How to Enable Double Screen on Xiaomi Redmi 8: A Complete Guide to Photos and Videos

The dual screen (or split screen) feature on Xiaomi Redmi 8 smartphones allows you to use two apps simultaneously on one display, which is convenient for multitasking: you can read an article and take notes, watch videos and chat in the messenger, or compare prices in different stores, but not all users know how to activate this mode and what limitations it has.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how to set up a dual screen on Redmi 8, which apps support this feature, and what to do if a split screen doesn’t work, and we’ll also learn about the hidden features of the mode, which the manufacturer doesn’t advertise, but which can make it much easier for you to use your smartphone.

It's important to understand that dual screen is not the same as picture-in-picture (PiP) mode. In the first case, the screen is divided into two equal or unequal parts, and in the second case, one application is displayed in a small window on top of the other. Redmi 8 supports both options, but the settings for them are different.

What is a dual screen and why you need it on Redmi 8

Dual screen (or split-screen) mode allows you to divide the smartphone display into two independent areas, each running a separate application.

• 📝 Document work: for example, copy text from the browser into notes or edit a table, checking with data from another file.
• 🎬 Multimedia: Watch YouTube videos and chat to Telegram or WhatsApp at the same time.
• 🛒 Shopping: compare products across different online stores or check reviews without closing the cart.
• 📊 Social Media: Monitor Instagram feed and respond quickly to posts VK.

Redmi 8 dual screen function is implemented on the basis of MIUI — But there are some nuances: not all apps support this mode, and some may not work properly, such as games and some banking apps often block screen splitting for security reasons.

It is also important to note that Redmi 8 resolution-displayed 720×1520 diagonally 6.22". This means that when splitting the screen, each application will take approximately 360×760 There are few pixels that are enough to work with text or graphics comfortably, but for basic tasks, that's enough.

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If you need to switch between the two apps often but the dual screen seems uncomfortable, try the “quick switch” gesture: swipe the bottom of the screen to the left or right (depending on the setting).

What versions? MIUI Supports dual screen on Redmi 8

The split screen feature is available on Redmi 8 starting with the version MIUI 11. however, in earlier firmware (e.g, MIUI 10) it could only be activated through hidden settings or third-party applications, but now the mode works out of the box, but with some limitations:

• 🔄 MIUI 11 and 12: Dual screen is enabled via the menu of recent apps (swipe up and hold).
• 🔧 MIUI 12.5 and newer: added the ability to change the proportions of the split screen (for example, 70/30 opportunistic 50/50).
• ⚠️ Castom firmware: On informal builds (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the function may not work stable or be at all.

To find out the version MIUI On your Redmi 8, go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. If you have an older firmware installed MIUI 11, we recommend updating through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

On Redmi 8s MIUI 12.5+ You can use a dual screen even in a horizontal orientation, which is convenient for tablet mode or connecting to an external monitor through the device. USB-C.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the dual screen on Redmi 8

There are two ways to activate split-screen mode on Redmi 8: through the menu of recent apps or through a gesture.

Method 1: Through the Multitasking Menu

1. Open the first app you want to use in a dual screen.
2. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger on 1-2 Seconds to open the menu of recent apps.
3. Click on the app icon (not the preview, but the icon at the top of the card) and select Split screen.
4. Select the second app from the recent list or find it through a search.

Method 2: By gesture (for the purpose of MIUI 12+)

1. Make sure that gestures are included in the settings: Settings → Display. → Full screen mode → Gestures.
2. Open the first appendix.
3. Swipe up from the bottom edge and hold on to open up multitasking.
4. Drag the app icon up (to the label Split Screen) and let go.
5. Select the second appendix.

If the screen has not split after these actions, check:

• 🔹 Does the second app support split screen mode (some apps, such as Google Maps or Read more) QR-codes, it's blocked).
• 🔹 Is the mode for one application enabled in the developer settings (see next section).
• 🔹 Are there any restrictions from the manufacturer (on some versions) MIUI Redmi 8 is disabled by default).

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check the compatibility of applications

Turn on gestures in the settings

Turn off the "Single App" mode (if enabled)-->

Why dual screen doesn’t work on Redmi 8: common bugs

If you followed the instructions, but split screen mode never worked, the problem may lie in one of the following points:

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI For Redmi 8, dual screen function is disabled at the firmware level, which is due to performance optimization, since the smartphone is equipped with a Snapdragon 439 processor, which does not always cope with the simultaneous operation of two heavy applications.

The main causes of incapacity:

• 🚫 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔒 Mode "For One Application": check the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and find the item Disable multitasking for one application).
• 📱 Incompatible apps: Some programs (e.g. Netflix, TikTok, banking apps) block screen splitting.
• 🔧 System failures: Try restarting your phone or resetting your settings MIUI before the factory (pre-return the backup copy!).

If the problem persists, you can try alternative ways to activate the dual screen:

Another option is to use third-party apps from Google Play, such as Split Screen Launcher or Multi Window, but they require root or multiple window permissions. ADB, This can cancel the warranty and create security risks.

How to Change Screen Proportions and Manage Windows

In versions. MIUI 12.5 and newer on the Redmi 8 You can change the ratio of windows in dual screen mode. By default, the screen is divided in half (50/50), If necessary, the dividing line can be moved up or down.

How to change the proportions:

1. Activate the dual screen (see instructions above).
2. In the center of the screen will appear a gray separator with a dot in the middle.
3. Press the dot and drag it up or down to change the size of the windows.
4. Release your finger when you reach the desired ratio (e.g, 60/40 or 70/30).

How to control windows:

• 🔄 Swap places: Clip the window header and drag it in the opposite direction.
• ❌ Close one window: swipe down the dividing line or click on the cross in the corner of the window.
• 📱 Back to normal mode: swipe up from the bottom edge and hold, then select Exit from split screen.
• 🔒 Fix the window: in some versions MIUI You can lock one of the windows so that it does not close when switching (click on the pin icon in the window header).

Note that when you change the proportions, some applications may not display correctly (for example, crop or stretch).This is because not all programs are optimized for dynamic window size change.

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On the Redmi. 8 maximum ratio of windows — 80/20. When you try to set more extreme values, the system will automatically return the proportions to the 75/25.

Application compatibility: which programs work in a dual screen

Not all applications support split-screen mode on Redmi 8, depending on developer policies and technical constraints, and below is a list of application categories and compatibility:

If the app doesn't support dual screen, when you try to open it in split mode, you'll see a message saying, "This app doesn't support split screen."

• 🔄 Update the application to the latest version.
• 📥 Install an alternative (e.g., use Yandex Maps instead of Google Maps or use Google Maps instead of Google Maps). 2GIS).
• 🛠️ Use PiP mode (if the application supports picture-in-picture).

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Instagram or TikTok) can block screen recording or screenshots in dual screen mode.

Alternative ways to multitask on Redmi 8

If dual screen doesn’t work for you, there are other ways to multitask on Redmi 8:

Picture-in-Picture Mode (PiP)

• 🎬 Supported by YouTube Premium, Google Maps, VLC and certain other applications.
• 🔹 To activate, open the video, then swipe down to the home screen – the video will shrink to a small window.
• 📌 You can move the window around the screen and change its size.

2. Quick switching between applications

• ⚡ Swipe left or right on the bottom of the screen (if gestures are enabled).
• 🔄 You can set up to 5 last apps for quick switching.

Floating windows (for the purpose of MIUI 12.5+)

• 🪟 Some applications (such as Calculator or Notes) can be opened in a small window on top of others.
• 🔧 To do this, hold the app icon in the multitasking menu and select the Windows.

Second space (for work and personal use)

• 🏠 V MIUI There is a function Second Space, which allows you to create a separate profile with other applications and settings.
• 🔄 Quickly switch between spaces can swipe two fingers on the lock screen.

Each of these methods has its pros and cons: for example, PiP is video-friendly but not text-friendly, and the second space completely isolates applications but requires additional customization.

Frequent questions about the dual screen on Redmi 8