The split screen feature on Xiaomi smartphones is often triggered by accident — it’s embarrassing to swipe across the screen or press the multitasking button. For some users, this feature seems useful, but most find it intrusive and interfering, and it’s especially annoying when the multi-window is activated at the most inappropriate time, whether it’s playing games, watching videos or working with documents.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can turn off Xiaomi’s split screen forever, from standard MIUI settings to hidden developer settings. The instructions are relevant for the MIUI 12, MIUI 13, MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 firmware versions, and most models: Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Xiaomi 11T/12/13 and others. If you’re tired of random split screens, read on.
Why does the screen split switch on on by itself?
In MIUI, multiple mechanisms are responsible for activating the multi-window, and users are most likely to encounter a problem due to:
- 👆 Swipe up with retention gesture: if you hold your finger on the multitasking button (or in the navigation bar area), the system suggests selecting a second application for split mode.
- 🎮 Game mode: in some games (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile) split screen can be activated when button combinations are pressed.
- 📱 Firmware bugs: in MIUI 13 and MIUI 14 cases were recorded when splitting the screen was enabled after updating or resetting settings.
- 🔄 Random touches: on large screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F4 GT) easily touch the edge of the display, which the system perceives as a command to activate the multi-window.
The manufacturer added this feature to improve productivity, but in practice it often interferes with rather than helps, and fortunately, you can turn it off completely without having to get root rights or install third-party apps.
Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in options, which is suitable for most models on MIUI 12-15 and does not require additional manipulation.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Special Features section (on some firmwares it may be called Additional Features).
- Select Screen Sharing or Multi-Window.
- Move the slider to the off position (or uncheck if the interface is different).
- Confirm the action if the system requests.
After that, the split screen will stop activating when swiping and tapping. However, some versions of MIUI (for example, MIUI 13.5 for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+) may not have this option. If you do not find it, move on to the next method.
☑️ Check before turning off the multi-window
Method 2: Deactivation through Developer Settings
If the standard method didn't work, try disabling the function through developer mode, which is more reliable because it blocks the multi-window at the system level. Importantly, you need to activate the developer menu first.
How to do this:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row (you will be notified "You became a developer").
- Go back to the main settings menu and select a new Developer section (or Developer Options).
- Scroll down and find the option to Disable Multi-window.
- Activate it and restart the device.
On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 12T), this option may be called differently:
- Force disable split-screen
- Block multi-window mode
- Disable screen splitting
What to do if there is no "Disable Multi-Window" option?
⚠️ Note: After disabling the multi-window through the developer settings, some system applications (such as the Camera or Gallery) may stop supporting window-in-the-window (PiP) mode.
Method 3: Complete disabling via ADB (for power users)
If previous methods have failed, the most radical option is to disable the ADB command line, which is guaranteed to remove the split screen forever, but requires a computer connection and minimal technical skills.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB smartphone.
- 🛠 Utility. ADB (You can download from the official website of Android Developers).
Step-by-step:
- Download and unpack ADB to your computer (for example, in the folder C:\adb).
- On your smartphone, activate Debugging by USB in the Developer Menu.
- Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer mode.
- Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter).
- Enter the commands in turn: cd C:\adb adb devices (the name of your device should appear).
- Execute the multi-window shutdown command: adb shell settings put global multi_window_mode_off true
- Reboot your smartphone.
This method blocks the splitting of the screen at the system level, and it can only be returned with a repeat command with the false option. POCO and Black Shark.
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If the split screen is still turned on after performing the ADB command, try to further disable gestures in the navigation settings: Settings → Display → Navigation buttons → Gestures and select the classic three-button panel.
Table: Compatibility of methods with MIUI versions
Not all methods work on all firmware, and the table below shows the compatibility of disabling methods with different versions of MIUI:
| MIUI version | Standard settings | Developer parameters | ADB-team | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | The "Multi-window" item may be called "Screen splitting". |
| MIUI 13 | ❌ No, on some models) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | The Redmi Note 10 is often missing a standard method. |
| MIUI 14 | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | In the developer menu, the option may be hidden – use search. |
| MIUI 15 (Beta) | ✅ Yes. | ⚠️ Partially. | ✅ Yes. | On some beta versions, the standard slider does not maintain a state. |
If your version of MIUI is not listed in the table, try all three methods in order, and ADB remains the most versatile, as it works independently of the shell.
What to do if the split screen is still turned on?
If after all the manipulations the split screen continues to activate, check the following points:
- 🔄 Update the firmware: in older versions MIUI There were bugs with a multi-window. Go to Settings. → Update the system and install the latest version.
- 🧹 Reset settings: sometimes resetting to factory settings helps (don't forget to back up!). Way: Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.
- 🛠 Check out third-party launchers: If you use an alternative shell (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion), it may conflict with settings. MIUI.
- 📱 Remove unnecessary applications: Some programs (such as Parallel Space or Second Space) may force multi-windows to be activated.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro) sometimes helps to switch to standard mode MIUI brandless POCO. To do this, go to the Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI And tap 10 times on the logo. POCO — There will be an option to change the shell.
Alternative solutions: if nothing helps
In rare cases (usually on custom firmware or beta versions), a split screen can be sewn into the system so deeply that standard methods fail, leaving a radical solution:
- 🔧 Custom firmware installation: LineageOS or Pixel Experience, for example, don't have a built-in multi-window by default. MIUI (Second Space or Game Turbo).
- 🔒 Getting root rights: Magisk can remove the system application responsible for the split screen.
- 📵 Use of gesture blocker: Apps like Fluid Navigation Gestures or Edge Gestures can intercept swipes, preventing multi-window activation.
Before you resort to these methods, weigh the pros and cons. For example, root rights will deprive you of the ability to use banking applications (due to SafetyNet), and custom firmware can work unstable.
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If you are not ready for radical measures, try first to update the firmware to the latest stable version - in new releases of MIUI bugs with multi-window often fix.