How to split the screen into 2 parts: all ways + fixing errors

Why you need a split screen on Xiaomi

Multitasking has become an integral part of modern smartphones, and Xiaomi is no exception: the split-screen feature allows you to work with two applications simultaneously — for example, chatting in a messenger and watching videos, or comparing prices in the browser and online shopping cart. But not all users know that this feature is hidden in the depths of MIUI and requires the right activation.

Unlike Samsung or Google Pixel, where the multi-window is intuitively enabled, the path to this feature may be different on Xiaomi (especially in newer versions of firmware), and after the MIUI 14/15 updates, the activation algorithm has changed, depending on the device model and the shell version, and in this article we will discuss all the current methods, including hidden settings for Redmi, POCO and Black Shark.

Important: If you’re using a device with a cut-out display (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+), note that some apps may not display properly in split-screen mode due to aspect ratio features, and this is discussed in the Problem Solving section.

Official way: how to enable screen splitting through the menu

The most reliable method is the use of built-in MIUI tools, which works on most devices, starting with MIUI 12 and later.

1. Open the first app you want to pin to the top of the screen (like YouTube or Chrome).
2. Click on the “Recent Apps” button (square in the bottom navigation bar).
3. At the top of the screen will appear the app icon – touch it and hold it for 1-2 seconds.
4. In the menu that appears, select Split Screen (or Split Screen in English firmware).
5. The screen will split into two parts, and at the bottom, you'll see a list of recent apps, and you'll pick the second one.

If there is no "Share" option, the function is disabled in the system settings.

1. Go to Settings → Special features → System functions.
2. Find the option Split screen and turn on the slider.
3. If necessary, confirm the action by pressing OK in the dialog box.

Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)

Update the firmware to the latest version

Close the background applications (swipe up the recent menu)

Disable energy saving for the applications used-->

On some models (such as the POCO F4 or Xiaomi 13 Lite), the path to settings may be different. If you do not find the item Special features, try:

• 🔍 Settings → Additionally. → Functions laboratory (for MIUI 13+)
• 📱 Settings → Screen. → Multi-window mode (for older versions)
• ⚙️ Use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner)

MIUI 12

MIUI 13

MIUI 14

MIUI 15 (Global/China)

I don't know.-->

Alternative method: gestures for quick separation

If the standard method seems too long, you can use hidden gestures, which works on most devices with MIUI 14 and later, but requires a pre-setting:

1. Activate Settings → Additional → Gestures → Screen split gesture.
2. Choose the combination: either swipe up from the bottom edge with a delay, or double tap on the Home button (on devices with physical buttons).
3. Save the settings and restart the phone.

Now to split the screen:

1. Open the first appendix.
2. Perform the selected gesture (e.g. swipe up from the bottom edge and hold your finger for 1 second).
3. The screen will split and you can select the second app from the list.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) gestures may conflict with other features (e.g., Google Assistant call or quick action).If separation doesn't work, check the priority of gestures in the settings.

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If the gesture doesn’t work, try turning off “Google Assistant” in the Google app settings → Settings → Voice Search → Voice Assistant.

Split the screen to Xiaomi with the “Recent” button

This is a good way to use devices with a classic navigation bar (three buttons at the bottom of the screen). If you use gesture control, skip this section.

Instructions:

1. Open the first app (e.g. Telegram).
2. Press the "Recent" button and hold it for 2-3 seconds.
3. The screen will split in half, and at the bottom will appear a panel with recent applications.
4. Select the second application for multi-window.

If the button retention does not work:

• 🔄 Check if the function is included in the Settings → Buttons and gestures → "Recent button".
• 📱 Some models (Xiaomi Mi 11) require you to activate the mode in Settings first. → Screen. → Screen splitting.
• ⚡ Restart the device – sometimes system processes block gestures.

On devices with MIUI 15 (such as Xiaomi 14), holding the recent button can open the app menu instead of splitting the screen.

Features of splitting the screen on different models Xiaomi

Multi-window function works differently on all Xiaomi devices, and below is a table with features for popular series:

On devices with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5 Pro) when the screen is split, there may be an uneven dimming due to the nature of the matrix.

Problem Solving: What to Do When the Screen is Not Shared

If following the instructions did not work, check the following points:

⚠️ Note: On devices with root rights or custom firmware (such as LineageOS), the standard screen split may not work. In this case, you need to install the Xposed module or Magisk with a multi-window patch.

• 🔧 Update the firmware: Go to Settings → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest version MIUI.
• 📵 Check app compatibility: Not all programs support multi-windows. for example, Instagram and TikTok block screen splitting.
• 🔄 Reset your gesture settings: In Settings → Additionally. → Gestures → Reset the settings.
• 🛠️ Clear the system cache: In Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Show system-based → Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

If the problem persists, try to force the function to be enabled via ADB:

adb shell settings put global force_split_screen true

Once you have completed the command, restart the device. This method works on MIUI 12-14, but can cause unstable operation on MIUI 15.

💡

Before use ADB-Make sure that the teams are debugging USB included (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Hidden Opportunities: Floating Windows and 3 Apps Simultaneously

In addition to the standard 2-part division, MIUI offers advanced multitasking features:

• 🖼️ Floating windows (PIP): They work for video (YouTube, Netflix) and some instant messengers. To activate, swipe down the video, and it will shrink down to a small window.
• 🔢 Three windows: Available on flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 2).To enable, go to Settings → Special facilities → Multi-window mode → Three windows.
• 🔄 Quick App Change: In split screen mode, swipe your finger on the up/down dividing line to swap apps in places.

For flexible screen devices (Xiaomi Mix Fold 3), a unique Double Window mode is available, where each application opens on a separate half of the folding display.

1. Turn the phone into tablet mode.
2. Open the first appendix.
3. Click on the app icon in the taskbar and select Open on the second half of the screen.

The POCO F5 and Redmi K60 have an experimental "Paired Apps" feature that allows you to pin frequently used pairs (e.g., Chrome + Notes) for quick multi-window launch.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Paired Applications.
2. Click Add a couple and select two apps.
3. Now, when holding the icon of one of them will be offered to open the second in split mode.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions