How to split your screen on Xiaomi: a complete guide to multi-window in MIUI

Xiaomi’s split-screen feature allows you to work with two apps simultaneously — for example, chatting in a messenger and watching videos, or copying text from the browser into notes — which is available on most devices with a MIUI shell, but its implementation depends on the firmware version and phone model.

Many users are unaware of the existence of multi-window mode, although it makes multitasking much easier. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate a separate screen, including hidden settings and workarounds for older versions of MIUI. You will also learn which Xiaomi models support this feature, and what to do if it suddenly disappears after the update.

Before you start setting up, make sure your smartphone meets the minimum requirements. Multi-window mode is officially supported on devices with MIUI 8 and newer, but some budget models (such as the Redmi 5A series or Redmi 6) may have limitations. If your phone is released after 2018, most likely the problem lies not in the hardware, but in the settings.

Importantly, after upgrading to MIUI 12/13/14, the split screen interface has changed, and new versions have made the feature more intuitive, but some users complain about its unstable operation with certain applications (such as Instagram or banking programs), and we will consider solutions for such cases.

Which Xiaomi models support split screen?

Officially, multi-window mode is available on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (series 4xx and higher) or MediaTek Helio (G-series and higher), Released after 2017.

On budget devices (for example, Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) The function can be disabled by default due to memory limitations, in which case it can be activated through hidden settings. developer_options, But the work will be unstable. Flagship models (Xiaomi) 13, Redmi K60, POCO F5) Multi-window support without restrictions, including horizontal.

Below is a compatibility table for popular series:

If your model is not in the table, test it for compatibility experimentally. To do this, open any application, then swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger — if the thumbnail panel appears, then the function is supported.

Method 1: Standard division through the panel of recent

This is the simplest and most versatile method, working on most devices with MIUI 9-14. Instructions are suitable for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with the latest updates:

1. Open the first app you want to pin to half the screen (e.g. YouTube).

2. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger to open the recent apps panel.

3. Click on the application icon at the top of the card and select "Share the screen" (or Split screen in English firmware).

Then the top half of the screen will remain occupied by the current app, and the bottom half will display the panel to select the second one, and if the desired app is not on the list, close the recent panel and open it manually, it will automatically occupy the second half.

First appendix opens

The panel of recent activated swipe up

Selected the item "Separate screen" in the icon menu

The second application is selected from the list or manually opened-->

Important: Not all apps support multi-window mode. For example, Netflix and some games (like PUBG Mobile) may block screen splitting for security or performance reasons.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12.5+ When the multi-window is activated, the navigation button panel may disappear. To return it, swipe your finger from the bottom edge of the screen upwards and hold 1-2 seconds.

Method 2: Separation through Developer Settings

If the standard method doesn’t work (e.g., on the POCO M3 or Redmi 8A), try enabling the function through hidden settings.

1. Go to Settings → About phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.

2. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new Developer options section.

3. Find the option "Enable freeform multi-window" and activate it.

After the device is restarted, the split screen feature should appear in the recent panel, and if the option is not in the developer settings, then your model does not support multi-window at the software level.

On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 10T), after turning on the free form of the multi-window, it becomes possible to change the size of the windows by dragging the separation line, which is convenient for working with documents or comparing information from different sources.

Method 3: Use of gestures (MIUI 12 and later)

In the latest versions of MIUI, you can gesture the split screen without opening the panel of the recent ones.

1. Open the first app (e.g. Chrome).

2. Swipe your finger from the bottom edge of the screen up and hold it to open the panel of recent ones.

3. without releasing your finger, pull the app card upwards - the screen will split automatically.

4. Select the second application from the list or open it from the home screen.

This method only works on devices with full-screen gestures (no virtual buttons). If you have navigation buttons displayed, first enable gestures in Settings → Display → Navigation on the system.

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To quickly swap applications in multi-window mode, tap twice on the dividing line and hold your finger - the windows will change positions.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 Global), gesture separation may conflict with other features, such as fast camera start. If the screen isn't splitting the first time, try turning conflicting gestures off in the settings.

Why is it that Xiaomi’s screen split doesn’t work?

If the multi-window function is not available or is malfunctioning, the reasons may be as follows:

• 📱 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings → Update the system. MIUI 8 the function may not be available.
• 🔧 Settings disabled: Check if the option to split screen is activated in Settings → Special facilities → Convenience.
• 🎮 Application restrictions: Some programs (such as Fortnite or TikTok) block multi-windows.
• 🔄 System Failure: Reboot the device or reset the interface settings in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Settings (⚙️) → Resetting settings.

If the problem persists, try clearing the system launcher cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Launcher app (or MIUI Launcher).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek Helio G-processors (for example, Redmi Note 9) after resetting, multi-window support may disappear.

Alternative ways to multitask on Xiaomi

If splitting the screen is not available or uncomfortable, use alternative methods:

1. Floating windows (PIP-regime)

Many apps (like YouTube Premium or Google Maps) support picture-in-picture mode to activate it:

1. Open the video or navigation.
2. Return to the home screen with the Home button, and the content will shrink into a small window.
3. Drag the window to a convenient location and change its size with two fingers.

2. Quick switching between applications

MIUI has a dual tap to wake up, which you can configure to launch the last app.

1. Go to Settings → Display → Double touch to wake up.
2. Select the action of the Last Appendix.
3. Now, the double tap on the screen will switch between the last two programs.

3. Use of third-party launchers

Launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher support gestures to quickly launch applications in separate mode, for example, you can configure a swipe up from the dock to open two programs at the same time.

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Floating windows (PIPs) consume less resources than full-screen splits, and work even on weak devices.

How to turn off screen splitting on Xiaomi

If the multi-window mode is activated accidentally or interferes with work, it can be turned off in several ways:

Method 1: Through the dividing line

Swipe your finger along the gray line between the windows up or down – one of the applications will close, and the second will turn around the entire screen.

Method 2: Through the recent panel

1. Open the recent app bar swipe up.

2. Find a split-screen card (it will be marked with an icon of two rectangles).

3. Swipe it left or right to close it.

Method 3: Complete shutdown of the function

If the multi-window interferes (for example, it is activated by random gestures), it can be deactivated in the settings:

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Convenience.
2. Find the option to split the screen and turn it off.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI EU), the multi-window function is tied to system animations. If it still works after turning it off, try resetting the animation settings to Settings → For developers → The scale of the window animation (set 1x).

FAQ: Frequent questions about splitting the screen on Xiaomi