How to make a split screen on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: 3 working methods + error solving

Introduction: why you need to split the screen on a smartphone

The split screen (or multi-window) feature on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T allows you to use two apps on the same display at the same time, which is especially convenient when you need to compare information from different sources, chat in the messenger and watch videos, or copy data between programs. For example, you can simultaneously browse a map in Google Maps and chat to WhatsApp without switching between windows.

Although the Redmi Note 8T was released in 2019, its MIUI firmware (even in current versions of 2026) supports this feature, but many users do not know how to activate it correctly or experience bugs like “Function not available for this application.” In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to enable multi-window, nuanced settings and typical problems – taking into account the latest updates to MIUI 14 and HyperOS.

It's important to understand that not all applications support split-screen mode, for example, some games or banking programs may block this feature for security reasons, but for most standard tasks — browser, social networks, office applications — multi-window works steadily.

Method 1: Split screen through the panel of recent applications

This is the simplest and most versatile method that works on all versions of MIUI for the Redmi Note 8T.

1. Open the first app you want to use in a multi-window (like YouTube).
2. Click the “Recent Apps” button (square in the bottom navigation bar) or swipe up and hold your finger for 1 second.
3. At the top of the screen will appear the app icon – tap it and hold until the menu appears.
4. Select "Split Screen" (or "Split Screen" in English firmware).
5. The screen will split into two parts, and the bottom one will be the current app, and the top one will open a list of recent programs, and select the second one.

You can now adjust the window size by dragging the dividing line up or down. To exit the mode, just pull the line to the edge of the screen or click on the "Close" button in the multi-window menu.

Note that if you have navigation gestures enabled (no buttons), swiping up to call recent apps may not work, in which case temporarily switch to the classic buttons in the settings:

⚠️ Attention: Navigation gestures in MIUI 14 may conflict with multi-window activation. If split screen does not start, go to Settings → Display. → Navigation bar and select "Buttons" instead of "Full screen gestures".

Method 2: Activation through system settings

If the first method didn't work, maybe the function is disabled in the settings.

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Split screen.
2. Activate the "Allow split screen" switch.
3. Return to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Additional → Split screen.
4. Make sure that the desired applications have permission to work in the multi-window.

In some firmware, the path may be different. For example, in HyperOS (the new shell from Xiaomi), the multi-window settings are moved to Settings → System → Additional → Split screen. If you do not find a point, search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

One important caveat: after the MIUI update, the multi-window settings may be reset. If the split screen stops working after the update, check the permissions again.

Method 3: Use of gestures (alternative method)

On the Redmi Note 8T with navigation gestures, you can activate the split screen in an alternative way:

1. Open the first appendix.
2. Make a swipe up from the bottom edge and hold your finger to open the recent panel.
3. Slip the app icon and select "Access from above" (if there is such a item).
4. Return to the home screen and open the second app – it will open at the bottom of the screen.

This method is less stable than the classic one, and may not work on all versions of MIUI. If gestures don't work, try calibrating the sensor:

⚠️ Note: Some users report that after calibration of the sensor (Settings) → Display. → Sensor calibration) gestures are beginning to be recognized more accurately, but this item is not available on all firmware.

On the Redmi Note 8T with MIUI 12.5 firmware and later, multi-window gesture control works only for system applications (e.g., Files or Camera).

What apps support split screen

Not all programs are compatible with Split Screen mode, but here is a list of categories of apps that are guaranteed to work on the Redmi Note 8T:

• 🌐 Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Mi Browser
• 📱 Social networks: Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook
• 📄 Office: WPS Office, Google Docs, Microsoft Word
• 🎵 Media: YouTube, MX Player, Google Play Music
• 🗺️ Maps: Google Maps, Yandex.Maps, 2GIS

And these applications are most often blocked by multi-window:

• 🎮 Games: PUBG, Free Fire, Call of Duty
• 🏦 Banking: Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, VTB
• 📺 Streaming: Netflix, Disney+, OKKO (sometimes)
• 🔒 Annexes with DRM: videoplayer

If the app doesn't support split screen, you'll see a notification saying, "This app doesn't support split screen."

1. Update the application to the latest version.
2. Clear its cache (Settings → Apps → [name] → Clear the cache).
3. Try an alternative program (e.g., use YouTube instead of Netflix).

Table: Comparison of multi-window activation methods

The table shows that the most versatile method is through the recent app dashboard.Gest control is only suitable for power users, and third-party launchers (such as Nova Launcher) can add multi-window support, but will require additional customization.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even if you did everything right, you can make mistakes.

1. The split screen button is inactive

Reason: The function is disabled in the settings or the application is not supported.

Decision:

• 🔧 Check the settings (Special Opportunities) → Split screen).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📥 Update. MIUI last-minute.

2.The screen is divided, but the second app does not open

The reason: lack of RAM or conflict with background processes.

Decision:

• 🧹 Close all background applications (Settings) → Annexes → Clear everything).
• 🔋 Check free memory (should be at least 1 GB).
• 🔄 Reboot the Redmi Note 8T.

3. Multiwindow is unstable (stutters, laps)

The reason is a weak processor (Snapdragon 665) or overheating.

Decision:

• ❄️ Close all unnecessary programs.
• 🔋 Connect charging (at low battery charge, performance drops).
• 📉 Reduce screen brightness and turn off auto-update apps.

💡

If the multi-window brakes, try to turn on performance mode: Settings → Battery → Performance mode → High performance. But remember, this will increase battery consumption.

4.After the MIUI update, the split screen is gone

Reason: Resetting settings after the update.

Decision:

• 🔧 Enable the function again in the settings.
• 📥 Install a patch for multi-window (if available for your firmware).
• 🔄 Retracement to the previous version MIUI (last resort).

If none of the methods worked, it is possible that your firmware has been modified (castom), in which case try to reflash your phone to the official MIUI via Fastboot.

FAQ: Frequent questions about splitting the screen on the Redmi Note 8T

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On the Redmi Note 8T, multi-windows are most stable on official MIUI 12.5-14 firmware. Custom builds (such as LineageOS) may not support this feature or may work with errors.