How to Open 2 Windows on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Split Screen

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have so powerful processors and large screens that using them exclusively for one app seems wasteful. Device owners often wonder how Xiaomi can open 2 windows at once to combine the good with the good, such as watching videos while chatting or copying text from the browser into notes. This feature, known as Split Screen or split screen, is built into the shell of MIUI and HyperOS, but sometimes hidden from the eyes of beginners.

Activating split-screen mode does not require third-party software installation or superuser rights. All the necessary tools are already in the system, but their location and call methods may vary depending on the firmware version and model of your gadget. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for activating Mi Split Screen and solve the typical problems that users face when trying to run two applications at once.

Multitasking greatly improves productivity, so you don't have to constantly switch between tabs, losing context or missing important messages. Below, we'll look at step-by-step instructions that will help you master this useful feature in a few minutes.

Preparation of the smartphone to work in split screen mode

Before you start setting up, make sure your device is technically ready to work with multiple active applications.Sharing the screen requires enough RAM, so on very old or budget models with 2 GB of RAM it may not work stable or at all.For comfortable use of Mi Split Screen, at least 3-4 GB of free memory is recommended.

It’s also worth checking out the version of the installed shell. Owners of devices based on MIUI 12, MIUI 13, MIUI 14 and the new HyperOS have access to advanced multitasking settings. If you have a global version of the firmware installed, the functionality may be slightly different from the Chinese one, but the basic principles remain the same for the entire ecosystem of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco.

An important step in preparation is to update all the applications used. Some programs may not display correctly in a reduced window or be forced to close if their code is not optimized for split mode. Go to Google Play Market or GetApps and update the software to the latest versions.

⚠️ Note: On some models with a small screen (less than 5.5 inches), the system can automatically block the possibility of splitting the screen, as the application interface will become unreadable.

To ensure smooth operation, close the background processes that you don't plan to use right now.This will free up CPU resources and prevent possible lags when switching between windows. You can do this through the menu of running apps by swiping unnecessary cards down.

Method One: Using the menu of running applications

The most common and intuitive way to open 2 windows on Xiaomi is to use the standard multitasking menu, which works on the vast majority of the brand’s devices and does not require deep immersion in the system settings. It is ideal for quickly launching a pair of apps on the fly.

To start, open the first app you want to see on the screen, such as launching a browser or YouTube. Then fold it and open the second app, which should be located below or on the side. After that, click the button to call the menu of running applications (square or swipe bottom-up with a delay, depending on the type of navigation).

In the application card list that opens, find the program you want. Some versions of MIUI may display a special icon next to the application name or on the card itself that resembles two horizontal bars or the letter "H." Clicking on this element instantly activates Split Screen mode.

If the split icon is not visible immediately, try pressing and holding your finger on the app card or its name. In the context menu that appears, select "Share the screen" or "Split screen." The system will automatically roll the application to the top of the display and prompt you to select the second program from the list of frequently used or the full list of installed.

Once you select the second app, the screen will split into two separate areas, so you can interact with both programs simultaneously: print text in one window and flip the tape in the other, and you can move the boundary between the windows by changing the proportions of the display, which is especially convenient when working with text or tables.

Method Two: Activation through the sidebar

The second way to quickly open two windows on Xiaomi involves using a special widget called the Sidebar, which is a floating button or hidden area on the side of the screen from which you can instantly launch mini-apps or convert them to split-screen mode.

First, you need to activate the bar itself in the settings. Go to Settings, then select Additional (or Advanced Settings) to find the option Floating Windows or Sidebar there. Turn on the "Always Show" or "Show in selected applications" switch.

When you activate the side of the screen, you'll see a translucent bar or button, and when you press it, you'll see a menu with your favorite apps, and to start splitting the screen, open the main app, call the sidebar, and click on the icon of the second app, holding your finger or selecting the appropriate mode in the widget settings.

The advantage of the sidebar is that it can run more than two windows in the form of floating widgets, although the classic Split Screen involves splitting the screen in half, a method that is especially convenient for gamers who want to respond to messages without leaving the game, or for those who constantly use the same bundles of applications.

Some users prefer to hide the sidebar so that it does not interfere with watching the video, in which case it is called by a swipe from the edge of the screen. Adjust the sensitivity of the swipe in the menu of the panel settings to avoid accidental calls during active use of the smartphone.

Method Three: Gestures and Special Commands

The third option, like Xiaomi to open 2 windows, is aimed at users who prefer gesture control without buttons. Modern versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shell implement gesture support for a quick transition to multitasking mode, which saves time and makes the interface cleaner.

If you have gesture control enabled, try swiping from the bottom up and holding your finger in the center of the screen to open the menu of running apps. Then, as in the first method, use a long-term click on the app card or search for a special icon. In some design themes, the icon can be replaced with a text command in the menu.

There is also a lesser-known way through the search bar. Some models swipe down the desktop and open a global search. If you type in the app name and click on special action icons in the search results (if supported by the developer), sometimes you can immediately launch the app in split mode, although this is unstable and depends on the version of Android.