Multitasking has become an integral part of the modern smartphone, allowing users to perform multiple actions simultaneously without constantly switching between windows. Owners of devices running the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS often wonder how to effectively organize the workspace for simultaneous video and correspondence in the messenger or comparing products in the online store. Splitting the display into two independent areas is a powerful feature that significantly improves productivity and ease of interaction with the gadget.
However, not everyone knows that activation of this mode may vary depending on the version of the Android operating system and the specific interface modification installed by the manufacturer. Some users have difficulty finding the right settings, believing that their phone model does not support this option, although in fact you only need to adjust the system settings correctly. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available ways to activate split screen, consider compatible models and answer frequently asked questions.
Preparation of the device and compatibility check
Before you start multitasking, you need to make sure that your device is technically capable of supporting splitting the display. Split Screen is built into the Android core since version 7.0 of Nougat, so most modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco have this ability out of the box. However, the manufacturer can programmatically limit the function on models with very small screen resolution or small amount of RAM to avoid a drop in system performance.
It is also important to check if your operating system is updated to the current version, as older MIUI builds may have had errors blocking the correct operation of windows. To check for updates, go to the Settings menu, select About Phone and click on the system version icon. If new data packets are available, the system will prompt them to download and install, which often solves problems with the lack of necessary interface functions.
Not all apps support split-screen operation. Social networks, browsers, and instant messengers are usually perfectly adapted, but some games or specialized software can be forced to open to the full screen, ignoring separation, a limitation that is due to the developer’s optimization of the app itself, not a smartphone error.
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If the split screen function is not activated, try restarting the device – this often eliminates temporary software interface glitches.
How to activate split screen on Xiaomi
There are several methods to start split-screen mode, and the choice of the specific method depends on the user’s habits and the version of the shell installed. The most common and versatile method is to use the menu of recent applications, which is available on all current versions of MIUI and HyperOS. To do this, you need to open the first application you plan to use, then swipe from the bottom up (or click the appropriate navigation button) to go to the menu of running tasks.
In the open windows list, find the app you want and click on the icon or menu icon that is usually located at the top of the app card. In the context menu that appears, select the option Split screen (an icon with two rectangles). After that, the screen will split in half: the selected application will remain at the top, and the menu will open at the bottom to select the second program.
An alternative method is available for users who prefer gesture control. Some firmware versions can run the mode by swiping three fingers from the bottom up over the open application. This gesture should start the split function, but it requires pre-activation in the system settings, which will be discussed below. There is also the possibility of using the sidebar of the tools, if it is enabled in the interface settings.
☑️ Verification of activation of the function
If none of the standard methods worked, your firmware version may have changed the interface logic, and in such cases, it is recommended to search by settings by entering the "Split screen" or "Split screen" request to find the appropriate switch or instruction that is relevant to your device model.
Customization of gestures and interface parameters
For those who want to use split screen as quickly as possible, the best solution is to adjust special gestures. The MIUI and HyperOS shells have a convenient mechanism for activating the function with the movement of three fingers. To enable this option, go to Settings, then select the Additional (or Advanced Settings) section and find the Split screen.
In the menu that opens, you need to activate a switch that allows you to start the function with a gesture. Once you turn on, you can split the screen at any time by simply swiping three fingers from the bottom up the display. This action instantly creates a divided space where the top part will be occupied by the current application, and the bottom one will suggest you choose the second one.
⚠️ Warning: Excessive use of three-finger gestures can cause a feature to be accidentally activated while playing or watching videos, so it is recommended to adjust to the sensitivity of your device’s sensor.
Additionally, you can find the option to display the split button in the recent task menu in the same settings menu. If you often multitask, make sure that this feature is enabled so as not to look for alternative activation methods. There may also be a screen orientation setting that allows you to force the applications to run in landscape mode, which is especially useful for tablets or smartphones with large diagonals.
Controlling and changing window sizes
Once the screen is split in two, the user has full control over the space of each window, and the boundary between the apps is a thin stripe that you can pull to change the proportions of the display, and you can make one window bigger and the other smaller, like leaving a large portion of the screen for the video and a narrow strip for the keyboard.
To switch between active windows, just tap the right area of the screen. The app you're interacting with is considered active, and all system notifications will be relevant to it. If you need to swap apps in places, such as moving the video down and chatting up, use a special window management menu.
At the top of each split window (or at the bottom, depending on the OS version) is a control panel containing several important buttons:
- 🔄 Application Replacement: allows you to select another program for that part of the screen without closing the split mode.
- ⬇️ Wrap: Turns a window into a floating one (if supported) or hides it, leaving only one active application.
- ❌ Closing: Completely closes the application in this part of the screen and returns the device to normal operation mode.
It’s important to note that changing the size of windows can affect the performance of the device, especially if heavy apps are running.If you notice that the smartphone has started to run slower or heat up, try closing one of the apps or reducing the size of its window.
Compatible applications and system limitations
Although split-screen is a system feature, it depends on optimizing installed applications. Most popular services such as YouTube, Telegram, WhatsApp, Google Chrome and Microsoft Office fully support Split Screen. However, there are categories of applications that require a full screen.
Often, restrictions are found in mobile games, banking applications with a high level of security and some video players. When you try to run such an application in the second part of the screen, the system can give a notification that the application does not support this feature, or simply deploy it to the entire display, closing the second window.
| Category of applications | Support for separation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Messengers | Complete. | It works stably in any window size. |
| Social media | Partial | Stories may not be displayed correctly |
| Banking applications | Limited. | Often blocked for security reasons |
| Games | Low. | Requires a full screen for proper operation |
| Video players | Tall. | Supports changing window size |
If the application does not support split screen, but you desperately need to use it in this mode, there are special developer commands, but their use is not recommended for ordinary users, as this can lead to unstable program operation or data loss.
Troubleshooting and troubleshooting
Despite the functionality, users may face a variety of problems, such as spontaneous closing of windows, interface freeze or lack of response to gestures. One common reason is a lack of RAM. If a lot of heavy processes are running in the background, the system may force one of the split screen windows to free up resources.
In this case, it is recommended to clear the memory before starting multitasking mode, and problems can occur when using “light” versions of applications or their modified counterparts that are not certified by Google and may not work properly with the system functions of Android.
What to do if the split-screen button is missing?
Another cause of failure can be a crowded cache of system services. Regularly cleaning temporary files and updating all applications through the Google Play store or GetApps helps maintain the stability of the split screen function. If the problem persists after all the manipulations, you may need to reset the settings to factory, but before that be sure to back up important data.
⚠️ Attention: When using a split screen, the battery is consumed faster than usual, as the processor and screen are in high-speed mode.
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The stability of the split screen depends on the amount of free RAM and optimization of installed applications.