The Xiaomi Redmi 9’s split-screen feature allows you to work with two apps at the same time — for example, watching YouTube videos and chatting in instant messengers. However, not all users know that this option is hidden in the MIUI settings and requires proper activation. Unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, where multi-window is available out of the box, the budget Redmi 9 (codenamed lancelot) has limitations related to the firmware version and hardware capabilities.
In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to enable a split screen, including hidden developer settings, ADB circumvention, and alternative solutions for applications that don’t multitask, and why the feature might not work on your device and how to fix it without risking the system.
Does Xiaomi Redmi 9 support split screen?
Officially, Xiaomi Redmi 9 (models M2003J15SS/M2003J15SC) supports split screen, but with reservations:
- 📱 It only works on versions. MIUI 12.0.1+ (Android 10/11). On older firmware, the function may be missing or may not work smoothly.
- 🔧 Requires activation in the developer settings – by default the option is hidden.
- 🚫 Not all apps support multitasking (such as games or some banking software).
- 🔄 On some modifications of Redmi 9 (Like Redmi. 9A/9C) No function due to iron limitations.
To check your device’s compatibility, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If version is below 12.0.1, update your firmware first through Settings → System Update.
Method 1: Including through the developer settings
The most reliable method of activation is to use a hidden menu for developers.
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer!” appears.
- Return to the main Settings menu and select a new section → For developers.
- Find the option "Separate screen" (multi-window) and activate it.
Once enabled, the function will be available in the control panel (swipe down from the top edge of the screen) to start the mode:
- 📲 Open the first app (for example, YouTube).
- 🔄 Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold the app icon – the menu will appear.
- 🖥️ Select "Separate screen".
- 📱 Second window opens – select the second application from the list.
Activate the Developer Mode|Update MIUI up to 12.0.1+|Check the compatibility of applications|Clear the system cache (optional)-->
⚠️ Note: If the split screen option is not available in the developer settings after activation, your firmware may be modified (for example, customized). MIUI or Global ROM In this case, use the method of ADB.
Method 2: Activate via ADB (for power users)
If the standard method doesn’t work, you can force multiwindows to be enabled via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
- Enable USB debugging on your smartphone: Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging over USB.
- Connect Redmi 9 to your PC via USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and type:
adb shell settings put global force_split_screen trueAfter you execute the command, restart the device. The split screen function should appear in the notification panel.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| ADB does not see the device | There are no drivers. | Install Xiaomi USB Drivers or use Mi PC Suite |
| Command not executed | USB debugging disabled | Include it in the developer settings |
| The function did not appear after the reboot | The firmware doesn't support ADB-team | Update MIUI or use alternative methods |
Method 3: Use of MIUI gestures
Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has added gesture-based split-screen support, which works without the developer settings, but requires the option to be enabled:
- Go to Settings → Display → Gestures.
- Select "Gestural navigation" (if you use full-screen gestures).
- Activate the option "Swipe Screen Sharing".
Now to split the screen:
- 📱 Open the first application.
- 👆 Swipe up from the bottom edge and hold the app icon.
- 🔀 In the menu that appears, select "Separate screen".
- 📲 Select the second app from the list.
Important: This method doesn’t work on all versions of MIUI for Redmi 9. If the option is not available in gesture settings, use the developer settings or ADB method.
Which apps support screen splitting?
Not all programs are multi-window-based, but here is a list of application categories that typically support separation:
- 📺 Media Players: YouTube, MX Player, VLC.
- 💬 Messengers: Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber.
- 🌐 Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Mi Browser.
- 📝 Office Programs: Google Docs, WPS Office.
These applications usually do not work in a split mode:
- 🎮 Games (due to performance requirements).
- 🏦 Banking programs (for security reasons).
- 📷 Some cameras and editors (e.g. Snapseed).
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If you want to run an unsupported application in a multi-window, try opening it first in Floating Window mode (if available), and then deploying it to half the screen.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Redmi 9 users often have difficulty adjusting the split screen, and consider common errors and ways to fix them:
1.The function is not present in the settings
If the Developer menu does not have the option of Screen Sharing, the reasons may be as follows:
- 🔄 An outdated version MIUI (firmware update).
- 📱 Modified firmware (install the official Global firmware) ROM).
- 🔧 Restrictions of the region (some versions) MIUI India or China have different settings).
2. Applications do not open in a multi-window
If the second application does not start:
- 🔄 Reset the device.
- 📦 Clear the app cache through Settings → Annexes → [Name of name] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
- 🔧 Check if the application is locked in the battery settings (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).
3. The screen "twitches" or lays
This is a typical problem for the Redmi 9 due to limited resources (2/3/4GB of RAM).
- 🔄 Close all background applications before activating the multi-window.
- 📉 Reduce animation in the developer settings (Scope of window animation: 0.5x).
- 🔧 Turn off "Adaptive Brightness" in the display settings.
⚠️ Note: On Redmi 9 with 2GB of RAM, splitting the screen can be extremely unstable, especially with heavy applications (e.g. Chrome). + In this case, it is recommended to use alternative multitasking methods such as “floating windows” or “picture-in-picture mode” (PiP).
Alternative ways to multitask
If splitting the screen doesn’t work or isn’t suitable for your tasks, consider these options:
Floating window mode
Some apps (like Telegram or Google Maps) support opening in a small window on top of other programs.
- Open the app.
- Swipe up and hold the icon → select “Floating Window”.
- Change the size of the window by dragging the edges.
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode
It's good for video and video calls, like YouTube Premium or Google Meet, you can roll up a video into a small window and continue to use other apps.
3. Multitasking applications
Google Play has third-party utilities that emulate split screen:
- 📱 Split Screen Launcher – Creates shortcuts for fast launch of a pair of applications.
- 🔧 Floating Apps – Adds floating windows to any program.
Warning: Third-party applications may require the rights to Special Features or Overlay over other windows, which is potentially dangerous for security.
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The official Redmi 9 split screen is more stable than third-party solutions, but requires activation through the developer settings or ADB. If your firmware does not support the feature, consider alternatives like floating windows or PiP mode.