Sharing the screen on Xiaomi devices is a useful feature that allows you to use two apps at the same time or view content from different sources. On Mi TVs, this is called multi-window, and on smartphones, it is called multi-tasking mode. However, not all models support this option, and the on-board algorithm depends on the firmware version and device type.
In this article, we’ll break down all the working ways to split the screen on Xiaomi, including hidden settings for older TV models (Mi TV 4S/4A series) and the nuances of working on MIUI 14 for smartphones.
1.Share split on Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi Smart TV)
Xiaomi Android TVs (Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TV X and later) support multi-window, a mode in which the screen is divided into two or four zones. In each zone, you can run a separate application: for example, watch YouTube in one window and chat in Telegram in another. The feature is available on Android TV 10+ firmware (old models require manual activation through the developer settings).
Important: on TVs with Full Resolution HD (1920×1080) Multi-window is more stable than on 4K-models, due to performance limitations of Amlogic chips. If you split the screen, try reducing the number of windows open at the same time or disable background processes through Settings → Annexes → Launched.
- 📺 Supported models: Mi TV Q1/Q2, Redmi Smart TV X (2022–2026), Mi TV A2, Pro-series
- ❌ Not supported: Mi TV 4S/4A (2018–2020), PatchWall models without Android TV
- 🔧 Minimum Requirements: Android TV 10, 2 GB of RAM, remote with microphone (for voice control windows)
To turn on the multi-window:
- Press the Home button on the remote and open the app panel.
- Press the OK button (center) on the remote for 3 seconds – the multi-window menu will appear.
- Select the app for the first window (like YouTube), then drag it to the left or right side of the screen.
- Repeat the action for the second window. To return full screen, press Back.
⚠️ Note: On PatchWall firmware TVs (e.g. Mi) TV 4X For India, there may be no multi-window. In this case, try updating the software through Settings. → On TV. → Update the system or use an alternative method through ADB (described below).
2. Hidden multi-window mode for older TVs (via ADB)
If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support split-screen out of the box, but runs on Android TV 9+, you can activate the feature via USB debugging (ADB).This method is suitable for Mi TV 4S (2019), Mi TV 4A (2020) and others with an Amlogic S905 chip.
- 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB (download from Google).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on the TV (Settings) → On TV. → Build Number – Press 7 times, then return to Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
Instructions:
- Connect the TV to your computer via USB.
- Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and type:
adb devices(A device with a serial number must appear.)
- Enter the command to activate the multi-window:
adb shell settings put global multi_window_support 1- Restart the TV (adb reboot or via menu).
After you restart, press the OK button on the remote, the split-screen menu should appear. If the function does not work, try the additional command:
adb shell am start -n com.android.tv.settings/.leanback.MultiWindowSettingsActivity⚠️ Note: On some PatchWall firmware, this method can cause remote malfunctions. Before experimenting, back up your settings through Settings → System system → Backup.
What if ADB can’t see TV?
3.Share split on Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI 12–14)
On Xiaomi smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi series), the split screen feature is called "Floating Windows" or "Multi-tasking"; it allows you to open two apps at the same time - for example, watch videos on YouTube and chat to WhatsApp. The feature is available on all devices with MIUI 12 and later, but can be hidden in the settings.
To activate the mode:
- Open the first app (like Chrome).
- Press the "Recent" button (square at the bottom of the screen or gesture to the right of the bottom panel).
- Tap the app icon at the top of the card and select "Separate Screen" (or "Floating Window").
- Select the second app from the list ofRecent Apps.
For window control:
- 🔄 Change the size: Drag the dividing line up/down.
- 🗑️ Close the window: Drag the dividing line to the edge of the screen.
- 🔒 Lock the window: Press three points in the floating window → "Secure".
If the option "Separate screen" is not in the menu, turn it on manually:
- Go to Settings → Special Options → Screen Sharing.
- Activate the slider "Enable Screen Sharing".
- In some firmware (MIUI 13 for POCO), the path is different: Settings → Additional → Multitasking.
Update MIUI to the latest version
Close the background applications (freely ≥1 GB of RAM)
Enable the option in the special features settings
Check the compatibility of applications (not everyone supports the mode)-->
4. Why isn't splitting the screen working? Frequent errors
If the split screen function is not activated, the problem may lie in system settings, application incompatibility, or hardware limitations, and these are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| There is no option to “Separate screen” in the menu | The function is disabled in the settings or not supported by firmware | Include in Settings → Special. features or update MIUI |
| The application does not open in a multi-window | The app is not optimized for multitasking | Try another app (e.g. Chrome instead of Firefox) |
| The screen twitches when splitting | Lack of RAM or weak processor | Close background processes through Settings → Applications |
| Multi-window disappears after blocking | Energy saving mode turns off background processes | Add apps to battery exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimization |
Google apps are particularly worth paying attention to: YouTube, Google Maps and Chrome are best adapted for multi-window, while some games (such as PUBG Mobile) and banking apps (SberBank Online) can block screen splitting for security reasons.
⚠️ Attention: On smartphones POCO shelled POCO Launcher's path to multitasking settings may be different. If you don't find an option, reset the launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → POCO Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data.
5. Alternative methods: third-party applications
If Xiaomi's built-in features don't work, you can use third-party split-screen utilities, which are suitable for root-enabled devices or for circumventing firmware restrictions.
- 📱 Split Screen Launcher — shortcuts for quick multi-window application launches. Works without root, but requires Android 10+.
- 🖥️ Taskbar — adds a Windows-like taskbar with floating windows. Suitable for Xiaomi Pad tablets 5/6.
- 🔧 Xposed Framework + XMultiWindow module for advanced root users, allows you to adjust window sizes and gestures.
There are almost no alternatives for Xiaomi TVs – the only working option is to flash on custom firmware (like LineageOS for TV), but this requires unlocking the bootloader and risks losing warranty. If you critically need a multi-window on an older model, consider buying an external device, such as the NVIDIA Shield TV or Mi Box S, which support splitting the screen at the Android TV level.
💡
On Xiaomi Pad 5/6 tablets, multi-windows are more stable if you turn on the PC mode in the display settings. To do this, go to Settings → Display → Screen Mode → PC and activate the option.
6. Optimization of performance in multi-window
Splitting the screen increases the load on the processor and RAM. If your Xiaomi device starts to slow down, use these tips:
- ⚡ Turn off animation: Go to Settings → The phone. → Build number (7 times), then in Developer Settings → Window animation (0.5x).
- 🧹 Clear the cache: In Settings → Warehouse → Clear cache (especially for YouTube and Chrome).
- 🔋 Configure the battery: Add the apps used to the optimization exceptions: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Choose the right ones. → No restrictions.
For Xiaomi TVs with 2GB of RAM (such as Mi TV 4S 43), it is recommended that:
- Use no more than two windows at the same time.
- Turn off background download updates: Settings → Apps → Auto Update → Wi-Fi only.
- Install lighter versions of apps (e.g. YouTube Go instead of the standard YouTube).
On TVs with an Amlogic chip S905X3 (Mi TV Q1) If you divide the screen into 4 windows, you may overheat. In this case, use external cooling (for example, USB-fan) or reduce the brightness to 70%.
💡
On Xiaomi smartphones with a Snapdragon 7xx/8xx processor, the multiwindow runs smoother than on devices with MediaTek chips (Helio G-series). If you plan to use split screen often, choose models on the Snapdragon 860/870/8 Gen 1.
7. Comparison of multi-window on Xiaomi and other brands
The split-screen function is implemented differently from different manufacturers, and for clarity, compare the capabilities of Xiaomi with competitors:
| Brand/Device | Max. Number of windows | Sign support | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi (MIUI 14) | 2 (smartphones), 4 (televisions) | Yeah (swipe from the bottom edge) | It does not work in all applications, requires manual switching on TVs. |
| Samsung (One UI) | 2 (smartphones), 2 (televisions) | Yes (double pressing the "Recent" button) | More stable work, but less flexibility in settings |
| Google (Pixel, Android TV) | 2 (smartphones), 4 (televisions) | Yes (holding the app icon) | Better compatibility with apps, but no additional features |
| Huawei (EMUI) | 2 (smartphones), not on TVs | No. | Limited functionality, works only with system applications |
Xiaomi offers one of the most flexible multi-window options for TVs (up to 4 windows), but Samsung loses in stability on smartphones. If multitasking is important to you, look for models with a Snapdragon 8xx processor (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5 Pro), which cope better with load.