The split screen (or multi-window) feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to use two apps simultaneously – for example, watching YouTube videos and chatting to Telegram without constantly switching. However, not all users know how to activate this mode correctly, especially after MIUI updates when the location of the settings changes. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to enable split screen on different Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, and also consider the typical errors and limitations of the feature.
It’s important to understand that sharing the screen depends on the MIUI firmware version and device model. For example, on budget devices like the Redmi 9A or POCO C31, the function may be missing due to performance limitations, while on flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) advanced multitasking options are available. Also, after upgrading to MIUI 14/15, the mode activation algorithm has changed — now it is more often hidden in control gestures.
If you’ve tried to turn on a split screen before, but you didn’t succeed, chances are that the problem lies in one of three reasons: a disabled feature in settings, an application incompatibility, or a conflict with the MIUI shell.
1. Ways to Incorporate a Split Screen on Xiaomi
There are three main methods for activating multi-window mode on Xiaomi devices, depending on the version of MIUI and the type of control (buttons or gestures).
Most modern models (Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F4/F5) use gesture control by default.
- 📱 Open the first app you want to pin to half the screen.
- 👆 Swipe your finger up from the bottom edge and hold the app icon (the context menu will appear).
- 🔄 Select "Separate Screen"** (or Split Screen in English).
- 📲 At the bottom of the screen will appear a panel with other open applications – select the second.
If you have navigation buttons enabled (three virtual keys at the bottom of the screen), the order of action will be different:
- Open the first appendix.
- Click on the recent square button (latest task list).
- Hold your finger on the app icon and drag it to the top of the screen (there will be a prompt to drag here to split).
- Select the second app from the recent list.
Some models (Xiaomi Pad 5/6, Mix Fold) have an advanced multi-window mode with floating windows. To activate it, go to Settings → Special Options → Multi-window Mode and turn on the option “Floating Windows”**.
2. split screen settings in MIUI 14 and 15
In the latest versions of MIUI 14 and MIUI 15, developers have moved some of the split-screen features to the Lab section** (hidden settings) to access them:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version until you become a developer!
- Return to the main settings menu and open Additional settings → Lab.
- Find the option “Share up” and turn it on.
In this section you can also configure:
- 🔄 Automatic rotation of the screen in multi-window mode.
- 📱 Divisor size (thickness of the dividing line between windows).
- 🔒 Fixing the upper/lower window (so as not to accidentally close it with a gesture).
On the Xiaomi Pad and foldable devices (Mix Fold 3) in MIUI 15, the option “Horizontal split screen”** has appeared, which allows you to divide the screen not only vertically, but also horizontally, which is convenient for working with documents or comparing photos.
💡
If the Lab does not have a “Share Screen” option**, upgrade to the latest version or check the model’s compatibility with the feature.
3.Why isn't split screen on Xiaomi working?
If you follow the instructions but the multi-window mode is not activated, the reasons may be as follows:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| There is no Split screen option in the menu | The function is disabled in the settings or not supported by the model | Check the settings → More → Lab or update MIUI |
| The application does not open in a multi-window | The application is not optimized for the mode | Try another app or turn on Forced Multi-Window Mode in ADB |
| The screen is divided only vertically. | No support for horizontal separation | Update your firmware to MIUI 15 or use the Xiaomi Pad tablet |
| Multi-window closes itself | Conflict with gestures or battery optimization | Turn off Adaptive Brightness and add apps to battery exceptions |
On devices with a Snapdragon 4xx series processor (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO C31), split screen function can be blocked at the firmware level due to limited resources, in which case only manual activation via ADB or custom firmware installation will help.
Another common problem is a black screen in one of the windows, which happens if the application does not support background work (for example, some banking programs or games).
- Close both windows and restart the applications.
- Turn off MIUI Optimization for the problem application in the battery settings.
- Try using the floating window mode (if available).
How to turn on multi-window through ADB?
4. How to change the size of windows in split screen mode
By default, split-screen windows are split evenly (50/50), but the ratio can be changed.
- Activate multi-window mode (by any of the methods described above).
- Find the dividing line between the windows – it looks like a thick gray strip with a dot in the middle.
- Drag the point up or down to change the proportions (e.g. 70/30 or 30/70).
Some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Mix Fold 2) are available to save custom proportions.
- 🔧 Set the right ratio of windows.
- 📌 Hold the dividing line for 2-3 seconds until a pop-up prompts you to save the template appears.
- 🔄 Next time you can quickly apply the saved proportion.
Note that if one of the apps does not support resizing (like Google Maps or Camera), the dividing line will be blocked, in which case you can try swapping apps or using alternative programs (like Yandex Maps instead of Google Maps).
Update MIUI to the latest version
Check the compatibility of the model with the function
Turn off battery optimization for the right applications
Make sure the gestures are set up correctly-->
5. Advanced Opportunities: Floating Windows and Multitasking
Along with classic split screen, MIUI offers other multitasking tools:
- 🖼️ Floating windows are miniature versions of apps that can be moved around the screen (available on Xiaomi Pad and flagships).
- 🔄 Quick Switch – Double pressing the Recent button to switch between the last two apps.
- 📱 App cloning – running two accounts of the same messenger (for example, WhatsApp) at the same time.
To enable floating windows:
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Multi-window mode.
- Activate the option of floating windows.
- Open the app, swipe down from the top edge and select Make Floating.
On foldable devices (Mix Fold 3), a unique Double Screen mode is available, which allows you to use internal and external displays simultaneously, for example, on the external screen you can view a presentation, and on the internal screen you can manage notes.
💡
Floating windows consume more RAM, so devices with 4 GB of RAM (for example, the Redmi Note 10) may experience braking.
Limitations and alternative solutions
Despite the convenience, the split screen mode on Xiaomi has a number of limitations:
- ❌ Not all apps support multi-windows (especially games and banking apps).
- ❌ On weak devices (Snapdragon) 4xx, Helio G35) The function may be unstable.
- ❌ In horizontal orientation, some interface elements are displayed incorrectly.
If a standard split screen isn’t suitable, consider alternatives:
| Problem. | Alternative solution |
|---|---|
| The application does not support multi-window | Use Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode for video or Second Space for second profile |
| No function on the budget model | Install a launcher with split screen support (e.g. Nova Launcher + Split Screen Creator module) |
| We need more than two windows. | Connect your phone to Xiaomi Pad in MIUI+ mode for advanced multitasking |
For owners of POCO F3/F4 and other devices with unlocked bootloader, there is another option - install custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience or LineageOS), where the multi-window mode is implemented differently and supports more applications.
⚠️ Note: Using unofficial firmware may result in loss of warranty and unstable operation of the device.Before installation, back up the data via Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
7. Comparison with other brands: which is better?
The split-screen feature on Xiaomi is inferior to those from Samsung (DeX) or Huawei (Multi-Window), but it beats budget brands like Realme or Infinix.
- 📱 Samsung DeX – full desktop mode with mouse and keyboard support (available only on flagships).
- 🖥️ Huawei Multi-Window – Up to 4 windows at a time EMUI 11+.
- 💰 Xiaomi is a simple split screen without additional devices, but with restrictions on the number of windows.
The advantage of MIUI is the ease and speed of activation of the mode. For example, on Samsung, you need to connect your phone to a monitor to enable DeX, and on Xiaomi, you need one gesture. However, for professional work (for example, with documents or code), solutions from Samsung or Microsoft (Your Phone) are better suited.
On foldable devices (Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5), the difference is even more noticeable: the Korean brand offers more optimizations for multitasking, but the Chinese smartphone is cheaper and has more powerful “iron” in the basic configuration.