How to split the screen on Xiaomi Mi 9: all ways + secret chips

The split screen (or multi-window) feature on the Xiaomi Mi 9 allows you to work with two apps simultaneously — for example, chatting in the messenger and watching videos, or copying text from the browser into notes. Despite the fact that the smartphone was released in 2019, its MIUI firmware supports this feature even on current versions. However, not all users know how to turn it on: in some builds the option is hidden in the depth of the menu, and in others it works only through gestures.

In this article, you will find 3 proven ways to activate the mode, including the hidden method for MIUI 12+, as well as solving typical problems: why separation does not work, how to change the proportions of windows and what to do if the application does not support multi-window. Importantly, on the Mi 9 with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), the standard method may not work - for these we have prepared separate recommendations.

1. Standard Method through Gestures (MIUI 10–14)

On most versions of MIUI for Xiaomi Mi 9, splitting the screen is enabled via swipe with your finger – but only if the function is activated in the settings.

First, make sure that the multi-window is not disabled in the system.

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Multi-window mode.
2. Activate the Screen Split switch (if any).
3. Return to Settings → Additional → Full-screen mode and select Gesture Control (if you use navigation buttons, the method will not work).

Now we can split the screen:

1. Open the first app (like YouTube).
2. Swipe your finger from the bottom up the screen and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds, and the recent app panel will open.
3. Click on the app icon at the top of the window and select “Separate Screen” (or “Multi-window”).
4. Select the second app from the recent list.

Now both windows are active. To resize them, pull the dividing line in the center of the screen.

Function enabled in settings|Gesture controls are used|Applications support multi-window (not all games/messengers work)|The screen is not locked in horizontal orientation.-->

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 13/14 The gesture to call the multiwindow has changed — now you need to hold the app icon in the recent panel, rather than swipe up.

2. Alternative method through the notification panel

If the gestures don't work (for example, because of the shell from the operator), try to enable separation through the Quick Settings panel. MIUI 11–14:

1. Open the notification bar with two fingers (to see all icons).
2. Find the Multi-window button, if it's not there, click Edit and add it to the active elements.

This is a more convenient method than gestures if you use a multi-window a lot. To remove the button from the panel, press Edit again and drag it to the inactive zone.

Note: in horizontal mode (if you rotate the phone), the split screen will not work - only in vertical orientation.

3. Separation through Developer Settings (for MIUI 12+)

On newer versions of MIUI (12 and above), standard methods may fail due to interface optimizations, in which case the developer mode will help:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option “Enable free multi-window form”** and activate it.
4. Also, turn on “USB Debugging”** (required for the next method).

Then try splitting the screen again through gestures or the notification bar, and if it doesn't work, go to the ADB method.

⚠️ Warning: Enabling Developer Mode may reset some security settings (e.g., application restrictions). After setting up the multi-window, turn off unnecessary options in this menu.

4. Screen split via ADB (for custom firmware)

If you use informal firmware (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS), standard methods may not work. ADB:

Be prepared first:

• 📱 Install. ADB-PC drivers.
• 🔌 Connect the Mi 9 to your computer USB and allow debugging (a request will pop up on the phone).
• 🖥️ Open the command line (or Terminal) Mac/Linux) in the adb.exe folder.

Now, execute the command:

adb shell settings put global force_split_screen true

Reboot your phone. The multi-window should then be activated through standard gestures. To turn off the forced mode, use:

adb shell settings put global force_split_screen false

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If the team doesn’t work, try to turn on the developer mode first (Section 3) and repeat the steps.

5. Applications that do not support multi-window

Not all programs can work in split mode, but here is a list of typical exceptions:

If you need to run such an application in a multi-window, try:

• 🔄 Update the program to the latest version.
• 📥 Install an alternative client (e.g. WhatsApp Business instead of the usual WhatsApp).
• 🛠️ Use Island (sandbox for cloning applications) – sometimes clones work in a multi-window.

Social media (VK, Telegram)|Messengers (WhatsApp, Viber)|browser + note-book|Video + chat|Other-->

Frequent problems and their solutions

If splitting the screen doesn’t work, check out these points:

Problem 1: Multi-window button is inactive

• 🔧 Check if gesture controls are included in Settings → Additionally. → Full screen mode.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the system resets after the update.
• 📱 Install. MIUI latest version (in old builds multi-window disabled).

Problem 2: The screen is splitting, but apps won’t open

• 🚫 Make sure apps are not locked in battery settings (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
• 🔒 Check permissions: Some programs (like Google Maps) require location access even in multi-windows.

Problem 3: Splitting only works with some applications

It's okay, because the developers decide whether to support the multi-window, to get around the limitation:

• 🛠️ Use Tasker or MacroDroid to Forced Run in Split Mode.
• 🔍 Check the settings of a particular application – sometimes there is an option “Allow multi-window”** in its menu.

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If none of these things worked, try resetting your phone to factory settings (be sure to back up!) and 90% of the time, this solves the multi-window problem.

7. Secret chips of multi-window on Xiaomi Mi 9

Few people know, but the Mi 9 has hidden split-screen options:

• 🔄 Quick switching of windows: in multi-window mode, swipe your finger along the dividing line to the left or right - the windows will change places.
• 📱 Launch in float: Hold the app icon in the recent panel and select Window in the window** – it will open in a small floating form (does not work in all versions). MIUI).

Another life hack: if you need to copy text from one window to another, just highlight it and drag it to the next app – MIUI supports drag-and-drop between windows.

8. Alternatives to the standard multiwindow

If the built-in feature doesn’t suit you, try these apps from Google Play:

Check reviews before installing – some programs may slow down your phone or conflict with MIUI.

⚠️ Note: Third-party split-screen apps (not Google Play) may contain malicious code.Install only proven high-rated utilities.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions