How to Open 2 Windows on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Multitasking

Have you ever tried chatting in a messenger and watching videos on Xiaomi while switching between apps? With split screen (or "multi-window") mode, this is possible without constantly switching. The feature allows you to run two apps in parallel, saving time and simplifying work with multiple tasks.

However, not all users know that this option is hidden in the settings. MIUI — Moreover, on some models (for example, budget Redmi or older versions of firmware), the mode can be disabled by default or require additional manipulation. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate a multi-window, including hidden chips for advanced users, and also tell you which applications support this feature and which do not.

Important: split screen capabilities depend on version MIUI And the model of the device. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14 available up to 3 floating windows, and on the Redmi Note 10 with MIUI 12.5 is just a classic split screen. Let's see what your smartphone supports.

1. How to turn on multi-window mode through gestures

The fastest way to split the screen is to use gesture controls, which work on most modern Xiaomi devices (starting with the latest ones). MIUI Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Open the first app (like YouTube) you want to pin to the top of the screen.
2. Swipe your finger from the bottom up and hold your finger on the screen to open recent apps.
3. Click on the app icon at the top of the card (not the window itself!) and select Split screen (or Multiwindow in newer versions).
4. Select the second app from the recent list or on the home screen.

If there is no Sharing screen icon, it means that the function is disabled in the settings.

Important: on some models (for example, Poco) X3 or Redmi 9A) The gesture only works if the settings are full screen mode. → Screen. → Full screen mode.

2. activate the multi-window through the notification panel

If the gestures don't work, try an alternative method through the Quick Settings Panel. MIUI 12 and newer:

1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
2. Find the Multi-window icon (two overlapping rectangular icons) if it's not there, click on Edit (pencil) and add it to the active buttons.
3. Slip the icon, the screen will split into two parts, and select the apps for the top and bottom areas.

On some firmware (e.g, MIUI 13 for Xiaomi 12) the icon may be called Split screen or Floating windows. If the buttons are not even after editing the panel, check the system settings (more on this below).

Are both the right apps open in the background?

Is full screen mode enabled in the screen settings?

Has the firmware been updated to the latest version?

Is free RAM sufficient?-->

3. Multi-window settings in system parameters

If the standard methods don't work, maybe the function is disabled at the system level to activate it.

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Multi-window (on some models the path: Settings) → Additionally. → Functions laboratory).
2. Turn on the split screen switch or floating windows.
3. Choose the display style: 🔄 Horizontal division – classic version (two halves of the screen). 🪟 Floating windows – small resizeable windows (available on the MIUI 14+). 📱 Picture-in-Picture mode – a mini window over the main window (for example, for video).

Save the settings and restart the device.

Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or Poco) M4 Pro) you may need to additionally enable the option Optimize for games in the battery settings, otherwise the multi-window will not work stable.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for POCO (for example, Poco F3) The path to multi-window settings may be different. Try settings → System system → Additionally. → Multitasking.

4.What apps support multi-window on Xiaomi

Not all programs can work in split-screen mode, but here are the key limitations and recommendations:

If the app doesn’t want to open in a multi-window, try:

• 🔄 Re-launch it through recent apps.
• 📥 Update to the latest version on Google Play.
• 🛠️ Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → [Name of name] → Warehouse.

💡

If you want to open Settings in a multi-window, use the Google Assistant voice assistant: say “OK, Google, open the settings in split screen.”

5. Multi-window problems and their solutions

Even after setting it up properly, split screen mode can malfunction, and let's look at the typical errors and how to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If the multi-window activation screen flashes and returns to normal mode, check Settings → Battery → Performance mode. Set the value High performance — this often solves the problem.

Problem 1: The multi-window icon has disappeared from the notification panel.

Solution: Reset the panel settings:

1. Go to Settings. → Notification panel and status bar.
2. Click Reset the panel settings.
3. Add the Multi-window icon again.

Problem 2: Applications in the multi-window slow down or fly out.

Solution: This is due to a lack of RAM. Close all background processes through Settings → Annexes → Clean everything and try again. If the problem persists, reduce the screen resolution in Settings → Screen. → Permission.

Problem 3: Multiwindows only work in horizontal orientation.

Solution: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite) block vertical screen division to unlock:

1. Enable Developer Mode (click 7 times on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find the option Forced resolution of the multi-window and turn it on.

6. Hidden Multi-Window Chips on Xiaomi

In addition to the standard screen splitting, MIUI There are a few hidden possibilities that few people know about:

1. Floating windows for any application

Nana MIUI 14+ You can convert any application into a small floating window (like Samsung DeX):

1. Open the app.
2. Swipe your finger from the upper right corner down diagonally.
3. The window will shrink to the size of a widget, and you can move it around and resize it.

2. Quick switching between windows

If you have a multi-window open, you can quickly swap applications:

1. Press and hold the dividing line between the windows.
2. Select to change places in the menu that appears.

3. Multi-window in games (bypassing restrictions)

Although games do not officially support split screen, there is a life hack for the game. PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact:

4. Multi-window for system applications

To open Settings or Camera in a split screen:

1. Use Google Assistant: Say “Open [app name] in split screen.”
2. Or install a third-party Split Screen Launcher app from Google Play.

💡

On Xiaomi MIUI 15 (2026) has a feature called “Groups of Multi-Windows” – you can save frequently used pairs of applications (for example, Chrome) + Telegram and open them with one tap.

7. Alternative ways to multitask on Xiaomi

If split screen isn’t right for you, consider other options for parallel work with apps:

1.Picture-in-Picture Mode (PiP)

It's good for video or video calls.

1. Open the video to YouTube or Google Meet.
2. Click Home – the video will shrink to a small window.
3. Move the window to any corner of the screen.

2.Floating windows through Second Space

Second Space Function (Settings) → Special facilities → Second Space allows you to create a separate profile with other applications, you can quickly switch between spaces, simulating a multi-window.

3.Using Xiaomi Quick Apps

Some applications (like Calendar or Calculator) support Fast Apps, which open over other windows as a mini widget to activate:

1. Swipe your finger from left to right across the screen.
2. Select the desired application from the list.

4. Third-party launchers with multi-window support

If standard means MIUI You are not satisfied, install alternative launchers:

• 📱 Nova Launcher – Supports gestures for split screen.
• 🪐 Microsoft Launcher – Integration with Windows for Multitasking.
• 🤖 Action Launcher – customization of floating windows.

8. Multi-window on older Xiaomi models (MIUI 10 and below)

If you have a device older than 2019 (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A2 Or Redmi 6, split-screen mode may be missing or unstable:

Method 1: Update the firmware

Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system, even switching from MIUI 10. MIUI 11 adds multi-window support.

Method 2: Manually activating through ADB

For advanced users:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and activate Debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 taps → For developers).
2. Enter in command line: adb shell settings put global multi_window_mode 1
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with Snapdragon processor 4xx/6xx (Like Redmi. 7) forced inclusion of multi-window through ADB It can cause overheating!

Method 3: Third-party applications

Install from Google Play:

• 🔧 Split Screen Launcher – Emulates a split screen.
• 🖥️ Floating Apps – creates floating windows for any application.

Please note: MIUI 9 and below these applications may not work smoothly.

FAQ: Frequent questions about multi-window on Xiaomi