Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 9A have enough performance to perform many tasks at once. Users often face the need to quickly switch between messenger and browser, or watch videos in one window while in another correspondence. The MIUI shell offers a built-in tool for organizing the workspace, called the “Share screen”.
In this article, we will discuss how to activate this feature on your device, we will look at the usual activation methods, hidden settings and possible system limitations, and understanding these nuances will allow you to significantly improve the efficiency of using the gadget in everyday life.
However, it is worth considering that the MIUI interface may vary depending on the firmware version. Some steps may differ slightly visually, but the logic of the work remains unchanged.
What is a split screen mode and why is it needed?
Split screen mode, or Multitasking, allows two applications to be displayed on the same display at the same time, and the screen is divided horizontally or vertically, and each application takes up its own part of the space, and these are not just smaller copies of windows, but full-fledged running processes.
This feature is especially relevant for 6.5-inch devices like the Redmi 9A. You can have a conversation on Telegram while you watch a YouTube tutorial, or copy text from one document and paste it into another without constantly switching between tabs.
Importantly, not all applications are optimized to run in this format, and some programs may be forced to deploy full-screen or refuse to run in split mode, depending on the software developers’ policies and Google’s interface adaptability requirements.
⚠️ Attention: When working in split screen mode, RAM consumption increases. On models with 2 GB or 3 GB of RAM, background processes can be unloaded more aggressively, which will lead to restarting applications when switching.
The Xiaomi Redmi 9A system resources are distributed between two active windows, which can lead to faster battery discharge and heat during prolonged use, so it is important to monitor the temperature of the device during intensive operation.
Preparation of the device and compatibility check
Before you start setting up, make sure your device is updated to the latest available firmware. Xiaomi developers regularly release patches that fix interface bugs. Updates take only a couple of minutes to check, but ensure the system is stable.
You also need to make sure that the screen does not include special features that can conflict with the control gestures, such as navigation buttons and full screen mode, switching between them can change the algorithm for calling the multitasking menu.
For a comfortable experience, it is recommended to clear the cache of recently launched applications, which will free up RAM and provide smooth animation when the second window opens, you can do this through the built-in optimizer or in the settings menu.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
You need to know which pairs of applications you want to use most, and MIUI can remember the bundles you use most, and it can prompt you to open them automatically, and it speeds up access to the functions you want in the future.
How to activate through the menu of recent applications
The most common and simple method of running a Redmi 9A split screen is through a Task Manager, which is standard and works on most versions of the shell without the need to include hidden flags.
To start, open the first app, which should be on the top or left of the screen. Then swipe from the bottom up (or click the menu button, depending on the type of navigation), call a list of recent applications.
Press and hold your finger on the preview of the app or its name. In the context menu that opens, select Split screen (sometimes indicated by the icon of two rectangles). The screen blinks, and the selected application takes up half of the display.
The second half of the screen will show you a list of frequently used programs, select the second application from the list or find it in the general list, and then you will have both applications running simultaneously, separated by a movable boundary.
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You can move the boundary between windows by dragging the center bar, which allows you to change the proportions of the content you display, giving priority to one of the applications.
If you don't see "Share screen" when you press it long, your app may not support that mode, so the system won't offer that option on the menu. Try choosing another program to check.
Using the sidebar for quick access
Newer versions of MIUI have introduced the Sidebar (or Floating Windows) feature, which makes multitasking much easier to manage, allowing applications to run as floating windows or immediately switch them to split-screen mode.
To activate the panel, you need to go to Settings → Special Options → Sidebar. Here you need to turn on the activation switch and select applications that will be displayed in quick access. This can be a calculator, notes or messengers.
Once you've set up, if you're in any app, swipe your finger from the edge of the screen in the panel area to push the menu out. Click on the icon of the second app and select the display mode. The system will offer you window placement options.
| Function | Description | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Split screen | Divide the display into two equal parts | Menu of recent apps |
| Floating window | Opens the app on top of others | Sidebar or task menu |
| Curtailment | Turns a window into a small icon | The bottom of the floating window |
| Closure | Completely closes the second application | The cross in the corner of the window |
The sidebar is especially useful when you need to quickly copy or check information without interrupting the main process, for example, when filling out a form in the browser, you can quickly open notes.
Navigation settings: buttons vs. gestures
The type of navigation directly affects the usability of split-screen mode. In Xiaomi Redmi 9A, two main options are available: the classic three buttons at the bottom of the screen and swipe gesture control.
When using buttons, calling the multitasking menu is done by pressing a square button or a three-bar button. Long clicking on the preview of the application in this menu opens up additional options, including splitting the screen.
If you have gesture control enabled, the mechanics change, and to call the menu of recent apps, you swipe from the bottom up and hold your finger in the center of the screen for a split second, and in this mode, it's sometimes harder to hit the little app menu icon.
You can switch navigation type from Settings → Screen → Navigation on the screen, and you can adjust the sensitivity of the edges of the screen, which is useful if you accidentally hit the boundaries when playing or watching a video.
Many users have noted that on devices with little memory, switching between navigation modes may require rebooting the interface, which is normal system behavior aimed at applying new display parameters.
Problem Solving: The app doesn't share or crashes
A common problem with Redmi 9A users is that they can't share a screen with a particular application, and the system sends out a message of incompatibility or simply ignores the command, because the developer of the application has banned the scaling of the interface.
There is a way to get around this restriction through an engineering menu or special ADB commands, but it is safer for the average user to use the built-in MIUI tools. Try updating the problematic app through the Google Play store or GetApps.
Sometimes it helps to clean the data of the application itself, which does not want to work in split mode, resetting the program settings can remove conflicting display parameters, but remember that this will delete the local data of the program.
⚠️ Attention: Forced scaling of incompatible applications can lead to incorrect text display, overlapping interface elements or complete system freeze.
If the problem is systemic and is seen in all applications, it may be worth checking for system updates.
Features of working with memory on Redmi 9A
The Redmi 9A often comes with 2 or 3 gigabytes of RAM, which may not be enough to comfortably run two heavy applications at once.
To minimize departures, try not to run resource-intensive games or navigators in a split screen along with video streaming. It is better to combine lightweight text editors, browsers and instant messengers.
Virtual RAM, if available in your firmware version, can make things a little bit better: It uses some of the internal storage as RAM, but the speed is lower than that of physical RAM.
How do I turn on memory expansion?
Watch the temperature of the case. When you use two applications, the processor runs at higher frequencies, and overheating can lead to trotting, which artificially reduces performance to protect components.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I split the screen into three parts on the Redmi 9A?
Why is there no sound in one of the windows?
How to get out of split screen mode?
Does splitting the screen affect internet speed?
Using split-screen mode on Xiaomi Redmi 9A opens up new possibilities for multitasking. Despite some limitations of budget hardware, the right setup allows you to effectively solve everyday tasks. Experiment with application combinations to find the most convenient format for you.
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The best bundle for Redmi 9A is the browser and messenger. Heavy games and the navigator are better run in full screen mode for performance.