How to make two screens on Xiaomi: split screen and second space

Modern Xiaomi smartphones have enough performance to handle many tasks at once, but the standard MIUI or HyperOS interface by default offers the user only one workspace. Screen splitting becomes critical for those who are used to multitasking on desktops or just want to watch video while chatting. Device owners often look for a way to create a full-fledged second desktop, similar to that of Windows, but the Android mobile operating system has its own implementation features.

By “two screens” on Redmi and Poco, users can mean three completely different functions: split screen mode, second space, or external monitor connectivity. Each of these methods has a unique use case and requires a separate setup through the system menu. Understanding the differences between these technologies will allow you to maximize the capabilities of your gadget, turning it into a powerful tool for work and entertainment.

In this article, we'll go into all the ways that workspace can be organized, and we'll look at not only the standard features of the system, but also the specific settings that are often hidden from the eyes of the average user. The flexibility of the interface allows you to customize the device to fit your needs, whether it's splitting the display in half for two applications or creating an isolated environment for personal data.

Split Screen (Split Screen)

The easiest way to get two screens on a single display is to activate split screen mode, which allows two apps to run simultaneously, sharing the available display area between them, and can be activated in several ways, depending on the firmware version and model of your smartphone.

Most often, you need to open the menu of running applications (recent tasks). To do this, swipe from the bottom up and hold your finger in the center of the screen or press the corresponding navigation button. In the list that opens, find the application icon you want to use and click on the menu icon (usually three dots or a pencil icon next to the application name).

Once you select the first app, the top (or left horizontal) part of the screen will take it, and the bottom part will be a choice of the second application. Android allows you to combine most programs, but some video players or games may not support this mode due to resolution restrictions. If the application is not supported, the system will issue a notification.

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For quick switching between the top and bottom windows in split screen mode, use the central divider band, dragging it up or down to change the proportions.

Controlling windows in this mode is intuitive, so you can change the size of the windows by dragging the dividing line, or you can roll one of the windows into a floating window.

• 📱 Press and hold the “Recent” button to instantly activate the split mode.
• 🔄 Change apps in places, dragging them over the top edge of the window.
• ❌ Close the unnecessary window by pressing the cross in the center of the dividing line.
• 📐 Adjust the aspect ratio by moving the separation slider.

⚠️ Note: In split screen mode, some features, such as full display screenshots or screen recording, may not work properly or may only capture the active window.

Configure the Second Space (Second Space)

Second Space is a unique feature of the MIUI shell that creates a completely isolated environment inside your smartphone, not just a split screen, but actually a second user profile with its apps, photos, contacts and settings, switching between the main and second spaces is instantaneous and can be protected by a separate password or fingerprint.

To activate this feature, go to the Settings menu, then select About Phone or search by settings by typing “Second Space.” In some firmware versions, this item is in Advanced Settings or Special Features. Once enabled, the system will suggest configuring the switching method: this can be a separate fingerprint, password or icon in the notification curtain.

Using Second Space is ideal for separating work and personal life, you can install work messengers in the second profile, and personal messengers in the main. When you switch, you will only see those applications and notifications that are related to the current active profile, which provides a high level of privacy and helps you focus on the current task.

It's worth noting that apps in the second space take up disk space regardless of the main profile. If you install Telegram in both spaces, the phone will have two copies of the app with its data, which is important to consider if you have limited internal memory.

• 🔒 Use different fingerprints to instantly log in to different profiles.
• 📸 The gallery in the second space is completely empty on the first launch.
• 🔔 Notifications from the second space are not displayed in the main profile.
• 📲 You can transfer files between spaces through a special transition menu.

⚠️ Note: When you reset your phone to a factory setting, the data will be deleted from both spaces simultaneously, as it is one physical system.

Cloning of applications for dual access

If your goal is simply to have two accounts on the same app (like two WhatsApp or two Instagram), then creating a full second screen or space may be redundant, and the best solution is Dual Apps, which allows you to run a second copy of the program in the same interface but with independent authorization.

The cloning settings are set up in Settings → Applications → Cloning of applications (or Dual Apps), and the system will offer a list of supported programs, usually social networks and instant messengers, and after activating the slider next to the desired application, a copy of it will appear on the desktop with a small icon in the corner indicating the clone.

The advantage of this method over Second Space is that you don't have to switch between profiles; both copies run in parallel and are accessible from the same screen. However, unlike Second Space, cloned applications don't have file system isolation to the same extent, and some banking applications can block cloned versions for security reasons.

For advanced users, there is the possibility of cloning applications that are not included in the standard MIUI list through third-party utilities or hidden ADB commands, but this requires caution.

• 👥 Ideal for using two WhatsApp numbers on the same phone.
• ⚡ Cloned applications work in the background simultaneously with the main.
• 📉 May slightly increase the consumption of RAM.
• 🚫 Not all applications support cloning at the system level.

Connecting an external monitor via USB-C

For owners of flagship models Xiaomi (Mi series, some models Redmi Note Pro and all flagships with USB 3.0/3.1/3.2) available mode to connect to an external display. If your smartphone supports video transmission through the port Type-C, you can display the image on the monitor, TV or projector. Depending on the version of Android and shell, it can be a simple duplicate screen or full desktop mode.

To connect, you'll need a USB-C to HDMI adapter or docking station. Once you connect your smartphone to your monitor, the system will automatically detect the external device. In settings (Settings → Connected Devices → Broadcast), you can choose to work with Duplication (the phone image is copied to the big screen) or Extended Screen (if DeX-like mode is supported, although this is rare on MIUI and duplication is most common).

Duplication mode is useful for presentations or viewing content on a large screen. However, if you plan to work, it is more convenient to use a mouse and keyboard connected via the same screen. USB-In this case, the smartphone becomes a kind of computer, where you can control windows, although the functionality remains limited to mobile applications.

It is important to consider that when working through an external monitor, the smartphone can become very hot, since the video chip works in a high mode. It is recommended to ensure good cooling of the device or remove the case if it interferes with heat transfer.

• 🖥️ Adapter required USB-C to HDMI video-enabled.
• 🔋 It is recommended to keep the phone on charge while working with the monitor.
• 🎮 Support for mouse and keyboard makes navigation easier.
• 📺 Not suitable for all models, but with DisplayPort Alt Mode support.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap cables and adapters may not support video transmission, working only for charging).

Use of floating windows and side panel

Another way to create multi-screen on Xiaomi is by using floating windows and sidebars (Sidebar), which allows you to run applications as small windows on top of other programs, creating a multi-layer effect. These are not exactly two screens in the classical sense, but are close to working with widgets on a PC.

To activate the sidebar, go to Settings → Additional → Floating Windows (the path may differ in different versions of MIUI). Here you can turn on the panel display on the side of the screen. You can add frequently used applications to this panel. By calling the panel with a swipe from the edge of the screen, you can start the application in floating mode.

You can move the floating window around the screen, change its size and roll it to the edge, which allows you to watch a YouTube video while you're texting in the messenger, or keep the calculator open while you're working with spreadsheets, and this type of multitasking is most convenient on Xiaomi tablets and large-screen smartphones.

Combining these tools gives you the maximum flexibility. You can have one full-screen application, one split-screen application, and one in a floating window, and the key is not to overload RAM, otherwise the system will force the background processes to close, which will lead to a reboot of tabs.

Problem Solving and Frequently Asked Questions

Despite the convenience of split-screen and second-space functions, users may encounter certain difficulties, often due to malfunctioning of specific applications or a lack of system resources. If the split-screen is not activated, check whether the "Energy Saving" mode is on, which can block background activity.

In some cases, after updating the firmware, the settings of the second space may be confused or become unavailable. It is recommended to check for system updates or clear the cache of the Security and Settings application. If the problem persists, you may need to reset the settings of a specific profile, but this will delete the data inside it.

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The best strategy for using Xiaomi for work is to combine the Second Context Separation Space (Personal/Work) and the Split Screen to work with two tasks simultaneously within the same context.

Also worth mentioning is compatibility. Not all apps are optimized for split mode. Some can be forced to turn full-screen or shut down. App developers are responsible for adapting their products to different form factors and Android modes.

• 🛠️ Rebooting a smartphone often solves the temporary interface glitches.
• 📱 Make sure that the display does not include protection against accidental pressing in your pocket.
• 🔄 Updating all apps through Play Market can fix compatibility bugs.
• 🧹 Cleaning Memory Before Starting Heavy Tasks Improves Performance.