How to open two windows at the same time on Xiaomi: all ways to MIUI

Why you need multi-windows on Xiaomi and what models support the function

Multitasking on Xiaomi smartphones has long ceased to be exotic — with the release of MIUI 9 (and later MIUI 12-15), the split screen function became standard for most models of the brand. However, not all users know how to properly activate the two-window mode, especially on new devices like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO F6. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods – from the classic gesture to hidden settings for older versions of firmware.

It’s important to understand that multi-window support is not only dependent on the MIUI version, but also on the hardware capabilities of the device. For example, budget models like the Redmi A2 may not support the function due to limited processor resources. The table below shows the minimum requirements for different Xiaomi lines:

Method 1: Standard gesture for newer versions of MIUI (12-15)

The easiest method is to use a built-in split-screen gesture that works on most devices with MIUI 12 and later.

1. Open the first app you want to pin to the top of the screen.
2. Click on the recent apps button (square at the bottom of the screen or swipe up with a delay).
3. In the list of open applications, find the icon of the first application and hold it for 1-2 seconds.
4. A menu will appear – select the option Split screen (or Open at the top).
5. Select the second app from the list for the bottom of the screen.

If the gesture does not work, check the settings:

• 📱 Enable the function in Settings → Special facilities → Split screen.
• ⚙️ Make sure that in the settings → Home screen → Recently included Gestures for split screen.
• 🔄 Restart the device if the gesture stopped working after the update.

Method 2: Menu button for older versions of MIUI (up to 11)

On devices with MIUI 9-11 (such as the Redmi Note 7 or Mi 9T), the split screen is activated via the menu button.

1. Open the first appendix.
2. Click on the “Recent” button (square) and hold the app icon.
3. In the menu that appears, select the split screen.
4. Select the second app from the list or from the home screen.

If there is no menu button (e.g., on POCO X3 with gesture control), turn it on manually:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Menu button.
2. Choose the option of the Three Navigation buttons.
3. Save the changes and repeat the steps above.

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On some models (such as Black Shark 5), multi-windows only work in horizontal orientation. Turn the screen if the feature is not activated.

Method 3: Hidden developer settings for advanced users

If standard methods don’t work, you can try enabling multi-windows through developer mode, which is suitable for devices with MIUI 13+, where the function can be disabled by default.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the Enable Free Form Multi-Windows (or Force Resizeable Activities) option and activate it.
4. Reset the device.

Then try to open the two windows again with a standard gesture, and if the function still doesn't work, check the compatibility of the apps:

• 🚫 Not all apps support multi-windows (for example, Instagram or TikTok can block mode).
• ✅ Work: Chrome, YouTube (premium), Telegram, Google Maps.
• 🔧 For forced inclusion, use the adb command: adb shell settings put global force_resizeable_activities 1

Method 4: Mini Windows as an alternative

If split screen is uncomfortable, you can use floating windows, miniature versions of apps that overlap over the main screen, which is available on MIUI 12.5+ and is supported by most models, including the Redmi 10 and POCO M5.

How to turn on:

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Floating Windows.
2. Turn on the switch and select the apps that can be opened in mini windows.
3. Now hold the app icon in the Recents menu and choose Open in the float window.

Advantages of floating windows:

• 🎯 You can move around the screen and change the size.
• 📱 Work on top of other apps (e.g. WhatsApp chat over YouTube).
• 🔄 Quick switching between windows.

Limitations:

• 🚫 Not all apps support this mode (especially games).
• 📵 On small screens (such as Redmi) 9A) The windows may be too small.

Multi-window compatibility table for popular Xiaomi models

Important: On devices with less than 4GB of RAM (e.g. Redmi 9C), multi-windows may not work at all or be stable, and in this case, it is recommended to use floating windows or lightweight versions of applications (e.g. Facebook Lite).

Problem Solving: Multi-windows Are Not Working

If none of these methods worked, check the following points:

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (such as custom LineageOS or Pixel Experience) may have multi-windows disabled at the kernel level. MIUI or use Magisk modules.

Checklist for diagnosis:

• 🔋 Check battery power – at a level below 15%, the system can block resource-intensive functions.
• 📱 Make sure that in the settings → Battery → Performance mode selected High productivity.
• 🔄 Update the firmware through Settings → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Reset the launcher settings: hold an empty space on the home screen → Home screen settings → Drop it.

If the problem persists, try resetting to factory settings (data backup is a must!):

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset all settings (does not delete files).
3. After restarting, repeat the multi-window setting.

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On devices with MIUI Global, the multi-window function may be limited compared to MIUI China, in which case switching to Chinese firmware (requires unlocking the bootloader) will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about multi-windows on Xiaomi