How to enable screen splitting on Xiaomi: multi-window for two applications

Sharing the screen on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to work with two applications simultaneously — for example, chat in the messenger and watch videos, or copy data from one document to another. This feature, known as multi-window (or Split Screen), is available on most devices with a MIUI shell version 12 and higher, but its activation and configuration often raises questions among users.

Unlike tablets, where multitasking is implemented at the system level, on Xiaomi smartphones, splitting the screen requires manually running through gestures or buttons. However, not all applications support this mode - some (for example, games or banking programs) can block multi-window work for security reasons. In this article, we will discuss all ways to enable the function, limitations and solve typical problems.

If you are using the POCO model, Redmi or Xiaomi’s flagship 13/14 series, the instruction will work for all of them – only the differences in the location of menu items, and for owners of devices with MIUI 11 and below, you will need to update the firmware or use workarounds.

Which Xiaomi models support split screen?

Multi-window feature is officially available on all Xiaomi smartphones with the shell MIUI 12 and newer, but there are nuances:

• 📱 Flagship series: Xiaomi 12/13/14, Mi 11, Mix 4/5 — Full support, including gesture control.
• 📱 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5 — activation is required in the settings.
• 📱 Budget models: Redmi 9/10, POCO M4/M5 — The function may operate with limitations (e.g., only for standard applications).
• ❌ Not supported: devices on MIUI 11 and below, and some models for the Chinese market (e.g. Redmi) K30 Pro Zoom in Early Firmware).

To check your smartphone’s compatibility, open Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. If version is lower than 12, update your firmware via Settings → System Update or use alternative methods (discussed below).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 NFC) The multi-window function is hidden by default. To activate it, you need to turn on the developer mode and change the setting. miui_multitasking_enabled through settings → Additionally. → For developers.

Method 1: Screen splitting through gestures (MIUI 12-14)

The fastest way to activate a multi-window is to use gesture control, which works on all supported models, but requires pre-configuration:

1. Open the first application you want to use in split mode.
2. Swipe your finger up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold it – a menu of recent apps will open.
3. Click on the app icon (not the preview!) and select the option “Share screen” (or “Multiwindow”).
4. Select the second app from the recent list or on the home screen.

If there is no Shared screen, check the gesture settings:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Full-screen mode.
2. Select Gestures and make sure the split screen option is enabled.
3. If you don’t have an option, upgrade your MIUI or use the method with the Recent button (described below).

Method 2: Split through the “Recent” button (for older versions of MIUI)

On devices with MIUI 12 and below (or if gestures don't work), you can use the classic multitasking menu, which is versatile but less convenient:

1. Open the first appendix.
2. Click on the “Recent” button** (the square icon in the navigation bar).
3. Hold your finger on the app icon at the top of the preview and select Split screen.
4. Select the second app from the list or from the home screen.

If the split screen button is not active, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 The application does not support multi-window (for example, VK Music or SberBank Online).
• 🔋 Insufficient RAM (close background processes through Settings) → Annexes → Clean up).
• 📱 Outdated firmware (update) MIUI through settings → Updating the system).

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If the built-in function is not working or missing, you can use third-party utilities to split the screen.

• 🔧 Multi Window Mode – Supports Forced-Resize for Unconsistent Applications.

For installation:

1. Download APK from the official website (for example, APKMirror).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.
3. Launch the app and follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Note: Third-party utilities may conflict with MIUI Before installation, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

How to change the size of the windows in split mode?

After activating the multi-window, you can adjust the proportions of the windows:

1. Hover the cursor over the dividing line between the windows.
2. Hold and drag it up/down to resize.
3. To swap apps, hold the app icon in the top panel and drag it left/right.

Permissible proportions:

• 📏 50/50 — equal windows (standard mode).
• 📏 70/30 or 30/70 — window wider than another.
• 📏 Floating windows (only in MIUI 14) – mini windows over the main screen.

The Xiaomi 13 Pro and POCO F5 Pro models have Three Windows (experimental feature) available, but it requires activation via Settings → Special Features → Function Lab.

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If the dividing line has disappeared, swipe your finger from the top or bottom edge of the screen to the center and it will appear again.

Solving split-screen problems

If the multi-window is not working, use this instruction:

Problem 1: No “Separate Screen” item on the menu

Causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Outdated. MIUI: Update the firmware through Settings → Updating the system.
• 🔧 Disabled function: go to Settings → Additionally. → Functions Lab and turn on Multi-Window.
• 📱 Incompatible model: Use third-party apps (see section above).

Problem 2: The application does not open in a multi-window

Some apps (such as Instagram or TikTok) block screen splitting.

• 🔧 Enable the Developer Mode (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → press 7 times).
• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and activate Forced Multi-Window Mode (force_resizeable_activities).
• 🔧 Use it. ADB-Adb shell settings put global force_resizeable_activities 1

Problem 3: Multi-window lags or brakes

Most often it is due to a lack of RAM.

• 🧹 Close all background applications through Settings → Annexes → Clean up.
• 🔋 Reset the device.
• 📉 Reduce screen resolution in Settings → Display. → Screen resolution.

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If the application still does not open in the multi-window, check its settings: some programs (for example, WhatsApp) allow you to enable support for a split screen in the Settings → Screen menu.

FAQ: Frequent questions about split screen on Xiaomi