How to split the screen on Xiaomi Redmi 8: a complete guide with video and tips

The split-screen feature on Xiaomi Redmi 8 allows you to work with two apps at the same time – for example, chatting in the messenger and watching videos, or copying text from the browser to a document. Despite the fact that the model was released in 2019, it supports multitasking based on MIUI (even on current versions of the firmware), but many users do not know how to activate this mode correctly, especially after system updates.

In this article, you’ll find 3 proven ways to split your screen, including hidden settings and workarounds for applications that don’t support the default multi-window. We’ll also break down common bugs (like why a feature might not work) and give you recommendations for optimizing performance while working with multiple programs at the same time. If you’ve previously tried splitting your screen but failed – chances are you’ve missed one of the key steps we’ll cover below.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 8 with version MIUI 12.5 and later, the split screen activation algorithm has changed, MIUI 11), some methods may not work – update the system in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

1. Standard method: split screen gesture

The fastest method is to use the built-in gesture function, which works in most versions of MIUI, but requires pre-activation in the settings. If you've never set up gestures, turn them on first:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Full-screen gestures.
2. Choose the gesture type “MIUI” (not “Android”!).
3. Activate the split screen switch.

Now we can split the screen:

• 📱 Open the first app (for example, YouTube).
• 👆 Swipe your finger from the bottom up and hold your finger on the screen for 1 second – a recent app panel will open.
• 🔄 Click on the app icon at the top of the card and select Split screen.
• 📲 Select the second app from the list of recent.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Instagram or TikTok) block split-mode work.

Full-screen gestures of MIUI are included

The option "Share up" is activated in the settings

Apps Updated to the latest version

Free at least 1.5 GB of RAM-->

2. Alternative method: through the recent appendices panel

If the gestures don't work or you're uncomfortable with them, you can split the screen through the multitasking menu, which is universal and works even on older versions of MIUI.

1. Open the first appendix.
2. Press the square button (or swipe from the bottom up and hold if you use gestures).
3. At the top of the application card will appear the icon “Two rectangles” – tap it.
4. Select the second app from the list.

You can now adjust the size of the windows by dragging the dividing line up or down. To get back to normal mode, pull the line to the edge of the screen or click on the Close the split screen in the center.

Important: On Redmi 8 with 3GB of RAM, working with more than 2 applications in split mode at the same time can cause slowdowns. Close background processes before activating the multi-window.

Through gestures

Through the recent app panel

Through the developer settings

I use third-party apps.-->

3. Hidden function: Developer mode

If standard methods don't work, try turning on split screen through the developer settings, which is suitable for power users and allows you to fine-tune multitasking.

First, activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times in a row on the MIUI version option - a notification will appear "You became a developer!".
3. Return to Settings → Additional settings → For developers.

Now turn on the forced split screen:

• 🔧 Find the option Forced split screen activation (or Force resizeable activities in English version).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📱 Try splitting the screen again in the standard way – now it has to work even with previously incompatible apps.

⚠️ Note: Enabling this option may cause some applications (such as games or banking programs) to display incorrectly.

4. Third-party screen split applications

If the built-in MIUI features are not satisfied, you can use specialized utilities from Google Play. They offer advanced features, for example, splitting the screen into 3-4 parts or creating “floating” windows.

Top.-3 tested applications:

Check reviews before installing - some utilities can conflict with MIUI or slow down the phone.We recommend Split Screen Launcher as the most balanced option.

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If the split screen doesn’t work after installing a third-party application, try turning off battery optimization for it in the App settings → Permissions → Battery optimization.

5.Why isn't split screen on Redmi 8 working?

If you follow the instructions but the function is still not activated, check these points:

• 🔋 Lack of RAM: Close background applications through Settings → Annexes → Clean up.
• 📱 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version (current at the time of writing — MIUI 14).
• 🔒 Application restrictions: Some programs (such as Netflix or Google Maps) block multi-windows.
• 🛠️ System failures: Reboot your phone or reset your settings → System system → Resetting settings (without deleting data).

If the problem persists, try resetting your gesture settings:

1. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → Full-screen gestures.
2. Choose Reset settings.
3. Reboot the phone.

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On Redmi 8 with 3 GB of RAM, you can use no more than 2 applications in split mode at a time. Trying to open the third window will automatically close one of the previous ones.

6. Performance optimization in multi-window mode

The split screen loads the processor and RAM. To avoid lags, follow these tips:

• 🧹 Clean the cache regularly: Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• ⚡ Turn off animation: In the developer settings (Window animation scale) select No animation.
• 🔄 Use "Easy Mode": Settings → Special opportunities → Easy mode (simplifies the interface).
• 📴 Close background processes through Task Manager (hold the Home button) → «Close it all down»).

You can also manually limit the background activity of applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an unneeded app (like Facebook).
3. Press Limit Background Activity.

These measures will help to increase battery life and reduce the load on the Snapdragon 439 processor, which is installed in the Redmi 8.

7. Frequent Questions (FAQ)