How to make a split screen on Xiaomi: full instructions for MIUI

The split-screen (or multi-window) mode on Xiaomi devices allows you to work with two apps simultaneously — for example, watching YouTube videos and chatting to Telegram without constantly switching. This feature is especially useful on large smartphone screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro) and tablets (Xiaomi Pad 6), where multitasking becomes more comfortable. However, not all users know how to activate and configure this mode, especially after MIUI updates, which sometimes hide or change the location of options.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to enable split screen on Xiaomi, including hidden methods for older versions of MIUI (up to 14th), where the function can be disabled by default, and how to solve typical problems, such as when the multi-window does not work in certain applications or disappears after a reboot. If you own a Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or another device on MIUI, the instruction is also suitable for you: the differences between models are minimal.

1. Standard way to enable split screen (MIUI 12–14)

In the latest versions of the MIUI shell (starting with the 12th), the multi-window function is activated through a gesture or panel of recent applications.This method works on most modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Xiaomi 14, Redmi K60 and POCO F4.

1. Open the first app you want to pin to the top of the screen (e.g. Chrome or Google Maps).

2. Click on the recent apps button (square in the bottom navigation bar) or swipe up with a delay (if you use gesture control).

3. In the recent app panel, find the app icon at the top of his card and hold it with your finger for 1-2 seconds.

4. A menu will appear – select Split screen (or Open in split mode).

5. The bottom of the screen will show a list of other open apps — select the second to pin it from the bottom.

• 📱 For smartphones with navigation buttons: use the physical or touch button Recent (square).
• 👆 For gesture control: swipe up with pause (as when closing the application), then hold the icon.
• ⚙️ If no item: check the multi-window settings in Settings → Special facilities → Split screen.

Once activated, you can adjust the boundary between the windows by dragging the dividing line up or down. To exit the mode, pull the line to the edge of the screen or press the Close button in one of the windows.

2. Alternative method through MIUI settings

If gesture control doesn’t work or you prefer to enable the function through the menu, you can manually activate the split screen, which is suitable for devices where the multi-window is disabled by default (for example, on some firmware for Redmi 9A or POCO M3).

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Find the split screen (or multiwindow in older versions).
3. Activate the slider Enable the split screen.
4. Go back to the recent applications and repeat the steps from the first method.

Important: on some devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi A3 with Android One), the feature may not be available due to the limitations of stock Android, in which case only installing custom firmware or using third-party applications (see section 6).

3.Shared screen on Xiaomi tablets (Pad 5/6)

On Xiaomi tablets (such as the Xiaomi Pad 6 Pro or Pad 5), multi-window mode is implemented more widely - up to three active windows are available at the same time (depending on the version of MIUI for Pad), it activates differently than on smartphones:

1. Open the first appendix.

2. Swipe your finger from the top right corner of the screen down and a multitasking panel will appear.

3. Drag the second application to the left or right side of the screen (a semi-transparent area will appear).

4. For the third window, repeat the action by selecting the area at the top or bottom.

And they also have floating windows, little rubber windows that you can move around on top of other apps, to turn them on.

1. Open the Settings. → Multi-window.
2. Activate the option of floating windows.
3. In the recent apps bar, hold the app icon and select Open in a floating window.

4.Why the split screen doesn't work: typical problems

If the multi-window is not activated or not working properly, the reasons can vary from firmware bugs to application-specific limitations, and here are the most common scenarios and solutions:

• 🚫 No feature on the menu: check the version MIUI (upgrade to 12.+). On some budget models (Redmi) 8A) multi-window disabled hardware.
• 🔄 The application does not support the mode: banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff) and some games (for example, PUBG Mobile blocks split screen for security reasons.
• 🔋 The mode shuts down itself: check the battery settings - energy saving mode can close the background processes. Turn off optimization for both applications in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
• 📱 Does not work on gestures: go back to the navigation buttons in Settings → Screen. → Navigation buttons.

💡

If the split screen disappears after the reboot, add a shortcut for quick turn on: Settings → Notification Panel → Adding tiles → Multi-window.

⚠️ Note: On Android Go devices (e.g. Redmi Go), split screen function is not available due to limitations of the lightweight version of the OS. ADB or modified firmware may cause failures.

5. Enabling multi-window via ADB (for power users)

If your Xiaomi feature is disabled at the firmware level, but there is hardware support (for example, on the mobile phone). POCO X3 Pro MIUI 13), you can try to activate it through ADB-This method requires a connection to a computer and enabled debugging. USB.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC, open Command Prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type:

adb shell settings put global multi_window_mode_enabled 1


adb shell settings put global multi_window_support_all_apps 1

After you execute the commands, restart the device. If the multi-window does not appear, check for support for your model in the compatibility list (see the table below).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause system failures. Before executing commands, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

6. Third-party applications for multi-window

If the built-in feature doesn't work or isn't available enough, you can use third-party utilities that are suitable for devices without official multi-window support (e.g. Xiaomi with Android One) or when you need more than two windows.

• 🔹 Split Screen Launcher: Creates shortcuts to quickly open pairs of applications in split mode. Works without root, but requires overlay permission.
• 🔹 Floating Apps: Emulates floating windows (like on Xiaomi tablets) and supports YouTube, WhatsApp and other popular services.
• 🔹 Island (for root): allows you to clone applications and run them in an isolated environment with multi-window support.

To install any of these applications:

1. Download APK from the official website (for example, F-Droid for Floating Apps).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
3. Run the utility and follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to grant permission to render over other windows).

💡

The side of the application may conflict with the built-in MIUI multi-window. Before using them, turn off the standard function in the settings to avoid bugs.

7. Optimization of split-mode work

To ensure that the multi-window works stably and does not slow down, follow these tips:

• 🔋 Charging: Connect the device to the network – split screen consumes the battery 20-30% faster.
• 🗑️ Memory Cleanup: Close background applications via Settings before activation → Annexes → Clean up.
• 📶 Network: Turn off automatic app updates in the background (especially relevant for Redmi with the Internet) 4/64 GB memory).
• 🔄 Orientation: Some apps (like Instagram) block horizontal mode – try turning the screen manually.

For convenience, you can configure hotkeys (on tablets with a keyboard) or gestures for quick switching between windows:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → buttons and gestures.
2. Select Multi-Window Gestures and assign a swipe from the edge of the screen to switch between windows.

FAQ: Frequent questions about split screen on Xiaomi