Xiaomi Poco: How to turn on multi-window and use two apps at the same time

Why you need a split screen on Xiaomi Poco

The split screen feature (Split Screen or Multi-Window) on Xiaomi Poco TVs allows you to use two apps at the same time โ€” for example, watching a movie and chatting in the messenger, or playing a game without closing the guide. This feature is especially useful for owners of Smart TVs with a diagonal of 55 inches, where multitasking becomes comfortable.

Unlike smartphones, where the split screen is turned on by gesture, Xiaomi TVs have a different algorithm. It is important to consider the version of the MIUI TV, the device model and even the type of connected accessories (for example, a keyboard or a gamepad). In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including hidden settings for advanced users, and also tell you which applications support multi-window and which do not.

If you've tried to split the screen before, but you didn't, chances are there's one of three reasons why it's so bad: an outdated firmware, an unsupported app, or an incorrect sequence of actions, and we'll help you avoid those mistakes.

Xiaomi Poco models support split screen

Not all Xiaomi Poco TVs are equipped with Split Screen.It is only available on devices with an Amlogic or MediaTek processor (S905, S905X, MT9638 and later) and a version of MIUI TV at least 2.0.15.

  • ๐Ÿ“บ Xiaomi Poco TV 55" (2022-2026) - all modifications
  • ๐Ÿ“บ Xiaomi Poco TV 65" and 75" (Pro and Standard series)
  • ๐Ÿ“บ Xiaomi Poco TV Box (based on Android) TV 11/12)
  • ๐Ÿ“บ Xiaomi Mi TV 4S/5 Pro (with firmware) MIUI TV 3.0+)

On older models (e.g., the 2020 Xiaomi Mi TV 3 or Poco TV 43), the feature is either missing or is error-proof. To check support, go to Settings โ†’ About TV โ†’ MIUI TV version. If the version is below 2.0.15, update the firmware first.

๐Ÿ“Š Your model of Xiaomi Poco TV?
Poco TV 55"
Poco TV 65"
Poco TV Box
Mi TV 4S/5 Pro
Another model

Also note that some apps (such as Netflix or Disney+) block split screen mode due to DRM policy.In this case, multi-window will only be available for system utilities (browser, file manager) or streaming services without protection (such as YouTube).

Method 1: Standard Enabling through the Application Menu

The easiest method to activate Split Screen is through the latest apps panel, which works on all supported Xiaomi Poco models with MIUI TV 2.0+.

  1. Open the first app (like YouTube) you want to see on half the screen.
  2. Press the Home button on the remote to roll the app, but not close it.
  3. Open the second app (e.g. Telegram).
  4. Hold the Home button for 2-3 seconds to call the Recent Apps menu.
  5. Select the icon of the first application and click Up on the remote โ€“ the option to split the screen will appear.
  6. Confirm the choice and the screen will split into two parts.

If the option to split screen does not appear, check:

  • โš™๏ธ Updated firmware (minimum version โ€” MIUI TV 2.0.15).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Is one of the applications running in full screen mode (for example, games).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Is the remote with the Home button connected (on some models the function does not work with alternative remotes).

โ˜‘๏ธ Screen section preparations

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Once activated, you can resize the windows by dragging the separation line left/right. To return full screen mode, click Home and select Close Separation.

Method 2: Activation through Developer Settings

If the standard method didnโ€™t work, try enabling Split Screen through hidden settings, which is suitable for advanced users and requires activation of the developer mode.

First, turn on the Developer Mode:

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ On TV.
  2. Find the line build number and click on it 7 times in a row (you will be notified you became a developer).
  3. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.

Now activate the forced multi-window mode:

  1. In the For Developers section, look for Forced Screen Split (or Force Split Screen).
  2. Turn it on and restart the TV (Settings โ†’ Reboot).
  3. After the reboot, try splitting the screen again through the app menu (see Method 1).
What to do if you do not have the option of Forced Screen Sharing?
If this option is not on the developer menu, your TV model does not support software compulsion. USB Or use an alternative method with ADB-teams (described below).

Warning: Turning on this mode may cause some applications to work unstable. If the TV starts to brake after activation, return the settings to their original state.

Method 3: Use ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If none of the previous methods worked, you can try to enable Split Screen via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting the TV to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

You'll need:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Computer with drivers installed ADB (You can download from the Android Developers website).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ USB-cable to connect TV to PC (or Wi-Fi sharing).
  • โš™๏ธ Initiated debugging mode USB on the TV (Settings) โ†’ For developers โ†’ Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

  1. Connect the TV to your computer and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
  2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your TV.
  3. Activate the split screen mode with command: adb shell settings put global multi_window_mode 1
  4. Reboot TV: Adb shell reboot

After restarting, try splitting the screen again through the app menu. If the feature still doesn't work, check the error logs with the command:

adb logcat | grep -i "split"

๐Ÿ’ก

If ADB If the TV doesn't recognize the TV, try connecting over Wi-Fi. [IP-TV address]:5555 (know IP You can set up โ†’ Network).

What apps support split screen

Not all apps on Xiaomi Poco TV can run in Split Screen mode, here is a table of compatibility of popular services:

AnnexSplit Screen SupportNotes
YouTubeโœ… Yes.It works without restrictions, but the video is suspended when it is clotted.
NetflixโŒ No.Locked down because DRM-defense
Telegramโœ… Yes.Chats and media player are supported
IVIโš ๏ธ Partially.It only works in the browser version.
Google Chromeโœ… Yes.Any tabs other than those protected (e.g. banking sites)

If the app doesn't support Split Screen, you'll see a notification This app can't work in split mode.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Use the browser version of the service (for example, YouTube via Chrome).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Connect your smartphone to Miracast and duplicate the screen.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Install an alternative launcher (for example, ATV Launcher that supports forced separation.

๐Ÿ’ก

DRM-protected applications (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video) will never work in a separate mode due to the limitations of copyright holders.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if your Xiaomi Poco TV supports Split Screen, there may be bugs, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

โš ๏ธ Warning: If after splitting the screen, the TV starts to brake or overheat, immediately turn off the mode. TV 43) may cause processor overload.

Problem.Reason.Decision
No split screen option.Outdated firmwareUpdate MIUI TV to version 2.0.15+
The application does not open in a multi-windowDRM-protectionUse the browser version or alternative launcher
The screen is split, but one window is black.Graphics driver failureRestart the TV or reset the graphics settings
Remote does not respond to commands in the multi-windowConflict with the annexConnect a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse

If none of the solutions worked, try resetting your TV to factory settings (Settings โ†’ Reset).Be sure to write down Xiaomi account details before resetting - without them, you won't be able to re-activate some features, including access to the app store.

Alternative ways to multitask on Xiaomi Poco

If Split Screen doesnโ€™t work or youโ€™re not happy with its implementation, consider alternatives:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ PiP (Picture-in-Picture) mode: allows you to overlay a small window over the main screen, enabled through application settings (e.g. YouTube) โ†’ Settings โ†’ PiP).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Duplicate smartphone screen: connect your phone to Miracast or Google Cast and use the multi-window on it.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game mode: on Xiaomi Poco TV Box can run games in the window, while opening a chat or guide in the browser.

For owners of Xiaomi Poco TV Box, there is another option โ€“ installing a third-party launcher (for example, ATV Launcher or HalLauncher), which supports forced splitting of the screen even for incompatible applications.

How to install a third-party launcher on Xiaomi Poco TV Box?
1. Include Unknown Sources in Settings โ†’ Security. 2. Download the launcher's APK (e.g., from the APKMirror site). 3. Install via file manager. 4. Go to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Default Launcher and select a new launcher.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I share the screen with the Xiaomi Poco TV 43 in 2020?
No, the 2020 models (including the Poco TV 43) donโ€™t support Split Screen at the software level, and the most available is PiP mode for some apps.
Why isnโ€™t Netflix working in a split mode?
Netflix and other DRM-protected streaming services (such as Disney+ or Prime Video) block Split Screen at the request of copyright holders, a restriction that cannot be circumvented without violating the user agreement.
How to return full screen mode if the remote does not respond?
If the remote stopped working after splitting the screen, try: Press Back + Home at the same time. Connect the Bluetooth keyboard and press Esc. Remove the TV plug from the socket for 30 seconds (hard reset).
Can the screen be divided into two games?
Technically, yes, but only if both games support window mode. Most mobile games (like Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG) are forced to run in full screen and won't work in Split Screen.
How to update MIUI TV if there is no update option in the settings?
If automatic update is not available: Download the latest firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (Support section) โ†’ Televisions. Copy the.zip file onto a flash drive (FAT32). Connect the flash drive to the TV and go to Settings โ†’ Update โ†’ Update through USB. โš ๏ธ Warning: Do not turn off the TV during an update โ€“ this can lead to โ€œbrickingโ€ (impossibility to turn on).