How to split the screen with Xiaomi MIUI 12: All the ways and secrets

Split-screen feature on Xiaomi smartphones with shell MIUI 12 allows you to work with two applications at the same time, which is especially convenient for multitasking. For example, you can watch YouTube videos and chat in parallel to Telegram, or compare prices in the browser without closing the calculator. However, not all users know how to activate this mode correctly, especially on devices with outdated versions. MIUI or non-standard firmware.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to include split screen on Xiaomi with the MIUI 12, including hidden settings, gestures and alternative methods for models where the function is disabled by default, and you will learn how to adjust the window size, which applications support mode, and what to do if split screen does not work. From Redmi Note 9 Pro to Mi 11 Ultra flagship.

What is a split screen mode and why is it needed?

Split screen mode (or multiwindow) is a feature that divides a smartphone display into two independent areas, each of which can run a separate application. This is not the same as floating windows (which appear on top of the main interface), but a full-fledged separation of the workspace.

The main advantages of the function:

• 📱 Multitasking without switching: no need to constantly open and close applications – both work simultaneously.
• 🎥 Media Convenience: Watch videos or streams while reading comments or correspondence.
• 📊 Data Comparison: Ideal for working with tables, documents or maps (e.g. Google Maps) + note-book).
• 🎮 Games and chats: play and chat in Discord or VK pauseless.

V MIUI 12 Split screen mode is implemented on the basis of standard Android capabilities 10/11, But with Xiaomi's branded improvements, for example, there are additional settings to change the proportions of the windows, as well as gesture support for quick launch.

Official way: how to enable screen splitting through settings

The simplest and most versatile method is activating the function through system settings. It works on most Xiaomi devices with a high-quality system. MIUI 12, including the Redmi Note 10, POCO X3, Mi 10T other models.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Special Opportunities section → System settings.
3. Find the option Split screen (or Multiconference on some firmware).
4. Activate the switch to the position on..
5. Return to the home screen and open the first app (like Chrome).
6. Click on the square button Recent Apps (or swipe up with a delay on gesture navigation).
7. Hold your finger on the app icon and select Split screen (or drag it to the top of the screen).
8. Select the second app from the list of Recent.

Update MIUI to the latest version

Close all background applications

Check if your model supports the function (see table below)

Turn off the energy-saving mode.-->

If the split screen is not in the settings, this may mean:

• 🔄 Your firmware is outdated - update MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 The device does not support the function (see compatibility table below).
• 🔧 The feature is disabled by the manufacturer for your model (relevant for some budget Redmi).

Compatibility table: which Xiaomi models support split screen

Not all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 have split-screen support. Below is a table with current data on popular models. Please note that even if your device is on the list, the feature may be disabled in some regional firmware.

If your model is not in the table, check the support for the feature experimentally or check the information on the official forum Xiaomi (c.mi.com).

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On some models (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro), the feature is hidden. To activate it, go to Settings. → About the phone and 5 times click on the version MIUI. Then in the developer menu (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers, there may be an option to Enable Free Form (freeform), which unlocks multi-window.

Alternative ways to enable split screen

If the standard method doesn't work, try one of the alternatives. They'll work for devices where the function is disabled by default or hidden.

Method 1: Through the recent app menu (gestures)

This method works for most devices with MIUI 12 and gesture navigation:

1. Open the first app (like Google Maps).
2. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger (Recent menu will open).
3. Click on the app icon and hold it.
4. In the menu that appears, select Split screen (or drag the app to the top of the screen).
5. Select the second app from the list.

Method 2: Through Developer Modes

For some models (for example, Redmi Note 9) you need to enable hidden settings:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option Enable Freeform Windows and activate it.
4. Reset the device.
5. Now, when you hold the app icon in the Recent menu, the option “Share the screen” should appear.

Method 3: Using third-party applications

If the system methods did not work, you can use third-party utilities from Google Play:

• 📲 Split Screen Launcher – Creates a shortcut to quickly launch split mode.
• 🔧 Taskbar – adds taskbar, like on PC, with support for multi-window.
• 🎛️ Multi Window Mode – activates hidden Android features for split screen.

When using third-party apps, be careful: some require root rights, which can compromise the device’s warranty and security.

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Third-party split-screen applications may conflict with MIUI. Before installing, check reviews and rankings in Google Play, and back up your data.

How to adjust window size and manage screen splitting

Once you activate the split screen, you can flexibly adjust the proportions of the windows and manage their content.

Change the size of windows

To change the ratio of windows:

1. Put your finger on the dividing line between the windows (it looks like a thin gray strip).
2. Hold and drag the line up or down to change the proportions.
3. Release your finger when you reach the right size.

On some models (e.g., Mi) 11) Predetermined proportions are available: 50/50, 60/40 or 70/30. To select them, touch the dividing line and hold them. 1-2 seconds.

Switching applications in windows

If you want to replace one of the applications without leaving split screen mode:

• 🔄 Click on the three dots (or menus) in the top corner of the window.
• 📱 Select Replace App and select a new one from the list of Recent Apps.
• 🗑️ To close one of the windows, swipe it down (as in normal mode).

Control gestures

V MIUI 12 the following gestures are supported for easy control:

• 👆 Swipe up from the bottom edge – opens the Recent menu to select the second app.
• 👇 Swipe down from the top edge – folds the split screen into a floating window (on supported models).
• ☝️ Holding the dividing line opens the proportions menu.

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Nana POCO F3 and some other models, swipe up gesture to call the menu Recent may conflict with split screen. In this case, temporarily turn off gesture navigation in Settings → Display. → Full screen mode.

Why Screen Split Doesn't Work: Common Problems and Solutions

If you followed the instructions but the split screen mode never worked, check the following points:

Problem 1: No function is present in the settings

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Unsupported model: check the compatibility table above. for budget devices (e.g. Redmi) 8A) function may be disabled.
• 🔧 Regional restrictions: some firmware for China or India have advanced features. Try changing region to Settings → Additionally. → Region (risky, may reset settings!).

Problem 2: The app does not support split screen

Not all programs are adapted to multi-window mode, for example, many games (for example, the use of the Internet, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact block split screen to check support:

1. Open the application in normal mode.
2. Try splitting the screen – if the app icon is not active (grey), it does not support the function.

Problem 3: Split screen lags or brakes

If the screen splits, the device begins to slow down:

• 🔄 Close all background applications through Settings → Annexes → Launched.
• 📉 Turn off animation: in Settings → For developers, set the scale of window animation and the scale of animation transition to Off..
• 🔋 Activate Performance Mode: Settings → Battery → Performance mode.

⚠️ Note: On devices with 4GB of RAM or less (e.g. Redmi) 9C) Simultaneous operation of two heavy applications (e.g. Chrome) + Photoshop Express can automatically close one of the windows, in which case you can try using lighter alternatives (e.g. Opera Mini instead of Chrome).

Hidden split screen chips in MIUI 12

In addition to the basic functions, the MIUI 12 There Are Some Hidden Features That Make Split Screen Even More Convenient:

1.Floating windows inside split screen

On some models (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra), you can create a floating window over one of the split windows.

1. Activate split screen mode.
2. Open the third app through the Recent menu.
3. Hold his icon and select the Floating Window.

Now you will have two main windows. + one floating (for example, for a calculator or notes).

2. Quick switching between application pairs

If you use the same pairs of apps often (like YouTube) + Telegram, you can save their combination:

1. Split the screen and open the desired applications.
2. Click on three dots in the top corner of one of the windows.
3. Choose Save a couple.
4. This combination will now be available in the Recent menu as a standalone item.

3.Use of the keyboard in both windows

By default, the keyboard only appears in one window, to type in both:

• Tap the input field in the first window - the keyboard will appear.
• Without closing it, touch the input field in the second window.
• The keyboard will automatically move to the bottom window.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware, when switching between windows quickly, the keyboard may freeze. In this case, restart it by swiping down the notification panel and clicking on the keyboard icon (for example, Gboard).

FAQ: Frequent questions about splitting the screen on Xiaomi