Where to Find a Screen Split in Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Multi-Window in MIUI

Xiaomi’s split-screen (or multi-window) feature allows you to work with two apps simultaneously — for example, chatting in messengers and watching videos, or copying text from the browser into notes. However, many Redmi, POCO or Mi users face the problem of the option disappearing from the menu, then behaving unstable. In this article, we will discuss where exactly the split screen in MIUI firmware is hidden, why it may not work, and how to make the function appear on all supported models.

Note: Xiaomi regularly changes the location of the option depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS). For example, in older builds, multi-windows were enabled through Settings → Special Features, and in new ones through Settings → Screen. We collected current data for all versions of the firmware, including hidden ways of activating through the developer and ADB, which work even on unofficial MIUI ports.

Where to look for screen split in MIUI: official ways

In most cases, the multi-window option is available through the standard menu, but its location depends on the version of MIUI and the smartphone model.

• 📱 MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS: Settings → Screen. → Screen splitting (or Multi-window).
• 🔄 Old versions (MIUI 11 and below: Settings → Special facilities → Screen splitting.
• 🎯 Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO: Sometimes the option is hidden in the settings. → Additionally. → Screen functions.
• 🔍 If there is no item on the menu: try calling the multi-window through a control gesture (see next section).

On some devices (such as Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50), the option may not be available due to the manufacturer’s limitations for specific regions, in which case activation via ADB or developer mode will help – more details below.

How to quickly turn on the multi-window gesture (without settings)

The fastest way to split the screen on Xiaomi is to use a control gesture, which works on most models with MIUI 12 and later, but can be disabled by default.

1. Open the first app (like YouTube).
2. Click on the "Recent" button (square in the bottom navigation bar).
3. Hold your finger to the app icon at the top of the screen.
4. In the menu that appears, select Divide Screen (or Multi-Window).
5. Select the second app from the list of recent or home screens.

If the gesture does not work, check its inclusion:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → buttons and gestures.
2. Choose Multitasking Gestures.
3. Activate the option of Screen Split.

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On some models (e.g. POCO F4), the gesture only works after the multi-window is pre-enabled in the screen settings.

Why there is no screen partition: reasons and solutions

If you don’t find the option on the menu, the problem may be one of the following:

• 🚫 Unsupported model: some budget smartphones (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) They do not have multi-window hardware support.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: on global firmware (MIUI Global) the function can be disabled, while in Chinese (MIUI China - available.
• 🔧 Disabled in the developer settings: check the parameter force_resizeable_activities (see next section).
• 📱 An outdated version MIUI: Update the firmware to the last stable build.

Also, the multi-window can disappear after resetting or installing custom firmware, in which case manual activation through ADB will help:

adb shell settings put global force_resizeable_activities 1

This command enforces split-screen support for all applications, but can cause some programs (such as games or banking applications) to run unstable.

Secret developer settings for multi-window

If standard methods don't work, try activating split screen through developer mode.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version to unlock the developer settings.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the option. force_resizeable_activities and turn it on.
5. Also activate Multi-window (if any) and USB debugging.

Then restart the device. If you have an option force_resizeable_activities It's missing, so your firmware doesn't support the forced multi-window activation, so you just have to update. MIUI or use third-party launchers (such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher) that emulate split-screen.

1. Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings

2. Install ADB drivers on PC (e.g., via Mi PC Suite)

3. Connect the smartphone to the computer and confirm trust in the device

4. Run the command line and enter adb devices to check the connection

5. execute the activation command of the multi-window-->

Supported Xiaomi models: compatibility table

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support split screen. Below is a compatibility table for popular models. Please note that even if your device is on the list, the feature can be disabled on global firmware (MIUI Global).

If your model is not in the table, check for multi-window support experimentally: try calling the function through a gesture or look for information in forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

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On smartphones with a Snapdragon 4xx processor (such as the Redmi 9C or POCO C31), multiwindows are most often absent due to performance limitations.

Limitations and problems with multi-window

Even if you manage to enable split screen, be prepared for some limitations:

• 🎮 Games: Most games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact does not support multi-window and will automatically unfold to the full screen.
• 📺 Video players: YouTube and Netflix can block playback in split mode due to the fact that the game is not available DRM-defense.
• 🔒 Banking apps: SberBank Online, Tinkoff, and others often turn off multi-windows for security reasons.
• 🔄 Unstable work: on weak smartphones (e.g. Redmi) 8A) Screen splitting can cause lags or reboots.

It is also worth considering that with a horizontal orientation of the screen, the multi-window can work differently: some applications will be displayed in a floating window instead of splitting into two halves.

⚠️ Warning: If after activation of the multi-window smartphone began to warm or discharge quickly, turn off the function in the settings. Constant operation in split-screen mode increases the load on the processor and battery.

Alternatives to the built-in multi-window on Xiaomi

If your device does not support split screen, or the function is unstable, you can use the side solution:

• 🪟 Floating Windows: Apps like Floating Apps or Island let you open programs in small windows on top of other apps.
• 🖥️ Multi-window launchers: Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher emulate screen splitting through gestures.
• 🔄 Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode: works for video players (e.g. YouTube Premium or YouTube Premium) VLC).
• 📱 Second Space: Second Space function in MIUI It allows you to run two accounts at the same time, but does not replace multi-window.

The most reliable option is to upgrade the firmware to the latest version of MIUI or HyperOS. In new builds, Xiaomi expands support for multi-window, including more models and applications.

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To run applications in floating windows without root rights, use the Freeform Mode Enabler application (developer mode is required).

FAQ: Frequent questions about splitting the screen on Xiaomi