How to remove split screen on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Why Xiaomi has a split screen and how to fix it

The split screen (or multi-window) mode on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature for working with two apps simultaneously. However, many users face a situation where this mode is activated accidentally or starts to work incorrectly, for example, after updating MIUI, the screen can spontaneously split into two parts, and standard methods of turning off stop working.

In this article, we will discuss all possible causes of split screen on Redmi, POCO, Mi and other Xiaomi devices, as well as provide step-by-step instructions for turning it off. Particular attention will be paid to models with MIUI 12-14, where the logic of multi-windows has changed compared to earlier versions of the shell.

If you notice that the split screen turns on when you press the "Recent" button, long-term retention of the application icon or after connecting the keyboard - do not rush to reset the settings. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved in 1-2 minutes without losing data.

Method 1: Disconnect via the recent applications panel

The fastest way to remove split screens is to use the standard multitasking menu, which works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 10 and later, including the latest firmware versions.

Instructions:

1. Open any application that appears in split mode.
2. Click on the "Recent" button (square in the bottom navigation bar).
3. At the top of the screen, a panel with an active app will appear. Find the "Share Screen" icon (two overlapping rectangular icons).
4. Touch this icon - it should turn grey, which means disabling mode.
5. Close the recent app menu with a swipe down.

If the split screen icon is missing or inactive, move on to the next method. On some models (for example, POCO F4 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), this control can be hidden in the additional menu - to call it, hold the app icon in the recent panel.

Method 2: Set up special features

In some cases, split screens are activated due to features enabled in the Special Features section, which is typical for devices with MIUI 13/14, where developers have added additional options for users with disabilities.

To disable the forced multi-window mode:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Physical Opportunities.
2. Find the option “Screen Control” or “Multiwindow” (the name may vary depending on the model).
3. Turn off the slider next to the option "Automatic split screen" or "Forced multi-window".
4. Restart the device to apply the changes.

On the POCO X5 Pro and Redmi K60, this option may be in the Settings submenu → Additional → Function Lab. If you don’t find this option, then it’s not on your device, move on to other ways.

Method 3: Reset gesture and navigation settings

On Xiaomi devices with full-screen gestures (no hardware buttons), split screens can be turned on due to a glitch in navigation settings, especially for the Mi 11, Mi 12 and POCO F3 models, where gestures often conflict with system functions.

To reset the settings:

1. Open Settings → Display → Full-screen display.
2. Select Navigation Type and temporarily switch to Navigation Buttons (three virtual buttons).
3. Return to the main settings menu and restart the device.
4. After the reboot, turn on "Full-screen gestures" again.

This method helps in 70% of cases when the split screen appears spontaneously when swipes from the bottom edge. If the problem persists, check whether a third-party gesture control application (for example, Fluid Navigation Gestures or Edge Gestures) conflicts with the system.

Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work and split screens interfere, you can turn it off via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for advanced users and requires connecting a smartphone to a computer.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate “Debugging by USB”.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:

adb shell settings put global force_split_screen false

1. Reset the device.

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell am broadcast -a com.miui.multitasking.FORCE_DISABLE_SPLIT_SCREEN

These commands force the multi-window system level to shut down. Be careful: improper use of ADB can cause the device to malfunction. If you're not sure what you're doing, skip this method.

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Before working with ADB, back up your data via Mi Cloud or locally to help recover information in the event of a crash.

Method 5: Resetting the launcher settings

Sometimes a split screen appears due to a failure in the system launcher Xiaomi (the application responsible for the main screen), in which case it will help to reset its settings:

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Show all apps."
3. Find the Louncher app (or MIUI Launcher) and open its settings.
4. Click on "Storage" → "Clear Data" and "Clear Cache".
5. Confirm the action and restart the device.

Once reset, all icons on the home screen will return to their standard location, and the multi-window settings will reset to factory settings, which is effective if the split screen appears after installing an update or changing the themes of the design.

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The launcher reset does not delete user data (photos, messages, apps), but returns standard wallpaper and icon location.

Table: Method compatibility with MIUI versions

If none of these methods worked, it may be a hardware failure (such as a touch screen malfunction) or system files that are damaged, in which case it is recommended to contact the Xiaomi service center or perform a complete reset (with loss of data).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you turn off split screens, users often make mistakes that lead to the opposite result, and here are the most common ones:

• 🔄 Ignoring updates: On devices with MIUI 12.5+ Some multi-window features work differently. Before turning off, check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Use of third-party launchers: Apps like Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher may conflict with the system multi-window. MIUI.
• 🔧 Incomplete resetting: If you reset your gesture or launcher settings but don’t restart your device, the changes may not take effect.
• 🚫 Blocking system applications: Some "optimizers" (e.g. Greenify) block the processes that control the multi-window.

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new shell from Xiaomi, which came to replace the new model) MIUI In 2026, the logic of split-screen has changed: If your smartphone is running on HyperOS, use the method with the panel of recent applications or reset the launcher - other methods may not work.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions