How to split the screen on a Xiaomi phone: a complete guide to multitasking

Have you ever tried to write a message in a messenger and watch a video on Xiaomi? or compare prices in a browser without closing the card? With modern smartphones, this is possible thanks to the second screen (multi-window). But in MIUI, this option is often hidden or does not work like on other Android devices. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate a split screen on Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi flagships, from standard tools to hidden firmware chips.

It’s important to understand that the “second screen” on the phone is not physical duplicate display (as on a PC with two monitors), but software splitting the current screen into two work zones. Xiaomi offers several implementations, from built-in multi-window mode to wireless broadcast over Miracast. However, not all models support these features equally – much depends on the version of MIUI and hardware. For example, the budget Redmi 9A or POCO M3 may not have hardware support for split screen, while Xiaomi 13 Pro offers advanced options.

Before you start setting up, check:

• 📱 Version MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Current firmware (13)+ and 14) support multi-window better.
• 🔧 Device model: some features may not be available on devices with 2-3 GB of RAM.
• 🔄 Updates: If the feature doesn’t work, update the system through Settings → Update of the PO.

1. Standard multi-window mode in MIUI

The easiest way to split the screen is to use the built-in multi-window feature found in most modern Xiaomi smartphones, which allows you to open two apps at the same time, like YouTube and Telegram.

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

2.Click on the button "Recent Apps" (square or swipe up with a delay).

3.App icon will appear at the top of the screen - tap it and hold it until the menu appears.

4. Select Divide screen (or Open at the top/bottom).

5. The bottom of the screen will show a list of recent apps – select the second one (e.g. Google Maps).

You can now interact with both apps at the same time. To resize the windows, drag the dividing line up or down. To close the mode, pull the line to the edge of the screen, or press Close the multi-window in the control panel.

Smartphone model older than 2019 |MIUI version 12 or later |Share the "Share the screen" button in the application menu |No root rights (may block the function)

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⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro with a MIUI 11) Multi-window function may not be available, in which case try updating the firmware or using alternative methods from the following sections.

2.Wireless second screen via Miracast

If you want to duplicate your phone screen onto a TV or monitor, use Miracast technology. It's a wireless standard that allows you to stream an image from Xiaomi to an external display without wires. Here's how to set it up:

1. Make sure your TV or monitor supports Miracast (most of today’s Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Xiaomi support).

2. On your phone, open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Screen Transfer.

3. Turn on device search – your TV should appear on the list.

4. Connect to it and confirm pairing on both devices.

Now the screen of the smartphone will be duplicated on the TV, you can use the phone as a remote or continue to work with applications — the image will be broadcast in real time. The latency is usually 50 to 100 ms, which is suitable for watching video, but not for games.

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If Miracast doesn’t find the TV, try restarting both devices or using an HDMI-MHL adapter for a wired connection.

The advantages of Miracast:

• 🎮 Support for high-resolution games and videos (up to) 1080p).
• 🔌 No need for wires – works via Wi-Fi Direct.
• 📱 Compatible with most Smart TV and projectors.

Disadvantages:

• 🐢 Possible lags with a weak Wi-Fi signal.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (up to 15-20% per hour).
• 🚫 Not all apps support broadcasting (for example, Netflix can block output from the stream). DRM).

3. Second screen via USB-C (DeX Mode)

For users who need a full workspace (for example, to work with documents or programming), Xiaomi offers a DeX-like streaming mode via USB-C. This method allows you to connect your phone to a monitor or TV using a cable and use it as a mini PC.

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable USB-C → HDMI (adapter).
• 🖥️ Monitor/television with port HDMI.
• 📱 Smartphone with DisplayPort Alt Mode support (most Xiaomi models of 2020 and newer).

Instructions:

1. Connect the USB-C → HDMI cable to your phone and monitor.

2. On the smartphone screen, a request to select a mode will appear - select Screen Transfer or DeX Mode (if available).

3. wait for synchronization – the monitor will display a desktop with mouse and keyboard support (if connected via Bluetooth or USB).

Important: Some models (e.g., POCO F4 GT) require that DeX Mode be enabled and secondary display simulation option selected in Settings → For Developers.

Standard multi-window |Miracast (wireless) |USB-C (wired) |I do not use

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4. Hidden MIUI features for multitasking

In addition to standard tools, MIUI has hidden settings that extend the capabilities of the second screen, such as floating windows or gestures to control the multi-window.

Floating windows (Picture-in-Picture, PiP)

This mode allows you to open a small window on top of the main screen, for example, you can watch a YouTube video while you write a message on WhatsApp.

1. Open a supported app (e.g. YouTube or Google Maps).

2. Press the Home button (or swipe up).

3.The video or map will compress into a small window that can be moved around the screen.

Gestures for multi-window:

MIUI 13/14 features special gestures for fast splitting of the screen:

• 👆 Swipe up from the bottom edge with a delay → Opens recent applications with multi-window option.
• 👉 Swipe to the right along the dividing line → switches apps.
• 👈 Double tap on the line → closes up.

5. Alternative applications for the second screen

If the built-in MIUI features don’t suit you, you can use third-party apps from Google Play that offer more flexibility, such as support for more than two windows or size customization.

Top.-3 multi-window:

• 🔹 Split Screen Launcher – allows you to run any applications in separate mode, even if they do not support the default multi-window.
• 🔹 Floating Apps – creates floating windows for instant messengers, browser and video.
• 🔹 Second Screen – Emulates the second display via Wi-Fi or USB (requires root rights).

Warnings when using third-party applications:

• ⚠️ Some apps require root access, which may violate the warranty.
• ⚠️ Possible lags and increased battery consumption.
• ⚠️ Not all banking apps and services (such as Netflix) run in multi-windows due to restrictions. DRM.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Second Screen may conflict with system processes MIUI, Before installation, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

6. Solving problems with the second screen

If the second screen doesn’t work, here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods helped, check:

• 🛠️ Availability of updates for applications and system.
• 🔄 Resetting settings through Settings → System system → Resetting settings (does not delete data).
• 📞 Appeal in support of Xiaomi with the model and version MIUI.

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Before resetting your settings, export important data (contacts, SMS, photos) through Settings → Google → Backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the second screen on Xiaomi