The split screen (or multi-window) mode 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. The feature is available on most devices with the MIUI 12 shell and later, but many users do not know how to turn it on correctly or why it disappears from the menu.
In this article, you will find 3 working ways to activate multi-windows (including hidden settings for older versions). MIUI), The Redmi Note and the Redmi Note have a big focus on the problem of model compatibility and error solving, from a gray split icon to a sudden closing of one of the windows. POCO, where the function is often unstable.
⚠️ It is important if you have Xiaomi version MIUI below 12.0.3, first update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Update: In older builds, the multi-window is either missing or works with critical bugs (e.g., does not support navigation gestures).
1. Standard method: through the Quick Settings Panel
The easiest method is to use a split-screen icon in the notification curtain, which appears automatically when you open a supported app (list below).
- Open the first app (like YouTube or Chrome).
- Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Find the split screen icon** (two rectangular frames) and tap it. If there is no icon, see Why There Is No Multi-Window Button.
- The screen will split into two parts, and at the bottom, you'll see a list of recently opened apps -- select a second one (like Telegram).
- Adjust the boundary between the windows by pulling the black line in the middle.
🔹 What applications support multi-window? Most system and popular third-party programs: Google Maps, WhatsApp, VK, Gallery, Files, but some games (e.g, PUBG Mobile and banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) block this feature for security reasons.
The first application is open (not the main screen)
Notification panel swiped completely down
The split screen icon is active (not grey)
The second app is selected from the list of recently opened-->
2. Alternative method: through the "Recent" menu
If there is no icon in the curtain, try turning on the multi-window through the list of recently opened applications.This method works on MIUI 13/14 and some POCO Launcher firmware:
- Open the first app (like Google Keep).
- Click on the square navigation button (or swipe up and hold your finger for gesture navigation) to open the Recent menu.
- Slip the app icon at the top of its preview and select “Share Screen”**.
- At the bottom of the screen, a list will appear – select the second app.
⚠️ Note: on some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) This method may not work due to performance limitations, in which case use the Developer Settings method (section 4).
Through the notification panel
On the "Recent" menu
Through the developer settings
I don't use multi-windows.-->
3. Why there is no multi-window button: common reasons
If the “Share Screen” icon** is not in the curtain or gray, the problem may be in one of the following:
- 📱 Unsupported model: Multi-window is officially unavailable on budget smartphones with 2GB of RAM or less (e.g. Redmi) 8A, POCO C3).
- 🔄 It's an outdated firmware. MIUI 11 and below the function is either missing or malfunctioning.
- 🔒 Application restrictions: Some programs (such as Netflix or Tinkoff Bank) block split mode.
- 🛠️ Developer settings disabled. Some devices require manual activation (see section 4).
- 🎯 Gesture navigation. When using swipes instead of buttons, the icon may be hidden - try temporarily switching to 3-button navigation in Settings → Display. → Navigation panel.
| Xiaomi model | Multi-window support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | ✅ Yes. | It works smoothly, including horizontal mode. |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | ✅ Yes. | There can be lags while running heavy applications |
| POCO X5 Pro | ✅ Yes. | Requires an upgrade to MIUI 14 |
| Redmi 10A | ❌ No. | Not officially supported due to 2GB of RAM |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | ✅ Yes. | Supports up to 3 windows at the same time |
💡 Secret Lifehack: If the multi-window doesn’t work in a particular app (like Instagram), try opening it in PC mode via your browser. ⋮ → PC version, then activate split screen.
4. Enabling multi-window through developer settings
On some devices (especially custom firmware or POCO Launcher), the feature is hidden and requires manual activation.
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
- Return to the main settings menu and open Additional settings → For developers.
- Find the Multi-window option** (or force_resizeable_activities) and turn it on.
- Reset the device.
Important: On some firmware, after activating this setting, the multi-window will work even in unsupported applications, but this can cause failures (for example, a black screen or forced closure of the program).
What if after activation of multi-window applications fly out?
5.Shared screen setup: Hidden chips
Multi-window on Xiaomi supports several useful features that many people don’t know about:
- 🔄 Quick window switching. Twice tap the dividing line to swap apps.
- 📱 Horizontal mode. Turn your smartphone, the windows automatically reorient (not working on all models).
- 🔒 Hold the app icon at the top of its window to block the closing when swiping.
- 🎨 Transparency: Some firmwares allow you to make one of the windows semi-transparent (to do this, hold the dividing line and select Transparency Settings).
⚠️ Note: If you are using a dark topic in the MIUI, The dividing line between the windows can merge with the background. To illuminate it, turn on the Settings option. → Display. → Accent color → Contrast.
💡
To quickly close one of the windows in the multi-window, swipe it down (as in the "Recent" menu), and the second window will automatically turn to the entire screen.
6. Solving multi-window problems
If the split screen isn’t working or isn’t working properly, try the following steps:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-window badge grey | The app does not support the mode | Try another app or activate it. force_resizeable_activities |
| The windows close themselves. | Lack of RAM | Close background processes through Settings → Apps → Cleanup |
| No badge in the curtain. | Disabled in settings | Add it manually: swipe the curtain left → Edit → find “Share up” |
| Doesn't work with gestures. | Navigation conflict | Switch to the 3-button panel in Settings → Display |
🔧 Critical error: if after activation of the multi-window smartphone begins to brake or overheat, check the use of RAM in Settings → The phone. → Status of the system → Memory: If less than 500MB is available, close unnecessary applications or restart the device.
💡
On devices with 3-4 GB of RAM (for example, Redmi Note 10) for stable multi-window operation, it is recommended to close all background processes before activating the mode.
7. Multi-window on Xiaomi tablets: features
On the Xiaomi Pad 5/6 and other tablets, the split screen works differently than on smartphones, with up to 3 windows available at a time, as well as support for floating panels.
- 🖥️ Activate. Swipe from the bottom edge of the screen up and hold your finger to open the dock. Drag the app icon to the right or left side of the screen.
- 🔲 Floating windows. Hold the app icon in the dock and select Open in the floating window.
- 🔄 Drag and drop. To change windows, drag the header of one window into the other's.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi tablets may experience bugs with input focus when using the Xiaomi Smart Keyboard. To fix this, update the keyboard firmware via MIUI Keyboard App.