How to Open Two Windows on Xiaomi Phone: A Complete Guide

Multitasking on Xiaomi smartphones has long ceased to be a luxury for those who are used to working with multiple applications at once. Split screen mode (or “multi-window”) allows, for example, to chat in the messenger and watch videos at the same time, compare prices in different stores or copy data between documents. But many users do not even suspect that their Redmi, POCO or Mi supports this feature – or do not know how to activate it correctly.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways Xiaomi can enable two-window mode, including hidden MIUI chips that work even on budget models. You’ll learn how to run a multi-window gesture, through the notification panel or system settings, and which apps support and which block it. Separately, we’ll focus on common mistakes (for example, why some models from 2023 to 2026 have the mode turned off by default) and give tips on how to optimize multitasking.

1. Does your Xiaomi support dual window mode?

Before you try to turn on a multi-window, make sure your Xiaomi model supports this feature at all. Despite the fact that most of the brand’s modern smartphones are equipped with it, there are nuances:

• ✅ Support: All devices on MIUI 9–15 (including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 newer).
• ⚠️ Restrictions: On some budget models (e.g. Redmi) A1/A2) The function may be disabled due to weak iron.
• ❌ Not supported: Outdated smartphones on MIUI 8 and below (e.g. Redmi) 4A, Mi Max 2).

To find out if the mode is available on your phone, check out the MIUI version:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the line MIUI version.
3. If version 9 or higher, the function should work.

⚠️ Note: Some of the firmware for the European market (MIUI EU) The multi-window can be hidden, and in this case, resetting or installing a global version of the software will help.

2. Method 1: Activation of the multi-window through gestures

The fastest way to split the screen is to use gesture control, which works on all modern Xiaomis with MIUI 12+ and does not require root rights or additional applications.

Instructions:

1. Open the first app (like YouTube).
2. Swipe your finger from the bottom up and hold your finger on the screen to open the recent apps.
3. Click on the app icon (at the top of the card) and select Split screen (or Multiwindow).
4. Select the second app from the list of Recent.

Now both of these windows will be active. To resize them, pull the dividing strip in the center of the screen.

The bottom-up gesture is enabled in the settings|Version. MIUI less than 9|Applications support multitasking|The screen is not locked in horizontal orientation.-->

3. Method 2: Including through the notification panel

If gestures don't work (for example, because the swipe is turned off), you can use the Quick Settings Panel, which is universal and works even on older versions of MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Deploy the notification panel (swipe from top to bottom).
2. Find the Multi-window icon (two overlapping rectangular frames). If it's not there, click Edit and add it manually.
3. Slip the icon - the screen will split into two parts.
4. Select applications for the upper and lower areas.

If the icon is not in the panel, check:

• 🔍 On some firmware (MIUI 13 Global) Multi-window hidden. Try to update the software.
• 🔧 B Settings → Additionally. → The Function Lab may be an option to Enable Multi-Window.

Gestures | Notification Panel |System settings |I don't know, haven't tried-->

Method 3: Configure through the developer parameters

On some Xiaomi models (such as the POCO F3 or Redmi K40), the two-window mode can be locked by default, in which case the enable through the developer settings will help.

How to unlock:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option Multitasking → Enable the free form of the multi-window.
4. Reboot the phone.

After that, the multi-window should appear in the notification panel or start working through gestures.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A) This option may not be available, and then only the firmware on Fastboot will help.

5. Which applications support multi-windows?

Not all Xiaomi programs can work in split-screen mode.

If the application does not support multi-window, when you try to open, you will see a message: This application cannot work in split mode. This restriction can only be circumvented through root or modified versions of APK.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even if you activate the multi-window correctly, it can be difficult.

• 🔄 Screen not divided: Check if the mode is enabled in Settings → Screen. → Multi-window. Some firmware has it disabled by default.
• 📱 App won't open: Update it to the latest version or clear the cache (Settings) → Annexes → [Name] → Clear the cache).
• 🔋 Phone warms up: Multi-window loads the processor. Close background tasks or reduce screen brightness.
• 🔒 Function Disappeared After Update: Reset Settings via Settings → System system → Resetting settings (without deleting data).

If nothing works, check if your phone has custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that may not work in the same way or even be available at all.

💡

On Xiaomi AMOLED-The battery is lowered faster in the multi-window with screens (for example, Mi 11 Ultra), to save power, activate the dark theme in both windows.

7. Alternatives to the built-in multi-window

If the standard two-window mode does not suit you (for example, due to restrictions or glitches), you can use third-party solutions:

• 📱 Split Screen Launcher: Allows you to run any program in split mode, even games (requires root).
• 🌐 Web versions of services: For example, Telegram Web and Google Docs in the browser can be opened in two tabs and switch between them.

The downside of third-party solutions is that they can slow down your phone and require additional permissions. Check reviews on Google Play before installing.

8. Optimization of work in multi-window

To make the two windows as convenient as possible, use these tips:

• 🔧 Change the order of the windows: Pull over the top of the window to swap apps in places.
• 📶 Turn off autorotation: In a multi-window, the screen can spontaneously turn.Block orientation in the notification bar.
• 🔊 Adjust the sound: By default, the sound comes only from the top window. To change this, click on the speaker icon in the control panel.
• 📁 Quick file sharing: Drag text, images, or links between windows — MIUI Supports drag-and-drop support.

If you use a multi-window for work, consider buying a stylus (like the Xiaomi Smart Pen) – it’s more convenient to interact with small elements in split mode.

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Xiaomi has introduced the “floating windows” feature with MIUI 14+, miniature versions of apps that can be overlaid on top of a multi-window, activated by holding the app icon in the recent menu for a long time.

FAQ: Frequent questions about multi-window on Xiaomi