How to make a separate screen on Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

The split screen (or multi-window) feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to work with two applications simultaneously – for example, chatting in the messenger and watching videos, or copying text from the browser into notes. Despite the obvious benefits, many users do not know how to activate this mode or face restrictions. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to enable a separate screen on different versions of MIUI (from 12 to 15), and also talk about the nuances of the function on popular models – from Redmi Note 11 to Xiaomi 14.

It’s important to understand that not all applications support multi-windows, for example, games and some system utilities (such as Settings or Camera) can block separate modes. In addition, on low-cost models with 3 GB of RAM or less, the function may not work stable or even be available. Before you start setting up, check if your device supports this option, which we will discuss in one of the sections below.

1.How to check if your Xiaomi supports a split screen

Not all Xiaomi smartphones have a built-in multi-window feature, which depends on three factors:

• 📱 Model of the device - on flagships (Xiaomi) 13/14, Mix Fold function is stable, and on budget (Redmi) A2, Poco C50) may be absent.
• 🔄 Version. MIUI — firmware MIUI 12 multi-windows are better than in the earlier versions.
• 🧠 RAM - for comfortable work you need at least 4 GB RAM.

To find out if your smartphone supports a separate screen:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Check the MIUI version (should be at least 12.0).
3. Run any app (like YouTube or Chrome).
4. Try calling the menu of recent apps (swipe up with a delay or button) □). If an icon appears in the top corner of the screen 🪟 — function maintained.

If you don't have a multi-window icon, it doesn't always mean you don't have a function, it might just be disabled in the settings. How to activate it, see the next section.

Method 1: Include through the menu of recent applications (the easiest)

This is the standard method that works on most devices with MIUI 12-15.

1. Open the first application you want to use separately (e.g. Telegram).
2. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger to open the menu of recent apps (or press the button). □, If you have a navigation bar with buttons).
3. At the top of the screen (above the miniature of the application) will appear an icon 🪟 Separate screen. Press it.
4. Select the second app from the recent list or click All Apps to find it in the full list.

And then the screen will split into two parts, and you can do this.

• 🔄 Change the size of the windows – pull the dividing line up or down.
• 🔀 Change the applications in places – click on the icon ↻ middle-split.
• ❌ Close one of the windows - swipe it down or click on the cross.

If the icon 🪟 If it doesn't appear, it means that the function is disabled in the settings or not supported by your model.

Method 2: Activate through system settings (if there is no icon in the menu)

On some devices (e.g. Redmi 9 or Poco M3), the multi-window function is hidden in the settings to enable it:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Separate screen (on some firmware, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Functions Laboratory).
2. Activate the switch to Enable the separate screen.
3. Go back to the recent app menu and check if the icon has appeared. 🪟.

If there is no separate screen in the settings, try:

• 🔍 Enter the search by settings query "multi-window" or "split screen".
• 🔄 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (in new firmware, the function may appear).
• 📲 Install a third-party multi-window app (e.g. Split Screen Launcher from Google Play).

Attention! On devices with 3GB of RAM or less, the split screen may not work as well, applications will hang or shut spontaneously, in which case it is recommended to use the feature only for simple tasks (for example, correspondence + browser).

Method 3: Use of gestures (for MIUI 13 and later)

In MIUI firmware 13/14/15, it was possible to turn on a separate screen with a gesture.

1. Open the first appendix.
2. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger to open the menu of recent apps.
3. Without letting go of your finger, pull the app icon upwards (on some models, left or right).
4. Release your finger when the screen splits into two.
5. Select the second app from the list.

This method doesn't work on all devices. If the gesture doesn't work,

• 🔧 Check if gestures are included in the settings → Display. → Navigation panel.
• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes it helps activate hidden features.

Important: on foldable smartphones (Xiaomi Mix Fold 2/3), the separate screen works differently, you can use up to three windows at a time.

1. Turn the device into tablet mode.
2. Open the first appendix.
3. Swipe from the right edge of the screen to open the sidebar and select the second app.

5.What apps support a separate screen on Xiaomi

Not all programs can run in multi-window mode, but here's a table of compatibility of popular applications:

Games and banking apps (SberBank, Tinkoff) almost always block multi-window work for security reasons. If you need to use a bank and other application at the same time, use Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode for video or smoothly change windows through gestures.

To check if a particular application supports a separate screen:

1. Open it.
2. Go to the recent app menu.
3. If the icon 🪟 Active, available. If it's shaded, the app doesn't support multi-windows.

6. Errors and problems when using a separate screen

Even if the feature is activated, users often encounter bugs.

Problem 1: The separate screen is turned on, but one of the windows is immediately closed.

⚠️ Attention! This is due to a lack of RAM. Close all background applications through Settings. → Annexes → Run it and try it again. If the problem repeats, restart the device.

Problem 2: Icon 🪟 not available, although the function is enabled in the settings.

• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version.
• 🔧 Reset the launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data.
• 📱 Check if a third-party launcher (like Nova or Apex) is installed – it can block system functions.

Problem 3: Applications in multi-windows do not respond to touch.

This is typical for devices with low RAM or outdated firmware.

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🧹 Clear the cache through Settings → Warehouse → Cleanup.
• 🔧 Turn off animation: Settings → Special facilities → Remove animations.

💡

If you need a separate screen often, add a shortcut for quick access. Go to Settings → Control Panel → Add tile → Separate screen. Now you can turn on the multi-window with one swipe down from the upper right corner.

7. Alternative ways to multitask on Xiaomi

If the separate screen is not working or is not suitable for your tasks, use alternative features:

Picture in Picture Mode (PiP)

It's good for watching video on top of other apps.

• Open the video to YouTube (premium required) or Chrome.
• Click Home – the video will shrink to a small window.
• Move the window around the screen and change its size.

Floating windows (for MIUI 14+)

Some applications (such as Calculator or Notes) can be opened in a small window on top of others.

1. Open the app.
2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to roll it into a floating window.

3. Quick switching between applications

If you don’t need a multi-window, you need to switch between two programs frequently:

• Twice click on the recent apps button (or double swipe up) to quickly switch between the last two apps.

💡

On foldable smartphones Xiaomi (Mix Fold, Mix Flip) split screen works more efficiently – here you can use up to 3 windows at the same time thanks to the large screen.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the split screen on Xiaomi