The dual-screen feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows two apps to be used simultaneously on one display – the perfect solution for multitasking. Redmi 9A owners often face the question: “How to activate this mode on a budget model?”. Despite the modest specs (Helio G25, 2/3 GB of RAM), the device supports a split screen, but with limitations.
In this article, you will find 3 proven ways to enable dual screen, including hidden MIUI settings, bypassing restrictions on older firmware versions, and alternative solutions through third-party applications. We will also analyze common errors (such as the lack of a split screen button) and give recommendations for performance optimization - the Redmi 9A is not the most powerful device for this task.
⚠️ Attention: On versions MIUI below 12.5, the dual screen function may not work stable. Before setting up, update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
1. Standard method: split screen through application menu
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI feature, which is available on all Redmi 9A with MIUI 11 firmware and higher, but is often hidden in the depth of settings.
To activate the mode:
- Open the first app (like YouTube or Chrome).
- Click on the square button (the menu of recent apps) and hold the app icon for 1-2 seconds.
- In the menu that appears, select "Split screen" (or "Split screen" in English firmware).
- Select the second app from the recent list or through the main menu.
The screen will split into two parts with the ability to change the proportions: drag the dividing line up/down. To exit the mode, pull the line to the edge of the screen or press Home.
Make sure both apps support mode (some games and banking apps block the feature)
Close background processes through Settings → Applications → Clear
Connect the charger – the mode consumes 15-20% more energy
Turn off energy saving mode in Settings → Battery
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⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9A With 2 GB of RAM, only light applications can work at the same time (for example, Telegram). + Google Keep. Attempting to open PUBG Mobile or CapCut in split mode will lead to departure or strong lags.
2. Alternative method: gestures and hidden MIUI settings
If the standard method doesn’t work (for example, there is no “Separate Screen” button), try activating the function through the MIUI Lab:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Click 5-7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You are a developer!” appears.
- Return to the main settings menu and open Additional settings → Developer settings.
- Find the option "Enable freeform windows" and activate it.
- Reboot the phone.
After the reboot:
- 📱 Open the first app and swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen ("Home" gesture), but don't let go of your finger.
- 🔄 Holding, pull the app to the top of the screen - it will anchor.
- 📲 Select the second app from the menu.
This method works even on MIUI 10, but it can cause graphic artifacts, and if the screen starts blinking, turn off the free form in the developer settings.
What to do if there is no “Developer Options” item?
3. Third-party applications for dual screen
If the built-in methods don't work, use specialized utilities. We tested 3 applications that are compatible with Redmi 9A:
| Annex | Compatibility | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split Screen Launcher | MIUI 11–14 | Simple interface, gesture support | Advertising requires ADB rights to work properly |
| Floating Apps | All versions. | It works in floating windows, does not require root. | Paid version to unlock all functions |
| Island (Clone Parallel Space) | MIUI 12+ | Allows you to duplicate applications in a separate window | Significantly loads the system, possible lags |
For installation:
- Download. APK-file from an official website (for example, APKPure).
- Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
- Launch the utility and follow the instructions on the screen.
⚠️ Note: Island-type apps create virtual space, which can be Conflict with banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff.
Built-in MIUI function
Developer gestures and settings
Third-party annexes
I don't use a double screen.
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4. Performance optimization for dual screen
Redmi 9A is not designed for intensive multitasking, so when using a dual screen, you should:
- 🔋 Disable animation: Go to Developer Settings and set "Window animation scale", "Scope of transition animation" and "Animator duration scale" on 0.5x or off.
- 🗑️ Clear cache: Regularly delete temporary files through Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- ⚡ Use lightweight apps: Replace Chrome with Brave or Firefox Lite, and Instagram with the web version.
- 🛡️ Turn off background activity: In Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto Start Disable Autoboot for Unnecessary Programs.
Critical information: When two applications are running simultaneously, the temperature of the Helio G25 processor can rise to 50-55 ° C. If the phone starts to overheat (an alert appears in the status bar), immediately close one of the applications and let the device cool down for 10-15 minutes.
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If the dual screen is slowing down, try reducing the display resolution to 720p via Settings → Display → Screen Resolution.This will reduce the load on the GPU and increase the FPS in both windows.
5. Solving common problems
Redmi 9A users often encounter the following errors when trying to activate a dual screen:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No "Separate Screen" button. | Outdated firmware or regional MIUI restrictions | Update the system or use it ADB-Adb shell settings put global force_split_screen true |
| Applications do not open in split mode | Developer restrictions (e.g., Netflix or Banking Apps) | Use Floating Apps to Create Floating Windows |
| The screen twitches when scrolling | Lack of RAM | Close all background processes and reduce the number of tabs open simultaneously in the browser |
| Black screen after separation | Conflict with the MIUI shell | Reboot your phone and try again. If the error repeats, reset the settings to the factory. |
If none of the methods worked, check the integrity of the system files:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Check Updates".
- If an update is available, install it. If not, select Update Packets (this will reinstall the current version of MIUI without losing data).
6. Additional Chips: How to Use Dual Screen More Effectively
The dual screen on Redmi 9A can be adapted to specific tasks:
- 📝 Documents: Open Google Docs in one window and Source Browser in another. Use the copy-paste gesture between windows (hold text). → drag and drop to another app).
- 🎵 Watch YouTube in the top window and write comments in the bottom VK Telegram.
- 📊 Social media: Simultaneously monitor Instagram feed and WhatsApp chats. For convenience, turn on the browser read mode (in Chrome: three dots) → "Reading mode").
- 🎮 Games + Guides: Run Minecraft or Brawl Stars in one window, and open the YouTube passage in another. 60-70% screen.
For quick switching between windows, use the combination:
Hold the button "Recent Apps" (square) → swipe left / right on the thumbnail of the window💡
On the Redmi 9A, dual screens work best with MIUI-optimized applications (e.g., standard Calendar, Notes, Weather) and third-party apps may require additional permissions or block mode altogether.
7.Security and privacy in dual screen mode
Using two applications simultaneously increases the risk of data breaches.
- 🔒 Do not open banking applications near unknown utilities (for example, APK-installers QR-code).
- 👁️ Turn off the preview in the menu of recent apps: Settings → Home screen → Recent → Show sketches → Off.
- 📱 Use Secure Folders: Move sensitive applications (e.g, 1Password) In Settings → Annexes → Secure folder and set a password.
- 🔄 Check the permissions regularly: C Settings → Annexes → Permissions revoke unnecessary rights from programs (for example, access to the screen on top of other applications).
⚠️ Note: If you use Parallel Space or analogues to clone applications, remember: some services (for example, Google Pay or Public Services) block access when you detect a virtual environment.