Xiaomiβs split-screen feature is one of the most underrated multitasking tools. Xiaomi 9C owners often donβt realize that their MIUI-based device supports two apps simultaneously on the same screen, not only convenient for watching video and chat at the same time, but also critical for document processing, comparing information, or quickly copying data between programs.
However, depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12, 13 or 14) and regional settings, activation methods may vary, and some applications (such as games or banking services) block this feature for security reasons. In this article, we will discuss all working methods for enabling split screen on the Xiaomi 9C, including hidden gestures and circumvention of restrictions, and provide recommendations for optimizing performance in multitasking.
Why is it that the Xiaomi 9C screen split doesnβt work?
If you tried to start multi-window mode but failed, the reasons may be as follows:
- πΉ An outdated version MIUI: firmware MIUI 12 function may be missing or not running stable. Update system via Settings β The phone. β Update MIUI.
- πΉ Application restrictions: Some programs (such as SberBank Online, Wild Rift, or Netflix) block screen splitting over security policies.
- πΉ Disabled gestures: If full-screen gestures are activated in the screen settings, the standard multi-window menu may not appear.
- πΉ Lack of RAM: Xiaomi 9C fitted 2/3 GB RAM - with active background processes, the system can forcibly close one of the windows.
Before you go to the instructions, check if your app supports multitasking. Open it, then swipe up and hold your finger on the icon in the recent menu β if the option to split screen appears, then there are no restrictions.
Method 1: Standard division through recent menus
It is the simplest and most versatile method, running on all versions of MIUI for Xiaomi 9C. It is suitable for most applications except for games and banking services.
- Open the first app (like YouTube) you want to place at the top of the screen.
- Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger for 1 second to open the menu of recent tasks.
- Click on the app icon and in the context menu, select Split Screen (or Split Screen in English firmware).
- The screen will split into two parts, and the bottom panel will display a panel with other open programs. Select the second application (for example, Telegram).
Now you can interact with both windows at the same time. To swap them, pull the top of the bottom window up. To exit, drag the black dividing line to the edge of the screen or swipe down.
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If the option to split screen is not active, try to close all background apps first through Settings β Apps β Clean. Sometimes the system blocks the function due to a lack of resources.
Method 2: Quick separation gesture (MIUI 13/14)
In the new firmware versions, Xiaomi has added a hidden gesture that allows you to activate multi-windows without opening the recent menus. MIUI 13 and newer.
Instructions:
- Open the first appendix.
- Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger until the recent menu appears.
- Without letting go of your finger, pull the app icon up outside the screen. In a second, the screen will split.
- Select the second app from the panel at the bottom.
This is easy to access, but requires some skill. If the gesture doesn't work, check if Full-screen gestures are included in Settings β Screen β System navigation.
How to get back the classic navigation buttons?
Method 3: Forced separation for any application (requires ADB)
Some programs (such as Mobile Legends or Tinkoff Bank) block standard screen splitting, and to get around this restriction, you will need to enable hidden settings via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
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Warning: Incorrect ADB commands may disrupt the system. Follow the instructions accurately and do not change other settings.
Steps:
- Turn on the developer mode on Xiaomi 9C:
Now, any application (except the system) can be shared through the menu of recent ones.
adb shell settings put global force_resizeable_activities 0Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Enable developer mode |Activate debugging on USB|Download ADB Tools|Connect phone with original cable-->
Method 4: Using Third-Party Applications
If standard methods donβt work or you need advanced features (like free window resize or support for more than two apps), you can use third-party utilities.The best options for Xiaomi 9C are:
| Annex | Functions | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split Screen Launcher | 2-4 windows, quick gestures, support for games | Advertising in the free version requires permission Special features | Google Play |
| Floating Apps | Floating windows, multi-windows for messengers, setting transparency | Premium version for full functionality | Google Play |
| Multi Window | Dividing the screen into arbitrary zones, support for landscape mode | Complex interface, can slow down on weak devices | Google Play |
Before installing, check reviews β some apps may conflict with MIUI or require root rights.Also remember that third-party utilities can consume additional RAM, which is critical for the Xiaomi 9C with its modest 2/3 GB of RAM.
Optimizing performance with split screen
Due to limited resources, Xiaomi 9C can slow down when two applications are running simultaneously. To minimize lags, follow these recommendations:
- π Close background processes: clean before activating multi-windows RAM through settings β Annexes β Clean up.
- π Turn off animation: in Settings β For developers, set the scale of the window animation and the scale of the animation transition to No animation.
- π Use "Light Mode": in MIUI 14 there is an optimization option for weak devices (Settings) β Battery and productivity β Performance mode β Light).
- π Connect charging: When the battery level is low, the system automatically limits performance.
On the Xiaomi 9C with 2GB of RAM, it is recommended to run no more than two lightweight apps at a time (for example, Telegram + Google Keep).
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For stable multi-window operation on Xiaomi 9C, it is critical to close all background processes and avoid resource-intensive applications (games, video editors, browsers with many tabs).
Solving split screen problems
If the feature isnβt working properly (windows twitch, apps close, or the screen isnβt splitting), try the following steps:
- Reboot the device β it will reset temporary system errors.
- Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI via Settings β About Phone β Update MIUI.
- Reset screen settings: Settings β System β Reset settings β Reset screen settings
- Check shell conflicts: If you use third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher), go back to the standard MIUI Launcher.
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Note: If after use ADB-commands the screen has started to divide spontaneously or applications are displayed at the wrong scale, follow the command adb shell settings put global force_resizeable_activities 0 and reboot the device.
Alternatives to split screen on Xiaomi 9C
If multi-windows still donβt work, consider alternative ways to multitask:
- π₯οΈ Image in Picture (PiP): Works for Video (YouTube, VLC). Swipe down to fold the video into a small window.
- π± Floating windows: in MIUI Some apps (like Calculator or Records) support mini windows. Hold the icon in the recent menu and select Floating window.
- π Quick Switch: Use the swipe gesture left/right on the bottom panel to instantly transition between the last two apps.
Extended tools like the Xposed Framework or MultiWindow module are available for Xiaomi 9C owners with root rights, but installing them requires technical skills and may be unwarranted.
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If splitting the screen is critical for your job, consider switching to a model with a lot of RAM (like the Redmi Note 10 with 4GB).The Xiaomi 9C isn't originally designed for intense multitasking.