The split screen (or multi-window) feature on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones can be useful for multitasking, but it often turns on accidentally — especially after a MIUI update or when you see two active programs on the screen at the same time, and you can not return the standard mode, do not rush to restart the device. 90% of the time the problem is solved through system settings or canceling the gesture.
On the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11 and the K series flagships, the multi-window switching algorithm is the same, but there are nuances depending on the firmware version. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from basic to hidden, that are not described in the official Xiaomi documentation.
If the split screen is activated after the phone falls or connects to an external monitor, the problem may be deeper, in the failure of the graphics driver, in which case additional actions will be required, which we will discuss in the last section.
1. Disconnection through the notification panel
The quickest way to get back to standard mode is to use the Quick Settings Panel, which works on all versions of MIUI 12-14 and does not require a reboot.
Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification curtain. Find the Screen Split icon (two overlapping rectangular icons) and tap it. If the icon isn't in the main panel, swipe your finger to the left to open the additional buttons.
If the icon is not even in the extended menu, it means:
- 🔹 Multi-window activated through gesture (see section 2).
- 🔹 Function disabled in system settings (section 3).
- 🔹 There was a breakdown in work. MIUI Launcher (reset launcher, section 5).
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13.5 for Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the icon may be called Multiwindow or Split screen. If nothing happens after pressing, try holding the Home button (or swiping up with a 1 second delay) - this will force the current mode to close.
2.Gesturals to undo split screen
Most often, the multiwindow is switched on randomly through a swipe gesture from the bottom edge. To cancel the mode, use the reverse action:
Place your finger on the dividing line between the windows and pull it down outside the screen. MIUI 14 also has a double tap on the divider.
If the gestures don't work:
- 📱 Check if the left-handed mode is activated in Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Gesture management.
- 🖐️ Possibly enabled "Protection against accidental touch" (disabled in Settings) → Screen. → Touch and gesture).
- 🔄 Try flipping your phone into landscape orientation and back again - sometimes it resets the multi-window.
Important: On Redmi with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50 Pro) gestures may not work due to sensor features, in which case use the method in section 3.
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If the screen split turns on by itself when scrolling the tape in social networks, turn off the option "Gests for multi-window" in the special features settings.
3. System settings: complete shutdown of the function
If the multi-window interferes and turns on too often, it can be deactivated completely.
- Open Settings → Special features → Physical buttons and gestures.
- Find the item "Screen split" (or "Multiwindow").
- Turn off the slider next to the option "Enable gesture to split screen".
- Save the changes and restart the phone (required!).
On MIUI 14, the path may differ: Settings → System → Additional → Multitasking → Screen split.
After the feature is disabled, the swipe gesture up with a delay will open the recent apps panel, rather than activate the multi-window.
☑️ Checking the multi-window shutdown
4.Resetting the MIUI launcher settings
If standard methods don’t work, the problem may be the failure of the MIUI Launcher, Xiaomi’s standard launcher, in which case resetting its settings will help:
Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. In the search box, type "Launcher" and select MIUI Launcher. Click "Storage" → "Clear Data" → "OK".
Warning: After the launcher is reset, all widgets on the home screen, application folders and wallpaper will disappear. Application settings and user data are not affected.
If the multi-window is still active after reset:
- 🔄 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → "Restarting in Safe Mode").
- 📱 Check if there are third-party launchers (such as Nova Launcher or Hyperion) that may conflict with the system.
- 🔧 Update. MIUI Launcher through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
5. Problems after connecting to an external display
On the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and other Miracast/DeX-enabled models, splitting the screen can wilt after connecting to a monitor or TV, because the system retains the last display mode used.
To reset the settings:
- Connect your phone to an external display via HDMI or Wireless Display.
- Activate Mirror Mode (not Expand).
- Disconnect the device from the display and restart Redmi.
If the problem persists, reset the Wireless Display settings: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Screen Transfer → Reset settings.
What if the screen is separated after the TV is turned off?
6. Radical methods: reset and firmware
If none of these things work, then there are radical measures, and you can only use them as a last resort.
| Method | When to apply | Effects of consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Reset to factory settings | Multi-window is activated immediately after booting the system, gestures do not work | All data, applications and settings are removed. MIUI is back out of the box. |
| Firmware rollback | The problem arose after the MIUI update. | Return to the previous version of the software via Fastboot or Recovery |
| Installation of a custom launcher | Failure in MIUI Launcher is not eliminated by reset | Replacement of the standard launcher with Nova, Apex or Hyperion |
For reset to factory settings:
- Make a backup of the data through Settings → About Phone → Backup.
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
- Select “Erase all data” and confirm the action.
⚠️ Note: On Redmi with a bootloader locked, rolling back the firmware through Fastboot will result in a hard-brick.
How to prevent accidental multi-window switching on
To prevent screen splitting from being activated in the future:
- 🔧 Turn off the gesture for multi-window in the settings (see Section 3).
- 📱 Use high-sided covers – they block random touches of the edges of the screen.
- 🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version – in the new firmware improved gesture processing.
- 🛡️ Install Gesture Control app from Google Play to fine-tune the sensor.
MIUI 14 has a "Block Multi-Window in Games" option that automatically disables splitting screen when you run apps in full screen. Activates in: Settings → Special Opportunities → Multi-tasking → Blocking in games.
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If the multi-window is only enabled in a particular app (like YouTube or Chrome), clear that app's cache through Settings → Apps → App Management.