The dual screen (or split screen) feature on Xiaomi smartphones allowed two apps to be used simultaneously — like watching YouTube videos and chatting to Telegram. But many users of Suddenly found that the option disappeared from the menu or stopped working. Why is this happening and how to get back a handy multitasking tool?
In this article, we will discuss all possible causes of the disappearance of the dual screen – from banal (setting disabled) to system (failures after the MIUI update), and give step-by-step instructions for restoring function for different Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, including hidden ways of activating through the developer settings.
1. Check if your model supports dual screen
Not all Xiaomi smartphones can split the screen into two parts, Split Screen is officially only available on devices with MIUI 8 and later, but even then there are limitations:
- 📱 Flagship models (Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Mix, Black Shark – Support guaranteed.
- 📱 Mid-size segment (Redmi Note) 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5) — It is usually available, but may not be available on budget modifications (e.g. Redmi). 9A).
- 📱 Budget smartphones (Redmi) A1, POCO C31) — Function is often absent due to weak iron.
To find out exactly if your phone supports dual screen, check the list of compatible models at the end of the article or try activating the feature through Settings → Special Features → Screen Sharing.
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI In Russia, the function may be hidden due to local constraints, in which case it will help to change the region or install a global version of the software.
2.The main reasons for the disappearance of the double screen
If the function used to work and now it is gone, one of the following is to blame:
| Reason. | How it manifests | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI Update | The function disappeared after installing a new firmware version | Reset or roll back to the old version |
| Resetting settings | After Hard Reset, the dual screen does not turn on. | Manually turn on in settings |
| Restrictions on applications | Some programs (such as games) block separation. | Use alternative applications |
| Hard battery savings | The function is disabled when activating Ultra Battery Saver mode | Disable the mode or add an exception |
Critical information: Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi has begun to gradually remove the classic split screen in favor of the new App Window mode. If you have a new firmware, look for the feature in Settings → Special Features → Application Windows.
3. How to return the dual screen through MIUI settings
If the function is simply disabled, it can be activated in 3 steps:
- Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
- Find the Screen Split section (or Application Windows for MIUI 14+).
- Activate the slider and follow the instructions on the screen.
If the item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:
- Press the "Recent Apps" button (square at the bottom of the screen) for 2-3 seconds.
- If the prompt “Move the app up to split the screen” appears, the feature is active but hidden.
Update MIUI to the latest version
Make sure the function is not disabled in "Special Opportunities"
Check if the energy saving mode is activated
Reboot your smartphone-->
4. Hidden ways of inclusion (for power users)
If standard methods don’t work, try activating the feature through Developer Settings or ADB:
Method 1: Developer settings
Activate Developer Mode by pressing Settings 7 times → About Phone → MIUI version.
- Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Find the option "Enable freeform windows" and activate it.
- Reset the device.
Method 2: ADB Team
Connect your phone to your PC and do it in ADB:
adb shell settings put global enable_freeform_support 1After that, in Settings → Special features should appear the option of splitting the screen.
⚠️ Note: Change settings through ADB This can cause system instability. Before executing commands, back up your data via Settings. → The phone. → Backup.
What to do if after ADB-The screen commands began to glittle?
5.Dual screen problems on specific models
Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique split-screen bugs. Consider the most common:
Redmi Note 10 Pro / POCO X3 Pro
On these models, after upgrading to MIUI 13, the dual screen can switch off on its own when the screen is rotated.
- 🔄 Turn off autoturn in the notification curtain.
- 🔧 B Settings → Screen. → Autoturn Add an exception for applications that you use in split mode.
Xiaomi Mi 11 / Mi 11 Ultra
The problem here is with navigation gestures, so if you swipe instead of buttons, the dual screen might not start.
- 👆 Temporarily return navigation buttons to Settings → Screen. → System navigation.
- 🔄 After activation of the separation, gestures can be turned on again.
POCO F3 / F4 GT
On these devices, the function may disappear after resetting, to return it:
- Install the official MIUI Split Screen app from Google Play.
- Run it and follow the clues.
💡
If the dual screen is unstable, try clearing the system cache: go to Settings → Storage → Cleanup and select System Cache. This will not delete your data, but can eliminate the lags.
6. Alternatives to dual screen on Xiaomi
If you can’t get the function back, consider alternative ways to multitask:
- 🪟 Floating windows (MIUI 14+): Hold the app icon in the recent menu – the opening option will appear in a small window.
- 🔄 Quick switch: Twice tap the Recent button to switch between the last two apps.
- 📱 Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher support split-screen gestures.
- 🖥️ Desktop Mode (DeX): Connect your phone to the monitor USB-C Use a full multi-window mode.
For owners of POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T, there is another life hack: activate PC mode in Settings → Connected devices → PC mode. In this mode, you can open several windows at the same time, like on a computer.
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If your model doesn’t support dual screen, floating windows (MIUI 14+) are the best alternative.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Many users make the same mistakes when setting up a dual screen.
- ❌ Use unofficial firmware: Custom ROM (LineageOS, for example, often breaks multi-window mode.
- ❌ Update through OTA Low-charge: If the battery runs out during the upgrade, the feature may disappear.
- ❌ Remove System Applications: Removing com.miui.multitask will result in loss of screen splitting.
Also, avoid using dual screens with:
- 🎮 Games (may be laid or closed).
- 📹 Streaming apps (like Twitch or TikTok Live) block separation).
- 🔒 Banking programs (for security reasons they prohibit multi-window mode).
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with Snapdragon processor 4xx (Like Redmi. 9C) Double screen can cause overheating. Watch the temperature through Settings → Battery → Battery status.