Smartphones have long evolved into powerful handheld computers that can perform many tasks simultaneously. Owners of low-end but reliable devices such as the Xiaomi Redmi 7 often face the need to multitasking in their daily lives. The ability to run two apps side by side on the same display greatly improves productivity and usability of the gadget.
The split-screen feature, also known as Split Screen, allows you to, for example, chat in the messenger while watching a video or search for information in the browser without closing the running game. However, on devices with a MIUI shell, activation of this mode may not be obvious to the beginner. In this article, we will discuss in detail all ways to activate and customize this feature.
Despite the fact that Redmi 7 was released a few years ago, its hardware capabilities are quite comfortable to work with two windows. We will consider the standard methods of activation through the menu of recent applications, creating special shortcuts and using third-party utilities to expand the functionality of the system.
Preparation of the device and compatibility check
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that your device is ready to work in multitasking mode. Xiaomi Redmi 7 is based on the Android operating system with the proprietary add-on MIUI, where window management is implemented in a specific way. Some older versions of applications may not support forced splitting of the screen, so it is important to update the software to current versions.
First of all, check how much RAM is available at the moment. Split Screen mode requires resources, and if the background processes load the system, the function may not work stable or start at all. Close heavy games and applications that consume a lot of power before activating the separation.
⚠️ Note: Some system applications, such as the camera or calculator in certain firmware versions, may block split screen mode due to security or technical constraints.
Also consider the resolution of your smartphone screen. Redmi 7 uses a 6.26-inch matrix, which is the optimal size for vertical separation. When the device is horizontally located, the useful area of each window can become too small for comfortable reading of text.
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Before activating split screen, close all background applications to free up RAM and ensure smooth interface operation.
The standard way to activate through the menu of recent applications
The most common and quickest method of enabling Split Screen on Xiaomi involves using the running task menu.This method does not require additional shortcuts and works out of the box on most versions of MIUI firmware.
When you start the program, click the Menu navigation button (square), or swipe from the bottom up and hold your finger if you use gesture control. You will see a list of recently launched applications. In the upper right corner of the card of the desired application, you will see three vertical dots or a special icon that depends on the version of the shell.
- 📱 Click on the menu icon next to the app name.
- 📑 In the list that appears, select "Split screen" or "Split screen".
- 📲 The screen will split in half, and at the bottom there will be a choice of the second application.
Select the second program from the list, and it will occupy the rest of the display. You can move the boundary between the windows by changing the proportions of the content display, which is especially convenient when you need more space for the keyboard or, conversely, to view the video stream.
It is important to note that not all applications support this mode natively. If an application does not want to run in the second window, the system can issue a notification of incompatibility. In such cases, the use of special scripts or third-party launchers helps, but standard methods rarely get around the restriction.
Creating a split screen shortcut on the desktop
For those who use Split Screen all the time, searching the task menu every day can be tedious. The MIUI shell allows you to create a separate shortcut that instantly activates the split mode, which eliminates unnecessary action and makes the process of launching two applications almost instantaneous.
To create this tool, go to the general settings of your smartphone. Find the section that is responsible for additional features or special features. Depending on the version of Android and MIUI, the path may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same for all devices in the Redmi line.
Settings → Additional settings → Special features → Screen splittingIn the menu that opens, you need to activate the "Share-Share-Short" switch. Once the action is confirmed, a new icon will appear on the desktop. Now, after you launch the first application, you just need to click on this shortcut to activate the second window selection mode.
☑️ Creating a Split Screen shortcut
Using a shortcut is particularly effective when working with documents or tables, when you need to switch between data sources often, saving time and reducing the cognitive load on the user, allowing you to focus on content rather than interface management.
Set up hot keys and gestures
Windows management on Xiaomi Redmi 7 can be made even more convenient by setting up special gestures or using key combinations. Although the direct hotkey for Split Screen is not provided by default, there are workarounds through volume button settings or assigning actions for long pressing.
Some users prefer to use third-party automation apps such as MacroDroid or Tasker, which can create a macro that will double tap on the back cover (if there is sensor support) or vibrate the phone to run pre-selected two applications in split mode.
| Action. | The result | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|
| Through the task menu | Instant start of the second window | Low. |
| Desktop label | Quick access without searching the menu | Medium |
| Third-party launchers | Expanded management functionality | Tall. |
Also worth noting is the floating windows feature, which, unlike strictly splitting the screen in half, allows you to place small app windows on top of the main content, an alternative way to multitask that may be more convenient on the Redmi 7 screen in certain use cases.
The Secret of Floating Windows
Working with incompatible applications
A common problem for Xiaomi owners is that popular social networks or banking applications refuse to work in split mode. The system blocks this possibility, believing that the application interface is not adapted to work in a reduced window.
One way is to activate developer mode, which allows you to enable the option of forced resizing aktiviteta, which will cause the system to ignore the limitations set by the application developers and run them in a split screen.
⚠️ Warning: Forced window resize may result in incorrect display of the interface, application crashes, or loss of unsaved data.
To activate this feature, you need to click on the build number in the About Phone section several times to unlock the developer menu. Then, in the advanced settings, find the option "Forced Change Application Size" and activate it. After restarting the device, try running the problematic application in Split Screen mode.
The alternative is to use the "Second Space" function or app cloning, and by running an app clone, you can keep two versions of the same program open, which sometimes helps bypass the split-screen restrictions, as the system perceives them as different processes.
Solutions and optimization of work
If splitting the screen to Redmi 7 is slow or causing a freeze, the problem may be a lack of resources, system optimization is necessary, remove the cache of heavy applications and make sure that the internal drive is free of at least 15-20% of the space.
Often, users find that after turning the device into a horizontal position, the windows collapse or behave unpredictably, which is a standard behavior for many versions of MIUI. For stable work in landscape mode, it is better to use the "Floating Window" mode instead of the classic Split Screen.
- 🔄 Restart the device if the interface is slow to respond.
- 🗑️ Clean Memory with Integrated Security Optimizer.
- 📉 Reduce the number of widgets on the home screen to save RAM.
It’s also worth checking for updates to the MIUI shell itself. Xiaomi engineers regularly release patches that fix multitasking bugs. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update to check the software version’s relevance.
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The stability of the split screen depends on the amount of free RAM and the relevance of the MIUI firmware version.
In conclusion, the smart use of split-screen mode makes the Xiaomi Redmi 7 a powerful tool for work and entertainment: Experiment with settings, use shortcuts and don’t be afraid to activate hidden features for maximum comfort.