Double screen on Redmi Note 7: how to enable and configure the split display function

The dual screen (or split display) feature on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 allows you to work with two applications simultaneously – for example, chat in the messenger and watch videos, or copy text from the browser into notes. MIUI This option is not always available out of the box, it can be activated in several ways - both standard and using hidden firmware capabilities.

In this article, we will discuss all working methods for enabling dual screen on the Redmi Note 7 (including the Redmi Note 7 Pro models), taking into account the version of the new version. MIUI (10 to 14) and firmware type (global, Chinese, custom) will also help you to fix common bugs when the feature is down and what alternative solutions exist for multitasking on this smartphone.

We warn you beforehand that some methods require developer rights or system files to be modified, and if you're a beginner, start with the simplest methods and then move on to the most advanced ones.

What is a dual screen and why you need it on the Redmi Note 7

The Split Screen mode divides the smartphone display into two independent areas, each of which can run a separate application.

• 📝 Multitasking: work with documents and correspondence at the same time, or copy data between programs.
• 🎥 View content: watch videos on YouTube and chat on Telegram, or follow the broadcast and comment on it.
• 📊 Comparison of information: open two browsers for data analysis or two messengers (for example, WhatsApp and Viber).
• 🎮 Gaming streams: play and follow the chat in Discord (although for games it is not always convenient because of the small screen).

On the Redmi Note 7, the feature is implemented through a gesture of control (swipe up with retention) or through the menu of recent apps. However, in some firmware, it is disabled by default — especially in global versions. MIUI This is due to performance optimization: dual screen increases the load on the Snapdragon 660 processor, which can lead to slowdowns on weak configurations.

It is important to understand that not all applications support split mode, for example, many games and some banking applications block this feature for security reasons or due to technical limitations.

Checking for dual screen support on your firmware

Before you try to enable the feature, make sure your version is MIUI It supports it:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version line (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5.3).
3. Remember or write down this information – it will be necessary to choose the right method.

Next, check if the feature is active in the menu of recent apps:

1. Open any application (such as Chrome).
2. Click on the square button (recent menu) and hold the app icon at the top.
3. If the words “Run in split mode” appear, the function is already available.

If you do not have the option, use the compatibility table:

If your firmware doesn’t support dual screen, don’t despair – in the following sections, we’ll show you how to get around this limitation.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 12.5 for Redmi Note 7, dual screen function may conflict with navigation gestures. If swipes stop working after activation, go back to navigation buttons in Settings → Display. → Navigation panel.

Method 1: Enabling dual screens through recent menus (stationary method)

This is the easiest way to work on most versions. MIUI 12 and newer:

1. Open the first app you want to use in split mode (like YouTube).
2. Click on the square button (the menu of recent apps).
3. Find the app icon at the top of the screen and hold it with your finger for 1-2 seconds.
4. In the menu that appears, select "Run in split mode" (or "Split screen" in English firmware).
5. The screen will split into two parts. At the bottom, select the second app from the recent list.

To get out of the mode:

• Pull the dividing line up or down to the edge of the screen.
• Or press and hold the dividing line, then select "Close."

If the option "Run in split mode" is missing, proceed to the next method.

Update the firmware to the latest version

Check the vacant space (at least 1 GB)

Turn off the energy-saving mode.

Close the background applications (especially games)

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Method 2: Activation through Developer Settings

If the standard method didn't work, try to turn on the function through the developer menu.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone. Press 7 times in a row on "Version" MIUI". You will receive a notification: You have become a developer!".

Additional settings → For developers

“Insert free form”

"Force desktop mode"

"Enable freeform windows"

Reboot your smartphone.

After you reboot, try running the dual screen again through the recent menu. If you still don't have the option, go to the method of using the new one. ADB.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 10–11 Enable freeform windows can cause gestures to fail, and if the screen starts to glitches after activation, turn it off and use alternative methods.

If you don't find this option in the developer menu, your firmware doesn't support it, and then only manual activation through the developer menu will help. ADB (described below).

Method 3: Enabling a dual screen through ADB (power-user)

This method is suitable for firmware where the function is disabled at the system level.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (ADB) PC-only.
2. On your smartphone, turn on: Debugging by USB: Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB. Permission to install through USB (if required).

Redmi Note 7

"File transfer"

Terminal

ADB

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, you can continue.

adb shell settings put global enable_freeform_support 1

adb reboot

After the reboot, check if the split screen option has appeared in the menu of recent apps. If not, try the additional command:

adb shell settings put global force_resizable_activities 1

This command enforces support for resize windows for all applications, but can cause some programs to run unstablely.

Method 4: Using third-party applications for dual screen

If the standard methods did not work, you can use third-party utilities.

• 🔄 Split Screen Launcher creates a shortcut to quickly launch a split mode. Download to Google Play.
• 📱 Floating Apps – allows you to open applications in floating windows (an alternative to dual screen.
• 🛠️ Taskbar adds a PC-like taskbar that supports split screen. Requires root rights. Download Google Play.

Example of Split Screen Launcher:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Click on "Create Shortcut" (Create Shortcut).
3. Select the two applications you want to run in split mode.
4. The shortcut will appear on the main screen – click on it to activate.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• Works on any firmware, including outdated versions MIUI.
• Supports more applications than a full-time split screen.
• Allows you to adjust the size of the windows and their location.

Disadvantages:

• Can brake on weak devices (Redmi Note) 7 3/4 GB RAM is critical).
• Some features are paid (for example, in Floating Apps).
• They require additional permits, which may not be safe.

💡

If after installing a third-party application for a dual screen, the smartphone began to warm up - close the background processes through Settings → Annexes → Clear the memory. You can also limit it. FPS to save battery in settings → Battery → Performance mode

Problem Solving: Double screens are not working or are glitching

If you have enabled the function but it is not working properly, check the following points:

If neither method worked, your firmware might have some very limited options, and then there are two options:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version (via Settings → System Update).
2. Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) where the feature works out of the box.

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 7 with 3GB of RAM, dual screen can cause applications to automatically close due to memory shortage. To avoid this, close all background processes through Settings before activating the mode. → Annexes → Clear the memory.

Alternatives to dual screen on the Redmi Note 7

If split screens don’t work or work, consider alternative ways to multitask:

• 📲 Floating windows: Some apps (e.g. Facebook Messenger, Telegram) support Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode. To activate it, open the video in the app and click Home – the video will continue to play in a small window.
• 🔄 Quick switching: Use the swipe gesture on the bottom bar to quickly switch between the last two apps (you can configure Settings in Settings) → Display. → Navigation panel).
• 🖥️ Desktop Mode: In some firmware, you can enable Forced Desktop Mode in the developer settings, which will allow you to open applications in windows, like on a PC.
• 📱 Second space: MIUI Supports the creation of a second user profile (Settings) → Second space. This won't replace dual screens, but it will allow applications to be divided by task.

For advanced users, there is another option: DeX-like solutions, such as the Sentio Desktop app, which allows you to connect Redmi Note. 7 monitor USB-C/HDMI And it's going to be in full window mode:

• adapter USB-C to HDMI (about 1000-1500 rubles).
• DisplayPort Alt Mode support (Redmi Note 7 is unstable).
• Installation of additional software (for example, Second Screen).

This method is suitable for those who often work with documents or want to use a smartphone as a mini-PC.

💡

If you only need a dual screen for video and chat, use Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, which is less resource-intensive and runs more stable on the Redmi Note 7 with 3-4 GB of RAM.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the dual screen on the Redmi Note 7