The split screen mode on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 allows you to work with two applications simultaneously — for example, watching YouTube videos and chatting to Telegram. The feature is built into the MIUI firmware, but many users do not know how to activate it correctly. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including hidden settings and circumventing restrictions for incompatible applications.
Important: Multi-window capabilities depend on the MIUI version (12, 13 or 14) and firmware assembly (global, Chinese, EEA). Some custom firmware may be missing or malfunctioning. If your Redmi Note 9 doesn't support split screen out of the box, you'll find alternative solutions at the end of the article.
1. Standard Method through Gestures (MIUI 12–14)
The fastest method is to use a split-screen gesture, which works on most firmware versions. The algorithm is simple, but requires accuracy:
- Open the first app (like Chrome) that will be at the top of the screen.
- Run a second app (like WhatsApp) – it should stay in the background.
- Return to the first app and swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen, hold your finger for 1-2 seconds until the menu of recent apps appears.
- Click on the app icon at the top of the card and select Split Screen (or Split Screen in English firmware).
- Select the second app from the recent list – the screen will split in half.
If the gesture doesn't work, check:
- 📱 Version MIUI: On older assemblies (below 12.0.3), the function may not be available.
- 🔧 Gesture settings: go to Settings → Additionally. → Full-screen display → Screen split gestures and enable the option.
- 📵 Application compatibility: Some programs (such as games or banking applications) block multi-windows.
Update MIUI to the latest version |Enable gestures in settings |Close background applications |Check compatibility of programs-->
On the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 13/14, the multi-window interface became more flexible: you can change the proportions of windows (50/50, 60/40 or 70/30) by dragging the dividing strip. To close the mode, pull the strip to the edge of the screen or press Close in the menu.
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If the dividing strip has disappeared, swipe your finger from the top or bottom edge of the screen to the center - it will appear again.
Activation through system settings
If the gestures don’t work or you’re more comfortable turning the function on manually, use the settings menu:
- Go to Settings → Special Options → Split screen mode.
- Activate the switch Enable the split screen.
- Select the activation method: 👆 Gesture (swifting finger up). 🔘 Button (in the notification panel).
Save the changes and restart the smartphone (recommended for settings).
On some firmware, the path to settings may be different. For example, in MIUI 12.5 for Redmi Note 9 Pro, the option is hidden in Settings → Screen → Multi-window Mode. If there is no point, then your firmware version does not support the function - update via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
What to do if there is no “Share-Screen Mode” item?
3.Separating the screen through the notification panel
MIUI 13/14 has a quick access to the multi-window through the notification curtain.
- Open the first app (e.g., the gallery).
- Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Find the split screen button (an icon with two rectangles) and click on it.
- Select the second app from the recent list.
If there is no button, add it manually:
- Open the notification curtain and click Edit (pencil icon).
- Find the Divide Screen list and drag it to the active area.
- Save the changes.
On the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 12.0.1-12.0.5, the button may not be available even after editing the curtain, in which case use the gesture method or update the firmware.
Gesture | Through settings |Bone in the curtain |Bone in the third-party app-->
4. Third-party applications for multi-window
If the built-in methods don't work, install one of the specialized applications. They simulate split-screen mode through window overlay or Android API. The best options for Redmi Note 9:
| Annex | Features | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split Screen Launcher | Creates shortcuts for quick launch of pairs of applications | Requires manual configuration, not all applications are supported | Google Play |
| Floating Apps | Allows you to open applications in floating windows | Paid version for full functionality | Google Play |
| Multi Window | Supports up to 4 windows at the same time | It can slow down on weak smartphones. | Google Play |
Before installation, check:
- 🔒 Permissions: Applications will need to access Overlay over other windows (included in Settings) → Annexes → Special access).
- 🛡️ Security: Only download from official Google Play to avoid viruses.
- 🔄 Compatibility: Some applications (such as TikTok or SberBank Online) block multi-window work.
⚠️ Note: Double screen applications may conflict with MIUI Optimizations (Xiaomi optimizations). If after installation the smartphone started to slow down, turn off optimizations in Settings → The phone. → Additionally. → Shut down. MIUI Optimizations (reboot required).
5. Solving the problems with split screen
If the screen isn’t splitting or the feature is malfunctioning, check these points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The gesture doesn't work. | Disabled in settings or conflict with other gestures | Check the settings → Additional → Full-screen display |
| The application does not support multi-window | Developer restrictions (e.g., in games or banking applications) | Use third-party launchers or Floating Apps |
| The screen splits, but one window is black. | Graphics driver failure or incompatibility with MIUI | Update the firmware or reset the settings to factory |
| No button in the notification curtain | Outdated version of MIUI or custom firmware | Update the system or install QuickShortcutMaker for manual addition |
If the problem persists, reset settings (without deleting data):
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Choose Reset all settings (not to be confused with Reset to factory!).
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 9 with unlocked bootloader and custom recavery (TWRP) Resetting settings can cause data loss. Pre-create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
6. Alternatives to split screen
If the multi-window doesn’t work or you need more than two windows, consider these options:
- 🖥️ Desktop mode: connect the smartphone to the monitor through USB-C → HDMI Use DeX Mode (support required) MIUI 14).
- 📱 Floating windows: in Settings → Special facilities → Floating windows enable option for individual applications.
- 🔄 Quick switch: Use the gesture Double press the Home button (configured in Settings) → Gestures) for instantaneous transition between applications.
For owners of Redmi Note 9 Pro available mode "Duplicate screen" - it allows you to broadcast the display to another device (for example, Xiaomi TV) and work on a smartphone at the same time.
- Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Screen Broadcast.
- Select a target device (such as Mi TV Stick).
- Turn on the Allow Interaction option – you can now use your smartphone while the duplicate screen is displayed on the TV.
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The backup mode consumes 20 to 30 percent more battery power, and only use it when you're connected to a charge.