Multitasking is becoming an integral part of modern smartphones, allowing users to perform multiple tasks simultaneously without constantly switching between applications. Xiaomi devices running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS have a convenient split-screen feature that turns the gadget into a powerful working tool, which is especially relevant for owners of large displays, where space allows you to comfortably accommodate two active windows.
Splitting your screen into Android is not just a visual trick, it’s a full-fledged system function that requires proper activation. Depending on the firmware version and device model, activation techniques can range from simple gestures to using special buttons in the menu of recent apps. Understanding these nuances will help you maximize the potential of your smartphone.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the known ways to activate split screen mode, adjust window settings and solve typical problems faced by Xiaomi users, you will learn how to quickly switch between running programs and what limitations this feature has in different versions of the operating system.
What is split screen mode in MIUI and HyperOS
Split Screen mode, often called Split Screen, allows two apps to run simultaneously on the same display, splitting the available space in half or in a predetermined proportion. In Xiaomi shells, this feature is deeply integrated into the window management system, ensuring smooth operation even on mid-range devices. The user can watch video and chat in the messenger at the same time or compare data in tables.
It's important to understand that not all applications support this format, and software developers can block split screens if the application interface is not adapted to run in a smaller window, but most popular services, such as browsers, social networks, and office suites, are fully multi-window compatible.
The MIUI and HyperOS shells offer additional window management capabilities beyond the standard Android functionality, such as the ability to lock one of the windows or quickly switch between pairs of running applications significantly speeds up the workflow, and the system also automatically adapts the interface of running programs to the size of the area allocated to it.
⚠️ Attention: When the screen is actively divided, the consumption of RAM and battery power increases. The system can force the background processes to close if the device resources are exhausted, which will lead to the restart of one of the applications.
The main ways to activate screen splitting
There are several proven methods to run two apps at once, and the choice of the particular method depends on your preferences and the version of the firmware installed. The most common option is to use the recent app menu, which is available on all Xiaomi devices.
The first and most versatile method involves using the running task menu. You need to open the first application, then go to the menu of recent programs, click on the application icon or hold your finger on the preview to see the context menu.
Once you select the mode, the system will prompt you to open the second application, which you can choose from a list of recommended programs or find in a general list of all installed applications, and the screen will be divided into two horizontal or vertical parts, depending on the orientation of the device and the system settings.
- 📱 Through the recent menu: swipe from bottom up with retention, search for icons and select the option of separation.
- 🖐 Three finger gestures: three fingers from top to bottom across the screen (activation required in settings).
- ⚙️ Through the Control Panel: Using a special widget in the notification curtain for quick start-up.
For users who prefer maximum speed, a method of activation through special gestures is available. If you swipe three fingers from top to bottom of the screen, the system automatically activates the split mode, but this feature should be pre-installed in the settings menu, which we will talk about in the next section.
⚠️ Attention: A three-finger gesture may conflict with other system commands, such as taking a screenshot. If the separation is not activated, check the gesture settings and make sure they are not overlaid by other actions.
Customization of gestures and additional functions
To make the split screen as comfortable as possible, it is recommended to configure additional settings in the system menu. In Xiaomi devices, the Settings section → Additional functions → Split screen is responsible for this. Here you can activate the start through gestures and adjust the behavior of the system when you fold windows.
One of the most useful features is the Sidebar, which allows you to store a list of frequently used apps and quickly open them in split-screen mode, just dragging the icon to the active window, eliminating the need to climb into the menu of recent tasks every time.
To activate the sidebar, go to Settings → Special Features → Application Sidebar. Turn on the activation switch and select the apps you want to see on the list. Now, swipe from the edge of the screen in any application, you can quickly open the second window.
☑️ Setting up the sidebar
Also worth paying attention to the zoom settings: some applications may not display properly in split mode if their interface is not adapted. In the developer section, you can find options for forced resizing of windows, but use them with caution, as this can lead to unstable software operation.
Application compatibility and working with windows
Not all applications work equally well in split-screen mode. Some programs may require full display height to correctly display the keyboard or video player, in which case the system may automatically deploy the application to the full screen or suggest closing one of the windows.
Windows management in MIUI and HyperOS is flexible enough, and there's a dividing strip between the two windows, so you can move the ratios, and you can give two-thirds of the screen to one application and one-third to the other, which is convenient for reading documents or watching videos.
To close one of the windows, you just drag the dividing line to the end of the application to be closed, you can also use standard navigation buttons or gestures to close the active window, after which the second application automatically takes up the entire screen.
| Type of application | Support for separation | Features of work |
|---|---|---|
| Social media | Complete. | Possible problems with pop-up windows |
| Video players | Partial | They may require horizontal treatment. |
| Games | Limited. | Often turned on the full screen forcibly |
| browsers | Complete. | They work perfectly in any window size. |
It is critical to know that system applications such as Camera or Calculator may not support split screen depending on the firmware version and device model.
Using the HotSplits feature on tablets and foldable devices
Owners of Xiaomi Pad tablets and foldable smartphones of the Mix Fold series have access to the advanced HotSplits feature. This tool allows you to create ready-made sets of multiple applications that are launched with a single touch, which is especially convenient for organizing the workplace or the educational process.
To configure HotSplits, you need to open the menu of recent applications, select running programs and click on a special set creation button. The system will offer to save the current configuration of windows under a certain name.
It automatically distributes apps across the screen, based on their type and system recommendations, for example, the video player will occupy most of the screen, and the messenger will be located in a narrow band on the side, which eliminates the need for the user to manually adjust the size of the windows each time.
Solving Typical Problems and Errors
Despite the stability of the system, users may encounter situations where split screens are not working or not working properly, often because of a lack of RAM, especially on devices with 4 GB of RAM or less, in which case the system can block the launch of a second heavy application.
If you notice one of the apps is constantly shutting down or crashing, try clearing the system cache or restarting the device, and it’s also worth checking for updates for the problematic app in the Google Play or GetApps store, as developers often release patches that improve compatibility.
In some cases, resetting display settings helps. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Resetting → Resetting all settings. Please note that this action will not delete your personal data, but will return all system settings to factory values, which can eliminate the software conflict.
⚠️ Note: When you reset your system settings, alarm settings, Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings may be reset. Make sure you remember the necessary data to reconnect.