How to install and configure zones on Android TV Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV The new feature offers a unique feature of splitting the screen into zones – a tool that allows you to use multiple applications at the same time, display weather, time widgets or even stream content from different sources. However, many users have difficulty configuring this option: where to find the zone menu, how to resize them, why some apps aren’t supported, and what to do if the zone suddenly disappears after a firmware update.

In this article, we will discuss all ways to install zones on Mi TVs. TV, Redmi Smart TV and other models with Android TV 9-12, including hidden settings for power users, you will learn how to create up to 4 active zones on a single screen, adjust their transparency, link them to specific applications, and even automate switching with a voice assistant. And if your TV does not support the “out of the box” zones, we will show workarounds using third-party launchers.

Particular attention will be paid to the compatibility of zones with popular services: YouTube, Netflix, IPTV-We'll also look at common errors, like when the area is black or not responding to the remote. MIUI TV 2023–2026 and tested on Xiaomi models TV A2 43", Redmi Smart Fire TV 50" and Mi" TV Q2 55".

What are zones on Android TV And why do they need them?

Zones (or "Picture-in-Picture" or PiP) on Android TV — This is a feature that allows you to divide the screen into several independent areas, each of which can display its own application or content. Unlike the classic PiP mode (when one window is superimposed on top of another), zones on Xiaomi TV They work as full-fledged “work tables” with the possibility of:

• 📺 Multitasking: Watch a Netflix movie in one zone and check email in another.
• 🎮 Game streaming: broadcast gameplay from the console or PC in the main zone, and in the additional keep open Twitch chat.
• 📊 Monitoring: display weather widgets, currency rates or surveillance cameras in parallel with the main content.
• 🔄 Flexible setting: change the size of the zones, their transparency and location (for example, place a chat on the right and the video on the left).

On Xiaomi TVs, the zones are implemented through the corporate shell MIUI TV, But their functionality depends on the firmware version and the model. TV Only 2 zones are supported, while the flagship Mis are supported. TV QLED — 4.In addition, some applications (e.g. Disney)+ Prime Video may block work in the zone due to restrictions DRM.

And it's important to understand that zones are not the same as splitting screens on smartphones, and there are no gestures or swipes to control, everything is set up via remote control or voice commands, and if your TV doesn't support out-of-the-box zones, you can emulate them with launchers like this. ATV Launcher or Wolf Launcher (more on this in the section about workarounds).

Compatibility Check: Does your Xiaomi support your business? TV zone

Before you start setting up, make sure your Xiaomi TV model supports zones. The feature is not available on all devices, and its availability depends on:

• 📟 TV models: zones are on most TVs Mi TV (series A2, Q2, P1, ES, LS) Redmi Smart TV (Starting in 2021 on older models (e.g. Mi) TV 4A 2018: This function is not.
• 🔄 Android versions TV: Android required TV 9.0 or later. On Android 8.0, zones only work through third-party launchers.
• 🔧 Firmware: In some regions (e.g. Europe), the zone function may be disabled by the manufacturer. MIUI TV In Settings → On TV.

To determine exactly where the zones are supported, follow the following steps:

1. Turn on the TV and open the Settings (button) ⚙️ remote).
2. Go to the Device section → Screen and sound → Additionally.
3. Scroll down and look for Screen Zone or Picture-in-Picture.

If there is no such item, your TV does not support the zones natively, in which case alternative methods can be used (see the section "Back-ways for non-optimistic models").

Settings → About TV → Click 7 times on “Android TV Version” → Return to Settings → Open “For Developers” → Find “Enable Zones”

Step-by-step: how to turn on and configure zones

If your TV supports zones, follow this instruction to set them up. The process may vary slightly depending on the model, but the overall scheme is the same.

Step 1: Activate zones in settings

1. Press the Settings button (⚙️) remote.

2. Go to the Device → Screen and sound → Screen zones.

3. Turn on the Allow Zones switch (if any) and on some models this item may be called Picture-in-Picture or Multiwindow.

4. Select the number of zones: 2, 3 or 4 (not available on all models).

Check the support of zones in the settings

Update the firmware to the latest version

Connect the TV to the Internet (to download widgets)

Close all background applications (Home button" → "Close it all down")

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Step 2: Create and Configure a Zone

1. Return to the main screen (home button on the remote).

2. Open the first app you want to host in the zone (e.g. YouTube).

3.Push and hold the Back button (←) You can use the remote for 2-3 seconds, and you can see the zone menu.

4. Select Move to the area and specify the desired location (e.g. Upper left).

5 Repeat steps 2-4 for other applications, placing them in the remaining areas.

To change the size of the zone:

1. Select the area with the remote (it will be illuminated by a frame).
2. Press the button. OK And hold it for 1-2 seconds.
3. Use the arrows on the remote to stretch or narrow the area.
4. Press. OK again to save the changes.

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If the area does not respond to the remote, try restarting the TV (Power button" → "Reboot. Sometimes it helps to disable the Smart Assistant function in the remote settings.

Step 3: Zone management

Once the zones are created, you can:

• 🔄 Switch between zones: Use the Up/Down buttons on the remote to move the focus between zones.
• 🗑️ Close the area: select it and press Back → Close the zone.
• 🔒 Fix the zone: in some firmwares you can block the zone from accidental closure (option Secure in the zone menu).
• 🎨 Transparency settings: C Settings → Screen zones → The appearance can make the background of the zone semi-transparent.

On models with voice assistant (for example, Mi). TV Q2) You can control the voice zones:

• “OK Google, open YouTube in the top zone.”
• "Show the weather in the right zone."

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On Xiaomi TVs with Android TV 11+ zones support hot switching: if you hold the Home button, a menu will appear to quickly select an application for the zone.

Table: Application compatibility with zones on Xiaomi TV

Not all applications can work in zones due to restrictions DRM (Content protection) or technical features: The table below shows a list of popular services and their compatibility with areas on firmware MIUI TV 2023–2026:

If your app doesn’t support zones, try:

• 🔄 Update it to the latest version.
• 🛠️ Disable Hardware Acceleration in the Application Settings (if there is such an option).
• 🌐 Use alternative versions (e.g. YouTube Vanced for Android) TV).

Common Problems and Their Solutions

When working with zones on Xiaomi TV Users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem 1: The area does not open or shows a black screen

Possible causes:

• 🔌 The application is not compatible with zones (see table above).
• 🔄 The TV firmware is obsolete.
• 🛠️ Failure to work MIUI TV.

Decisions:

1. Restart the TV (Settings → Device → Reboot).
2. Update the firmware (Settings) → On TV. → Updating the system).
3. Try another app in the zone (for example, use Kodi instead of Netflix).

Problem 2: Zones disappear after reboot

It's a typical firmware error. MIUI TV 2022 and older. Cause: reset zone settings when rebooting.

Decisions:

• 🔧 Enable the option to Save Zones in Settings → Screen zones → Additionally.
• 📱 Use the voice assistant to restore zones after a reboot (team: OK Google, restore zones").
• 🔄 Reverse to the previous firmware version (if the problem appeared after the update).

Problem 3: The remote does not control the zones

If the buttons do not respond to the zones:

1. Check the battery charge of the remote.
2. Reconnect the remote: Settings → remote → Reconnect.
3. Reset the remote settings: Settings → remote → Reset.
4. Use the Mi Remote app on your smartphone as an alternative.

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If the zone is "hang" and does not close, press and hold the voice search button (🎤) on the remote for 5 seconds - this will forcibly close all active areas.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with Android TV 10 and below can only run 2 zones at a time. If you create a third zone, the first zone will automatically close. This is a system limitation, and you can only circumvent it through third-party launchers.

Bypasses for unsavory models

If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support native zones, you can use alternative methods:

Method 1: Third-party launchers

Install one of the following launchers from Google Play:

• 📱 ATV Launcher: allows you to create virtual zones through widgets.
• 🖥️ Wolf Launcher: Supports split screen for selected apps.
• 🎯 HalLauncher: Optimized for Xiaomi TV It has a built-in multi-window mode.

Instructions:

1. Install the launcher through Google Play.
2. Open the Settings. → Annexes → Default launcher and select the installed launcher.
3. In the launcher settings, find the Multiwindow or Zone section and activate it.

Method 2: Developer mode + ADB

For experienced users:

1. Enable Developer Mode (7 times click on Android Version) TV customized).
2. Connect the TV to the PC on ADB and execute the command:

adb shell settings put global multi_window_mode 1

After that, a hidden Multi-window section will appear in the settings.

Method 3: Emulation through HDMI

If your TV has a few HDMI-ports, we can connect:

• 🖥️ Android-prefix (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box) to the second port and use it as a second zone.
• 💻 Laptop or PC with output to the second screen.

To control, use the Xiaomi remote with support HDMI-CEC (settings → HDMI-CEC).

⚠️ Note: Using third-party launchers may cause the TV settings to reset when you update your firmware. Before installing, back up your data via Settings → System system → Backup.

Optimizing productivity when using zones

Zones load the processor and RAM of the TV, especially if they run "heavy" applications (for example, games or RAM). 4K-To avoid the brakes:

• 🔄 Close unnecessary areas: each active area consumes up to 300-500 MB of RAM.
• 📉 Reduce resolution: in the app settings (for example, YouTube) select 720p instead 4K.
• 🚫 Turn off the animation:

Settings → For developers → The scale of window animation → No animation

• 🔌 Use wired connection: for stable operation of zones it is better to connect the TV to the router via Ethernet, not Wi-Fi.

If the TV starts to "sweat":

1. Close all areas and restart the TV.
2. Clear the app cache: Settings → Annexes → [Select the application] → Clear the cache.
3. Turn off background processes: Settings → Annexes → Auto-start and disable unnecessary programs.

On models with 2 GB of RAM (for example, Redmi Smart) TV X50) It is recommended to use no more than 2 zones at the same time. On TVs with 3-4 GB of RAM (for example, Mi). TV Q2) You can run up to 4 zones, but with caution.

FAQ: Frequent questions about zones on Xiaomi TV