How to split the screen on Xiaomi Mi A1: all working ways in 2026

Introduction: Why you need to share the screen on a smartphone

Multitasking on smartphones is no longer a luxury for those who are used to working with several tasks at once. Xiaomi Mi A1, despite its age (model released in 2017), supports split screen function, albeit with some limitations, this ability to, for example, chat in the messenger and watch videos at the same time, compare prices in the browser and app store, or copy text from one document to another without constantly switching between windows.

However, not all users know that on Android One (the pure version of Android, which is equipped with the Mi A1), the multi-window activation algorithm differs from standard Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell. In addition, after system updates or resets, the function may suddenly stop working. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to split the screen into Xiaomi Mi A1, including hidden chips and workarounds for older versions of the software.

Before you go to the instructions, make sure your smartphone meets the minimum requirements:

• 📱 Android Version: 7.1 Nougat or later (on Mi) A1 The latest official firmware - Android 9 Pie).
• 🔄 Updates: All available security patches are installed (check in Settings) → System system → Updating the system).
• 🧠 Free RAM: at least 500 MB (otherwise, the system can force one of the windows to close).

Method 1: Standard multi-window via the "Recent" button

This is the simplest and most official method that works on most Android 7.0+ devices. On the Xiaomi Mi A1, it is implemented with Android One in mind, so the interface may be slightly different from the usual MIUI.

Algorithm of action:

1. Open the first app you want to pin to the top of the screen (like YouTube).
2. Click on the recent square button (right of the Home button).
3. Keep your finger on the app icon in the recent taskbar until the menu appears.
4. Select Divide Screen (or Open at the top of the screen).
5. At the bottom of the screen, a panel with other apps will open – select the second one (such as Telegram).

If the option is not in the menu, it can mean:

• 🚫 The application does not support multi-window (for example, some games or system utilities).
• 🔧 The function is disabled in the developer settings (see section 4).
• 📵 Older version of Android (update the system).

Applications support multi-window |

Free ≥500MB of RAM |

Battery charged ≥20%|

Power saving mode is off.-->

⚠️ Attention: On Mi A1 With Android 9 Pie, the navigation bar may disappear after splitting the screen. To return it, swipe from the bottom up from the bottom of the screen.

Method 2: Splitting the screen with gestures

If you use navigation gestures instead of the classic buttons, the multi-window activation algorithm changes a little. On the Xiaomi Mi A1, gestures are included in Settings → System → Gestures → System Navigation.

Instructions for gestures:

1. Open the first app (like Chrome).
2. Swipe your finger from the bottom up and hold your finger on the screen to open the recent task bar.
3. Click on the app icon at the top of the card and select Split screen.
4. Select the second app from the list or from the home screen.

Features of working with gestures on the Mi A1:

• 👆 The swipe up gesture should be smooth - a sharp movement may not open the panel of recent.
• 🔄 If the screen is not split, try returning the classic navigation buttons in the settings.
• 📱 On some firmware, gestures conflict with a multi-window - in this case, resetting gesture settings will help (Settings) → Annexes → Resetting application settings).

Classic buttons |

Gestures |

I don't know.-->

If gestures are unstable, check if left-handed mode is enabled in the gesture settings, which can change swipe logic and interfere with screen splitting.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If standard methods don’t work (for example, due to outdated firmware or manufacturer restrictions), you can use third-party utilities. A1 fit:

• 🔹 Split Screen Launcher – Creates a shortcut for fast screen splitting.
• 🔹 Multi Window – supports setting window size and positioning.
• 🔹 Floating Apps – allows you to open applications in floating windows (alternative to multi-window).

How to install and configure Split Screen Launcher:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and allow the display to be displayed over other windows (in Android settings).
3. Add the app shortcut to the main screen.
4. Click on the shortcut, select the first app, then the second.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. banking or with) DRM-They can block multi-window work for security reasons, and third-party utilities will not help either.

Advantages of third-party solutions:

• ✅ They work on outdated versions of Android.
• ✅ Allows you to adjust the size of the windows more flexibly.
• ✅ Supports floating windows (for example, for video calls).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ They may consume additional RAM.
• ❌ Some functions are paid.
• ❌ Risk of conflict with system processes.

Method 4: Enabling a multi-window through the developer settings

If the standard split screen function is disabled or not working properly, it can be activated through the developer settings, which is suitable for advanced users, since it requires changing system parameters.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → Find the Build Number and press it 7 times in a row. PIN-code or pattern lock, if required.

For developers

Multi-window

Force activities to be resizable

Reboot your smartphone.

After these manipulations, the split screen function should appear in the menu of recent tasks. If the Multiwindow option is not in the developer settings, try the following actions:

• 🔍 Use the search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest available version.
• 🔧 Install. ADB Adb shell settings put global settings force_resizeable_activities 1

⚠️ Attention: Changes in the developer settings can lead to unstable system operation. If after switching on the multi-window smartphone began to slow down, return the parameter to its original state.

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If after turning on the multi-window applications began to close spontaneously, try to reduce the number of background processes in the developer settings (process limit parameter).

Multi-window application compatibility table on Mi A1

Not all apps work correctly in split screen mode. Below is a table of compatibility of popular services with Xiaomi Mi A1 (relevant to Android 9 Pie):

Important: DRM-protected apps (such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video) can block high-resolution content playback when the screen is split.

Solving Screen Split Problems

If the multi-window does not work or does not work correctly, use the following tips:

Problem 1: The “Separate Screen” item is not in the recent task menu.

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version.
• 🔧 Enable multi-window in the developer settings (see section 4).

Problem 2: Applications spontaneously close in a multi-window.

• 🧹 Clear the app's cache in Settings → Annexes.
• 🔋 Turn off the power saving mode.
• 📉 Close the background processes (use Settings) → Memory).

Problem 3: The screen splits, but one of the windows is black.

• 🔄 Restart both applications.
• 📱 Check if the application supports multi-window (see table above).
• 🔧 Reset the application settings (Settings) → Annexes → Reset).

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If none of these methods worked, try resetting your smartphone to factory settings. Before you do that, back up your data!

FAQ: Frequent questions about splitting the screen on Xiaomi Mi A1