The split-screen feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to work with two applications simultaneously – for example, chat in the messenger and watch videos, or compare prices in the browser and app store. Despite the obvious benefits, many users of Redmi, POCO or Mi do not know how to activate this mode, or face the limitations of MIUI. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to turn on the multi-window, nuances for different versions of the firmware and give tips for solving typical problems.
The standard split screen mode on Android is available starting with version 7.0, but Xiaomi often modifies its operation through the MIUI shell. On some models, the feature can be hidden or disabled by default - especially for low-cost devices with low RAM. However, even if the option is not visible on the menu, it can be activated through the developer settings or third-party utilities.
Unlike Samsung or Google Pixel, where the multi-window works out of the box, Xiaomi sometimes requires additional steps. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 with MIUI 14, the path to settings is different from what was on the Mi 11 with MIUI 12.5. We tested all the current methods on devices from 2022-2026 and collected them in this manual.
1. Standard method: gestures and multitasking panel
The easiest method to activate split screen is through the recent app panel, which works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-15, but may not be available on models with 2-3 GB of RAM (for example, the Redmi A1 or POCO C50).
Here's the step-by-step instruction:
- Open the first app you want to pin to the top of the screen (like YouTube).
- Click on the “Recent” button (the square icon at the bottom of the screen) or swipe up from the bottom edge and hold for 0.5 seconds.
- In the multitasking bar, find the app icon (not preview!) and click on it for a long time.
- In the menu that appears, select Split Screen (or Split Screen in English firmware).
- The screen will split into two parts, and the bottom panel will show a panel with other open applications.
If the menu does not have a "Share" option, it means that the function is disabled in the system settings or is not supported by your model, in which case, move to the next section.
Activation through system settings (for MIUI 13-15)
On newer versions of MIUI, the multi-window option can be hidden in the back of the menu to enable it:
- Go to Settings → Special features → Usability.
- Scroll down and find the Split Screen (or Split Screen) section.
- Activate the switch next to Enable the split screen.
- Return to the multitasking bar and repeat the steps from the first section.
Important: On some devices (e.g. POCO F5), this path may be different. If the section is not in Special Options, check:
- 🔹 Settings → Additionally. → Functions laboratory (for MIUI 14)
- 🔹 Settings → Screen. → Split screen (for MIUI 12.5 Enhanced)
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If after activation the function does not work, restart the smartphone – it resets the cache of system services responsible for multitasking.
3. Screen splitting through developer settings
If standard methods don't work, you can turn on the multiwindow through developer mode, which is suitable for devices with MIUI 11-15, but requires caution - incorrect settings can lead to failures.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
- Find the option to Enable the free form of the multi-window (or Force enable split-screen) and activate it.
- Also check if Multitasking → Allow split screen is enabled.
On the Xiaomi 13 Pro and Redmi K60 with MIUI 14, this option may be called Force Resizeable Activities.
Developer mode activated | Multitasking settings checked |Rebooted smartphone after changes |Opened both the necessary applications-->
4. Use of third-party applications
If the built-in methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities from Google Play that mimic the split-screen function through overlaying windows or using the same tools. ADB-team.
Top.-3 tested applications:
- 📱 Split Screen Launcher – creates shortcuts for fast launch of application pairs in the multi-window.
- 🔧 Taskbar – adds a taskbar, like on a PC, with split-screen support.
- 🛠️ Island (Shelter) – for advanced users, allows you to run clones of applications in an isolated environment.
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Attention: Shared screen apps may conflict with MIUI Optimizations. If the smartphone starts to slow down after installation, turn off optimizations via Settings → For developers → Disable MIUI optimizations.
5. Multi-window limitations and issues on Xiaomi
Not all apps support split-screen mode, such as Instagram, TikTok, and some games (such as Genshin Impact) can block multi-window work, and there are limitations on models:
| Model of the device | Multi-window support | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12/13 | Yes (MIUI 14+) | Does not work with games and some banking applications |
| POCO F5/X5 | Yes (requires activation in settings) | Can be used while simultaneously playing video |
| Xiaomi 13T/14 | Yes (full support) | 3 GB RAM Limit for Background Processes |
| Redmi A1/A2 | No (2GB of RAM) | Function disabled at firmware level |
Another common problem is that you shut one of the windows on your own after 5-10 minutes, and this is due to aggressive memory optimization in MIUI.
- 🔧 Turn off optimization. MIUI developer-setting.
- 🔋 Add both apps to Secure Applications (Settings) → Battery → Application protection).
- 📱 Set minimum animation in the developer settings (accelerates switching).
Why does multi-window not work on Xiaomi?
6. Alternative ways to multitask
If splitting is not available or is not working smoothly, consider alternatives:
- 🖥️ Desktop Mode – connect your smartphone to the monitor through USB-C → HDMI and use a DeX-like interface (available on Xiaomi 13 Ultra and newer).
- 📲 Floating windows – some apps (like Facebook Messenger or Telegram) support mini chat windows.
- 🔄 Quick Switch – Set up a gesture to switch between the last two apps (Settings) → Additionally. → Gestures).
For owners of POCO F4 GT or Black Shark 5, there is another option: a game mode with overlay, which allows you to open messengers on top of the game as a translucent window.
Settings → Special features → Game mode → Floating windowsFrequent questions and decisions
We have collected answers to the problems that users face when setting up a multi-window on Xiaomi:
Why did the split screen disappear after the MIUI update?
Can I split the screen on Redmi 9C with 2GB of RAM?
How to change the proportions of the split screen?
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Xiaomi with MIUI 15 (2026) has the ability to save pairs of applications for quick launch in the multi-window. To do this, hold the icon in the multitasking bar and select Save a couple.
8.Conclusion: What to do if nothing works?
If none of the methods helped activate the split screen, the reasons may be as follows:
- 📵 Hardware restrictions – on devices with 2 GB of RAM, the function is blocked.
- 🔄 Regional settings – Multi-windows disabled on some firmware for India or China.
- 🛠️ Damaged system files – resetting to factory settings will help (Settings) → The phone. → Reset).
As a last resort, you might consider installing custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) where split-screen function is more stable, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and voiding the warranty.
If your Xiaomi model is released after 2022, but the multi-window still doesn’t turn on, check the official list of supported features for your firmware.