Screen split on Redmi Note 7: A complete guide to multitasking

Multitasking has become an integral part of everyday smartphone use, and the split-screen feature on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 allows you to work with two apps at the same time. However, not all users know how to properly activate this mode and what nuances exist when using it. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways of splitting the screen, including hidden MIUI capabilities, and also look at typical errors and their solutions.

It is important to understand that Redmi Note 7 is based on the proprietary shell MIUI, which has its own features of implementation of multi-windows. Depending on the firmware version (MIUI 10/11/12/13/14) interface and available options may vary slightly. We will take into account these differences and provide universal instructions that are relevant for most versions, and you will learn which applications support split screen mode and which do not, and how to circumvent these restrictions.

Method 1: Standard division through the recent application panel

The simplest and most versatile method of activating multi-windows on the Redmi Note 7 is to use the recent app dashboard, which works on all versions of MIUI and does not require any additional settings.

1. Open the first app you want to use in split screen mode.
2. Click on the square navigation button (or swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger for gesture control).
3. In the recent app bar, find the card of the app you want and click on its icon (not the card itself!).
4. In the menu that appears, select Divide Screen (or Split Screen in English).
5. Select the second app from the recent list or find it through a search.

After that, the screen will split into two parts, and between the applications will appear a dividing line. You can change the proportions of the windows by dragging this line up or down. Note that not all applications support this mode - some (such as Google Maps or YouTube) may be displayed with restrictions or not open at all in a split form.

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If the "Separate Screen" button does not appear, check if the function is enabled in the system settings: Settings → Special Features → Split Screen Mode

Method 2: Hot keys for quick splitting

For users who often use multitasking, MIUI has hotkeys for a quick split-screen switch, which is especially useful if you need to switch between pairs of apps quickly.

• 🔹 Hold the recent app button (square) for a period of time. 1-2 seconds to automatically share the screen with the current app.
• 🔹 In split screen mode, hold the Home button (circle) to swap apps in places.
• 🔹 Double pressing the dividing line returns the windows to equal proportions (50/50).

These combinations don’t work on all versions of MIUI, so if they don’t work, check your gesture settings in Settings → System → Gestures. Also note that some third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher) may block these features.

Method 3: Split screen through MIUI settings

If standard methods don't work or you want to fine-tune multitasking, you can activate split-screen mode through system settings, which is useful if you have disabled gesture controls or changed standard interface settings.

Go to Settings → Special Features → Split screen mode and make sure the function is enabled. Here you can configure:

• 📱 Automatic separation when holding the button of recent applications
• 🔄 Ability to drag apps between windows
• 📏 Minimum window size (e.g., banning windows that are too small)

In some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 12.5+), these settings may be in Settings → Screen → Multi-window Mode. If you don’t find the right item, search by settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner).

Update MIUI to the latest version | Check application compatibility | Disable third-party launchers | Activate the function in the settings-->

Method 4: Using gestures to split the screen

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has introduced advanced gesture controls that allow you to quickly switch between multitasking modes. To activate a split screen through gestures, follow the following steps:

1. Open the first appendix.
2. Swipe your finger from the bottom edge of the screen upwards and hold your finger for 1 second (as when opening the recent app dashboard).
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 or through search.

This method only works on versions of MIUI 12 and later. If you have older firmware, update it through Settings → About Phone → System Update. Also make sure that the gesture settings (Settings → System → Gestures) include the option of split screen gestures.

Method 5: Forced screen splitting via ADB (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work or you want to share the screen with apps that don’t officially support this mode, you can use the app. ADB-This is a way for advanced users to connect the phone to a computer.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on Redmi Note 7: go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (or terminal) in the ADB folder.
4. Enter the command to force split screen: adb shell settings put global force_split_screen true
5. Reset the device.

You can then share the screen with apps that don't initially support multi-windows, but be careful: some apps may not work properly or close when you try to split.

adb shell settings put global force_split_screen false

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Using ADB can disrupt the stability of some applications, and it is recommended to back up data before experimenting.

Compatibility table of applications with split screen

Not all apps work properly in multi-window mode. Below is a table of compatibility of popular services with split screen on Redmi Note 7. Data is relevant for MIUI 13/14, but may vary depending on the version of the application.

If your app doesn’t support split screen, try using its web version via a browser (like Chrome or Firefox, VK Instagram or Instagram may block multi-windows due to security policies.

Typical problems and their solutions

When using split-screen mode on the Redmi Note 7, users often face a number of problems.

⚠️ Note: If one of the applications suddenly closes after activating the split screen, check if the power saving mode for that application is turned on in the battery settings (Settings) → Battery → Choice of applications).

• 🔄 Screen does not divide when holding the recent button: Check if the feature is enabled in Settings → Special facilities → Split screen mode. If you don't have an option, update. MIUI.
• 📱 App doesn't support split screen: Try using ADB-command to force the inclusion or open the web version of the application in the browser.
• 🔋 Split screen severely drains battery: This is normal behaviour as two apps consume more resources at the same time. Close unnecessary windows after use.
• 🔊 The sound is played in only one window: MIUI By default, it only transmits sound to the active app. To hear sound from both windows, use external speakers or headphones.

If none of these methods work, try resetting the interface to the standard: Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting the interface. This won’t delete your data, but will return all display settings to factory settings.

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Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 14+ has a feature called “Floating Windows” (Settings → Special Features → Floating Windows), which allows you to open applications in small windows on top of others, an alternative to split screen for some tasks.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions