Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones today have such powerful hardware and large displays that they can comfortably perform multiple tasks at once. Screen splitting is not just a beautiful feature, but a real productivity tool that allows you to text in the messenger while you watch videos or copy text from the browser into notes. However, many users still do not know how to activate this mode, since in the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS it can be hidden or have different ways to launch.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible ways to activate Split Screen on Xiaomi devices, learn how to manage application windows, change their size and quickly switch between running programs, and also touch on the topic of compatibility, since not all applications support window mode.
Before we get to the instructions, it’s worth noting that the interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version.However, the basic principles remain the same throughout the Xiaomi ecosystem. If you want to turn your gadget into a powerful working tool, follow our recommendations.
What is a split screen mode and why is it needed?
Split Screen is a multitasking feature that divides the smartphone display into two independent areas: one app can run on the top and another on the bottom, and this is especially true for owners of phablets and models with a screen diagonal of 6.5 inches, where the area allows you to read text comfortably even in a smaller window.
Using this mode saves you time, and you no longer have to constantly fold one app to open another, copy intermediate data, or respond to urgent messages. Xiaomi Redmi does a great job of this workload thanks to system optimization.
- 📱 Simultaneous work with two messengers (for example, WhatsApp and Telegram).
- 🎥 Watching videos on YouTube or in an online cinema during correspondence.
- 📝 Copy text or images from the browser directly into a document or notes.
- 🛒 Comparison of goods in online stores on different tabs or in different applications.
Note that not all programs are adapted to this format. Some games or specific utilities can be forced to unfold to the full screen, ignoring separation. However, most popular social networks, email clients and browsers work in this mode.
⚠️ Note: When the screen is actively split, battery consumption may increase as the processor and graphics chip handle two active processes simultaneously.
The functionality of Split Screen is constantly being improved by the developers of MIUI. In recent versions of firmware, the ability to drag files between windows and more flexible configuration of proportions has been added.
Compatibility check and system preparation
Before you start using split screen, make sure your device is technically ready for this operation.The feature is built into the MIUI shell since version 9, but on older models it may not work well.It is also important that the operating system is updated to the latest available version.
You can check the firmware version by going to Settings → About Phone. This shows the MIUI or HyperOS version number. If updates are available, it’s best to upgrade, as this often fixes multitasking bugs.
☑️ Checking the device's readiness
There is also a hidden option in the developer menu that allows you to force split screens on applications that do not officially support this feature, but you should use it with caution, since the program interface may not display correctly.
To activate forced separation, you need:
- Open Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI.
- Go to Advanced Settings → For developers.
- Find the item "Forced change of activity size" and activate it.
This setup allows you to run even those applications in a split screen that normally block this feature, but remember that in some programs, buttons can go beyond the limits of visibility.
How to activate Split Screen through the application menu
The easiest and most reliable way to run a split screen on Xiaomi Redmi is to use the standard menu of recent apps, which works on all current versions of the firmware without the need to install additional software.
To start, open the first app you want to see at the top of the screen. Then roll it up without closing it completely, and proceed to launch the second app through the multitasking menu, which is where the key to activating the feature lies.
Next, perform the following actions:
- Swipe from the bottom up (or click the menu button) to open a list of running apps.
- Find the card of the desired application and click on the icon on the top right (usually it is an icon with three dots or a separation symbol).
- In the context menu that appears, select the option "Share screen" (sometimes it is indicated by the icon of two rectangles).
And then the screen splits in half, and at the top, you'll have the app you've selected, and at the bottom, you'll have a list of other programs to select the second task, and you can swap apps around, dragging the dividing bar.
⚠️ Note: If the "Share Screen" option is not on the menu, then the specific application does not support this feature on your version of the system.
Some users prefer to use the sidebar for quick access, which can be activated in settings to launch Split Screen with one touch, without going into the menu of recent tasks.
Use of gestures and side panel
For those who appreciate speed, MIUI offers faster ways to activate split screens. Gestures allow you to switch between modes instantly without taking your finger off the display. This is especially convenient when you need to check something quickly.
The sidebar (or floating window) is another powerful tool, so you can run an app as a small window over another, and then you can turn it halfway across the screen, and you can swipe the toolbar from the edge of the screen.
Let’s consider the algorithm of actions through the side panel:
- Open the main application.
- Swipe from the left or right edge of the screen to call the sidebar (if it is enabled in the settings).
- Click on the icon of the second application in the panel.
- Select the display mode: "Floating window" or "Separated screen".
If you choose split-screen mode, the system will automatically adjust the window sizes, so you can change the proportions by dragging the central dividing line up or down.
| Action. | The result | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Swipe from the edge | Opening of the side panel | Settings → Special. opportunities |
| Clicking on the icon | Launch of the application | Sidebar. |
| Tug-tug of the border | Change the size of windows | |
| Double-push | Wrapping into a floating window | Dividing line |
Gesture control takes some habit, but it speeds up the device significantly. New versions of HyperOS have added the ability to pin frequently used pairs of apps for instant launch.
Setup and management of application windows
Once you split the screen, the most interesting thing is the space adjustment, which allows you to flexibly manage proportions, close unwanted windows, and even swap apps, and it turns your smartphone into a desktop computer.
The central dividing strip is the main control tool, and if you press it briefly, you have an extra menu where you can either roll one of the windows into a bubble or close it completely, and a long tug changes the size of the active area.
The secret to fast app change
To close one of the windows, you just drag the dividing line to the very edge of the screen, you can also click on the cross in the corner of the application or use a standard swipe to close, while the second application will remain in the background.
It is important to remember that the running of two "heavy" applications, such as the navigator and the game, can lead to heating of the case and a fall in the FPS. The system can automatically close one of the applications if there is not enough RAM.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to split the screen during an incoming video call in some messengers – this may cause audio or interface crashes.
Sound management is also getting more interesting: in split-screen mode, audio is often played from just one active source, usually the one that was launched first or has priority.
Problem Solving and Application Compatibility
Despite the convenience, users often face problems when using Split Screen, the main one being the application’s failure to work in split mode, because it is up to the developers to decide whether to support it.
Most often, problems arise with bank applications, some games and specific utilities, in which case the system either does not show the split button, or forcibly deploys the application to the full screen when trying to run.
💡
Use the Floating Window mode for applications that don’t support Split Screen – it’s a great alternative for performing background tasks.
What to do if the function does not work:
- 🔄 Update the app via Google Play or GetApps.
- 🔧 Check the settings for developers (forced size change).
- 📱 Reboot the device to clean the RAM cache.
- 🚫 Make sure that the “Simplified” or “For Older People” mode is not enabled".
Sometimes cleaning up the data of a particular app helps, but it will reset its settings.In most cases, the problem is solved by updating the phone's firmware, as Xiaomi is constantly improving compatibility.
If none of these methods worked, it’s possible that your device’s model has limitations on RAM, and the system blocks multitasking to maintain stability.
💡
The compatibility of split-screen applications depends primarily on their developers, not just on the capabilities of the Xiaomi smartphone.