How to split the screen on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all ways to activate the multi-window

The multi-window feature on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 allows you to work with two applications simultaneously — for example, watching YouTube videos and chatting in the messenger. Despite the obvious benefits, many users do not know how to turn this mode on correctly or face errors when using it. In this article, we will discuss all the official and hidden methods of activating the multi-window, and also tell you how to configure gestures for quick access and fix typical problems.

It's important to understand that split-screen capabilities depend on the version of MIUI and the Android shell installed on your device. On the Redmi Note 9 (M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS models), two main ways are available out of the box: through the recent app bar and with gestures. However, after updates, some features can "hide" in the depths of the settings - we'll show you where to look for them.

Official way: splitting through the panel of recent applications

The most reliable method is to use a standard multitasking dashboard, which works on all versions of MIUI (11 to 14) and does not require additional settings.

1. Open the first app you want to pin to the top of the screen (like Chrome).
2. Click the square button at the bottom of the screen (or swipe up and hold to call the recent app panel).
3. Tap the app icon at the top of the card and select “Share Screen”** (or Split Screen in English).
4. Select the second app from the recent list or return to the home screen to launch it.

After that, the screen will split into two parts. You can resize the windows 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 Multi-Window" button** (will appear when you swipe down from the separator).

Both apps must support multi-window (some games and banking programs are blocked)

In the developer settings, the “Do not remain active” mode should not be enabled.

The device should not be in power saving mode (limits background processes)

Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (in older versions, the function may not work well)-->

Alternative method: gestures for a fast split screen

If you're uncomfortable with the recent app bar, you can set up a gesture for instant split mode, which works on MIUI 12 and later, but requires pre-activation in the settings:

1. Go to Settings → Special Features → Gestures and Movements → Split Screen Gesture.
2. Turn on the split screen gesture switch.**
3. Select the action: swipe three fingers down or click on the Menu button (if it is displayed on your device).

Now, to split the screen, it is enough:

• 👆 Swipe three fingers down from the top of the screen (if you choose this gesture).
• 🎮 Hold the Menu button (if it is active in your firmware).

Once you activate the gesture, select the first app, and then the second app, the screen will automatically split, which is more convenient for frequent multi-window users, since it does not require you to open the multi-tasking panel.

Through the recent app panel

With a gesture (swipe with three fingers)

Menu button

I don't use multi-windows.-->

Hidden settings: how to turn on multi-window if it is missing

After the MIUI update, some users complain that the "Share the Screen" option has disappeared from the menu, due to changes in Xiaomi's policy or firmware failures.

1. Check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If it is older than 12.5, upgrade the system.
2. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version. Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers.
3. Find the parameter. force_resizeable_activities And turn it on. That will make the system show the split-screen option even for unoptimized applications.

If the function still does not appear, try resetting the application settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points (menu) → Reset App Settings.
2. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

What apps support split screen on Redmi Note 9

Not all programs are multi-window compatible. Xiaomi blocks separation for applications that:

• 🎮 Use full screen mode (most games, for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).
• 🏦 Requires increased security (bank applications, payment systems).
• 📺 Playing video from DRM-Protection (some streaming services).

Here is the compatibility table of popular split-screen apps on the Redmi Note 9:

Important: Some apps (like WhatsApp or VK) can only work in the multi-window after manual permission in the settings. Go to Settings → Apps → Permissions → Special Access → Display over other apps and enable permission for the desired application.

Typical problems and their solutions

When using a split screen on the Redmi Note 9, users often encounter the following errors:

⚠️ Note: If one of the applications is immediately closed after activation of the multi-window, check whether the charge saving mode is enabled in Settings. → Battery: This mode limits background activity and can interfere with split screen operation.

Let’s look at the most common problems:

• 🔄 Screen not split: update MIUI Up to the latest version or reset the application settings (instruction above).
• 📱 The application does not open in multi-window: check its compatibility in the table above or try to enable it. force_resizeable_activities.
• 🔋 Heat the phone: split screen increases the processor load. Close unnecessary background processes.
• 📶 The Internet does not work in one of the windows: turn off VPN or check the settings of modem modem in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

If none of these methods worked, try a soft reset:

1. Press the power button and select “Reboot”**.
2. After turning on, check the multi-window again.

💡

If you need a split screen often, add a shortcut for quick access. To do this, hold an empty area on the home screen → Widgets → Settings → Split screen (available on MIUI 13+).

How to set up gestures for easy multi-window control

By default, split-screen control on the Redmi Note 9 isn't always intuitive. Fortunately, MIUI has hidden settings that allow you to customize gestures to suit yourself.

• 👆 Resize windows: By default, the dividing line is swiped up/down. To make it smoother, turn on Smooth animation in the developer settings.
• 🔄 Quick app change: Twice tap the dividing line to swap apps.
• ❌ Close one window: Swipe the app down from the top edge (as in normal mode).

For advanced users, you can customize custom gestures through the Button Mapper app (available on Google Play).

• Assign a double press on the power button to activate the multi-window.
• Create a swipe gesture around the edge of the screen for quick separation.
• Set up vibration when the gesture is triggered.

Be careful, though: Incorrect settings in Button Mapper can lead to conflicts with MIUI system gestures. Before experimenting, back up your settings in Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

💡

MIUI 14 now offers the option to save multiple-window app pairs, split the screen to use it, then click on the dividing line and select Save the Combination.** Next time you can open these two apps with one touch.

Comparison with other Xiaomi smartphones: which is better?

The split screen feature on the Redmi Note 9 is stable, but inferior in flexibility to Xiaomi’s flagship models, such as the Mi 11 or POCO F4.

If you need more features than the Redmi Note 9 offers, consider installing custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), which implements a more flexible multi-window system. However, remember that this voids the warranty and can lead to unstable device operation.

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 9 with MediaTek Helio processor G85 Some custom firmware can cause overheating with prolonged use of multi-window. 4PDA for your specific modification (M2003J15SC or M2003J15SS).

FAQ: Frequent questions about split screen on Redmi Note 9