How to completely disable screen splitting on Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI

The split-screen (or multi-window) feature on Xiaomi smartphones can be useful for working with two apps at the same time, but users often experience it involuntaryly. For example, when a random swipe from the top of the screen or after a MIUI update, the system begins to forcefully suggest splitting windows. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable split-screen on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices, from standard settings to hidden developer settings.

It’s important to understand that different versions of MIUI (12 to 15) may have different paths to settings, and some models (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) have unique chips. We’ve taken these nuances into account and prepared universal solutions that work even on devices with custom firmware based on Android 13/14. If you have any questions after reading, check the FAQ block at the end of the article.

Why does the screen split switch on on by itself?

Most often, multi-windows are activated accidentally due to:

  • πŸ‘† The swipe down from the top edge is a gesture that MIUI By default, it can open the notification panel or start splitting the screen.
  • πŸ”„ Updates MIUI β€” Upgrade to a new version (for example, with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) settings are reset.
  • πŸ€– Failure in the operation of the launcher - especially relevant for devices with POCO Launcher or third-party shells.
  • πŸ“± Active navigation gestures – if full-screen gestures are enabled, the system may confuse them with multi-window commands.

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro), splitting can be activated automatically when connected to an external monitor via HDMI or Wireless Display.

⚠️ Note: If split screen only appears in a particular app (e.g. YouTube or Chrome), the problem may be the settings of the app itself, not the system.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI settings. It works on most devices, including the Redmi Note 11, POCO X5 Pro and Mi 11 Lite:

  1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to the Special Opportunities section β†’ Window management.
  3. Find the option "Separate Screen" (or "Multi-window" in new versions).
  4. Move the slider to the off position.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

  • πŸ”§ Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Full-screen display β†’ Screen splitting.
  • πŸ“± Settings β†’ Screen. β†’ Multitasking.

Reboot your smartphone after changes |Try swipe from the top edge - multi-window should not appear |Open 2 apps and try to split the screen manually |Check your gesture settings (see Method 3)

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On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 Global), the option may be called Split screen and be located in the System section. If you don't find an item on the menu, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Disconnect through the developer settings

If the standard method doesn't work, you'll have to use the developer mode, which is suitable for power users and requires caution.

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will receive a notification you became a developer).
  2. Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers.
  3. Find the parameter. force_resizable_activities (or forced change of activity size) and turn it off.
  4. Turn it off, too: enable_non_resizable_multi_window (if). multi_window_mode_support.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in developer mode can lead to unstable interface operation. If after the shutdown, lags appear or applications begin to close, return the settings to the original state.

What to do if there is no item force_resizable_activities?
On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 for POCO F3) This is hidden. Try: 1. Search for "multi window" in the settings. 2. Use ADB-command (see Method 5). 3. Update MIUI Up to the latest version – in new builds, the option may appear.

After the changes, restart the device. If the split screen is still working, check the settings of specific applications (for example, Google Chrome or Telegram may have their own multi-window settings).

Method 3: Set up gestures and launcher

Sometimes splitting the screen is triggered by a gesture conflict, like if you use full-screen gestures and you've simultaneously activated Swipe down for the panels, to fix this:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Full-screen display.
  2. Select Navigation Style β†’ Navigation buttons (if you use gestures, switch temporarily).
  3. Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Gestures.
  4. Turn off all gestures related to: πŸ‘† Swipe from the top edge. πŸ”„ Double tap on the screen. πŸ“± Holding the home button".

If you are using a POCO Launcher or a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher), check its settings:

  • πŸ”§ Open the launcher settings β†’ Gestures.
  • 🚫 Turn off the option of Screen Split or Multi-Window.
  • πŸ”„ Restart the launcher (in some cases, resetting its settings will help).

MIUI Launcher (standard)|POCO Launcher|Nova Launcher|Another third-party |I don't know what it is

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On devices with MIUI 14 and later, resetting gestures to standard gestures can help.

Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset settings β†’ Reset gesture settings

Method 4: Disconnect for individual applications

Some programs (e.g. YouTube, Google Maps, or WPS Office) have built-in multi-window support to prevent them from splitting the screen:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Select the app you want (such as Chrome).
  3. Slip on the additional β†’ display on top of other windows.
  4. Turn off the permission to show on top of other applications.

For Android 12+, the option is also available:

  • πŸ”§ In the application settings, find Multi-window or Split screen.
  • 🚫 Set the value Not supported or disabled.
AnnexThe path to multi-window settingsRecommended action
YouTubeYouTube settings β†’ General β†’ Multi-windowDisable Allow Screen Splitting
Google Chromechrome://flags β†’ #enable-split-screenInstall Disabled
WPS OfficeWPS settings β†’ MultitaskingTurn off Two Window Mode
TelegramTelegram settings β†’ ScreenDisable the Divided Mode

πŸ’‘

If the app doesn't have explicit multi-window settings, try clearing its cache: Settings β†’ Apps β†’ [Title] β†’ Storage β†’ Clear the cache. Sometimes this resets hidden settings.

Method 5: Use of ADB (for power users)

If the previous methods have not worked, you can use them. ADB-It's a radical way of connecting a smartphone to a computer:

  1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
  2. Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone: Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version (Tap 7 times). Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers β†’ Debugging on USB.
adb shell settings put global force_resizable_activities 0
adb shell settings put global multi_window_mode_support 0

Once you've done the commands, restart the device. To return the settings, replace the 0 with 1 in the commands.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you are not sure about your actions, skip this method or seek help from a specialist.

πŸ’‘

ADB-commands are the most reliable way to disable system-level splitting, but it requires technical skills. Use it only if other methods have not worked.

Method 6: Resetting settings (last resort)

If none of these things work, you'll have to reset to factory settings, which will delete all your data, so back up first.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Backup.
  2. Create a backup (can be in Mi Cloud or on a memory card).
  3. Go back to Settings β†’ System β†’ Resetting.
  4. Select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Reset Media!).
  5. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After discharge:

  • πŸ”§ Disable splitting the screen immediately via Settings (see Method 1).
  • πŸ“± Do not restore the settings from the backup - this can return the problem.
  • πŸ”„ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (sometimes bugs are fixed in new builds).
What if the problem has returned after the reset?
This means that the reason is in the firmware. Try: 1. Install custom recovery (TWRP) and flash an alternative version of MIUI. 2. Reverse to the previous stable build via Fastboot. 3. Contact the service center - you may need to flash it at the EDL level.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)

Can I turn off screen split only for a specific application?
Yes, in MIUI 14 and later, it's possible. Go to Settings β†’ Apps β†’ [App Name] β†’ Additional β†’ Multi-window and select Not Supported. For older versions of MIUI, you'll have to turn off the feature completely.
After the multi-window shutdown, some of the gestures stopped working.
Reset gesture settings: Settings β†’ System β†’ Resetting β†’ Reset gesture settings. If the problem persists, check conflicts in Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Gestures.
My POCO X3 Pro doesn't have a "Share Split" option in the settings. Why?
On some devices with POCO Launcher option hidden. Try: Set the standard MIUI Launcher. Update the firmware to the latest version. Use ADB-teams (Method 5).
The split screen is only activated when you connect to the monitor. How do you turn it off?
This is a function of Mi Desktop Mode. Turn it off: Settings β†’ Connected devices β†’ Desktop Mode. Turn off Automatically Start when you connect to the monitor. In Developer Mode, turn off. force_desktop_mode.
Will the split screen work after the MIUI update?
It depends on the firmware version. In MIUI 15, developers have added more flexible multi-window settings, but after the upgrade, your current settings may reset.