How to disable screen splitting on Xiaomi: all ways (including hidden)

Xiaomi’s split screen is a useful feature for multitasking, but it often turns on accidentally or starts to malfunction. Users complain about spontaneous opening of two windows, freezing of the interface or inability to return to normal mode. In this article, we will discuss all the official and hidden methods of disabling multi-window, including solutions for cases when standard settings do not help.

The problem is relevant for all MIUI devices (from Redmi 9A to Xiaomi 14 Ultra), but the methods vary depending on the firmware version. We tested the instructions on MIUI 14.0.5 (Android 13) and HyperOS 1.0 (Android 14) – most methods work on older versions (before MIUI 12). If your smartphone is stuck in split-screen mode, start with the first partition and try solutions consistently until the problem is fixed.

Why the screen is splitting on its own

In 80% of cases, the cause is an accidental gesture or firmware bug. On Xiaomi, the multi-window is activated:

• 👆 Swipe up from the bottom panel with a finger on the screen (default setting).
• 🔄 Double-click on the “Recent” button (if the corresponding option is enabled).
• 🤖 Automatically when connected to a DeX or external monitor (on Xiaomi flagships) 12T/13 Pro).
• 🐞 Due to a failure in the com.miui.multitasking service (often after an update) MIUI).

Less often, third-party applications (such as launchers like Nova Launcher or gesture utilities) that conflict with system settings are to blame. If a split screen appears after installing new software, try uninstalling it before applying the instructions below.

Method 1: Disconnect through the notification panel

The fastest method is to use the Quick Settings Panel, which works if the multi-window is switched on by accident and the system is not getting stuck:

1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the Screen Split tiles** (an icon with two rectangles) If it's not there, click on the pencil (Edit) and add it.
3. Touch the tiles once – it should change color from blue to gray (this means that the mode is turned off).

If the tile is missing or inactive, move on to the next method. On some firmware (MIUI 13 for Poco F4), the tile may be called Multiwindow or Split screen.

Method 2: Gesture and button settings

If the screen split is enabled when swiping or pressing a button, you need to reconfigure the system management:

1. Scroll down to the "Additional Gestures" section** and turn off:

• 👆 Swipe up to split screen
• 🔄 Double tap on "Recent" for multi-window

On HyperOS, the path may be different: Settings → Features → Gestures and buttons → Additional gestures. After turning off, reboot the device – this will reset the temporary multitasking settings.

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If there is no option to “Additional Gestures”, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware. On MIUI 12 and below, the multi-window settings are hidden in Settings → Special Features → Gestures.

Method 3: Resetting Multitasking Settings

When standard methods fail, you need to reset the multi-window service through hidden settings, which works even if the screen is stuck in split mode:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Show System.
3. Find the Multi-Octino (or com.miui.multitasking) list and open it.
4. Click Warehouse → Clear the data and confirm the action.

Once the data is cleaned, the service will restart with factory settings, which removes all stored pairs of multi-window applications, but does not affect other system settings. If the problem persists after the reset, move to method 4.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear data for com.miui.home (launcher) or Android – this may cause an interface failure.

Method 4: Disconnect via ADB (for experienced)

If the multi-window is on at the system level and does not turn off via the interface, the ADB command will help. This method requires a connection to the computer, but is guaranteed to work on all versions of MIUI:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Turn on your smartphone Debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click on version → return to Additional → For developers).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute in the command line:

adb shell settings put global multi_window_mode_off true

To apply the changes, restart the device with the command:

adb reboot

To return the multi-window back, use:

adb shell settings put global multi_window_mode_off false

Method 5: Update or roll back firmware

If the split screen appeared after the MIUI update, the problem may be a firmware bug.

1. Check the current version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Update your system to the latest stable version via Settings → System Update.
3. If the bug is left, roll back to the previous firmware using the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official website).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware rollback erases all data on the device. Pre-backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

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Before rolling back the firmware, check if your model supports Fastboot firmware or only Recovery. For Xiaomi 11T Pro and later, it is recommended to use the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode.

Additional Advice and Frequent Mistakes

If none of these methods worked, check:

• 📱 Third-party launchers: Return to standard launcher MIUI (Remove Nova Launcher, Apex, and more.).

On some models (Poco) X3 Pro, Redmi Note 10 Pro) splitting the screen may conflict with the "Second Space" function** (Settings → Special facilities → Second space. Turn it off if it's active.

If the screen is split but one of the windows is hanging, try:

1. Hold the power button for 10 seconds for a forced reboot.
2. Once turned on, immediately hold Volume Up + Power to log into Recovery and make Wipe cache.

FAQ: Frequent questions