Xiaomi Multi-Window Mode: How to Enable and Use in 2026

Xiaomi’s multi-window feature allows you to work with multiple apps on the same screen at the same time, an ideal multi-tasking solution. For example, you can watch YouTube videos while chatting to Telegram at the same time, or copy text from your browser directly into a document. Despite the obvious benefits, many users are unaware of the possibility or have difficulty activating it.

In this article, we will explore all the ways to enable multi-window mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices running MIUI 13/14, including hidden settings and circumvention of restrictions for individual models. We will focus on typical errors (for example, why the feature may not work on some applications) and alternative methods for older versions of firmware. If you want to make the most of your smartphone screen, read on.

What is a multi-window mode and why it is needed

Multi-window mode (or split-screen) is a feature that divides a smartphone screen into two or more active zones, each running a separate app. On Xiaomi, this feature is implemented through the proprietary MIUI shell and is supported by most models, starting with the Redmi Note 5 and Mi 8.

The main advantages of the regime:

• 📱 Multitasking without switching: no need to constantly open / close applications – everything is at hand.
• 🎥 Media Convenience: Watch videos or streams while reading comments or correspondence.
• 📝 Documents: Copy data from tables, browsers, or notes directly to the editor.
• 🎮 Games + chats: play without losing sight of messages in messengers (for example, in Discord or in the game). VK).

However, there are limitations. Not all applications support multi-window mode - some (for example, TikTok or Netflix) can block it due to security policy. Also on budget models (Redmi 9A, POCO C31), the function can work with lags due to a lack of RAM.

Official way of inclusion on MIUI 14/13

In the latest versions of MIUI 13 and MIUI 14, multi-window mode is activated through a control gesture or a panel of recent applications.

1. Open the first application you want to use in multi-window mode.
2. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger to open the recent apps panel.
3. Click on the app icon (not the preview itself!) and select Split screen (or Split screen in English firmware).
4. Select the second app from the recent list or return to the home screen to launch it.

If you have navigation gestures enabled (no buttons), an alternative way to do this is to:

• Open the first appendix.
• Swipe up and hold to open the recent ones.
• Drag the app icon to the top of the screen and the prompt “Drag here for split screen” will appear.
• Release your finger and select the second app.

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About the phone)

Make sure navigation gestures are enabled (Settings → Display → Navigation)

Close unnecessary applications in the background (to save RAM)

Update the firmware to the latest version (if available)-->

On some models (Xiaomi 12, Redmi K50) after activation of the mode, a dividing strip will appear between the windows, which can be dragged up/down to change the proportions of the windows (for example, make one window wider than another).

⚠️ Note: On devices with a camera cutout (e.g, POCO F4) The dividing band may overlap part of the interface, in which case try swapping apps or using black-frame mode (setting to Special Options). → Screen size).

Alternative ways of inclusion

If the standard method doesn’t work (for example, on custom firmware or older versions of MIUI), try these options:

Method 1: Through the Developer's Settings

This method is suitable for MIUI 12 and below, where the function can be hidden:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option Enable freeform windows and activate it.
4. Reboot the phone.

Method 2: Using the "Recent" button

On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Mi 11 Lite) the function is hidden behind a long tap:

• Open the first appendix.
• Press the "Recent" button and hold it for 2-3 seconds.
• The screen will split into two parts – select the second app.

Method 3: Forced activation through ADB

For advanced users, if the function is blocked by the manufacturer:

adb shell settings put global enable_freeform_support 1

Once you have completed the command, restart the device. This method can cause some applications to work unstable, at your own risk.

Set up a multi-window mode to suit your needs

Once the mode is activated, it can be customized.

On large-screen devices (such as the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 or Redmi K60 Ultra), you can use the “floating window” mode, where one application opens in a small window on top of another.

1. Open the recent app panel.
2. Click on the app icon and select Floating Window.
3. Drag the window to the right place on the screen.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (Xiaomi.EU), floating windows may conflict with navigation gestures. If the window is not moving, try turning off gestures in Settings → Display. → Navigation.

💡

To quickly close multi-window mode, swipe the dividing bar left or right to the edge of the screen, which will work even if one of the applications is “hang”.

Solving common problems

If the multi-window mode is not working or is not working correctly, check these points:

Problem 1: The function is not in the menu

Possible causes and solutions:

• 📱 Old version MIUI: Update the firmware through Settings → Updating the system.
• 🔧 Disabled option: Check the settings → Special facilities → Multi-window regime.
• 🛠️ Brush firmware: Install the official version MIUI or patch through Magisk.

Problem 2: Applications are not opened in mode

What to do:

• 🔄 Restart the app: Close it in the recent one and open it again.
• 📋 Clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → Select the application → Clear the cache.
• 🔧 Reset settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting application settings.

Problem 3: The regime is lagging or slowing down

Optimizing productivity:

• 🗑️ Close the background applications (via Security) → Optimization).
• 🔋 Enable Performance Mode in Settings → Battery.
• 📉 Reduce animation: Settings → For developers → The scale of window animation (0.5x).

💡

If the multi-window mode is gone after the MIUI update, try resetting the launcher settings: hold the empty space on the home screen → Home Screen Settings → Reset.

Multi-window mode on Xiaomi tablets

On the Xiaomi Pad 5/6 tablet multi-window mode is implemented differently - a full desktop multi-window with support for up to 4 windows at the same time is available here.

1. Open the first appendix.
2. Swipe from the right edge of the screen to the center to open the sidebar.
3. Drag the second app onto the screen and it will open in a separate window.
4. Repeat the action for the third and fourth applications (if necessary).

Features of the mode on tablets:

• 🖥️ Support for horizontal and vertical separation.
• 🔄 Ability to quickly switch between windows by swipe on the dividing strip.
• 📱 Phone Sync: If you have a Xiaomi Pad 6 and a Xiaomi 13 smartphone, you can drag and drop windows between devices via Mi Share.

The tablets also have PC mode (in Settings → Display) that converts the interface to a desktop look with mouse and keyboard support, and multiwindows work even more efficiently in this mode.

Comparison with similar features on other brands

Multi-window mode is not only on Xiaomi, but for comparison, how it is implemented by competitors:

Xiaomi is flexible, with no strict limits on the number of windows (on tablets), and even on budget smartphones, but Samsung has better integration with desktop mode (DeX), and Apple offers smoother animations when switching.

If you use Xiaomi with other devices (such as MacBook or Windows-PC), you can combine multi-window mode on your phone with the “Continue on PC” function via the Mi PC Suite – so the application windows will be duplicated on the large screen.

FAQ: Frequent questions about multi-window mode