Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 9C have powerful enough screens and processors to handle multiple tasks at once, but many users don’t even realize that their device can display two apps side by side.
Split Screen, or Split Screen, allows you to run both messenger and video hosting simultaneously without switching between windows, especially for those who are used to chatting while watching videos or reading articles. Budget model owners often think that this option is not available to them, but it is built into the MIUI shell by default.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways to activate multitasking on your gadget, not only the standard methods, but also the hidden settings that may be required for some specific applications.
What is a split screen mode and why is it needed?
Split screen mode is a software feature of the Android operating system, adapted by Xiaomi developers for the MIUI interface. The essence of the technology is simple: the display is divided into two independent zones, each of which runs a separate application. This radically changes the approach to using the gadget, allowing you to save time.
Imagine reading a recipe for a complex meal and texting with a friend to check the ingredients, and you used to have to check the data all the time, and now the app windows are next to you, and you can see all the information all at once, and it reduces cognitive load and speeds up the task.
But you have to understand that not all programs are optimized to work in this format, and some games or specific utilities may be forced to unfold to the full screen or refuse to run in the second window, and the system warns you about this, but no one forbids experimenting.
⚠️ Note: When using two high-resource applications simultaneously, the Redmi processor 9C It can heat up and the battery will be used faster than usual.
Preparation of the device and compatibility check
Before you start setting up, make sure your device is updated to the current firmware version. Older MIUI builds may have contained errors in the task manager. Check the updates in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version. This is the basic step for stable system operation.
It is also important to consider screen resolution and aspect ratio.The Xiaomi Redmi 9C has a standard format that is well suited for vertical separation. Horizontal separation (side by side) on mobile devices is rarely supported and depends on the specific application.
Make sure that the device has enough space to cach the data of the two running programs. If it is crowded, the system can force the background processes to close, which will cause the second window to reset when switching.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
Classic way to activate through the menu of recent applications
The most common and reliable method of enabling Split Screen on Xiaomi is through the Task Manager, which works on most of the brand’s devices and does not require root rights or complex code manipulation.
To start, open the first app, which should be the top of the screen. Then swipe from the bottom up (or menu button, depending on the type of navigation) go to the list of recent apps. Find the card of the program you want.
Press and hold your finger on the preview of the application, or tap the icon above the program name (usually a two-bar icon or a tripod). In the context menu that appears, select Divide screen, then the program will occupy the top half, and the second application will be selected from the bottom.
Select the second program from the list. If it's not on the recent list, you can go to the menu of all the apps and run it from there. The dividing strip in the middle allows you to adjust the size of the windows, dragging it up or down.
What if there is no "Share the Screen" item?
Using the sidebar for quick access
In the MIUI shell, there is a handy tool called Sidebar (or Floating Windows) that allows applications to run as miniature windows on top of the main content, which is an alternative to the classic split screen.
To activate this feature, go to Settings → Special Features → Sidebar. Turn on the switch and select the applications that should be displayed in the Quick Access List. Now, when you swipe from the edge of the screen, a menu with selected programs will appear.
You can roll it up through the sidebar, and it's a small floating window, which is especially convenient for a calculator, a voice recorder, or a messenger, which you should always have at hand. Unlike Split Screen, one app is the main app and the other is the secondary app.
- 📱 Allows you to open up to 9 apps in the form of floating windows at the same time.
- ⚙️ You can adjust the transparency and size of the floating window.
- 🚀 Starting is instantaneous without leaving the current task.
⚠️ Warning: Floating windows consume more RAM resources. - Redmi model 9C s 2 or 3 GB RAM is recommended to be kept open no more than 2-3 windows to avoid lags.
Comparison of window modes on MIUI
Users often confuse split-screen, floating windows and screen extension modes, each with its own advantages and use cases, and understanding the differences will help you choose the best option for your task.
Split Screen mode divides the space equally (or in a given proportion), making both applications equivalent. Floating Windows layers over the main application, which is convenient for short-term actions. Screen expansion (on tablets or when you connect a monitor) works differently.
The table below provides a detailed comparison of the functionality for ease of choice:
| Characteristics | Screen splitting (Split Screen) | Floating window | Full screen mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area occupied | ~50% of the screen each | Partial, on top of others | 100% screen |
| Number of active applications | Two. | One main + several floating | One. |
| Impact on the battery | High. | Average. | Normal. |
| Ease of text input | High (full keyboard) | Low (keyboard covers window) | High. |
Setting up parameters and managing windows
Once you activate split screen, you have full control of the display. The boundary between the windows is not static, you can move it around. You can touch the black or gray stripe of the divider and drag it to enlarge the area of one application to the detriment of another.
To exit the mode, you just drag the dividing line to the very edge of the screen (up or down, depending on which window you want to close), and you can also press the Home button or swipe from the bottom to roll one of the windows into the background.
Some apps support turning the screen into landscape mode even when the screen is split, in which case the windows can be placed vertically (left and right), which is convenient when watching videos in horizontal orientation.
💡
If the keyboard overlaps the contents of the bottom window, try changing the theme to a more compact one or temporarily disable predictive input in the keyboard settings.
Problem Solving and Optimizing Productivity
On budget devices like the Redmi 9C, running two heavy apps at the same time can cause slowdowns, which is due to limited RAM. If you notice your phone is starting to think, close the background processes.
Sometimes there is a problem when the second application does not start or closes immediately. In this case, try clearing the cache of the problematic application through the Settings menu → Apps → All Apps → [Select App] → Memory → Clear.
There is also a hidden feature in the developer menu that forcibly allows splitting of the screen for all applications, even if they do not support it, but using this option can lead to incorrect display of the program interface.
- 🧹 Clean RAM regularly before starting heavy tasks.
- 📉 Reduce screen refresh rate to 60Hz in display settings to save resources.
- 🔄 Reboot your device every few days to reset system errors.
⚠️ Warning: Forced separation mode for system applications (e.g., "Phone" or "Messages") through the engineering menu may cause the interface to work unstablely.
💡
The optimal operation of Split Screen on Redmi 9C is achieved by simultaneously running one lightweight (text, messenger) and one medium-sized application.