi-window builds of Chrome.
- Account: No Google account is needed.
Why Does Chrome Keep Splitting the Screen?
On large Android screens, Chrome can open tabs, links, and Incognito windows in a side-by-side multi-window layout instead of a single full-screen tab. Chrome keeps hidden background windows cached in memory, so the split view often reopens on its own. Clearing those windows and launching tabs cleanly stops the loop.
How Do I Collapse the Split Screen View?
If you are stuck in a side-by-side split screen right now and just want a normal full-screen view, you do not need to restart the device or uninstall Chrome. Collapse the layout with one of these methods.
- The swipe method: Find the thin vertical divider line down the center of the screen between the two Chrome windows. Tap and hold its center handle, then slide it all the way to the left or right edge. Dragging it off the screen snaps the remaining window back to full screen.
- The menu method: Tap the three-dot menu in the top corner of the window you want to close, then look for a Manage windows or Exit split view option to collapse the layout.
How Do I Clear Chrome’s Cached Background Windows?
If the split screen keeps returning, Chrome still has extra windows open in the background. Close them from the Android app switcher to reset the layout.
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold, or press your device’s Recents button, to see all open apps.
- Look for more than one preview window for Google Chrome, which is common on tablets and foldables.
- Swipe away every Chrome window to force-close them completely.
- Reopen Chrome. The window layout resets, so new tabs open normally instead of splitting.
How Do I Open Tabs Without Triggering Split View?
If Chrome still splits the screen when you tap the in-app new tab button, open tabs from the app icon instead. This launches a clean, full-screen window.
- Go to your home screen or app dock.
- Press and hold the Google Chrome app icon for about two seconds.
- In the pop-up menu, tap New tab or New Incognito tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the split screen come back after I close it?
Chrome keeps extra windows cached in the background. When you open a new tab, one of those windows can reopen the split view. Closing every Chrome window in the app switcher clears them.
Does closing the windows delete my tabs or data?
No. Force-closing Chrome from the app switcher only resets the window layout. Your open tabs, history, and sign-in stay saved and reopen with Chrome.
Is forced split view a bug or a feature?
It is part of Chrome’s multi-window support for large screens, but many people find the automatic splitting unwanted. The steps above let you use full-screen tabs instead.
Wrapping Up
Forced split screen on Android comes from Chrome’s multi-window layout and cached background windows, not a broken install. Collapse the split view with the divider, close every Chrome window in the app switcher, and open tabs from the app icon shortcut to keep full-screen tabs.
