The split screen feature on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 allows you to work with two applications simultaneously โ for example, chatting in the messenger and watching videos, or copying text from the browser into notes. However, depending on the version of MIUI and the installed updates, the multi-window activation interface may differ. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to turn on the mode, including hidden settings and bypassing system restrictions.
Many users find that the split-screen option suddenly disappears after a firmware update or reset, and the reason lies in Xiaomiโs policy: starting with MIUI 12, the multi-window feature is disabled by default for a number of applications (especially social networks and games), but it can be returned, as we will discuss in one section.
Also note: on the Redmi Note 7 with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), the multi-window switching algorithm will be different. If you use unofficial software, go straight to the third-party utilities section.
Before you start, check your firmware version: go to Settings โ About Phone โ MIUI Version. If you have MIUI 10 or 11, use the first method. For MIUI 12 and later, you will need additional configuration through Special Options.
Method 1: Standard Separation through Multitasking
This is the simplest method that works on most versions of MIUI without any further manipulation, and the activation algorithm for the multi-window depends on what kind of shell you have.
On MIUI 10/11:
- Open the first app (like YouTube).
- Click the Recent button (square at the bottom of the screen) โ a list of running programs will open.
- Hold your finger on the app icon you want to pin at the top of the screen and select Split screen.
- At the bottom of the screen, a list of compatible apps will appear โ select the second.
On MIUI 12 and newer, the interface has changed:
- Open the first appendix.
- Swipe from the bottom up and hold your finger (Recent menu call).
- Click on the app icon at the top of the card and select Split screen (or Multiwindow).
- If you donโt have an option, go to Method 2.
Note that not all apps support split mode, such as Instagram, TikTok, and most games block this feature at the code level. If you select a second app and you see a message that is not supported, try alternative methods in the following sections.
Check the MIUI version in the settings
Update your firmware to the latest stable version
Close all background applications (except those needed for multi-window)
Turn off the energy saving mode (it can block the function)-->
Method 2: Enable via "Special Opportunities" (for MIUI 12+)
If the Recent menu does not have a split-screen option, it can be activated manually through hidden settings.This method works on the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 12, 13 and 14, but requires precise follow-up.
Step-by-step procedure:
- Go to Settings โ Special Opportunities โ Physical Opportunities โ Screen Sharing.
- Activate the slider Allow screen splitting.
- Return to the Recent menu and try to re-enter the app (see Method 1).
If you don't have split screen in your settings, your firmware is hiding it, and the following method will help:
Alternative path (for some regions):
- Open Settings โ System โ Additional โ Multi-window.
- Enable the option of split screen mode.
- Reboot the phone.
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If the multi-window applications are spontaneously closed after activation, try disabling MIUI Optimization in the battery settings for these programs.
Method 3: Use of gestures (hidden MIUI function)
Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden gesture for fast split screens. It doesn't work on all versions, but if your Redmi Note 7 supports this feature, it saves time.
How to activate:
- Open the first app (like Chrome).
- Swipe top-down with two fingers on the top of the screen (where the time and notification icons are displayed).
- If the function is active, the screen will split into two parts, and a panel with compatible applications will appear at the bottom.
If the gesture doesnโt work, try turning it on manually:
- Go to Settings โ System โ Gestures โ Multi-window gestures.
- Activate the option Split screen swipe.
- Select the activation zone (top or bottom of the screen).
Important: on some firmware, this gesture conflicts with calling the notification panel, so if the swipe stops opening the curtain after activation, turn off the function in the gesture settings.
Application limitations and compatibility
Even if you successfully activate split-screen mode, not all programs will work correctly in the multi-window. Here are the main limitations on the Redmi Note 7:
- ๐ซ Social media: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook block screen split due to security policies.
- ๐ฎ Games: PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty refuse to work in multi-window (except streaming via YouTube Gaming).
- ๐บ Video players: Netflix and Disney+ It can limit the resolution when the screen is split.
- ๐ Banking apps: SberBank Online, Tinkoff and others block multi-windows for security reasons.
To circumvent these restrictions, you can use third-party launchers (such as Nova Launcher) or utilities like Split Screen Creator from Google Play. However, please note that such methods may violate the rules of some services (such as banking applications).
โ ๏ธ Note: If you use Redmi Note 7 root-rights, some apps (such as Google Pay or banking services) may stop working in the multi-window due to SafetyNet trigger.
| Type of application | Multi-window support | Overcoming restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) | โ Yes. | No restrictions. |
| Browsers (Chrome, Firefox) | โ Yes. | Can slow down while playing video |
| Office applications (Word, Excel) | โ Yes. | It works better in landscape orientation. |
| Games (PUBG, Free Fire) | โ No. | Only through streaming or emulators |
| Banking applications | โ No. | Impossible (API-level blocking) |
Third-party split-screen applications
If the built-in MIUI features don't work, you can use third-party utilities that not only bypass system limitations, but also offer additional features such as randomly resizing windows or supporting more than two applications at a time.
Top.-3 Multi-window applications on Redmi Note 7:
- ๐ง Split Screen Creator is a simple gesture-enabled tool that allows you to split the screen even for blocked applications (but requires overlay permission).
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Floating Apps -- creates floating windows on top of other applications, useful for messengers or calculators.
- ๐ ๏ธ Multi Window - Advanced multi-window manager with window transparency and position settings.
To install any of these applications:
- Download APK from the official website (such as APKPure) or from Google Play.
- Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings โ Applications โ Special Access โ Install unknown applications.
- Run the utility and provide all the permissions you request (especially Overlay over other windows).
- Follow the instructions inside the application to configure the multi-window.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some third-party split-screen utilities may conflict with MIUI Optimizer is Xiaomi's built-in optimization service. If the phone starts to brake after installing such software, turn off optimization in the battery settings.
How to turn off MIUI Optimizer?
Set up a split screen to fit your needs
By default, MIUI splits the screen into two equal parts, but that's not always convenient. Fortunately, on the Redmi Note 7, you can adjust the proportions of windows, their position and even hotkeys for quick switching.
How to change the size of the windows:
- Activate split screen mode (by any of the methods described).
- In the center of the screen will appear a dividing strip with a dot.
- Drag the point up or down to change the proportions (e.g. 70% for the top window and 30% for the bottom).
How to change applications in places:
- In multi-window mode, hold the app icon at the top or bottom of the screen.
- Drag her to the opposite zone.
- Or click on three points in the dividing strip and select Change places.
Hot keys for convenience:
- ๐ Double pressing on the dividing strip - will change the windows in places.
- ๐๏ธ Swipe of the dividing strip left / right - will close one of the windows.
- ๐ฑ Holding the dividing strip - will open the menu of additional settings.
If you need to secure one application in the multi-window and the second one is constantly changing, use the fastener mode:
- In split screen mode, press three points in the dividing strip.
- Select to secure the upper/lower window.
- Now, when the second application is closed, the first one will remain in place.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after successful multi-window activation, Redmi Note 7 users are plagued with bugs, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
- ๐ Screen spontaneously exits separation mode: Reason: Optimization MIUI Or Energy Saving closes the background. Solution: Turn off optimization for the applications in Settings โ Battery โ Optimizing the battery.
- ๐ฑ๏ธ Split Screen Swipe Not Working: Reason: Conflict with other gestures (e.g., Google Assistant) Solution: Turn off conflicting gestures in Settings โ System system โ Gestures.
- ๐ต No sound in one of the windows: Reason: Limitation MIUI Solution: Use headphones or turn on dual audio in the audio settings.
- ๐ Application does not support multi-window: Reason: App-level lock (e.g. Instagram).Solution: Try third-party utilities from the section above or use Picture-in-Picture Mode (PiP).
If none of these methods worked, check if your Redmi Note 7 has child mode or parental controls restrictions, which can block split screens.
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Before resetting your phone due to multi-window issues, try clearing the system cache: go to Settings โ Applications โ App Management โ Three points โ Clear the cache.