After another update to the MIUI firmware or transition to a new HyperOS shell, many Xiaomi smartphone owners are faced with unexpected behavior of familiar functions. In particular, the standard gesture to activate split screen mode (Split Screen) can stop responding or work incorrectly, which causes confusion, especially for users who are accustomed to multitasking and use two applications simultaneously for work or entertainment.
Changing gesture control algorithms and reworking system menus is common practice for developers looking to improve the user experience, but old habits are not going away. Screen splitting remains one of the key features of Android, but on the Xiaomi shell it has its own activation features that may have changed. Understanding new mechanics will allow you to quickly regain control of the interface.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the current ways to activate multiwindow mode on modern versions of software, and we will look not only at standard methods through the menu of recent applications, but also at hidden settings that are often ignored by users after the system update.
Why did the screen split disappear after the update?
The main reason for the disappearance of the feature lies in the change in the logic of the Android system and Xiaomi add-ons. After a major update, developers often change the way they call the multitasking menu. If before it was enough just to hold your finger for the preview of the application, then now the system can require a swipe down or use a special button.
Another factor is the optimization of the applications themselves. Not all programs support window mode, and once the system is updated, the list of compatible applications can be revised. If you try to share the screen with a game or a heavy editor, the system can block this action, considering it resource-intensive.
⚠️ Warning: If the feature is suddenly gone, check to see if Full-screen Apps are enabled. MIUI This mode forcibly stretches applications, blocking the possibility of their reduction or separation.
Also, it’s worth considering that on global firmware versions, some features may be introduced gradually or different from Chinese counterparts. The interface may look familiar, but hide new controls that require learning.
Activation through the menu of recent applications
The most common and regular way to run Split Screen on updated devices is to use the menu of running applications. After updating, the interface of this menu often becomes more minimalistic, hiding additional options.
To start, open two apps you want to use at the same time. Then go to the recent task menu. Depending on the system version, you either swipe down the app window or click on the pencil icon or three dots in the preview corner.
- 📱 Open the first app and roll it into the background.
- 📱 Open the second app and also go to the task menu.
- 📱 Find the split icon (two stripes or rectangles) and click on it.
- 📱 Select the second app from the list of options offered.
If a standard down swipe doesn't work, try a long-term press on the application preview. In newer versions of HyperOS, this action can trigger the context menu where the option is located, and it's important not to confuse this with closing the application.
Using a side panel to separate
The Sidebar is a powerful tool that often goes underrated, and once the system is updated, it can be disabled by default or moved back into the settings, creating the illusion of loss of functionality.
This tool allows you to run applications in a floating window or in split-screen mode directly from any other application, which is especially convenient when you need to quickly respond in the messenger without interrupting the video or browser.
To activate the panel, go to Settings → Additional settings → Floating windows. Here you need to turn on the Sidebar of applications. After that, a transparent bar will appear on the side of the screen that calls the menu.
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Add only the most commonly used messaging and note-taking apps to the sidebar – this will speed up access to the split screen function several times over.
To use the function, open any application, call the sidebar, find the desired program, and click on the split screen icon next to its name. The system automatically creates a split space.
Set up hot keys and gestures
Hand gestures are the fastest way to interact with a smartphone, but they require precision, and once updated, sensor sensitivity or gesture recognition algorithms can change, causing disruptions.
In some regions and firmware versions, customized gestures are available, such as three fingers from the bottom up can activate splitting of the screen. You can check for this option in Settings → Additional settings → Keyboards.
| Action. | Standard gesture | The alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Opening the task menu | Swipe from bottom up and hold | Triple tap on the menu button |
| Screen splitting | Swipe down preview. | Long press on preview |
| Closure of the annex | Swipe preview up. | Pressing the cross |
| Searching in tasks | Swipe preview down. | Voice input |
If the gestures don't work, try recalibrating the sensor in the engineering menu or simply restarting the device. Sometimes temporary cache files interfere with correct touch recognition.
Application compatibility check
Keep in mind that multi-window support is not only system-dependent, but also application-specific, and developers can block Split Screen to ensure stability or content security.
This is especially true for banking apps, horizontally focused games, and streaming services, and if the app doesn’t support splitting, the system will simply not let you activate that mode for it, regardless of the phone’s settings.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to force an incompatible application in a split screen can lead to its incorrect display, departures or complete system freeze.
You can check the compatibility list experimentally or through the developer's settings. In the For Developers section, there is an option called Forced Size Change, but you should use it with caution.