Dividing the screen on Xiaomi Redmi 9C: all the ways and secrets

The split screen (or multi-window) feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to work with two applications simultaneously - for example, chatting in the messenger and watching videos, or copying text from the browser into notes. On the Redmi 9C model, this feature is implemented through the proprietary MIUI shell, but not all users know how to turn it on and configure it correctly.

In this article, you’ll find 4 proven ways to activate the mode, including hidden settings and gestures, as well as solving typical problems — when the feature is not working, apps are not supported or the screen is divided curve. We tested all methods on Redmi 9C with MIUI 12.5, 13 and 14, so the instructions are relevant for the latest versions of the firmware.

If you've tried splitting the screen before, but you've failed, chances are that one of three things is the problem: an outdated version of MIUI, a disabled option in the developer settings, or an app incompatibility. We'll look at each case separately.

Method 1: Split screen through the panel of recent applications

This is the fastest and most versatile method that works on all versions of MIUI for Redmi 9C. The algorithm is simple: first open the first application, then the second, and then activate the multi-window mode through the multitasking menu.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the first app (like YouTube or Chrome).
2. Swipe from the bottom up and hold your finger for 1 second to open the recent apps panel.
3. Click on the app icon (not the preview!) and in the menu that appears, select Split Screen (or Split Screen in English).
4. Select the second app from the recent list or find it through a search.

After that, the screen will split into two parts, and between the windows will appear a dividing strip, which can be dragged up/down to change the proportions (for example, make one window wider than the other).

Is the first application open? |

Is there a recent three-dot icon in the panel?|

Does the second app support multi-window? (list below)|

Is the mode enabled in the developer settings? (if previously disabled)-->

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Note: Not all apps support split screen, such as Instagram, TikTok, and some banking programs may block this feature for security or design reasons. For a full list of compatible apps, see the next section.

2. Method 2: Gesture for quick separation (MIUI 13/14)

Newer versions of MIUI have a hidden gesture that allows you to split the screen without opening the panel of recent ones.This method only works on Redmi 9C with MIUI 13 and higher (check the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version).

How to do this:

1. Open the first app (e.g. Telegram).
2. Swipe from the bottom up and hold your finger to open the panel of recent ones, but don't let go of your finger!
3. Without letting go of the screen, pull the app icon up - after 1-2 seconds, the drag to split screen prompt will appear.
4. Drag the icon to the top of the screen and select the second app.

This is more convenient than the classic one, as it doesn't require too much pressing, but it doesn't work in some MIUI localizations (e.g., the global version for Europe). If the gesture doesn't work, check your gesture settings in Settings → Display → Navigation buttons.

Through the recent panel (Method 1)|

Gesture (Method 2)|

Through the developer settings |

I don't use multi-windows.-->

3. Method 3: Activation through developer settings

If standard methods don't work, it's possible that the function is disabled in hidden settings, so to enable it, you need to activate the developer mode and change several parameters.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and 5 times click on the MIUI version until the notification You became a developer!.
2. Return to the main settings menu and open a new Developer section (usually at the bottom of the list).
3. Find the Multi-window mode (or Multi-window mode) option and turn it on.
4. Below may be the option to Allow Forced Multi-Windows – turn it on if you want to make incompatible applications work (risk of crashes!).

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Warning: Forced multi-window switching on for incompatible applications (e.g. VK or SberBank Online) can cause them to crash or display incorrectly. Use this option only for testing.

On Redmi 9C with MIUI 12.5 and below, the Multiwindow option may not be available in the developer settings – in this case, update the firmware or use Method 1.

Method 4: Use of third-party launchers

If the built-in methods are not satisfied (for example, due to restrictions) MIUI), You can install an alternative launcher with multi-window support. 9C:

• 📱 Nova Launcher – allows you to customize gestures for split screen (premium version required).
• 🔧 Microsoft Launcher – has built-in support for multi-windows for office applications (Word, Excel).
• 🎯 POCO Launcher – Optimized for Xiaomi devices, lightweight and fast.

After the launcher is installed:

1. Assign it as the default launcher in Settings → Applications → By default.
2. Open the launcher settings and find the Multiwindow or Gestures section.
3. Set up a gesture to separate (for example, swipe two fingers up).

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Warning: Third-party launchers may conflict with MIUI system gestures. If return swipes or home swipes stop working after installation, return the standard launcher or configure gestures to Settings → Display → Navigation buttons.

5.What applications support split screen?

Not all programs work correctly in multi-window mode, and below is the compatibility table of popular applications for Redmi 9C (tested on MIUI 14):

If your app is not listed, try to enable it manually through the developer settings (see Method 3). Some programs (such as Google Maps) may work in multi-window, but with limitations - for example, the map will not appear in full-screen mode.

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To check the compatibility of the application, open it in the multi-window and try to interact with the interface. If the elements are not pressed or the screen flickers, the application does not support mode.

6. Solving split-screen issues

If the screen is not dividing or is not working properly, use this troubleshooting instruction:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes helps with temporary crashes MIUI.
• 📱 Update the firmware - in older versions MIUI (below 12.5), the multi-window may not work smoothly. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔧 Reset the launcher settings – if you use a third-party launcher, return the standard and check the multi-window operation.
• 🚫 Turn off energy saving – Battery mode → Energy saving can block the background operation of applications in a multi-window.

If the problem persists, reset MIUI settings (without data loss):

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset MIUI (not “Reset to factory!” – this will delete all data).
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

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Note: On some firmware for Redmi 9C (especially custom ones), the multi-window function can be disabled at the kernel level, in which case only flashing to the official MIUI will help.

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If none of these things worked, check your device model: split screen function is officially only supported on Redmi 9C with MIUI 12 and higher. Clones or custom firmware devices may not work.

7. split screen alternatives on Xiaomi 9C

If multi-window is not suitable for your tasks, consider alternative ways to multitask:

• 🖥️ Image in Picture (PiP) mode – works for video (YouTube, VLC). To activate, click Home while playing the video – it will compress into a small window.
• 📲 Floating windows – some apps (like Facebook Messenger) support chat in a separate window on top of other apps.
• 🔗 Quick Switch – Swipe the recent apps button twice to instantly switch between the last two programs.

For advanced users, there is another option: using a second space (Settings → Special Features → Second Space) to create a separate profile with other applications and quickly switch between them (similar to a multi-window, but with complete data isolation).

FAQ: Frequent questions about split screen on Xiaomi 9C