How to Make a Split Screen on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones come with powerful processors and high-diagonal screens, making it possible to use the display space efficiently to work with multiple tasks at the same time. The split-screen feature known as Split Screen turns your device into a real pocket multitasking center, allowing you to watch videos and chat in instant messengers or compare products in different stores at the same time.

In the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS, this feature has its own unique features that differ from standard Android. Not only is it possible to divide the screen in half, but also more advanced use cases, such as floating windows. Understanding how multitasking works will help you significantly speed up routine tasks and increase overall productivity.

In this article, we will take a closer look at all the ways to activate the split mode, look at the nuances of working with specific applications and answer frequently asked questions. You will learn how to adjust window sizes, fix important programs and bypass system limitations if the desired application does not support the default mode.

Basic ways to activate a split screen

There are several proven methods to run two apps simultaneously on the same screen. The most common and intuitive way is to use the menu of recent apps, opening the first app you want to use, then swiping from the bottom up (or the menu button, depending on the type of navigation) to the open windows.

At the top of the app card, or in the corner, you'll see a special icon that resembles two rectangles or a Split Screen icon. Clicking on this symbol will split the screen in half: the selected application will occupy the top or left side, and in the remaining area, the system will suggest selecting a second program from the list of recently used programs. If the desired application is not on the list, you can use the search or select it from the general list of all installed programs.

An alternative method is available to users who prefer gesture control. On some versions of MIUI, you can activate the mode by holding the Home button for a long time (virtual or physical), but in modern versions this method is often replaced by swiping and holding your finger at the bottom of the screen. The exact algorithm depends on the specific model of your smartphone and the version of the operating system.

It is important to note that not all applications support split mode. Android system restrictions can block some games or specialized programs from running in a smaller window, in which case the system can issue a notification that the application does not support this feature, or simply open it to the full screen by closing the second window.

Use of side panel and floating windows

Xiaomi’s shells offer a more flexible multitasking tool known as the Sidebar, which allows applications to be run as floating windows over the main content, which is a great alternative to classic split screens, and you can activate the panel through the settings in the “Additional” or “Special features” section.

Once the function is turned on, a swipe will display a list of favorite apps from the edge of the screen, and you can drag the program icon from this panel to the active screen, and it will open in floating mode, and the size of this window can be changed by compressing or stretching its boundaries, and also move to any part of the display for maximum convenience.

• 📱 Possibility to launch before 9 floating windows at the same time, although it is comfortable to work actively only with 2-3.
• 🎮 Ideal for playing games using guides or correspondence while watching videos.
• ⚙️ Flexible configuration of transparency and size of each individual window.

Special attention should be paid to the “Paired Apps” feature in the sidebar context, where you can add multiple copies of the same messenger to the panel (if you use app cloning) and quickly switch between different accounts without closing the main window, which creates the effect of a full split screen without rigidly binding to the halves of the display.

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To quickly create a copy of the application, go to Settings → Applications → App Cloning. This will allow you to use two accounts in the same messenger at the same time.

Consider that a large number of active floating windows can consume a significant amount of RAM. On devices with 4 GB of RAM or less, it is recommended to limit yourself to one or two floating windows to avoid slowing down the main application and possible system outages.

Configure multitasking parameters in MIUI and HyperOS

Xiaomi’s deep customization system allows users to fine-tune the behavior of windows. To access advanced settings, you need to go to the Settings menu, then select the Additional (or Advanced Settings) section and find Parallel Windows or Floating Windows. Here you can change the way you open apps from the sidebar.

Newer versions of HyperOS have a smart window management feature, which can automatically prompt you to open a second app in floating mode if you use that bundle frequently, for example, when you open a map, the system may suggest you run a messenger in a small window so you can share a geo-location.

Users can also adjust font size and scale, which is critical when working with a split screen. Scaling down allows you to fit more information in each half of the screen, making text readable even in narrow windows. These parameters are in the Screen section of the main settings of the device.

Application compatibility and problem solving

Despite the vast possibilities, not all application developers optimize their products for split mode. Often, you can find a situation where the application either does not open in the second window or is displayed incorrectly (black screen, no interface), In such cases, the MIUI system may suggest to force the application to run in compatibility mode.

If standard methods don't work, you can try using hidden developer flags, although this requires caution. Activating Force activities to be resizable mode causes the system to try to run any application in a split screen, ignoring the limitations set by the developer.

⚠️ Note: Using developer flags may cause some applications to run unstable, interface bugs or increased battery consumption. Use these settings only if you understand the risks.

A common problem is that the second application automatically closes when you start a heavy resource-intensive process, such as a game, which is a mechanism to protect the system from overflowing memory. To minimize the likelihood of closing, you can fix an important application in memory through the menu of recent tasks (by pulling the card down or pressing the lock).

It’s also worth remembering that some high-security banking applications and services may block your work in the background or split screen for security reasons, which is normal behavior to protect your financial data from being intercepted by screenshots or other apps.

Comparison of window modes

The choice between a classic split screen and a floating window depends on your current tasks. Classic Split Screen is ideal for static work, where you need to constantly see information from both sources, for example, when transferring data or comparing characteristics, where applications occupy a fixed space and do not overlap with each other.

Floating windows, in turn, provide freedom of movement. They are suitable for scenarios where one application is the main one (for example, a browser or a document), and the second is used sporadically (calculator, messenger, player). You can quickly roll the floating window to the edge of the screen, turning it into a thin strip, and turn it back with a single touch.

• 📊 Productivity: Split screen is better for text and tables.
• 🎬 Multimedia: Floating window is more convenient for watching video while surfing.
• 🎮 Gaming: Floating window allows you to use guides without leaving the game.

The table below compares the key characteristics of both modes for ease of choice:

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For permanent work with documents, choose a split screen, and for entertainment content and quick tasks, floating windows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)