How to split the screen on a Xiaomi smartphone: 5 ways to turn on two windows at the same time

Multitasking on Xiaomi smartphones is no longer a luxury – it is a necessary tool for work, study or entertainment. The ability to open two windows at the same time (split screen) allows, for example, to chat in the messenger and watch videos, compare prices in the browser and chat or copy text between documents. However, many users of Redmi, POCO or Mi face the problem: the function is either hidden in the settings or works unstable after the MIUI updates.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to activate the two-window mode on Xiaomi, including hidden chips for older models (starting with MIUI 9) and new features in MIUI 14 based on Android 13/14.

1. Standard method: gestures or navigation buttons

The easiest method is to use the built-in multi-window feature through the recent app dashboard.It works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and newer, regardless of model (confirmed on Redmi Note 11, POCO X5, Mi 11 Lite).

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the first app (for example, YouTube).
• 👆 Swipe your finger up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold it – a recent app panel will open.
• 🔄 Click on the app icon (not the preview!) and select Split screen (or Split screen in English firmware).
• 📲 Select the second app from the list of recent.

If you have navigation buttons (three dots at the bottom of the screen), the algorithm is the same, but instead of a gesture, click on the square button (multitasking) and hold the app icon.

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On some models (for example, POCO F4) after activation of split screen there is a dividing strip – it can be dragged up/down to change the proportions of windows.

2. Alternative method: through system settings

If gestures don’t work (for example, due to custom firmware or MIUI bugs), turn on the function manually:

1. Go to Settings → Special Features → Multi-window (or Settings → Additional settings → Split screen).
2. Activate the switch Allow Multi-Window.
3. Go back to the recent applications and repeat the steps from the first method.

On MIUI 13/14, the path may be different: Settings → Screen → Multitasking. If there is no point, update your firmware or use the method below.

3. Split screen via notification panel (for MIUI 14)

The latest versions of MIUI have a convenient fast access to multi-windows through the notification curtain, which works on flagships (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Mix Fold 3) and some mid-budget models (Redmi Note 12 Pro+).

How to turn on:

• 📲 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
• 🔍 Find a Multi-window tile (could be called a Split screen). If it's not available, click Edit and add it manually.
• 🖱️ Slip on the tile, then select two apps from the list.

This method is especially convenient for gaming smartphones (Black Shark 5, POCO F5), where you need to quickly switch between game and chat.

4. Compulsory inclusion via ADB (for experienced)

If standard methods do not work (for example, on Xiaomi with custom firmware or after resetting), you can activate multi-windows through the user interface. ADB-This way you need a computer and you need to debug. USB.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global force_split_screen true
4. Reset the device.

After that, the feature should appear in the settings or the recent app bar. To cancel, use the command with false instead of true.

Install Xiaomi drivers USB|Download Platform Tools from Google|Enable debugging on USB|Allow access on the phone when connected|Check the connection with the adb device command-->

5.Why do some apps not support split screen?

Not all programs can be opened in two windows, such as Instagram, TikTok or Netflix often block this feature for the following reasons:

You can bypass the restrictions by cloning applications (parallel Apps function in MIUI) or installing alternative clients (for example, Instagram Lite instead of the main one).

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If the application does not support split screen, try opening it in a floating window (mini window function in MIUI 13/14).

6.Floating windows as an alternative to split screen

Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 13 and later have a feature called Floating Windows, which allows you to open apps in small rubber windows on top of the main screen, which is convenient for messengers or notes.

How to turn on:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Floating windows.
• 🔄 Activate the function and add the desired applications to the list.
• 🖱️ Now hold the app icon in multitasking and select Open in a floating window.

Floating windows can be moved, resized, and even folded into a small circle (like the Samsung DeX), which is especially useful for the Redmi Note 12 and other models with large screens.

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To quickly roll a floating window, tap its header twice. To return, pull a circle at the edge of the screen.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after the split screen is turned on, Xiaomi users are faced with bugs.

⚠️ Warning: If after activation of multi-window screen begins to flicker or applications spontaneously close - check the settings of energy saving. → Battery → Select Performance Mode Without Limitations for Problem Apps.

Problem 1: Split screen is turned on, but one of the windows does not respond to touch.

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📱 Check if One Hand Mode is enabled in the screen settings.
• 🛠️ Update the problem app via Google Play.

Problem 2: The function disappeared after the MIUI update.

• 📲 Reset the settings Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the interface settings.
• 🔧 Install. MIUI bootloader and roll back to the previous firmware version.

FAQ: Frequent questions about multi-windows on Xiaomi