Multitasking is a key feature of modern smartphones, allowing users to perform several actions simultaneously without losing performance. Owners of Xiaomi devices often wonder how to activate this feature, since standard methods can be hidden or require additional settings in the shell of MIUI 12. Splitting the screen into two parts allows you to watch videos on YouTube and chat in the messenger at the same time, which saves time.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways to activate a split screen, from standard gestures to hidden system functions. You will learn how to adjust the size of the windows, which applications support this mode and what to do if the function stopped working after the update. Understanding these nuances will help you to maximize the potential of your gadget.
The main ways to activate the split screen mode
In the MIUI 12 shell, there are several methods for running applications in window mode, and the choice of the right one depends on the user’s habits. The most common way involves using a menu of running applications that opens with a swipe from the bottom up with a delay or press of a special navigation button, which is considered classic and works consistently on most models, including the Redmi Note and Mi series.
Alternatively, you can use a sidebar if it has been pre-activated in your system settings. This tool allows you to quickly drag and drop application icons to your desktop, creating a floating window or starting split mode. For those who prefer gesture control, there is a swipe combination that needs to be performed in a certain order to activate the function.
- 📱 Using the recent task menu via a latency button or swipe.
- 📂 Activation through the toolbar (only after activation in the settings).
- 🖐 Application of special gestures for a quick transition to multitasking mode.
⚠️ Note: Not all installed apps support split-screen work, especially banking programs and some games, which is a security limitation for Android.
It’s worth noting that the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of Android your firmware is based on. If standard methods don’t work, it’s possible that a third-party launcher is installed on the system that blocks native features. MIUI. In this case, it is recommended to temporarily return to the standard design of the interface to check the work--capability.
Interface and navigation in MIUI 12
Before you start working actively with multiple windows, you need to make sure that the navigation settings are configured correctly. In MIUI 12, this is the responsibility of the Settings → Additional settings → Full-screen mode. Here the user can choose between the classic three buttons or gesture control, and the method of activating the split screen depends on this choice.
If you use buttons, the process of launching the second application becomes more visual and understandable for beginners. When choosing gestures, you will need to remember a certain sequence of finger movements, which may seem uncomfortable at first, but over time speeds up the work. System navigation in new versions of firmware is optimized to prevent accidental functions from starting.
It is also important to check the special features settings, as some features may conflict with the separation mode. For example, a magnifying glass or eye control can intercept the input focus, preventing the windows from displaying correctly. Make sure that there are no active services in the Special features section that you are not using.
- 🔧 Verification of firmware version and availability of security updates.
- 🎨 Disabling design themes that can change the structure of the multitasking menu.
- ⚡ Cleaning the system cache before making changes to navigation settings.
Users who are used to previous versions of the shell may feel uncomfortable with the changed logic of the menu. However, Xiaomi is trying to unify the experience, so many controls become similar to pure Android.
Step-by-step: start through the task menu
The most reliable and versatile way is to activate through the menu of running applications. To begin, open the first application you want to use, such as a browser or social network. Then call the menu of recent tasks: if you have buttons, press a square button or swipe up and hold your finger, if gestures, swipe from the bottom edge of the screen up and hold.
In the list that opens, find the card of the running application. At the top right of the card (or if you press it long, depending on the particular version of MIUI), an icon that resembles two rectangles or three dots will appear. Clicking on this element will cause a context menu where you need to select the option Split screen or Split screen.
☑️ Launch algorithm through task menu
Once you select the mode, the screen will split in half, and at the bottom (or top) you will see a list of frequently used applications to select the second window. If the desired application is not in the list, click on the three-dot icon or menu icon to see the full list of installed programs. Launching the second application will complete the activation process of the mode.
⚠️ Note: When you first start in split mode, the system may display a compatibility warning that needs to be confirmed to continue operating.
You can adjust the size of the windows by dragging the dividing strip down the center of the screen, and that allows you to prioritize one application, like making full-screen video and leaving the chat bar narrow, and that flexibility makes the interface really comfortable.
Using a sidebar for quick multitasking
The sidebar is a powerful tool in the MIUI 12 arsenal that makes multi-window mode much easier to use. To use it, you first need to activate the function in the Settings menu → Additional settings → Sidebar. Once turned on, a semi-transparent marker will appear on the screen that calls the panel with selected applications.
The principle is simple: you open the main application to the full screen, then call the sidebar and drag the icon of the second application to the workspace. The system automatically offers options for placement: create a floating window or split the screen. The choice of the option to split the screen instantly organizes the space as you like.
| Action. | The result | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Single tap | Launching the application on the full screen | Sidebar. |
| Drag down | Creating a floating window | Desktop |
| Drag to the edge | Activation of screen splitting | Screen boundary |
| Long press. | Editing the panel list | Inside the panel |
This is especially useful for those who often use the same bundles of applications, such as a calculator and spreadsheets, or messenger and mail. You can set up a list of applications in the sidebar, leaving only the most necessary tools there, and this eliminates the need to search for programs in the common menu every time.
💡
Add a voice recorder or notes to the sidebar - this will allow you to quickly record information without interrupting watching videos or reading articles.
It should be borne in mind that the sidebar consumes additional RAM resources, since applications in it can remain active. On devices with less than 4 GB of RAM, it is recommended not to keep too many heavy applications in the panel to avoid slowing down the system.
Window adjustment and separator control
Once the screen is divided, the user has full control over the proportions of the content displayed, and the boundary between the two windows is equipped with a special slider, which changes the area occupied by each application, which is critical when you need to focus on the content in one window, leaving the second for background control.
Some versions of MIUI offer not only vertical but also horizontal separation if you rotate the device, but most applications are optimized for portrait mode, so in landscape mode, one of the windows can be rolled up or hidden, and the adaptability of the interface depends on the developer of the particular application.
To close one of the windows, you just drag the dividing line to the end of the application to be closed, and you can also use standard window control buttons that appear when you press the separator, which instantly returns the remaining application to full screen mode.
- 📏 Accurately adjusting boundaries for comfortable reading or watching videos.
- 🔄 Quick change of priority windows by dragging the divider.
- ❌ Closing a secondary application with one finger movement.
Text input control is also adapted to work with two windows, the keyboard only appears for the currently active application, and the focus switch is automatically switched when you touch the desired area of the screen, which prevents the keyboard from appearing chaoticly on top of both windows at the same time.
Solving problems: if split screen doesn't work
Despite the stability of MIUI 12, users may find themselves in a situation where the split screen function is not activated or is not working correctly. Most often the problem lies in the application itself, which software prohibits working in the background or in the window. Android system restrictions do not allow you to bypass the lock on the part of developers of banking applications.
Another common reason is a lack of RAM, and if there are a lot of heavy processes running in the background, the system can block the launch of new windows to save the stability.--In this case, it is recommended to close the unnecessary applications through the task menu before attempting to activate the separation.
Hidden Developer Settings
If the problem is systemic, try resetting your display settings or clearing the system interface cache. Sometimes it helps to reboot your device in safe mode, which eliminates the influence of third-party launchers or optimizers. Importantly, resetting your settings through the engineering menu without understanding the consequences can lead to data loss.
⚠️ Note: Using modified firmware or root rights to circumvent restrictions can lead to disruption of banking applications and reduced data security.
In case none of the methods did not help, it is worth checking for updates for the problematic application in Google Play or GetApps. Developers often release patches that fix compatibility with new versions of operating systems.