Floating Windows on Xiaomi Redmi: A Complete Guide to Function

Floating Windows on Xiaomi Redmi: what it is and why they are needed

If you own a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone and you notice small, miniature app windows on the screen that you can move around the display, these are floating windows. This feature, also known as free window mode or Picture-in-Picture (PiP), allows you to use multiple applications at the same time without having to switch between them.

Floating window technology has become standard for many modern smartphones, but MIUI (the company shell Xiaomi) it has its own features. For example, in the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Redmi 10C, this feature works differently than on the flagships of the Xiaomi 13 series. In this article, we will discuss how to activate floating windows, which applications support them, and how to avoid common problems.

It's important to understand that floating windows are not just a "small app," but a full-fledged multitasking tool. You can watch YouTube videos while chatting to Telegram, or check the route in Google Maps without closing the messenger. However, not all apps support this mode, and some require additional settings.

How to enable floating windows on Xiaomi Redmi: Step-by-step instructions

By default, the floating window function can be disabled or hidden in settings. To activate it, follow the following steps:

1. Open the settings on your Redmi.
2. Go to the Special Features section (on some models – Additional settings).
3. Find Free Window Mode or Floating Windows (depending on the MIUI version).
4. Activate the switch and confirm the action.

If your MIUI version doesn’t have such a clause, try an alternative way:

• 🔧 Press the recent apps button (square in the bottom navigation bar) and hold it 2-3 seconds.
• 📱 On some models (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro), you need to swipe up the app icon in the recent task menu and select Open in the floating window.
• 🔄 If nothing happens, check if your firmware is up to the latest version. MIUI.

On models with MIUI 14 and later, floating windows can work automatically for supported applications (e.g. Google Maps or YouTube Premium). If the feature does not work, you may need to manually configure for a specific software.

Update. MIUI last-minute|Check if the app supports PiP mode|Make sure there are no restrictions on multitasking in the settings|Restart your smartphone if the changes don’t apply-->

What apps support floating windows on Xiaomi Redmi

Not all programs can run in floating window mode, but here is a list of the most popular apps that officially support this feature:

Note that some apps (such as TikTok or Instagram) block the floating mode for security policy, and on Redmi models with Snapdragon 4xx series processors (such as Redmi 9A), floating windows can work with delays due to limited resources.

If the app you want doesn’t support PiP mode, you can try to bypass the restrictions with third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher) or developer settings, but this can lead to unstable system operation.

YouTube|Google Maps|Telegram|Spotify|Other-->

How to manage floating windows: gestures and settings

Once you activate the floating windows, it's important to learn how to control them.

• 🪟 Moving the window: Clutch the top of the floating window and drag it to the right place on the screen.
• 🔍 Size change: Pull the corners of the window (if the function is supported by the app).
• ❌ Closing the window: Swipe the window down or click on the cross (if it is displayed).
• 🔄 Clotting into an icon: Twice touch the window and it will curl up into a small circle that can be expanded later.

On Redmi models with MIUI 13 and later, additional floating window settings are available:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Special Access → Free window mode.
2. Select the application from the list and adjust its behavior (for example, automatic opening in floating mode).
3. Activate the option to Show the control panel to quickly fold or close the windows.

If the floating window doesn’t respond to gestures, try:

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 8A) floating windows may conflict with navigation gestures, in which case, turn off gestures in Settings → Display. → Navigation bar and use classic buttons.

Common problems with floating windows and their solutions

Despite the convenience, the floating windows on Xiaomi Redmi sometimes don’t work properly, and here are the typical problems and ways to fix them:

If the floating windows stopped working completely after the MIUI update, try resetting:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find System Settings and select Resetting.
3. Confirm reset only application settings (without deleting data).

On Redmi models with a MediaTek processor (such as the Redmi 10 or Redmi Note 11), manual free window mode may need to be re-activated after reset.

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If the floating window interferes with work, swipe it to the bottom edge of the screen – it will temporarily hide behind the navigation bar, but will not close completely.

How to turn off floating windows on Xiaomi Redmi if you don’t need them

If you don't need a floating window function or you don't want it, you can easily deactivate it. Here are two ways:

• 📵 Through Settings: Go to Settings → Special facilities → Free window mode. Turn off the switch.

For individual applications:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Special access → Free window mode.
2. Select the application and turn off this function for it.

On some models (e.g. Redmi K50), floating windows can automatically turn on for system applications (e.g., cameras or calls).

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the desired application (like Camera) and select Turn off floating windows.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 12.5 and below, turning off floating windows for system applications can cause camera or phone calls to crash.

Hidden possibilities of floating windows: life hacks for Xiaomi Redmi

Floating windows on Xiaomi Redmi have a few hidden features that not all users know about:

• 🎮 Game mode: In some games (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile) you can open the messenger floating window to read messages without pause. To do this, turn on Game Mode in the settings and activate Floating notifications.
• 📊 Multitasking for work: Keep Google Docs open (in your browser) and your calculator in a floating window for quick calculations.
• 📹 Screen recording: While recording the screen through Quick Settings, you can open a floating window with a timer or notes to control the process.

On models with MIUI 14, the function "Floating notes" is available:

1. Open the Notes app.
2. Create a new note and click on the three dots in the top menu.
3. Select Open in a floating window.

This way, you can keep a to-do list or important information on top of other apps.

FAQ: Frequent questions about floating windows on Xiaomi Redmi

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Floating windows on Xiaomi Redmi are a powerful multitasking tool, but their effectiveness depends on the smartphone model, the MIUI version and supported applications. On budget devices (such as Redmi 9 or Redmi A1), the feature can work with limitations due to hardware features.