How to disable screen splitting on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Sharing the screen on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature for multitasking, but not everyone likes it. The sudden appearance of two windows on the same screen can be confusing, especially if you accidentally activate the mode or do not know how to turn it off. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to turn off multi-windows on devices with a shell of MIUI – from standard settings to hidden commands for power users.

Complicating the problem, different versions of firmware and models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.) may have different paths to settings. We took these nuances into account and put together universal solutions that work on most devices. If you find that the screen spontaneously divides into two parts or can not return the normal display mode, read on.

Why the screen is divided into two parts: the main reasons

Xiaomi’s split screen (or multi-window) mode can be activated for several reasons, most often because of:

• 👆 Random gesture: swipe up from the bottom panel with a finger retention on the app icon (in MIUI 14+ It's the standard way to launch).
• ⚙️ Features enabled in settings: if you have previously experimented with multitasking and forgot to turn off mode.
• 🤖 System failure: after updating the firmware or resetting the function can turn on itself.
• 📱 Features of a particular model: on some devices (for example, Xiaomi Pad 6), the multi-window is activated by default for the tablet mode.

And you can also see splitting when you connect to an external monitor via HDMI or Miracast, and in this case, the system automatically optimizes the interface for the large screen by dividing it into work zones, and if you're not using an external display, but the screen is still divided, the problem is the settings of the shell itself.

Method 1: Disconnect via the notification panel (fastest)

If the screen is already split into two, the easiest way to return normal mode is to use the notification bar:

1. Swipe your finger down the screen to open the notification curtain.
2. Find the screen split icon (usually two rectangles or a sign) ⧉).
3. Slap it once, and the screen will return to normal.

If the icon is not in the quick settings, try swiping the curtain to the left (on some Xiaomi models, the notification bar is divided into two parts: the left is notifications, the right is switches). ⋯ ("More").

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On some devices (for example, POCO F5) to exit the multi-window, just swipe down from the top edge of the split screen – this will work as a closing gesture.

Method 2: Multi-window settings in MIUI

If splitting the screen is turned on by itself or you want to turn off this feature completely, go to the system settings:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the section Special features → System functions.
3. Find the option "Share split" (or "Multiwindow" in new versions of MIUI).
4. Turn off the slider "Enable Screen Sharing".

Some firmware may have different paths.

Settings → Applications → Multitasking → Screen Sharing

If your version of MIUI doesn’t have a separate multi-window item, try turning off “Shared Screen Gestures” in Settings → System → Gestures. This will prevent the feature from accidentally activating.

Method 3: Disconnect through the developer settings

If the standard methods don't work, you can use hidden options for developers, which is suitable for power users:

Activate Developer Mode (Stamp 5 times according to MIUI)

Connect the device to charging (recommended)

Close all background applications

Backup of important data

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1. Activate the developer mode (if not already enabled): go to Settings → About phone and tap 5 times on the item MIUI version.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the parameters: 🔧 force_desktop_mode — Turn it off (this is a forced tablet mode). 📱 enable_freeform_windows — Disable (responsible for free window scaling). ⧉ multi_window_mode — set the value off.

Reset the device.

Warning: Changes in developer mode can cause system instability. If you turn off these options and have any errors or lags, return the settings to their original state.

Method 4: Reset gesture settings (if the function is turned on itself)

If splitting is activated with each swipe or tap, the problem may lie in the failure of the gesture settings to reset them:

1. Go to Settings → System → Gestures.
2. Select "Gestural Reset" (or "Default Reset").
3. Confirm the action and restart the device.
4. Reverse to stable version (if the bug appeared after the update): 📥 Download the old firmware from the official Xiaomi website (section) MIUI Downloads). 🔧 Install it through Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select a firmware file.

Before rolling back the firmware, be sure to back up through Settings → Memory → Backup. Also note that rollbacks can reset some settings to factory settings.

⚠️ Note: Installation of unofficial firmware (e.g., through TWRP) It is warranty-free and can result in the device being blocked. MIUI.

Table: Compatibility of methods with popular Xiaomi models

If your model is not in the table, look for the MIUI version. On firmware 14 and later, the multi-window function is usually in Settings → Applications → Multi-tasking. On older versions (MIUI 12 and below), the path may be different.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If you’ve tried all the ways but the split screen still appears, the problem may be:

• 🛠️ Hardware failure: a faulty touch screen or display controller (more common after falls or moisture hits).
• 🦠 Virus or malware: Some applications can force multi-window activation.
• 🔧 shell conflict: if you use third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion).

In these cases:

1. Scan your device for viruses (e.g., through Malwarebytes or built-in Security).
2. Return to the standard launcher: go to Settings → Applications → Default → Launcher and select “Lawnchair” or “MIUI Launcher”.
3. If you suspect a hardware malfunction, contact the service center. On devices with a damaged display, screen splitting may occur due to false touches of the sensor.

FAQ: Frequent questions about splitting the screen on Xiaomi