Xiaomi Screen Split: A Complete Guide to Using Multi-Window

The split-screen (or multi-window) feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to work with two apps on the same screen simultaneously – for example, chatting in a messenger and watching videos, or copying text from the browser into notes – a feature that has become the standard for flagship and many mid-budget models of the brand, but not all users know how to activate and use it correctly.

In this article, we will analyze not only the basic split screen settings, but also the nuances that the manufacturer does not always voice: why some applications do not support mode, how to change the size of windows, and what are the most important features of the windows? MIUI-And chips make multitasking even more convenient, and if you've never used this feature or you've had some errors when you turned it on, you can find all the answers here.

What is Screen Sharing and How Does It Work on Xiaomi?

Split-screen is a feature of the operating system that divides the smartphone display into two independent zones. Each zone displays a separate application, and you can interact with them in parallel. On Xiaomi, this feature is implemented through the proprietary MIUI shell, so its work can be slightly different from “pure” Android.

Technically, the mode is activated via the multitasking menu (swipe up with a delay on the home screen) or through system settings. Applications in the multiwindow work in a separate form, but not all programs support this format - some may be displayed incorrectly or even block the start in split mode.

• 📱 Support for models: the feature is available on most smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO s MIUI 9 and newer: Exceptions are devices with a small screen (less than 5.5 inches) or a weak iron (e.g. Redmi). 5A).
• 🔄 Restrictions: You can’t divide the screen into three parts (only two), and some system applications (for example, Settings) do not support the mode.
• 🔧 Flexibility: window sizes can be changed on the fly, dragging the dividing line, and swipes can be switched between applications in each zone.

Important: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the split screen function can be hidden in the “function lab” – it must be enabled manually through Settings → Special Features → Function Lab.

What Xiaomi models support screen splitting

The feature is available on most of the brand’s current smartphones, but there are nuances: First, splitting the screen requires a fairly productive processor and at least 2 GB of RAM – otherwise the system will slow down. Second, on some budget models (for example, Redmi 9A or POCO C31), the function can be disabled by default.

Here is an indicative list of series where the multiwindow works stably:

If your model didn't make it to the table, test for the feature experimentally: open any application, swipe up to call the multitasking menu, then click on the app icon and select Split screen. If there's no option, your device doesn't support mode.

How to enable screen splitting: step-by-step instructions

You can activate mode in two ways: through the multitasking menu or through system settings. The first method is faster, but the second one gives you access to additional parameters (for example, changing the orientation of windows).

Method 1: Through the Multitasking Menu

1. Open the first application you want to use in the multi-window.
2. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger to open the menu of recent apps.
3. Click on the app icon (not the preview, but the icon at the top) and select Split screen.
4. Select the second app from the recent list or on the home screen.

Method 2: through settings

1. Go to Settings → System → Screen split (on some firmwares the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Functions Lab).
2. Activate the switch Enable screen split.
3. Choose orientation (horizontal or vertical) and adjust your gestures for quick access.

Launch both required applications in advance

Check that the separation mode is enabled in the settings

Make sure that apps support multi-window (some games and banking apps don’t)

Close background processes to save RAM

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If one of the apps doesn’t open in a split form after activating the mode, try restarting it or updating it via Google Play. Some programs (such as Instagram or TikTok) can block multi-window work using security policies.

Why Screen Splits Don't Work: Common Problems

Even if your smartphone supports the feature, you may encounter errors when using it, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

• 🚫 There is no item on the menu: on some firmware (MIUI 12.5 and below) the function is hidden. To enable it, go to Settings. → About the phone, several times tap on the version MIUI, Then enter the password 123456 (if required) and search for the option in the Functions Lab.
• 🔄 The app does not support mode: some programs (for example, Netflix or YouTube Premium) block screen splitting due to the fact that the app is not compatible with the mode. DRM-The solution is to use the browser version of the service.
• 📱 Lack of resources: if you have too many background processes open, the system can automatically close one of the windows. Before using the multi-window, close unnecessary applications through the multi-tasking menu.
• 🔧 Firmware failure: after update MIUI In this case, resetting the settings to the factory will help (don't forget to make a backup!).

⚠️ Attention: on devices with MIUI Global and MIUI Europe may have different paths to split screen settings. If you don't find an option, try searching through the Settings search box by typing "split screen".

If none of these methods worked, check to see if the feature is disabled at the firmware level. For example, on some custom MIUI builds (e.g. xiaomi.eu), the multiwindow may be blocked due to optimizations for performance.

How to Set Up Screen Sharing to Your Needs

Xiaomi's basic split-screen feature only allows you to run two apps at once, but MIUI has hidden settings that make multi-windows even more convenient.

• 🔄 Change the proportions of windows: pull the dividing line left/right or up/down (depending on orientation) so that one window occupies 70% of the screen and the other 30%.
• 🔒 Fix the window: in some versions MIUI You can lock one of the applications so that it doesn't close when swipes. To do this, hold the application icon in the multi-window and select Secure.
• 🎵 Turn off the sound in one of the windows: if one application plays music, and in another video, you can muffle the sound in one of them through the notification panel.
• 🔄 Quick Switch: Swipe twice on the dividing line to swap apps.

On devices with MIUI 13 and later, you can save pairs of apps to run quickly, for example, you can create a combination of Telegram + Google Keep and open it with one tap.

1. Activate splitting the screen with the desired applications.
2. Click on the three dots in the multi-window menu and select Save a pair.
3. Assign the name of the combination (e.g., “Work”) and save it.

Saved pairs are displayed in the multitasking menu – they can be run in the same way as regular applications.

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If you often need to copy text between windows, turn on the MIUI Smart Clipboard (Settings → Additional → Clipboard) feature in your settings, which saves your copy history, and you can paste text even after you close the application.

Apps that work best in multi-window

Not all programs are optimized for split-screen, but there are categories of apps that are ideal for multitasking:

• 📝 Notes + Browser: Copy text or images from Chrome to Google Keep, Notion or Mi Notes without switching between windows.
• 📊 Social media. + Messengers: Correspond to Telegram or WhatsApp, while browsing the feed in Instagram or TikTok (in the browser).
• 🎮 Games + Guides: If the game supports multi-window (e.g. Minecraft or Stardew Valley), you can keep the guide open on YouTube or Wiki.
• 📺 Video + chat: watch the movie in VLC or MX Player, while communicating in Discord or Zoom.
• 📈 Work tools: Google Sheets combination + Google Docs is easy to use for tables and text.

Here are some apps that are not recommended for multi-window applications:

• 🏦 Banking apps: SberBank Online, Tinkoff and others often block screen splitting for security reasons.
• 🎬 Streaming services: Netflix, Disney+ and OKKO They may not be able to run in a split mode because of DRM.
• 🎮 Required Games: Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty will be very slow or stained.

⚠️ Note: if you use a multi-window to work with confidential data (for example, correspondence in the messenger) + access to the bank, make sure no one can peek at your screen. MIUI There is a function of Confidential mode (Settings) → Privacy, which hides notifications on a locked screen.

Alternatives to the built-in screen split on Xiaomi

If the standard multi-window feature doesn’t suit you (for example, due to limitations or bugs), you can use third-party solutions.

• 📱 Split Screen Launcher: allows you to divide the screen into 2-4 parts, supports gestures and save patterns. MIUI firmware.

Before installing third-party apps, check their compatibility with your Xiaomi model. Some utilities (such as Split Screen Launcher) require permission to Overlay other applications, which must be enabled manually in Settings → Apps → Special Accesses.

If you're using MIUI 14 or later, try Window in the Window (PiP) mode for video applications. It lets you view video in a small floating window while working with other programs. It's activated by double tap over video or through application settings.

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The standard screen splitting on Xiaomi is suitable for most tasks, but if you need advanced features (like 3+ windows or custom templates), it’s better to use third-party launchers or DeX mode (on flagships).

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about splitting the screen on Xiaomi