Dividing the screen on Xiaomi Redmi 9S: a complete guide with photos and videos

The split-screen (or multi-window) feature on Xiaomi Redmi 9S allows you to work with two applications simultaneously — for example, chatting in a messenger and watching videos, or copying text from the browser to a document. Despite the fact that the smartphone is a budget segment, MIUI supports this feature at the software level. However, many users face problems: the split-screen button does not appear, the applications do not support mode or the screen is divided unevenly.

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to activate the Redmi 9S split screen (including bypassing the MIUI restrictions), an application compatibility table, and solutions to typical errors. All instructions are tested on MIUI firmware 12.5, 13 and 14 - taking into account the features of the Xiaomi shell.

If you’ve tried to turn on multi-windows before but you haven’t succeeded, look at the hidden developer settings and alternative gestures, and we’ll also reveal why some games (like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) block screen splitting and how to get around it.

1. Standard method: through the recent application panel

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI function. It works for most applications, but there are nuances with software that explicitly prohibits multi-windows (such as banking programs or some games).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the first app (like YouTube or Chrome).
2. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger to open the recent apps panel.
3. Find the app icon at the top of the screen, click on it, and you'll see a context menu.
4. Select the option "Share the screen" (or "Split screen" in English firmware).
5. The screen will split into two parts. At the bottom, you'll see a list of compatible apps, select the second.

⚠️ Note: If the option "Share screen" is not in the menu, then the application does not support this mode.

After activation, you can:

• 🔄 Change windows – pull the top panel of any window.
• 📐 Change the size – drag the dividing line up/down.
• ❌ Close the mode – swipe the dividing line to the edge of the screen or press Home.

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About the phone)

Close the background applications (optimizes performance)

Turn off energy saving for the programs used

Make sure that both apps are updated-->

2.Separation of the screen through gestures (hidden MIUI function)

Xiaomi hides an alternative way to activate the multi-window, through control gestures, which even works for some applications that block standard separation.

How to turn on:

1. Open the first app (e.g. Telegram).
2. Swipe from the bottom up and hold to open the panel of recent.
3. Without letting go of your finger, pull the app icon upwards – the screen will split automatically.
4. Select the second app from the list at the bottom.

💡 Useful tip: If the gesture doesn't work, check your gesture settings in Settings → System system → Gestures → Navigation buttons. Make sure Gestures are selected. MIUI, Not the buttons on the screen.

This method often helps with apps that ignore the standard menu, such as:

• 📱 WhatsApp (read-only, text input can be blocked).
• 🎮 Call of Duty Mobile (Separation works in the lobby, but not during the game).
• 📊 Google Sheets (full work with two documents).

Standard menu in recent apps

Badge holding gesture

Developer settings

Third-party annexes

I don't use multi-windows.-->

3. Developer settings: forced on for all applications

MIUI by default limits the list of applications that support split screen, but through developer mode you can force the function to any software — even if it does not officially support multi-window.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version until you become a developer!

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Forced to turn on multi-window mode

Force enable multi-window

Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Once this option is enabled, some apps may not work as stable - for example, TikTok or Instagram can automatically fold when you try to type text.

Critical information: On firmware MIUI 14 and later, Forced to turn on multi-window mode may not be available. ADB-team (section 5).

4. Use of third-party applications (if the built-in methods do not work)

If none of the above methods worked, you can use third-party utilities that mimic the split-screen function at the system level, but require special permissions.

Top.-3 multi-window applications on Redmi 9S:

How to set up Split Screen Launcher:

⚠️ Note: Third-party utilities may conflict with MIUI Optimizations. If you have lags after installation, turn off optimization in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Threefold → Special access → Optimizing the battery.

5. ADB-commands for forced multi-window switching

If you're ready to use Android debugging bridge (ADB), you can manually activate split screen for all applications -- even those that block it -- a method that requires a PC and minimal technical skills.

Instructions:

Additional commands for setting up:

• Disable the limitations for a specific package: adb shell am compat disable 123 com.package.name (replace com.package.name with an application ID, such as com.whatsapp).
• Reset Multi-Window Settings: Adb shell settings delete global force_split_screen

💡 Useful advice: To find out ID Application package, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "appendix name"

For example, for Instagram:

adb shell pm list packages | grep insta

💡

ADB-Teams can circumvent limitations MIUI, But you need to be careful, because the wrong commands can disrupt the system!

6. Problem Solving: Why Screen Split Doesn't Work

If you followed the instructions but the multi-window is still not activated, check the following points:

Checklist of diagnostics:

• 🔋 Power Saving: Turn off battery mode for both applications in Settings → Battery → Choice of applications.
• 📱 Version. MIUI: On firmware older MIUI 12 may require an update (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🔒 Application Rights: Check if the display is blocked over other windows in Settings → Annexes → Special access.
• 🎮 Games and banking applications: Most games and financial programs explicitly block multi-windows for security reasons.

Typical errors and decisions:

If the problem persists, check the error log through ADB:

adb logcat | grep -i "split"

This will help identify which restriction is preventing the activation of the mode.

FAQ: Frequent questions about split screen on Redmi 9S