Multitasking is a key requirement for modern smartphone users, but budget devices often limit this ability. Xiaomi Redmi 7A, a popular entry-level model, has the functionality of the MIUI operating system, which theoretically allows you to run two applications at once. Owners often wonder how to activate this option to improve productivity with the gadget.
The process of activating the split-screen mode on this model has its own nuances associated with optimizing the MIUI interface for devices with a small amount of RAM. Standard methods that work on flagships may not work here without first configuring hidden system parameters. Understanding these features will allow you to avoid unnecessary actions and immediately configure a user-friendly interface.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to organize the workspace on your device. You will learn about software restrictions, gesture activation methods and special utilities that extend the capabilities of the standard shell. A key limitation of the Redmi 7A is the requirement for a minimum amount of free RAM for stable operation of two applications.
Technical limitations and system requirements
Before you start setting up, you need to consider the hardware characteristics of Xiaomi Redmi 7A. The device is equipped with a Snapdragon 439 processor and, depending on the modification, 2 or 3 gigabytes of RAM. These parameters directly affect how the Android system manages background processes when trying to run two active windows.
The MIUI operating system aggressively manages resources on budget smartphones to ensure smooth operation of the main interface. When trying to split the screen, the system can force one of the applications to close if it considers that the load on the processor or memory is too high, this is a protective mechanism that prevents the device from completely freezing.
Also, not all applications support split mode, and some developers block this feature software because their interface is not adapted to run in a smaller window. On Redmi 7A, the list of compatible programs may be narrower than on the more powerful Redmi Note models.
Why does the app close when the screen is split?
For stable operation of the screen splitting function, it is recommended:
- 📱 Make sure that free RAM is at least 500 MB.
- 📱 Close background heavy games or navigators before launch.
- 📱 Update system applications to the latest version through the GetApps store.
- 📱 Check that version MIUI at least 10, as older versions may not have any functionality.
Standard activation method through the menu of recent applications
The most common way to run split-screen mode on the MIUI shell is to use the running task menu, which does not require root rights or a computer connection, but requires precise sequence execution. On the Redmi 7A, navigation can be done either through on-screen buttons or through gestures, which slightly changes the mechanics of accessing the menu.
To start, open the first app you want to see at the top of the screen, it could be a browser, messenger or social network. Once the app is fully loaded, you need to go to the task management menu. If you use classic navigation with three buttons at the bottom of the screen, click the button with the image of three bars or a square (depending on the version of MIUI).
If your device has gesture navigation enabled, swipe from the bottom up and hold your finger in the center of the screen for a split second. In the list that opens, find the card of the running application. In the upper right corner of this card (or if you press it long, depending on the firmware version), an icon should appear that allows you to control the window.
☑️ Algorithm of starting a split screen
After clicking on the appropriate icon, the screen will split in half, and at the bottom of the screen will appear a list of recently used programs. Select the second application from the proposed list. If the desired program is not in the list of "Recent", click on the "More" button or the icon with three dots to see all installed applications that support separation.
It’s important to understand that in split-screen mode, both apps remain active, which means they continue to consume processor and battery resources. On the Xiaomi Redmi 7A, this can lead to faster battery discharge and body heating over prolonged use.
Set up additional buttons for quick access
Using the menu of recent split-screen apps can be inconvenient. The MIUI shell offers an alternative and faster way to use additional buttons, which displays a floating panel with virtual buttons, one of which can be assigned a split-screen action.
To activate this mode, go to your smartphone settings. Find the Additional settings section and select the Additional buttons. Turn on the Add Additional buttons switch. The screen will show a floating panel that you can move to a convenient location.
In the optional button settings menu, you'll see a list of available actions for each of the five virtual buttons. Scroll through the list and find the split screen option. Assign this feature to one of the buttons, such as the number 1 or 2 button, so you can access it quickly at any time.
| Action. | Description of function | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Split screen | Activate the two window mode | For a quick start of multitasking |
| Screenshot. | Takes a screenshot. | To preserve information |
| Lockdown | Blocks the device screen | For a quick shutdown |
| Launch of the application | Opens the selected program | For frequently used applications |
The use of additional buttons is especially convenient when you need to switch between modes often or start splitting the screen from anywhere in the system. However, it is worth remembering that these buttons take up part of the usable display space, which can be felt on a Redmi 7A screen with a diagonal of 5.45 inches.
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Adjust the transparency of the extra buttons in their settings menu so they are less of a hindrance to the view, but remain accessible for quick clicks.
Using third-party applications to split windows
When standard MIUI methods fail or limit the list of supported applications, third-party solutions come to the rescue. There are specialized programs from the Google Play store that force split-screen mode to bypass system restrictions.
One popular solution is Split Screen Shortcut, or analogues, and once installed, it creates a shortcut or widget on the desktop, and when you click on it, you open a menu to select two applications that will run in split mode, which bypasses the compatibility check that the standard system does.
Another method is to use launcher applications or window managers like XMultiWindow, which create a virtual space that mimics multiple windows, and can be useful if the built-in Split Screen feature on your Redmi 7A is unstable.
⚠️ Warning: Installing third-party applications that require deep access to the system or overlay on top of other windows can reduce device performance. On budget models, this can lead to noticeable interface delays.
When using third-party tools, it is important to carefully monitor the permissions they request. Some may require rights to "display on top of other applications" or access to data usage. Always check developer ratings and user reviews before installing.
It is worth noting that third-party applications cannot completely change the behavior of the system at the kernel level. If the hardware resources of the Xiaomi Redmi 7A are exhausted, even third-party software will not be able to prevent one of the applications from being downloaded from memory, so using such tools is most effective when working with lightweight programs such as text editors or simple browsers.
Controlling and changing window sizes
Once the screen is split into two, the user can flexibly control the space of each window, and on Redmi 7A, this is done through a special dividing line that is located in the middle of the screen between the two active applications.
To change the proportions of the display, tap the dividing line and drag it up or down, which will increase the area of one application by reducing another, for example, you can leave a narrow strip for a video player, and give the bulk of the screen to a text editor or browser.
At the top of each window are the standard controls, which are usually the buttons to close the window, to roll or to switch to the full screen, and clicking on the cross will close the application in this window, freeing up space for the second, which will automatically unfold on the entire display.
To exit split-screen mode completely, you need to close one of the windows or use the Home button if it is configured appropriately in your firmware version, and you can drag the separation line to the very edge of the screen, which will force one of the applications to close.
- 🔄 Drag and drop lines change the size of the active window.
- ❌ Closing button removes application from split mode.
- ⬆️ Swig up from the bottom edge can roll the bottom window (depending on version) MIUI).
- 📱 Rotating the device can change the orientation of the separation to horizontal.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Despite the feature, Xiaomi Redmi 7A users can experience a variety of errors when using it. One of the most common problems is automatically closing one of the applications immediately after splitting the screen.
To solve this problem, try to clear the memory before starting the mode: Close all unnecessary applications, clear the cache through the built-in optimizer and only then try to split the screen. Also, a smartphone reboot can help, which frees up reserved system resources.
Another problem is that there is no separation icon in the task menu, which could mean that the function is blocked by the developer or system for the chosen application, in which case you can run another, lighter application to check the functionality as a whole.
⚠️ Warning: If the device starts to heat up very much or the interface is running with delays in split-screen mode, immediately close one of the applications.
Sometimes, after updating the MIUI firmware, the multitasking settings may be reset, in which case you need to recheck the application permissions and activate additional buttons in the system settings. If the problem persists, the current version of the software may contain errors, and you should expect the patch from the manufacturer.
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The stability of the split screen on Redmi 7A depends on the amount of free RAM and optimization of running applications.