Separation of the screen on Xiaomi: maximum possibilities

Smartphones are no longer just callers, becoming powerful multimedia centers capable of processing huge flows of information. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices often face the need to use several applications simultaneously, whether it is correspondence in a messenger while watching videos or comparing products in an online store. Standard mode with one active window in such situations seems archaic and limits the real potential of your gadget.

The split-screen feature, known as Split Screen, allows you to divide the display into two independent zones, each running its own application. It is not just a convenient option for large diagonals, but also a serious tool for improving personal productivity, which is built into the shell of MIUI and the new HyperOS. Understanding the principles of this mode opens up access to hidden reserves by the operating system, making interaction with the interface more flexible and adaptive to your current tasks.

In this article, we will take a look at all aspects of split-screen work, from basic settings to advanced window management techniques, how to activate a feature when it is hidden, what limitations exist, and how to avoid typical errors in multitasking.

Activate the screen split function through the menu of recent apps

The most common and intuitive way to start split-screen mode on Xiaomi devices is to use the management menu of running applications. This method does not require deep immersion in the system settings and is available immediately after unlocking the device. First, you need to open the first application you plan to use, such as a browser or YouTube, and then turn it down or go to the menu of recent tasks.

In the recent app menu, which is called by swipe from the bottom up with a delay or press of the corresponding navigation button, you will see cards of all running programs. If you have a classic style of displaying cards, then you need to activate the mode to press and hold your finger on the card of the desired application until the additional action menu appears. In the list of options, you should select an icon that resembles two rectangles separated by a horizontal line.

Once this option is selected, the screen will split and the top (or left, depending on orientation) part will be occupied by the selected application. At the bottom of the display, the system will suggest selecting a second application from the list of frequently used programs or from the full list of installed programs. It is important to note that not all applications support forced splitting of the screen, which depends on the developer optimizing for high resolutions.

• 📱 Open the menu of recent apps with a swipe or button.
• ✋ Press and hold the card of the first application.
• ⚡ Select the screen split icon in the menu that appears.
• 🔍 Select the second app from the proposed list.

Note that the behavior of the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS. In some cases, when you click on the application card, the action menu may not appear immediately, requiring a longer retention or a specific swipe. If the standard method did not work, it is possible that your version of the system activated an alternative management style, which we will talk about in the next sections.

Configure hidden features through additional functions

Often users can not find the split-screen button, as by default in new firmware versions it can be hidden or moved to the additional features section. To activate advanced multitasking functions, you need to go to the system settings of your Xiaomi smartphone. The path usually goes through the Settings menu, then you should select Additional Features or Advanced Settings, depending on the localization.

Inside this section, you need to find an option called Screen Split, and if you go to this menu, you'll see a switch that you want to activate, and there's often a setting that allows you to pin the split button to the recent task menu, which makes it much easier to access the function. Without the switch on, the system can ignore your attempts to split the display over long presses.

⚠️ Warning: Once the split screen function is enabled, it may be necessary to restart the device or completely shut down all background processes to correctly apply changes to the system.

Another important aspect is window size control, where split-screen mode creates a separate strip between the two applications, and dragging it up or down, you can change the proportions of the space you occupy to give priority to one of the applications, and in some versions of MIUI, you can even completely hide one of the windows with the ability to quickly return it, which creates a floating window effect.

Use of floating windows and side panel

In addition to the classic splitting screen in half, the MIUI shell offers a more flexible tool, floating windows, which allows you to run the application in a small window over the main content, which is ideal for temporary tasks such as responding to a message or checking the exchange rate.

To add an app to the sidebar, you need to go to the Floating Windows or Sidebar settings. Here you can select programs that should always be at hand. After setting up, from any application, swipe from the top corner of the screen (left or right, depending on the settings) to call the toolbar. Clicking on the app icon in the panel will open it in floating mode.

You can move a floating window around the screen by changing its size or folding it into a small icon in the corner of the display, which allows you to maximize your freedom of action, for example, by watching navigation while you're texting or controlling a game by responding to messages. Unlike rigid screen splitting, floating windows do not divide the display in half, but are layered.

Table of compatibility of display modes

Not all applications are equally good at multitasking. Some programs, especially DRM-protected games and video players, can force or go full-screen when you try to split. Understanding how different types of applications respond to window size changes will help avoid data loss or unforeseen shutdowns.

Below is a table showing the behavior of different categories of applications when activating split-screen mode on Xiaomi devices. MIUI 13/14 hyperos.

If the application does not support split screen, the system may show a notification that the application may not display correctly in this mode, in such cases, it is often the use of a floating window, which has fewer restrictions than the strict split mode of the display.

Solutions and typical errors

Despite the convenience, users sometimes encounter situations where split screens don't work or aren't working properly. One common reason is the "Fullscreen Apps" mode on. If a particular application is prioritized to full screen, the system will ignore split commands. To fix this, go to Settings -> Screen -> Full screen mode and disable the option for the desired programs.

Another problem may be a lack of RAM: split screen mode requires resources to maintain two active processes at the same time. On devices with less than 4 GB of RAM, the system may automatically close one of the applications when switching or simply not allow the function to be activated, in which case it is recommended to close the background processes before starting the mode.

⚠️ Note: When using navigation gestures instead of buttons, a swipe to exit the app may accidentally roll one of the split screen windows.

Also worth mentioning is the problem with screen orientation. In split-screen mode, both applications typically operate in portrait orientation, even if you turn the device horizontally, a limitation that is introduced to make it easier to read text and preserve the structure of the interface. Some applications, however, can be forced to flip, breaking the layout of the second window.

The Secrets of Working Productively With Two Windows

For those who want to take multitasking to the next level, there are additional tricks: you can drag text or images from one app to another, for example, by highlighting text in the top window, pinching it and dragging it into the input field of the bottom app, which doesn't work in all pairs of apps, but in the Notes and Telegram or Browser and WhatsApp bundle it works flawlessly.

In addition, new versions of HyperOS have the ability to save usage scenarios, so you can set up a specific combination of applications in a split screen and save it as a shortcut on the desktop, and with one tap, you can run two apps in the right location, saving you time to customize your workspace every time.

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Use voice input in one of the windows while the second is busy viewing the instructions or video lesson – this will speed up typing and notes.

It's also important to keep an eye on app updates. Developers are constantly optimizing their products to work in multi-window mode. If an app is acting weird when splitting the screen, check for updates in Google Play or GetApps. Often patches fix zoom bugs and loss of focus.

⚠️ Warning: It is not recommended to keep the split screen mode active all the time unless urgently needed, as this can increase battery consumption and processor heating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Xiaomi’s split screen is a powerful tool that turns a smartphone into a mini-office, but requires getting used to the new logic of window management and navigation.