Multitasking on Xiaomi smartphones is no longer a luxury for those who work with instant messengers, documents and a browser at the same time. However, many users still do not know how to fully use multiple windows on their devices. In this article, we will analyze all available methods, from a standard split screen to hidden MIUI functions that work even on budget Redmi and POCO.
It’s important to understand that multi-window capabilities depend on the firmware version and smartphone model. For example, the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Black Shark 5 Pro support free floating windows, whereas the Redmi Note 10 can only have a basic split screen. We tested all methods on MIUI 12.5-14 and collected the latest data in the compatibility table below.
If you've never tried multiple windows, don't worry. We'll start with the simplest ways and gradually move on to advanced settings, including developer mode and the best way to do this. ADB-And at the end of the article, you're waiting for the team. FAQ answering frequent errors, such as why some apps don’t support multitasking.
1. Standard split screen (screen split)
The easiest and most versatile way is the split screen mode, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 9 and later.This method does not require root rights or additional settings, but has a limitation: you can only open two applications at a time (except for some flagships with MIUI 14, where up to 3 windows are available).
To activate the split screen:
- 📱 Open the first app (e.g. Telegram).
- 👆 Swipe your finger up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold it – the menu of the latest apps will open.
- 🔄 Click on the app icon (not the cross!) and select Split screen (or Split screen in English firmware).
- 📲 Select the second app from the list (e.g. Google Chrome).
Once activated, you'll see a black dividing strip in the middle of the screen, which you can drag up/down to change the proportions of the windows (e.g., make one window wider for ease of reading), to exit the mode, pull the strip to the edge of the screen or press the Home button.
⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Instagram, TikTok, or games) block split screen work for security or performance reasons. If nothing happens when you select the second app, it does not support this mode.
2. Floating windows (Mini Window)
The floating window (or Mini Window) feature allows you to open applications in small windows on top of the main interface, which is convenient for messengers, calculators or players. Unlike a split screen, you can open multiple windows at the same time (up to 3-4, depending on the model).
How to turn on floating windows:
- Open Settings → Special features → Floating windows.
- Activate the switch to Turn on the floating windows.
- Return to the latest apps menu, click on the app icon and select Open in the floating window.
You can drag the window across the screen, resize it (stretching around corners), or roll it into a small icon on the sidebar. To close the window, pull it to the bottom edge of the screen or press the cross.
Enable the function in the settings of special features
Check the compatibility of the application (not everyone supports the mode)
Clear the app cache if the window does not open
Update MIUI last-minute-->
| Xiaomi model | Split screen | Floating windows | Max. Number of windows. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14 Pro | ✅ | ✅ (4-window) | 3–4 |
| POCO F5 Pro | ✅ | ✅ (3-window) | 2–3 |
| Redmi Note 12 | ✅ | ⚠️ (Only 1 window) | 2 |
| Black Shark 5 | ✅ | ✅ (play-tune) | 2–3 |
3.Gesturals for quick switching
If you’re uncomfortable opening the latest app menus every time, you can use gestures to instantly switch between windows, a technique that works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later, but requires pre-setting.
Activation of gestures:
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Gestures and buttons.
- 👆 Select Gestures to Switch Applications.
- 🖐️ Enable the Swipe up and hold option (to open the menu of recent apps with the option to choose a split screen).
- 🔄 Optionally: Enable Double Press to Switch (quick switch between the last two apps).
After setting up, you will be able to:
- 👆 Swipe up and hold to open the menu with the option of selecting a split screen.
- ☝️ Twice swipe across the screen (left or right) for quick switching between the last two apps.
- 🤏 Squeeze the screen with three fingers (on some models) to roll the app into a floating window.
💡
If the gestures don't work, check if they conflict with the Full-screen gesture settings in the Screen section. Turn off full-screen gestures for 1-2 minutes and try again.
4. Developer Mode: Hidden Multi-Conference Opportunities
For advanced users, Xiaomi hides the additional multi-window settings in developer mode, where you can enable free multitasking (up to 4 windows), change the priority of processes and even make incompatible applications work in a separate screen.
How to activate the developer mode and configure multi-windows:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Click 7 times on the MIUI version until you become a developer!
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the Multitasking section and enable: 🔄 Allow multiple windows (if any). 📱 Do not limit background processes (for stable operation). 🚀 Forced to turn on split screen (for incompatible applications).
Once you activate these options, try reopening the split screen or floating windows. Some apps (like WhatsApp or VK) that used to block multitasking can now work in split mode.
⚠️ Warning: Enabling the option to not limit background processes can increase battery consumption by 10-15%. If you notice strong heating or rapid discharge, return the setting to its original state.
5.Use of ADB to force multi-windows to be turned on
If your device does not support floating windows or split screens for certain applications, you can use the ADB-Android Debug Bridge, which requires you to connect your smartphone to your PC, but gives you complete control over multitasking.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Platform Tools (includes adb).
- Enable USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and type in the command line: adb devices (your device should appear).
- Enter the command to force free windows to turn on: adb shell settings put global force_resizeable_activities 1
- Reboot your smartphone.