Multitasking on Xiaomi devices is not just a handy feature, but a real productivity tool. Being able to work with two apps or windows at the same time saves time and simplifies routine tasks, from watching videos with simultaneous surfing online to comparing documents without constantly switching, but not everyone knows how to activate this mode on their devices — whether it’s a MIUI smartphone, Mi TV or Pad tablet.
In this article, we will explore all the available ways to enable two windows on Xiaomi, including hidden features and nuances for different models, learn how to run a separate screen on a TV, use Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode on a smartphone, and what limitations exist for older firmware versions, and pay special attention to devices with MIUI 12/13/14 and TVs on PatchWall – their interfaces have key differences.
1.Share split on Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV)
Xiaomi PatchWall TVs support split-screen functionality, but it depends on the model and firmware version. On most devices (e.g. Mi TV Q2 75" or Redmi Smart TV X55), you can run two apps simultaneously in 50/50 or 70/30 mode.
First, make sure your TV is up to date with the latest software. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update. If new firmware is available, install it, as older versions may not have multitasking or may not work properly.
- 📺 Method 1: Through the Quick Settings Panel, while viewing content (such as YouTube or Netflix), press the Home button on the remote, then hold the Back button (with the arrow to the left) 2-3 You'll see a menu that says split screen. Select the second app from the list.
- 🎮 Method 2: Through the game panel on some models (e.g., Mi) TV P1) Screen split is only available in game mode. Launch the game, then press Menu → Multitasking → Split screen.
- ⚙️ Method 3: Display settings Go to Settings → Display and sound → Multitasking and activate the split screen option, and then the feature will be available in the quick action panel.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi TVs with a diagonal of less than 50 inches (Mi) TV 4A 43", Redmi TV 40") the split screen function may be disabled by the manufacturer due to screen resolution limitations, in which case only Picture-in-Picture mode remains (see next section).
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode on smartphones and TVs
If full screen splitting is not available, Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, a small window with a video or call that stays on top of other apps, works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 and later, as well as on TVs with PatchWall 3.0+.
On smartphones (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, etc.), the PiP is activated automatically when you fold videos from supported apps (YouTube, Netflix, Google Maps) to enable it manually:
- Open the video in the app (e.g. YouTube).
- Press the Home button and the video will be rolled up into a small window.
- Drag the window to any corner of the screen to resize or close it.
On Xiaomi PiP TVs, for example, when you watch IPTV or YouTube, click Menu on the remote, then select PiP mode. The second window will appear in the lower right corner. Note that only one video can be streamed in the PiP, and the rest of the apps will open in the full screen.
| The device | Supported applications for PiP | Max, size of PiP window |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 | YouTube, Netflix, Google Maps, VLC | 1/4 screen |
| Mi TV Q2, Redmi Smart TV X | YouTube, IPTV, Prime Video, Local Media Files | 1/3 screen |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | YouTube, Netflix, Chrome (video) | 1/2 screen |
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If the PiP doesn’t work on YouTube, check the settings of the app: Settings → General → Picture-in-Picture (must be enabled). Some firmware also requires you to activate the option in Special System Features.
3. Multitasking on Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI 12/13/14)
Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones offer two main ways to work with dual windows: a split screen and floating windows. One divides the display into two equal parts, the other allows you to open mini windows on top of the main interface. Let's consider both options.
A separate screen is available on all devices with MIUI 12 and later, to activate:
Open the first app (like Chrome)
Click the Recent button (square at the bottom of the screen)
Hold the app icon and select Separate Screen
Select the second app from the list-->
Once activated, you can adjust the window size by dragging the dividing line. To close the mode, pull the line to the edge of the screen or press Home.
Floating windows are a more flexible feature, but it's hidden in the settings.
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Floating Windows.
- Activate the switch and select the apps that can be opened in mini windows.
- Now, when you open a supported application (such as Calculator or Notes), hold its icon in the Recent menu and select Open in the floating window.
⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MIUI 14 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) floating windows may conflict with navigation gestures. If the windows don't move, turn off gestures in Settings → Display. → Full screen display and use navigation buttons.
4. Features for Xiaomi tablets (Pad) 5/6)
Xiaomi Pad 5 and Pad 6 are optimized for multitasking better than smartphones, and there are three modes available:
- 🖥️ Separate screen – classic division into two windows (horizontally or vertically).
- 📄 Floating windows – up to 3 mini windows at a time (e.g. chat) + calculator + note-book).
- 🔄 Quick Switch – Swipe Sideways for Instant Return to Previous Application.
To activate a separate screen on the tablet:
- Open the first application (such as Word).
- Swipe your finger from the top edge of the screen down to open the notification bar, then hold the app icon and drag it to the left or right side of the screen.
- Select the second app from the Recent menu.
For floating windows:
- Go to Settings → Additional → Floating Windows.
- Add the required applications to the white list.
- Now, when you open the application, hold its header and select the Free Window.
How to change the size of the floating windows?
5.The Challenges and Limitations of Multitasking on Xiaomi
While convenient, the two-window feature on Xiaomi devices has a number of limitations, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| There is no option "Separate Screen" in the menu | Outdated firmware or model does not support the function | Update the software or use the PiP |
| Apps do not open in floating windows | App not added to whitelist | Add it to Settings → Floating Windows |
| Video in PiP slows down | Insufficient RAM | Close background apps or reduce video resolution |
| The separate screen is reset after blocking | Battery optimization kills processes | Disable optimization for applications in Settings → Battery |
On Xiaomi TVs with an Amlogic processor (e.g. Mi). TV 4S) The split screen may not work as well due to the limitations of the iron platform, and in this case, it is recommended to use external devices such as Android. TV-boxes with multitasking support.
Another common limitation is the lack of support for some apps, such as TikTok and Instagram blocking floating windows at the API level, which can be circumvented by third-party launchers like Nova Launcher, but this requires root rights.
6. Alternative methods for older devices
If your Xiaomi device doesn’t support built-in multitasking (like the Redmi 5A or Mi TV 3S), you can take the workarounds:
- 📱 Third-party launchers Install a launcher with split screen support, such as Microsoft Launcher or POCO Launcher. They emulate interface-level multitasking.
- 🖥️ Mirroring on PC Connect your smartphone to your computer via Mi PC Suite and use two windows on your PC screen.
- 📺 External devices for TVs connect Fire TV Stick or Nvidia Shield – They support a separate screen through third-party apps.
For smartphones with MIUI 9 and below, you can try activating the hidden split screen function via ADB:
adb shell settings put global multi_window_mode_enabled 1Once you have done this, restart your device. Note that this method may not work smoothly and requires debugging over USB.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-commands on unofficial firmware (e.g. LineageOS) can cause a system failure.Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
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On devices older than 2018 (like the Redmi Note 5), multitasking via ADB can conflict with MIUI gestures, in which case it’s better to use third-party solutions like the Floating Apps app from Google Play.
7.Comparing multitasking on Xiaomi and other brands
The split-screen and PiP features on Xiaomi are inferior to those from Samsung (DeX) or Huawei (Multi-Window), but they are outperforming budget brands like Realme or Oppo. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 can open up to 3 floating windows at a time, while the Xiaomi Pad 6 only has 2. However, Xiaomi offers more flexible settings for TVs, where competitors (such as TCL or Hisense) are often limited to the PiP.
The benefits of multitasking on Xiaomi:
- ✅ Intuitive activation interface (holding the application icon).
- ✅ PiP support on TVs without additional devices.
- ✅ Flexible settings for tablets (mode "Free window").
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Limited list of supported applications in floating windows.
- ❌ There is no way to save split screen templates (unlike Huawei).
- ❌ On TVs, a separate screen often only works with pre-installed apps.