The floating window (or Picture-in-Picture mode) on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to run applications in a miniature format on top of other tasks, which is convenient for simultaneous video and correspondence, navigation in maps during a call or monitoring chat during a game. However, not all users know how to activate this feature correctly, especially on newer versions. MIUI 14/15, where the interface has changed.
In this article, we will discuss all ways to enable a floating window on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO, This includes hidden developer settings and circumventing restrictions on unsupported applications, and you'll learn why the feature may not work on some models and how to fix it without root rights. MIUI 15, due to which floating windows spontaneously close when the screen is locked - and give a working solution.
What is a floating window and why is it necessary?
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is a technology standard supported by Android since version 8.0 Oreo. On Xiaomi smartphones, it is implemented with the company shell in mind. MIUI, This adds both pros (such as flexible window size settings) and cons (limitations for some applications).
Main use cases:
- 🎥 Watching videos on YouTube, TikTok or Netflix in parallel with working in other apps.
- 🗺️ Navigation in Google Maps or Yandex.Maps during a call or correspondence.
- 💬 Monitor chats on Telegram or WhatsApp without switching between windows.
- 🎮 Streaming gameplay with simultaneous reading of guides or communication in Discord.
It’s important to understand that not all apps support PiP by default, such as Instagram and some banking apps blocking this mode for security reasons, and in such cases, additional settings will be required, which we will discuss below.
The official method of including a floating window in MIUI
On most Xiaomi devices (starting with the MIUI 12) the function is activated through standard settings. Here is a step-by-step instruction:
- Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Floating window.
- Activate the switch "Enable the floating window".
- In the Application Permissions section, select programs that can work in PiP mode.
For a quick start of the floating window:
- 📱 In most applications (for example, YouTube or Google Maps) just swipe down the screen (gesture "home") - the video or card will automatically fold into a small window.
- 🔄 If the gesture doesn’t work, click on the app icon in the multitasking bar and select the Floating Window.
Make sure that the smartphone is installed MIUI 12 or newer
Update the application you want to run in a floating window
Check if the app supports PiP mode (list below)
Turn off energy saving mode for the application-->
List of applications guaranteed to support PiP on Xiaomi:
| Annex | Required version | Features |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube (official) | 15.0+ | It only works for Premium users. |
| Google Maps | 11.0+ | Automatically folds when navigating |
| Telegram | 9.0+ | Supports video and voice messages |
| VLC | 3.5+ | Any local video files |
| Twitch | 10.0+ | Only for Authorized Users |
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3 Pro after updating to MIUI 15 floating windows can spontaneously close when you lock the screen, and this is due to optimizing power consumption. Solution: add the app to the list, No limits in battery settings.
Hidden Settings: How to Enable PiP for Any Application
If the app you want doesn't support floating windows out of the box, you can make it work in this mode through the developer's settings. MIUI 13/14/15, But it requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to system failures.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version. Enter the Mi Account password if needed.
For developers
Multitasking → Enable free form for all applications
Reset the device.
Now any application can be folded into a floating window through the multitasking bar.
- 🚫 Some applications (e.g. banking) may block PiP for security reasons.
- 🔋 Increased battery consumption – simultaneous applications consume more resources.
- 🐞 Possible graphic artifacts in games or heavy applications (e.g. Photoshop).
What if the app doesn’t fold into a PiP?
Size and position of the floating window
V MIUI You can flexibly adjust the appearance of a floating window, change its size, transparency and position on the screen:
- Run the app in PiP mode (such as YouTube videos).
- Tap the window twice and the control panel will appear.
- Use the following gestures: 👆 Drag - changing the position of the window. 🔘 Holding the corner - changing the size. 🔄 Double-touch – switching between standard and extended mode (if supported).
Additional settings are available in the Settings menu → Special facilities → Floating window → Display parameters:
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | Window background transparency (0–100%) | 20–30% for better visibility |
| Auto-clotting | Curl the window when you press "Home" | Included (for battery saving) |
| Default size | The initial size of the new window | Medium (for balance between visibility and functionality) |
| Screen anchorage | Fixing a window in one corner | Disabled (for flexibility) |
💡
If the floating window interferes with work, it can be temporarily rolled into the lower right corner of the screen, and to do this, drag the window to the edge - it will turn into a small icon that can be turned back with a touch.
The solution to the problem: why the PiP does not work
If the floating window doesn’t turn on or doesn’t work properly, check the following points:
1.The application does not support PiP.
As mentioned earlier, some apps (like Instagram, Tinder, most banking customers) block the mode at the code level.This restriction can only be circumvented through the developer settings (see section above), but there is no guarantee - the application can simply close when trying to fold.
2.Outdated version MIUI
On devices with MIUI 11 and below, floating windows are unstable or non-existent:
- 📲 Update the firmware through Settings → Updating the system.
- 🔧 If the update is not available, install custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) where the PiP is better implemented.
3. Conflict with energy saving settings
Aggressive energy saving modes (for example, Ultra mode in the MIUI 15) may forcibly close floating windows:
- Open the Settings. → Battery and productivity → Managing application energy consumption.
- Find the right app and select No Limits.
- Turn off the Mi Optimization option for this application.
4. Bug with spontaneous window closure
On some devices with MIUI 15 (for example, Xiaomi 13/13 Pro) Floating windows close when you lock the screen or switch to another application. This is a known memory management bug:
- Set minimum animation in the developer settings (Scale of window animations) → 0.5x).
- Turn off the Cleanup function. RAM when locked in battery settings.
- Use an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that better manages multitasking.
💡
If the floating window doesn’t work in a particular application, check its power saving settings first. 80% of the time, the problem is solved by turning off the battery optimization for that application.
Alternative methods: applications for forced PiP
If the standard methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities.
1. Floating Apps (Play Market)
The app creates a virtual window on top of other tasks.
- 🌐 Any websites (including Instagram, TikTok).
- 📄 Documents and PDF.
- 🎵 Music players.
The free version shows ads in a floating window.
2. Picture-in-Picture Enabler (requires root)
This utility enforces PiP for any application, even if it doesn't support default mode, and only works on rooted devices.
- Install an app from the Play Market.
- Give root access.
- Select the desired application from the list and activate the PiP.
3. Bubble (for chats)
A dedicated instant messenger solution that converts notifications from Telegram, WhatsApp or Viber into floating bubbles that can be deployed into a full-fledged chat window.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party PiP apps, be careful with permissions. Some utilities (such as Floating Apps) request access to Special Features, which can be used to track your activities. Before installing, check the reviews and reputation of the developer.
Optimizing performance when using PiP
Floating windows increase the load on the processor and RAM, which can lead to:
- 🔋 Accelerated battery discharge (up to 15-20% per hour with active use).
- 🐢 Slowdown of major annexes.
- 🔥 Overheating of the device (especially on budget models Redmi).
To minimize the negative effects:
- 📵 Close unnecessary background apps through the multitasking panel.
- 🔄 Limit the number of floating windows open at the same time (optimally 1-2).
- ⚡ Use the Performance Mode (Settings) → Battery → Performance mode).
- 🌡️ Watch the temperature: if the device is heated above 45°C, let him cool down.
On devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60 Pro's performance problems don't usually occur, but on budget chips (Snapdragon 480, Helio) G88) It is not recommended to run heavy games or video editing at the same time as the PiP.