How to Enable Two Windows on Xiaomi Redmi Phone: A Complete Multitasking Guide

Why do you need two windows on Xiaomi Redmi?

The split-screen (or “multi-window”) mode on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones allows you to work with two apps simultaneously – for example, chatting in a messenger and watching videos, or copying text from the browser into notes – a feature that is especially useful for devices with large screens (from 6.5 inches) where space allows you to comfortably accommodate two windows.

Depending on the version of the MIUI firmware (12, 13 or 14) and the phone model (Redmi Note 11, Redmi 12, POCO X5, etc.), the mode activation methods may vary. In this article, we will look at all available methods, including hidden settings and circumventing restrictions for older versions of the software. Importantly, on some budget models (for example, Redmi A1), the function may be disabled by the manufacturer.

If you use your phone frequently for work or school, a multi-window can save you time.

• 📊 Compare prices in two stores at the same time
• 📝 Make a lecture summary by looking at the presentation
• 🎮 Stream the game and read the guide in the browser
• 📱 Drag files between folders and messengers

Method 1: Split screen gesture (MIUI 12-14)

The fastest way to activate two windows is to use a wiring gesture, which works on most modern Xiaomi Redmi models (starting with the Redmi Note 9 and later) running MIUI 12 and up.

1. Open the first app (like YouTube).
2. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger – a recent app panel will open.
3. Click on the app icon and select Split screen (or Open at the top).
4. Select the second app from the recent list.

If you don't have a split screen, you're turning the gesture off in the settings.

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Gestures.
2. Activate the option of split screen (or multi-window).
3. Reboot the phone.

☑️ Check before activating the multi-window

0

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9A Redmi 8 with 2 GB of RAM can slow down.We recommend closing all background applications before using.

Method 2: Through the notification panel (for MIUI 13/14)

Newer versions of MIUI 13 and MIUI 14 have an alternative way to turn the multi-window on through the notification curtain, which is convenient if the gestures don't work or are turned off.

1. Open the first app (e.g. Telegram).
2. Pull the notification curtain down twice to open the full panel.
3. Find the split screen button (an icon with two rectangles) and click on it.
4. Select the second app from the list or recent ones.

If there is no button, you can add it manually:

1. Open the notification curtain and click on the icon ⚙️ (Settings).
2. Select Edit the Control Panel.
3. Find the Divided Screen in the list and drag it to the active area.

Method 3: Developer settings (for older versions of MIUI)

If your Xiaomi Redmi is running MIUI 11 or earlier (like the Redmi 7 or Redmi Note 8), standard methods may not work, and activation through the developer settings will help. Importantly, this method requires caution, as improper changes can lead to failures.

Steps to include:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the Multi-window (or Force Resize Activities) option and turn it on.
4. Reboot the phone.

After restarting, try using the swipe up gesture again or the button in the curtain. If the function still doesn't work, check:

• 🔄 Is the firmware updated to the latest version?
• 🧹 Free up at least 1.5 GB of RAM
• 🔧 Reset the interface settings (Settings) → Annexes → Resetting settings)

If two windows are slowing down, try:

1. Close all background applications through Settings → Apps → Clean.

2. disable animation in the developer settings (Scale of animation window → Off).

3. Reduce the screen resolution to HD+ in Settings → Display.

4.Reboot the phone in safe mode (hold the power button → "Safe Mode") and check the multi-window without third-party applications.

-->

Method 4: Using third-party launchers

If standard methods do not work (for example, on Redmi 9C with lightweight firmware), you can use third-party launchers that support split screen.

• 📱 Nova Launcher (paid version with gesture support)
• 🔄 Microsoft Launcher (free, Windows integration)
• ⚡ Apex Launcher (lightweight, suitable for weak devices)

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Set it as the default launcher in the phone settings.
3. Go to Settings Nova → Gestures and controls.
4. Activate the split screen option and assign a gesture (e.g. swipe up with hold).

⚠️ Note: Redmi with Helio processor G35/G80 (Like Redmi. 10) Third-party launchers can cause overheating. CPU Monitor.

💡

If after installing the launcher, the multi-window does not work, clear the system cache: Settings → Memory → Clear the cache.

Method 5: ADB-command

For advanced users, there is a method of activating multi-windows via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which will help if the feature is hidden by the manufacturer, which works even on Redmi 8A and other budget models where multi-window is not officially supported.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot
• 📱 Included debugging by USB phone-on
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and allow debugging over USB.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Execute the command to enable multi-window: adb shell settings put global force_resizeable_activities 1
5. Reboot the phone.

After rebooting, try to activate the mode with a gesture or through a curtain. If an Activity not found error appears, then the application does not support split screen.

💡

ADB-These commands circumvent manufacturer limitations, but they can cause system instability. Use this method only if other methods have failed.

Setup of split screen: changing the size of the windows

Once you activate the multi-window, you can adjust the size of the windows. Here's how to do this:

1. Pull the dividing strip (the grey line between the windows) up or down.
2. To change the applications in places, click on the icon ↔️ dividing-strip.
3. To close one of the windows, pull the dividing strip to the edge of the screen.

On some models (Redmi Note 11 Pro, Redmi K50) are available additional options:

• 🔒 Window fixing – fixing the size (so as not to accidentally change the size)
• 📱 Floating windows: converting one of the windows to a mini version (like Facebook Messenger)
• 🔄 Quick replacement – swipe on the application icon to select another

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful multi-window activation, Xiaomi Redmi users may face difficulties, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: Multi-windows are turned on, but one of the windows is black.

Solution: This means that the app doesn't support split-screen mode.

• 🔄 Restart the application
• 📥 Update it through Google Play
• 🔧 Enable the option Forced resize in the developer settings

Problem 2: The windows are slowing down or flying out.

Solution: Most likely, RAM is lacking. Close background processes through Settings → Applications → Clean or:

• 🧹 Use the Greenify app to hibernate unnecessary services
• ⚡ Turn off energy saving for the applications used
• 🔋 Reboot the phone.

Problem 3: There is no split screen button in the curtain.

Solution: Add it manually:

1. Open the notification curtain and press ⚙️ (Edit).
2. Find the Divided Screen in the list and drag it to the active area.
3. If the button is not in the list, update it. MIUI or use ADB-method.

The reasons may be different:

1 Developer restrictions – some applications (e.g. banking or games) block split-screen work for security reasons.

2. Technical limitations – the application uses FullScreen mode, which is not compatible with multi-window.

3.Oddated version - Update the app through Google Play.

4. Google policy – from 2023, some apps (e.g. Netflix) restrict multi-windows to protect content.

-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions