Divided screen on Xiaomi: how to turn on two windows and work in multitasking mode

Multi-window mode on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to use two applications simultaneously – for example, chat in the messenger and watch videos, or copy text from the browser to document. The feature is available on most devices with the shell MIUI 12 and newer, but many users do not know how to activate it correctly. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to enable a split screen, the nuances for different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), as well as solutions to typical problems when the function does not work.

It is important to understand that not all applications support multi-window mode. For example, games and some system utilities (such as Settings or Camera) can not open in a separate form. Also on budget models (Redmi A1, POCO C50) the function may be limited due to hardware features. Before setting up, check if your device supports this option - we will discuss this later.

Which Xiaomi models support two windows?

Split Screen is officially available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and above, except for the most budget lines (Redmi A, POCO C).

If your model is on the list but the feature is not activated, check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone. A split screen requires at least MIUI 12.0.3.0. On older versions (e.g. MIUI 11), the multiwindow mode is either missing or malfunctioning.

⚠️ Note: On custom firmware devices (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the standard way to turn on Split Screen may not work, and alternative methods will need to be used (discussed in the circumvention section).

Method 1: Standard Inclusion through Multitasking

This is the simplest and most versatile method that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-15.

1. Open the first app you want to use in split mode (like YouTube).
2. Swipe from the bottom up and hold your finger on the screen to open the multitasking menu.
3. Click on the app icon (not the preview!) and select Split Screen (or Split Screen in English firmware) from the menu that appears.
4. Select the second app from the list of suggested ones or find it through search.

Now, both apps will be open on the same screen, and the dividing line between the windows is moved by your finger -- pull it up/down to change the proportions.

Is the first app open to the full screen?

Is Swipe's up gesture enabled for multitasking in settings?

Is the firmware updated to the latest version of MIUI?

Are there any restrictions on special opportunities?

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If the item "Share-Screen" is not in the menu, it means:

• 📱 Your model does not support the function (see table above).
• 🔧 The function is disabled in the developer settings (how to enable – read in the next section).
• 🔄 Firmware update required (check in Settings) → Updating the system).

Method 2: Activation through Developer Settings

On some devices (POCO F3, Redmi K40) the Split Screen option is hidden and requires manual activation.

1. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times in a row on the MIUI Version. Enter a pattern lock or password if required.
2. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional settings → Developer settings.
3. Find the option Enable freeform windows and activate it.
4. Reset the device.

After rebooting, try to open the split screen again through multitasking. If the feature still doesn't appear, check if the following settings in the developer settings are disabled:

• 🔄 Debugging by USB (should be off!).
• 🖥️ Compulsory incorporation GPU-acceleration (must be switched off).
• 📱 Limit background processes (set the standard limit value).

Method 3: Use of gestures (for MIUI 14+)

The latest versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS have an alternative way to activate Split Screen through gestures, which is convenient if you have the navigation buttons disabled.

1. Open the first appendix.
2. Swipe from the bottom up and hold your finger to open multitasking.
3. Pull the app icon upwards (don't click on it!) In a second, the screen will split into two.
4. Select the second app from the bottom menu.

If the gesture does not work, check the settings:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Navigation buttons.
2. Select Gestures (if there are buttons, switch).
3. Make sure that Gesture is enabled for split screen.

Through the multitasking menu | Through the developer settings |Swipe gesture |I don't know, haven't tried-->

On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and POCO F5 Pro with HyperOS, the gesture works differently: swipe the app icon left or right, not up, and this is due to the updated logic of managing windows in the new shell.

How to turn on Split Screen on incompatible models

If your smartphone doesn’t officially support split screen (e.g. Redmi) A2 or POCO C51), You can try to circumvent the restrictions using third-party applications or ADB-Options for teams:

Option 1: Split Screen Creator App

The utility from Google Play emulates split-screen mode through window overlay. Minus — not all apps are correctly displayed.

• 📥 Download Split Screen Creator from the official store.
• 🔧 Give permission to display over other windows.
• 🎯 Select two applications to run simultaneously.

Option 2: ADB-forced-inclusion

For power users: You can manually activate free windows via ADB.

adb shell settings put global enable_freeform_support 1

After you execute the command, restart the device. The function will appear in the multitasking menu.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) after-use ADB-In this case, return the settings to the original: adb shell settings put global. enable_freeform_support 0

Typical problems and their solutions

Even if Split Screen is enabled, users often encounter bugs.

If Split Screen has not worked after all the manipulations, check:

• 🔋 Is the energy saving mode activated (it can block background processes).
• 🛡️ Are there restrictions for applications in Settings? → Battery → Background restriction.
• 📵 Is the child control or parental control included.

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If the split screen is not running smoothly, try clearing the system cache: go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup and select Cash system. This often solves problems with displaying windows.

Split Screen Alternatives on Xiaomi

If multi-window mode doesn’t work or work, consider alternative ways to multitask:

• 🖥️ Floating windows: Some apps (like Facebook Messenger or Telegram) support display in a small window on top of other programs. To activate, hold the app icon in the multitasking menu and select Floating window.
• 🔄 Quick switching: Use the swipe gesture on the bottom left/right panel to instantly transition between the last two apps.
• 📱 Second space: C Settings → Special facilities → Second space can be created with a separate profile with other applications and switch between them quickly.
• 🌐 Web versions of apps: Some services (such as WhatsApp Web or Twitter) allow you to open two sessions in your browser at the same time.

On devices with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14), the Parallel Windows feature has appeared - it allows you to duplicate the same application in two instances (useful for two accounts in instant messengers).

1. Open Settings → Applications → Parallel windows.
2. Select an app from a list (such as WhatsApp).
3. Click Enable and follow the instructions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about split screen on Xiaomi

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If your device doesn’t officially support Split Screen, don’t take risks with unproven methods (like modified firmware) that could cause sensor or graphic artifacts to fail, and then you’d better use alternatives like floating windows or second space.