Multitasking is one of the key advantages of a modern mobile operating system, allowing users to perform several tasks simultaneously without constantly switching between windows. Owners of budget and mid-budget smartphones such as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 often wonder how to implement a split-screen functionality that significantly improves the efficiency of the device. The ability to run a messenger and a video player or a browser and a navigator side by side opens up new horizons for using the gadget in everyday life.
Although MIUI has its own features and differs from stock Android, the mechanism of working with windows here is implemented in a deep and flexible way. to activate this feature does not require obtaining super-user rights or installing third-party software, since all the necessary tools are already built into the system. However, many users are not aware of the existence of hidden settings or alternative activation methods, limited to standard methods that may not be obvious at first glance.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the available ways to split the screen on your device, look at the nuances of the interface and answer frequently asked questions. You will learn how to set up quick access to this mode, which applications are best for working in split-screen mode and what to do if the function is not activated. Proper use of the capabilities of the split screen will save you a lot of time and make interaction with your smartphone truly productive.
Device preparation and application compatibility check
Before you start directly splitting the display, you need to make sure that your device is ready to work in multitasking mode. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 has enough RAM to comfortably display two active applications, however, background processes can affect the response rate.
It is important to understand that not all installed programs support split mode. Application developers may block this feature due to interface features or screen orientation requirements. For example, some games or specialized utilities may be forced to unfold to the full screen, ignoring the user's attempts to share space. MIUI automatically determines compatibility, but the user should be aware of these limitations in advance.
⚠️ Attention: When working in split-screen mode, energy consumption increases significantly, as two processes are active simultaneously.
To ensure stable operation of the system, it is also worth checking for updates. The manufacturer regularly releases patches that improve the interface and correct errors in the work of the window manager. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and check for a new firmware version. The current software ensures that you use the most optimized code for multi-window mode.
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If you notice that one of the split-screen apps is slow, try closing the background processes in the recent apps menu before starting the split mode.
Classic Activation Method via Recent Apps Menu
The most common and standard way to run two apps simultaneously on the Redmi Note 8 is to use the task menu, which requires no additional settings and is available immediately after the device is turned on. First, open the app you want to place at the top of the screen, such as a browser or YouTube, and then swipe it up by clicking the Home button or swiping it up, depending on the type of navigation you choose.
Next, you need to call the menu of recent apps. In classic navigation, this is done by long pressing the square button at the bottom of the screen, and when using gestures, swiping up from the bottom of the screen with a small delay. In the list that opens, find the card of the newly opened application. In the upper right corner of the card (or sometimes in the center, depending on the version of MIUI), you will see an icon that resembles two horizontal rectangles or arrows.
☑️ Screen split algorithm
Once you click on this icon, the selected application will occupy the top half of the display, and the bottom part will become the active selection area. The system will offer you a list of frequently used programs or a full catalog of installed applications to select the second window. When you select the desired program, you will get a full split screen where both applications will function independently from each other. The boundary between the windows can be moved by changing the proportions of the displayed space.
Using the sidebar for quick access
The MIUI shell provides users with a unique tool called Sidebar (or Floating Windows) that greatly speeds up the process of switching between applications and running them in split mode. This feature allows you to call a list of favorite programs as a floating menu without leaving the current application. To activate the sidebar, go to Settings → Special features → Sidebar and turn on the appropriate switch.
Once activated, a translucent marker will appear on the side of the screen, and when you touch it, you can customize the list by adding the most commonly used programs, such as messengers, calculators or notes. To launch the application in split mode, open the main window, call the sidebar, find the desired application and drag it to the free area of the screen or click on a special split icon inside the panel.
The advantage of this method is speed and convenience. You don't have to fold apps every time and look for them in the menu of recent tasks. In addition, the sidebar allows you to run applications in floating window mode, which can be moved around the screen on top of other programs, which is an alternative to hard splitting the screen. This is especially convenient for short-term tasks, such as responding to a message while watching a video.
Navigation setting and window management
The split screen on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is controlled by a special divider located between two active windows. This divider is a horizontal feature that can be dragged up or down, changing the area occupied by each application. This allows you to adapt the interface to your current needs: make the keyboard larger for easy typing or expand the area of the video player for better view.
To close one of the applications or exit split-screen mode, you need to drag the dividing line to the very edge of the display. If you drag the line up completely, the bottom app will close, and if you go down to the top. Also, there is a button in the center of the dividing line, which when you press it appears menu with additional options, including full closure of the mode or swapping (replacement) of the top and bottom applications.
It's worth noting that when you activate the input in the bottom application, the keyboard can cover a large part of the screen, especially if the top application is large, the system tries to adjust the size of the windows automatically, but in some cases you have to manually reduce the area of the top application to type comfortably, an important aspect of interface ergonomics that requires addiction.
| Action. | Control element | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Change the size of windows | Dragging the central lane | Change in the proportions of the upper and lower window |
| Closure of the regime | Drag the lane to the edge | One of the applications is closed, the second is deployed. |
| Replacement of applications | Menu on the dividing strip | Option to choose another application to replace the current one |
| Full screen mode | The home button in one of the windows | Exit to launcher, separation mode is maintained in the background |
Solution: When the mode is not activated
Despite the system’s cleverness, users may encounter situations where apps don’t want to open in split mode or crash when they try to split, often because a particular version of an application isn’t optimized to work on multiple screens at once, in which case the system can automatically close one window or block the second one from starting, not because the smartphone malfunctions, but rather because the application’s code is limited.
Another common cause of problems is a lack of RAM. If there are many heavy processes running in the background, MIUI can force one of the applications to be unloaded in a split screen to free up resources for the system, in which case it is recommended to clear the memory before starting the mode or restart the device, and problems can occur when using One-Hand Mode or specific design themes that conflict with the system windows.
⚠️ Note: Some high-security banking applications and services may block screenshots and split-screen work in order to protect data.
If you find that the split screen function has disappeared from the menu or stopped responding to actions, try resetting the launcher settings. Go to Settings → Apps → All Applications → MIUI Launcher (or System) and select Clean → Clear All. This action will return standard interface settings without affecting your personal data, photos or contacts, but can restore system functions.
Hidden commands for advanced users
Optimization of work and useful tips
For the most effective use of split screen mode on Redmi Note 8, you should adhere to certain rules for selecting pairs of applications. Best of all, programs that do not require constant full-screen attention, such as a navigator and messenger, or YouTube and a text editor, work together. Avoid combining two resource-intensive games or applications with heavy graphics, as this can lead to a noticeable drop in frame rate and heat the case.
It's also useful to know about Pin Window, which is often confused with splitting, but which serves other purposes: It allows you to lock one app onto the full screen, preventing you from leaving it without confirming what's useful when transferring your phone to children or showing content. Screen splitting, in turn, is designed specifically for the user to work in parallel with two tools. Understanding the difference between these modes helps you navigate settings faster.
Keep in mind that the horizontal orientation of the device also supports split mode, but in this case, the applications will be located side by side, not on top of each other.This may be more convenient for tablet-like use, especially on the 6.3-inch screen that the Redmi Note 8 is equipped with. Experiment with orientation to find the most comfortable format for your eyes and fingers.
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The ideal pair for splitting the screen on the Redmi Note 8 is a bundle of Messenger + Browser or Video + Notes, as they minimally load the processor and do not require constant full-screen interaction.