Modern smartphones, including the popular Xiaomi Redmi 9T, offer users a variety of performance features, one of which is multi-window mode.This option allows you to run applications as floating windows on top of the main screen, which is convenient for multitasking, but can annoy those who prefer the classic interface.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how the system of floating windows in the shell of MIUI installed on your gadget works. We will look at the standard methods of turning off the sidebar, managing active windows and how to fix software failures when the function behaves incorrectly. Understanding these mechanisms will help you customize your smartphone to your individual needs.
It is worth noting that in different versions of the firmware, the location of the settings may vary slightly, but the overall algorithm of actions remains the same for the entire Xiaomi ecosystem. Below are proven steps that are guaranteed to help you remove unnecessary elements from the screen and return the usual look of the interface.
Control of the side panel of tools
The primary source of floating windows on Redmi 9T is a special widget known as the Sidebar, which allows applications to quickly float by dragging their icon onto the screen, and if you accidentally activate this feature or it turned on after a system update, it can be easily deactivated through system settings.
First, you need to go to the main settings menu of your device, and find the section for additional functions, which is often hidden in the MIUI shell inside the Advanced Settings menu or in a separate option called Special Opportunities, and this is where the switch that controls the visibility of the toolbar hides.
Once you enter the relevant section, you will see the option "Floating windows" or "Sidebar," and by putting the slider in an inactive position, you completely hide the transparent strip from the edge of the screen, through which the window mode is launched, this action will not remove the applications themselves, but only prevent them from running in overlay format through this interface.
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If you can not find an item in the menu, use the search by settings, entering the request “floating” or “side” – the system will redirect you to the desired section.
It's important to understand that turning off the sidebar does not affect the operation of applications in the background. Your messengers and social networks will continue to function normally, just disappear quick access to their window mode, This is especially useful for users who appreciate the purity of the interface and do not want to accidentally start unnecessary processes.
Set-up of screen split mode
Apart from the sidebar, floating windows can appear as a result of using split screen mode. On the Xiaomi Redmi 9T, this feature allows you to divide the display into two or more active areas. Sometimes the system can interpret certain gestures as a command to create a new floating window, which requires adjusting control settings.
To prevent accidental splitting of the screen, check your gesture settings. From the Settings menu → Additional features → Screen splitting, you can find the option to turn on the mode through a long press or a special gesture with three fingers. Disabling these triggers minimizes the risk of unintentional activation of multi-window.
Also worth paying attention to the behavior of running applications: Some programs, especially instant messengers, can independently suggest switching to window mode for certain actions. Monitor pop-up notifications and system suggestions to avoid unwanted changes in the desktop layout.
☑️ Checking the screen split settings
If you do use split screen, remember that you can close the floating window by dragging it to a special removal zone or clicking on the cross in the window header. In some versions of MIUI, it is enough to just swipe the window down until the red zone appears to complete its operation.
Disabling MIUI's Intrusive Recommendations
The MIUI shell installed on the Redmi 9T is famous for its active recommendations that can suggest opening an application in a floating window.These prompts often appear when certain programs are used frequently and can interfere with navigation. Fortunately, the recommendation system can be customized or completely disabled.
To do this, go to the system settings and find the section responsible for “Recommendations” or “Getting Tips.” Depending on the firmware version, this item may be in the About menu (when you repeatedly click on the MIUI version) or in the accaMi account profile, disabling this feature will make the interface more static and predictable.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling system recommendations completely can deprive you of useful information about new shell features, so weigh everything before making changes.
Also, you should check the settings of the particular application that most often causes windows. In the application management menu (long-click on the icon → About the application), sometimes there are items that allow you to display over other windows. By disabling this permission, you will prevent the program from creating floating widgets.
Regularly cleaning the system cache also helps to get rid of “stuck” recommendations. Go to the storage menu and select cache cleaning for the system services responsible for the interface. This action is safe and will not lead to the loss of personal files or photos.
Solving problems with hanging windows
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where a floating window cannot be closed by standard methods, it can freeze, overlap important interface elements or not respond to touch. On the Xiaomi Redmi 9T, this problem is often solved by restarting the culprit process or the entire system.
The first step is to try to force the application to close through the menu of running tasks. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or press the menu button), find the card of the problem application and swipe it up. If that doesn't help, go to Settings → Applications → Application Management, find the desired program and click Stop.
What to do if the window does not close?
In a pinch, if the interface is completely blocked by a floating element, rebooting the device will help. Press the power button and select "Reboot" This action is guaranteed to clear the RAM and close all the frozen processes, returning the phone to normal operation.
If the problem is systemic and recurring, you may need to reset your interface settings. Note that this will return the icons and widgets to factory status, but will not affect your personal data, contacts and media files.
Comparison of window management methods
For the convenience of Redmi 9T users, there are several ways to interact with floating windows, and understanding the differences between them will help you choose the most suitable use case or, conversely, completely abandon this feature.
| Method | Difficulty shutting down | Impact on the battery | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sidebar. | Low (1 switch) | Minimum | High. |
| Gestures of separation | Medium (gesture setting) | Average. | Average. |
| Application authorizations | High (for each application) | Depends on the app. | Low. |
| Developer mode | High (risk of error) | High (constant restarts) | Low. |
As you can see from the table, the most effective way to deal with unwanted windows is to turn off the sidebar, which requires minimal action and does not affect the stability of other system components.
Users who want to maximize the autonomy of the Xiaomi Redmi 9T are advised to carefully monitor applications that use the “over other windows” mode, such programs can consume charge even when rolled up, which reduces the time of the device from a single charge.
Features of working in a game mode
Special attention should be paid to the Game Turbo mode, which is often activated on Redmi 9T automatically when games start. In this mode, floating windows can be used to respond in instant messengers without leaving the game.
To turn off pop-up notifications and windows during play, you need to open the game mode sidebar (usually a swipe from the corner of the screen) and find the notification settings. Here you can choose Do Not Disturb mode or completely disable the display of floating elements from specific applications.
Also in the Game Turbo settings, you can turn off screen recording and gesture screenshots, which often coexists with multi-window functions, which will avoid accidental taps and activation of unnecessary interfaces during tense moments in the game.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling game mode can lead to reduced performance in heavy games, as the system will stop allocating resources to the running application.
If you don’t use Game Turbo features, you can turn it off completely in the Security app, which frees up system resources and removes unnecessary controls that may conflict with the user’s basic tasks.