Xiaomi Mi 9 Screen Split: How to Enable Multi-Window and Use Two Apps at the Same Time

Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 9 on the basis MIUI Supports a multi-window feature that allows you to work with two applications simultaneously, which is convenient for comparing information, chatting with watching videos or copying data between programs. However, many users do not know how to activate this mode correctly or face errors when using it.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all firmware versions (from MIUI 10. MIUI 14), lists of compatible applications, as well as solutions to typical problems - from the lack of a split button to the interface freeze.

Does the Xiaomi Mi 9 support split screen?

Yes, Xiaomi Mi 9 (cepheus model) officially supports multi-window mode, but with some nuances:

• 📱 MIUI 10-11: The feature is only available for a limited list of apps (e.g. YouTube, Google Maps, WhatsApp).
• 🔄 MIUI 12 and later: Advanced multi-window support, including free window resize and three apps (on some versions).
• ⚙️ Firmware from third-party developers (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS): the mode may work differently or not.

Important: on Mi 9 SE (The grus model and the Mi 9 Lite (pyxis) multi-window activation algorithm are identical, but the list of supported applications may differ.

⚠️ Note: If you upgrade your smartphone to MIUI 13/14 and the function stopped working, check the gesture settings - they could reset to the default values.

Methods of enabling screen splitting

You can activate multi-window on Xiaomi Mi 9 in three ways. Choose the most convenient for your firmware version:

1. Through the recent application panel (standard method)

This is the most universal method that works on all versions. MIUI:

1. Open the first app (like Chrome).
2. Click the Recent Apps button (square in the bottom navigation bar).
3. Tap the app icon at the top of the card and select Split screen (or Multiwindow).
4. Select the second app from the recent list or on the home screen.

If there's no split screen button, it means the app doesn't support multi-window. Try another way.

2. With a gesture (MIUI 12 and newer)

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi Mi 9 has the ability to activate screen split swipe:

• 👆 Open the first application.
• 👉 Swipe your finger up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold it (as when calling the panel of recent times).
• 📱 Without letting go of your finger, drag the app icon to the top of the screen (the backlight will appear).
• 🔍 Select the second app from the list.

If the gesture does not work, check its settings in Settings. → System system → Gestures → Navigation panel.

3. Through the developer settings (for experienced users)

This method allows you to force multi-window on any application, but requires activation of the developer mode:

Enable Developer Mode (7 times click on MIUI Version in Settings → About Phone)

Activate the Multi-Window option for all applications in Settings → Additionally. → For developers

Reboot your smartphone

Try to split the screen in a standard way.-->

Once this option is activated, even unsoptimized apps (such as Instagram or TikTok) will open in the multi-window, but may not work properly.

⚠️ Warning: Turning on multi-windows for all applications can lead to crashes or unstable operation.

Screen split setting

Once you activate the multi-window, you can customize it to your needs, and here are the key parameters that you can change:

Nana MIUI 14 it was possible to fix one of the windows so that it does not close when switching to other tasks:

1. Activate the multi-window.
2. Click on the three dots in the top corner of the window you want to fix.
3. Choose Secure the window.

The fixed window will appear on top of other applications, like a floating panel.

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If the dividing line between the windows has disappeared, swipe your finger from the edge of the screen to the center and it will appear again.

List of applications that support multi-window

Not all programs are optimized for split-screen operation, here is the current list of apps that work consistently in the multi-window on the Xiaomi Mi 9:

• 🌐 Browsers: Google Chrome, Mi Browser, Firefox, Opera
• 📧 Messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Facebook Messenger
• 🎵 Music and Video: YouTube (Premium Only), Spotify, VLC, MX Player
• 📍 Maps: Google Maps, Yandex.Maps, 2GIS
• 📝 Office: Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, WPS Office
• 📱 Social media: Facebook, Twitter, VK (narrowly)

Applications that do not support multi-window or are error-proof:

• 🎮 Games: PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, Genshin Impact
• 📸 Instagram (opens but incorrectly displays stories)
• 🎥 TikTok (video is not played in multi-window)
• 🏦 Banking applications (for security reasons)

If you need to use a non-so-optimized application in a multi-window, try activating the mode through the developer settings (see section above), but be prepared for crashes.

Typical problems and their solutions

When using the multi-window on Xiaomi Mi 9, users often encounter the following errors:

No "Separate screen" button

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔧 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• ⚙️ Disabled function: Check if the option is activated in Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Multi-window.
• 📱 Incompatible App: Try another app or turn on multi-window for everyone via developer settings.

2. Multi-window is unstable (hangs, departures)

If the screens are suspended or the applications are closed spontaneously:

• 🧹 Clear the system cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Clear the cache of all applications.
• 🔄 Restart your smartphone in safe mode (hold the power button). → Safe mode) and check the multi-window. If the problem disappears, the third-party application is to blame.
• 📉 Reset gesture settings: Settings → System system → Gestures → Reset the settings.

3. You can't change the size of the windows

If the dividing line does not move:

• 🔒 Check if one of the windows is fixed (click on three dots in the corner of the window) → Unlock).
• 📱 Reset the multi-window: Close both apps and open them again.
• ⚙️ V MIUI 14 may need to activate the Flexible Multiwindow option in the developer settings.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Multi-window stopped working, reset the interface settings: Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings → Resetting settings MIUI. This will not delete your data, but will return the standard parameters of the system.

Alternatives to the built-in multi-window

If the standard split-screen feature doesn’t suit you, consider alternative solutions:

1.Floating windows (PIP)

Xiaomi Mi 9 supports Picture-in-Picture mode for video and some applications.

1. Open the video to YouTube or Google Chrome.
2. Press the Home button and the video will shrink to a floating window.
3. Drag the window to the right place on the screen.

List of applications that support PIP: YouTube (Premium), Google Maps (navigation), VLC, Telegram (video calls).

2. Third-party launchers with multi-window support

Some alternative shells offer advanced split-screen features:

• 📱 Nova Launcher + Tasker module: allows you to create custom gestures for multi-window.
• 🔧 Microsoft Launcher: Built-in split-screen support with additional settings.
• 🌐 Square Home: Optimized for big screens and multitasking.

Before installing a third-party launcher, back up the data, as some settings MIUI may throw off.

3. Multi-window applications

Google Play has utilities that extend the split screen options:

• 🔄 Split Screen Launcher: Adds a multi-window button to the notification panel.
• 📱 Multi Window: Allows you to run any application in separate mode (requires root rights).
• 🎛️ Floating Apps: Creates floating windows for any program.

⚠️ Note: Multi-window applications may conflict with system functions MIUI. Before using them, turn off the built-in split screen mode in the settings.

Tips for Effective Use of Multi-Window

To work with two applications at the same time, use these recommendations:

• 📱 Quick switching: Twice tap the dividing line to swap windows.
• 🔊 Sound control: Click on the speaker icon in the multi-window panel to select which application the sound will come from.
• 📋 Copy between windows: Highlight text in one window, hold it and drag it to another.
• 🔄 Quick exit: Swipe down from the top edge of any window to roll up the multi-window.
• 📱 Hot keys: B MIUI 14 you can assign a gesture to quickly call a multi-window (for example, swipe three fingers down).

It is convenient to use the combination of Google Docs to work with documents. + chrome WPS Office + Telegram, and you can watch videos and chats at the same time. + WhatsApp.

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On Xiaomi Mi. 9 multiwindow 15-20% If you want to be autonomous, use short sessions or plug in a charger.

FAQ: Frequent questions about splitting the screen on Xiaomi Mi 9