How to split the screen on Xiaomi 9T: 5 ways to run multi-window in MIUI

Why you need a multi-window on a smartphone and how it works on Xiaomi 9T

The Xiaomi 9T’s split-screen feature allows two apps to be used simultaneously — for example, watching YouTube videos and texting in instant messengers, or copying information from the browser into notes — a feature built into the MIUI shell, but many users are unaware of its existence or do not know how to activate it correctly.

On the Redmi Note 9T (and its modifications), the multi-window runs on Android 10/11 with proprietary firmware MIUI 12 and later. The principle of operation is simple: the system divides the display into two independent zones, each of which becomes a separate “window” for the application, while you can change the size of the windows, drag the partition border or even “pin” one of the applications on top of the other in floating window mode.

It is important to understand that not all programs support split screen, for example, some games or banking applications may block multi-window work for security reasons, and performance is also affected by RAM: on the Xiaomi 9T with 4 GB of RAM, the simultaneous operation of two “heavy” applications (for example, Chrome + Instagram) can cause slowdowns.

Method 1: Split screen through the panel of recent applications

The fastest and most versatile method is to use the multitasking menu, which works on all versions of MIUI and does not require any additional settings.

1. Open the first app you want to pin to one part of the screen (like YouTube).
2. Click the square button at the bottom of the screen (or swipe up and hold your finger to call the recent app dashboard).
3. At the top of the app card, you'll see a "Separate Screen" icon (two rectangles) and you'll tap it.
4. The screen will split into two, and at the bottom, you'll see a list of newly opened apps. Choose the second.

If the split screen icon is not displayed, the function is disabled in the system settings. To activate it, go to Settings → Special Options → Screen split and turn on the slider.

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On Xiaomi 9T, you can quickly swap apps in places: hold the window header and drag it to another part of the screen.

Method 2: Split screen gesture (MIUI 12+ only)

Newer versions of MIUI have a hidden gesture that allows you to split the screen without opening the multitasking bar, a method that is convenient if you use multi-windows frequently:

• 👆 Open the first app (like Google Chrome).
• 👆 Swipe from the bottom up of the screen and hold your finger until the recent panel appears.
• 👆 Without letting go of your finger, pull the app card to the right or left to the edge of the screen.
• 👆 Release – the screen will split and you can select the second app.

This gesture doesn’t work on all versions of MIUI, so if nothing happens, check for system updates in Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI.

Method 3: Mini Window – alternative to separation

If you don’t need a full-screen split, but just hold one app on top of another (like a messenger while playing), use the floating window mode. MIUI:

• 📱 Open the recent app bar (swipe up with a delay).
• 📱 Click on the app icon in the top corner of the card and select "Floating window".
• 📱 The window will shrink and float on top of other applications, and it can be moved and resized.

The floating window runs Messages, Calculator, Notes and some third-party messengers (such as Telegram), but games and video players usually block this mode.

Method 4: Split screen through developer settings

For power users, there is an alternative method of activating the multi-window through the developer settings, which is useful if standard gestures do not work due to MIUI failures:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times tap on the item "Version" MIUI".
2. Go back to the basic settings and open a new section for developers.
3. Find the Multi-window option (or force_resizeable_activities) and turn it on.
4. Restart the phone – after that, split screen will be available for more apps.

⚠️ Note: Enabling this setting may cause some programs to work unstable. If applications start to fly out after activation, return the setting to its original state.

Method 5: Using third-party applications to split the screen

If the built-in MIUI features don't suit you, you can install third-party multi-window utilities, such as the Split Screen Launcher app, which allows you to:

• 🔧 The window ratio is set up (not only) 50/50, but 30/70, 40/60 etc.).
• 🔧 Create shortcuts to quickly launch pairs of applications.
• 🔧 Work with multi-window in horizontal orientation.

However, third-party solutions have disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Special Access (access to other applications).
• ⚠️ They may conflict with MIUI and call out the lags.
• ⚠️ Some functions are paid.

Before installing, check the app reviews and compatibility with Xiaomi 9T on forums (e.g. 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Download the app only from the official store (Google Play)| Check the permissions that the utility requests | Create a backup of data | Test the work in safe mode

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Compatibility table: which applications work in the multi-window on Xiaomi 9T

Not all programs are properly displayed in split-screen mode. Below is a table of compatibility of popular multi-window apps on Xiaomi 9T (MIUI 12-14):

Important: Screenshot-protected apps (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) automatically block screen splitting for security reasons.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after setting up the multi-window correctly, Xiaomi 9T users may encounter difficulties.

⚠️ Warning: If one of the apps stops responding to touch after splitting the screen, try restarting it through the recent panel. If that doesn't work, close the multi-window and reopen it.

• 🔄 Screen not shared when swiping: Check if the feature is enabled in Settings → Additionally. → If the option is active but the gesture is not working, update MIUI.
• 🔄 The app does not support multi-window: Try running it in a floating window or use a third-party utility (e.g. Split Screen Launcher).
• 🔄 Multi-window Lags: Close background processes in Settings → Annexes → Cleanup. If the problem persists, restart the phone.
• 🔄 You can't change the size of the windows: Hold the dividing line in the middle of the screen and pull it in the right direction. MIUI You need to tap the line twice.

If none of these methods worked, reset MIUI (without deleting data): Settings → About Phone → Reset. This will return all system settings to factory values, but will not affect your files and applications.

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On Xiaomi 9T, multi-windows are the most stable with applications from Google and Xiaomi. Third-party programs may require additional permissions or not support the mode at all.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Screen Splitting