How to split the screen on Xiomi: a complete guide to working in multitasking mode

Multitasking is what distinguishes a modern smartphone from a regular phone, allowing the user to perform several actions simultaneously without losing time switching between applications. Owners of devices from a Chinese manufacturer often wonder how to share the screen on Xiomi to comfortably watch videos and chat in the messenger or compare products in an online store. A feature known as Split Screen or split screen is built into the MIUI shell, but depending on the firmware version and device model, the ways to activate it can vary significantly.

Recent updates, including the new HyperOS, have changed the way windows work, sometimes making users goofy when trying to run two apps side by side. Some models support full separation, others are limited to floating windows, and still others require activation of hidden functions through an engineering menu. Understanding these nuances will help you maximize the capabilities of your gadget, turning it into a powerful tool for work and entertainment.

Let’s look at all the available methods for activating split-screen mode, from standard gestures to advanced settings for power users. We’ll discuss why the feature may not work on your device and what alternatives Xiaomi offers for organizing your workspace. Get ready to optimize your digital experience by using the full potential of the Android operating system in conjunction with the proprietary shell.

Standard activation method through the menu of recent applications

The most common and intuitive way to run two applications simultaneously on MIUI-enabled devices is to use the task menu, which works on most current models, including the Redmi Note series and the flagship Mi, unless the feature was limited by the manufacturer in a particular version of the software.

To start, open the app you plan to place at the top of the screen, then roll it up and launch the second app, which will be at the bottom. After that, click the button to call the menu of recent apps (usually this is the third virtual navigation button or a swipe from the bottom up with a delay if gesture control is enabled).

On the app card, click on an icon that looks like two rectangles or three dots in the preview corner. If you don't see this icon right away, try swiping down the card or tapping and holding it. In the context menu that appears, select the split screen or Split screen option. After that, the screen will split in half, and you will have to choose the second app from the list of recently used ones or find it in the general list.

Not all apps are split-mode, social networks and video players are often correctly displayed in two windows, while some games or specialized utilities can be forced to unfold to the full screen. If the first application collapses or disappears after selecting the second application, then the software developer has banned such a configuration of windows for his product.

⚠️ Note: Some global versions of the firmware MIUI The split screen function can be hidden or removed by developers in favor of minimalist interface, so the absence of a split button does not always mean a device malfunction.

Using the sidebar for quick access

An alternative and often more convenient way to organize space is to use a sidebar of tools, which in MIUI is called “floating windows” or “sidebar”, which allows you to run applications in floating mode or immediately transfer them to split-screen mode without interrupting current activities.

To activate this feature, go to the system settings along the Settings path → Additional settings → Sidebar. Here you need to turn on the activation switch and select the scenarios in which the panel will appear, for example, “All applications” or only specific programs. After turning on the side of the screen, a semi-transparent marker will appear, when you touch which opens a list of selected applications.

Run any app, then call the sidebar and click on the icon of the second app you want to open. It will appear as a floating window on top of the current content. To turn this floating window into a full split screen, tap the expansion icon at the top of the floating window or drag it to the top or bottom edge of the display until the appropriate prompt appears.

• 📱 Accessibility: Allows you to open a calculator, notes or translator on top of any program without leaving the main application.
• ⚙️ Flexible configuration: You can adjust the size of the panel and the list of applications that are displayed in it, adding frequently used tools.
• 🔄 Fast switching: The floating window can be easily rolled into the sidebar or deployed to the full screen with one touch.

The use of sidebar is especially relevant for devices with large screens, where one-handed control can be difficult, and this method is also useful when you need to quickly check information from one source with data in another application, without losing the context of the main task.

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Add to the sidebar the app “Notes” and “Calculator” – this will allow you to quickly do calculations and write down ideas without interrupting the video or work in the browser.

Features of split screen in HyperOS and new versions of MIUI

With the release of HyperOS and the updated versions of MIUI 14, Xiaomi has redefined its approach to multitasking with new gestures and logical chains of window management. The new interfaces have shifted the focus to smooth transitions and intelligent resource allocation, which has changed the usual split-screen algorithm.

HyperOS has an improved window management mechanism, where separation is often implemented through a prolonged swipe from the corner of the screen or through a special menu called by a swipe up from the bottom of the screen with a stop in the middle.

Users note that new versions of the shell have significantly improved split-screen stability and application compatibility, but the settings interface has become more hidden: to find switches that control the behavior of windows, you now often need to go to advanced settings through Settings → Desktop → Multitasking.

It’s important to understand that switching to HyperOS may require getting used to new gestures. If you’re new and can’t find the buttons you’re familiar with, try searching by settings by typing in “split” or “multi-tasking” so that the system can point the way for your version of the software.

Hidden settings and activation through debugging

For advanced users who want full control of their device’s multitasking, there are hidden settings available through the developer menu, a method that allows for forced split-screen support for applications that don’t officially support this feature, or change the minimum window height.

To access these settings, you must first activate the developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7-10 times on the MIUI Version or OS Version field until a notification of successful activation appears.

Inside the developer menu, find a section that is related to multitasking, which may include Force resize activities or Free Windows, and activating these switches allows applications to run in split mode even when the system considers it impossible.

adb shell settings put global force_resizable_activities 1

This command, entered via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), can also activate hidden multitasking functions if the interface does not provide such a capability, but using the command line requires caution and understanding the consequences, since incorrect changes can lead to instability of the system.

⚠️ Warning: Forced split-screen activation for incompatible applications can lead to incorrect display of the interface, program crashes or system freeze, so use this feature only for testing.

Why Screen Split Doesn't Work: The Main Reasons

Despite the presence of a feature in the system, users often face a situation where it is simply impossible to divide the screen into Xiomi, which can be caused by a number of software and hardware restrictions imposed by the manufacturer or application developer.

One of the main reasons is the low screen resolution or small amount of RAM of the device. Budget smartphone models may not have enough resources to render two active applications simultaneously, so the function is blocked at the system level to save performance and battery power.

Another common problem is optimizing the applications themselves, and many developers don’t adapt their products to window mode, especially when it comes to horizontal orientation or specific screen proportions, in which case the system automatically blocks the second window from starting.

• 🚫 Limitations DRM: Streaming services (Netflix, online cinemas) often block screen recording or window splitting due to the protection of content from copying.
• 📉 Shortage RAM: If RAM is occupied by background processes, the system may not run the second application in split mode.
• 📱 Android Version: On very old versions of Android (below 7.0), the split screen function may be missing or extremely unstable.

It’s also worth checking if the device is running a Simplified Interface or Senior Mode mode, which often disables complex multitasking features to make it easier to manage.Switching to a standard interface mode usually returns access to all features.

Alternative solutions for organizing the workspace

If standard screen splitting is unavailable or uncomfortable for some reason, the MIUI shell offers other tools to work efficiently.Floating Windows is a great alternative, allowing applications to run on top of others in the form of thumbnails that can be moved and scaled.

Another powerful tool is Second Space, which creates a completely isolated environment on your phone. While it's not exactly a real-time screen split, it allows you to hold two sets of apps and accounts (like personal and work) and switch between them quickly with a single touch or fingerprint.

For those critical to having two sources of information constantly visible, consider using widgets. MIUI is famous for its deeply integrated widgets that can display mail, calendar, currency rates or notes right on your desktop without requiring you to run a separate application.

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Floating windows in MIUI are often more convenient than classic split screen, as they allow you to work with three or more applications at the same time, changing their size and position at your discretion.

Using third-party launchers can also enhance multitasking, although this is not recommended for inexperienced users because of the possible decrease in system stability. Launchers like Niagara or Microsoft Launcher offer their own widgets and ways to group applications that can compensate for the lack of native split screen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)