How to split the screen on Xiaomi Redmi Note: all ways + hidden chips MIUI

The split screen feature on Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones allows you to work with two applications simultaneously – for example, chat in the messenger and watch videos, or copy text from the browser into notes. Despite the obvious benefits, many users do not know how to turn on this mode or face errors when activating it. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways of splitting the screen on Redmi Note 8/9/10/11/12 (including Pro/Pro+/5G models), and also reveal hidden MIUI settings that expand the possibilities of multitasking.

It is important to understand that the mode activation algorithm depends on the shell version (MIUI 12/13/14) and the smartphone model. For example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 13 has a gesture for quick separation, and the Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12 will have to use the classic menu of recent applications. We tested all methods on current firmware (2023-2026) and highlighted a unique way for devices with the Home button (if it is not disabled in the settings).

1. Standard way through the menu of recent applications

This is the most versatile method, working on all Redmi Note models regardless of the MIUI version. Suitable for devices with a physical home button and gesture controls.

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Open the first app you want to pin to the top of the screen (like YouTube).
• 🔄 Click the “Recent Apps” button (or swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger for 0.5 seconds if you use gestures).
• 🖱️ Find the card of the desired application in the list and press it for 1-2 seconds.
• 🔀 In the menu that appears, select the option Divide screen (or icon «☰» version MIUI).
• 📲 The bottom of the screen will display a list of other open apps – tap on the second to pin it.

If the "Share" option is inactive (grey), check:

• ⚙️ Whether the function is enabled in the system settings (as discussed below in Section 3).
• 🔒 Does the app block multitasking (such as some banking apps or games).
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes helps with temporary crashes MIUI.

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

Closing unnecessary applications in the background

Turn off the power saving mode

Make sure both apps support Split Screen-->

2.Gest for quick separation (MIUI 13/14) only

Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi has added a handy gesture to activate split screen without clicking on the menu of recent apps, which works on the Redmi Note 10/11/12 and the newer.

How to use:

1. Open the first app (like Chrome).
2. Swipe your finger up from the bottom of the screen (as when returning to the home screen), but don’t let go of your finger after a short vibration.
3. After 0.5-1 second, an app thumbnail will appear at the top of the screen with the words “Share the screen – drag it up.”
4. Select the second app from the list or from the home screen.

If the gesture doesn't work:

• 🔧 Check if gesture control is included in Settings → Display. → Full-screen display.
• 🖐️ Try to make a gesture with two fingers (on some firmware this is an alternative option).
• 📱 Make sure there are no locks on the screen (e.g., protection against accidental taps in your pocket).

Through the menu of recent apps

Gesture (MIUI 13/14)

Home button (if any)

I don't use Split Screen.-->

3. Incorporating the function in the system settings

If the option "Share" is not in the menu of recent apps, it is possible that the function is disabled in the settings. This is true for the Redmi Note 8/9 and older versions of MIUI 11/12.

How to activate:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → System functions.
2. Find the option Split screen (or Multi-window on some localizations).
3. Activate the slider and confirm the action.
4. If necessary, restart the device.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware for Redmi Note (especially global versions) may not have the split screen option. MIUI Up to the latest version or use alternative methods in Section 5.

4.Separate screen with the Home button (for older models)

If your Redmi Note still has a physical or touch button (like the Redmi Note 5/6/7) active, you can use it to split your screen quickly.

Instructions:

1. Open the first appendix.
2. Press and hold the Home button for 1-2 seconds.
3. In the menu that appears, select Divide the screen.
4. Select the second app from the list.

If the Home button does not respond to a long press:

• 🔧 Check the button settings in Settings → Buttons and gestures → Home button».
• 🔄 Switch to gesture control (if the button interferes).

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On the Redmi Note 4X and older models, a long press of the Home button can open the Google Assistant, in which case, turn it off in the Google app settings or use other split-screen methods.

5. Alternative methods (if standard methods do not work)

If none of the above methods worked, try these options:

Method 1: Through the Developer Mode

• 🔧 Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times tap on the item Version MIUI.
• 🖥️ Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• 🔍 Find the Multi-Window or Force activities to be resizable and activate it.
• 🔄 Reset the device.

Method 2: Using third-party applications

If MIUI blocks screen splitting, install from Google Play:

• 📱 Split Screen Launcher – Creates a shortcut for fast splitting.
• 🖥️ Floating Apps – emulates multi-windows in floating windows.

⚠️ Note: Shared screen applications may conflict with MIUI Before installing, check the reviews for your Redmi Note model.

6.Shared screen setup: Hidden chips

After activating Split Screen mode, you can fine-tune it to your needs:

How to change the size of the windows:

• 📏 Drag the dividing line up or down to enlarge/decrease the window.
• 🔄 Double tap on the dividing line drops windows to equal sizes.

How to change applications in places:

• 🔀 Drag the top window behind the header down (or vice versa).
• 🖱️ On some versions MIUI can be tapped ↹ divider.

How to close Split Screen:

• 🗙️ Drag the dividing line to the end up or down.
• 🔄 Click the Home button or make a return gesture to the home screen.

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On the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G and later in Split Screen mode, the function of smoothly changing the size of windows is available - hold your finger on the dividing line and lead aside for smooth adjustment (without fixed positions).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Problem 1: The “Share the Screen” item is not in the menu of recent apps.

Decision:

• Update MIUI to the latest version.
• Check the settings in Settings → Special. features → Split screen.
• Reset system settings (without data loss): Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset application settings.

Problem 2: The application does not open in split mode.

Decision:

• Try opening the app in full screen mode first, then splitting the screen.
• Clear the app cache in Settings → Apps → App management → [App name] → Clear the cache.
• Check if the app blocks multitasking (e.g. Netflix or Disney+ may restrict Split Screen to protect content).

Problem 3: The split screen will automatically close.

Decision:

• Turn off the power saving mode: Settings → Battery → Energy saving mode → Off..
• Add both apps to the battery optimization exceptions: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All apps → [Select apps] → No restrictions.
• Check if the device overheats (when overheating MIUI can forcefully close resource-intensive modes).

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If Split Screen has stopped working after the MIUI update, try rolling back the firmware to the previous version or waiting for a patch. Often, multitasking bugs are fixed in the next updates (usually within 1-2 weeks after the release of the new version of MIUI).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions