Dividing the screen on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: how to turn on and use multi-window mode

Why Redmi 9A doesn’t have a standard split screen and what to do

Xiaomi Redmi 9A is a budget smartphone, and the manufacturer has deliberately limited some of the features of MIUI for this model. Unlike flagships (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3), there is no built-in split-screen mode in the settings by default. This is due to hardware limitations: the MediaTek Helio G25 processor and only 2 GB of RAM in the basic version are not designed for simultaneous operation of several applications in multiwindow mode.

But that doesn't mean you can't activate it. There are a few workarounds, from hidden MIUI settings to third-party apps. It's important to understand that even if you manage to enable split screen, performance can drop markedly, especially when you run heavy applications (like games or video editors). In this article, we'll look at all the working methods, from official to alternative, and also tell you which applications support multi-windows on Redmi 9A.

Before you start, check out the MIUI version: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have firmware older than MIUI 12 installed, update the system first – new versions sometimes have hidden features even for budget models.

Method 1: Hidden MIUI function (works on some firmware)

Some versions of MIUI for Redmi 9A have hidden multi-window modes, but they can be activated through a developer. This method doesn't require root rights, but it doesn't work on all devices.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Return to the main settings menu and open Additional settings → Developer settings.

Now, follow the following steps:

1. In the Developer Settings, find the option to Allow Multi-Window (or Force Resize Activities in English).
2. Activate the switch and restart the phone.
3. After rebooting, open any app, then swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold the app icon – if the feature worked, a menu with the option to split screen will appear.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 9A This method causes navigation gestures to malfunction, so if the swipes stop working properly after activating the multi-window, turn off the function and use alternative methods.

If Force resize activities are not available, then your version of MIUI does not support this trick.

Method 2: Use of gestures and hotkeys (for MIUI 12.5+)

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has added hidden gesture support for multi-window, but it is disabled by default.

1. Open the first application you want to use in split mode.
2. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold the app icon (as when closing).
3. Without letting go of the icon, pull it up – if the feature is supported, the screen will split into two parts.
4. Select the second app from the recent list.

If the gesture doesn’t work, try an alternative:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Gesture management.
• 🔍 Enable the split screen gesture option (if any).
• 🖱️ Now swipe three fingers down the screen – this should activate the multiwindow.

On Redmi 9A with firmware below MIUI 12, this method only works for system applications (such as Calendar or Contacts). Third-party programs (such as YouTube or Telegram) will require third-party utilities.

Method 3: Third-party applications for splitting the screen

If the built-in methods don’t work, there is an option with the installation of specialized utilities. The following applications will work for Redmi 9A (available on Google Play):

Check reviews before installing – some apps may conflict with MIUI. For example, Split Screen Launcher sometimes causes an “App Not Responding” error on Redmi 9A with 2GB of RAM.

Instructions for setting up Floating Apps (most stable option):

1. Install the application and provide all the permissions requested.
2. In the main menu of utilities, select Add App and add the desired programs.
3. Click on the app icon in the notification bar – it will open in a floating window.
4. To split the screen, drag the window to one of the edges of the screen.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party utilities for multi-window Xiaomi Redmi 9A Keep an eye on the temperature of the processor (optimum to 45).°If the phone gets hot, close the unnecessary windows.

Method 4: Activate through ADB (for advanced users)

If you're willing to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can force multi-window support on, which requires connecting your phone to your PC and basic command line knowledge, and warning: the wrong commands can disrupt the system.

Instructions:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. Enable USB debugging on your phone (Developer Options → USB debugging).
3. Connect Redmi 9A to your PC and type in the command line:

adb shell settings put global force_resizeable_activities 1

1. Reboot the phone.

After that, try opening the multi-window with the swipe gesture upwards (as described in Method 2). If the screen does not split, enter an additional command:

adb shell settings put global enable_non_resizeable_multi_window true

These commands cause MIUI to ignore the multi-window restrictions, but can lead to graphic artifacts in some applications, such as Google Chrome, sometimes missing the bottom dashboard.

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After the teams ADB Multi-window is unstable, return default settings with adb shell settings put global force_resizeable_activities 0 and reboot the phone.

What apps support splitting the screen on Redmi 9A

Even if you manage to activate the multi-window, not all programs will work correctly in this mode. Here is a list of proven applications that work well on the Redmi 9A:

• 📝 Google Docs/Sheets — convenient for simultaneous work with documents and browser.
• 🌐 Google Chrome – Supports separation, but can slow down when you open heavy sites.
• 📱 Telegram – works without failures, but the video in chats is played with a delay.
• 🎵 YouTube Music – allows you to listen to music and use another app in parallel.
• 📅 Google Calendar is ideal for scheduling tasks next to notes.

Here are some apps that don’t support multi-window or are error-free:

• 🎮 PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty – block screen splitting.
• 📷 Instagram, Snapchat – Shut down when you try to split the screen.
• 🎬 Netflix, Disney+ — Video playback stops.
• 💰 Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff) – ban multi-window for security reasons.

If you need to use an incompatible app, try running it in a floating window through Floating Apps (described in Method 3).For example, Instagram can be opened in a small window on top of another app.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When using a split screen on Redmi 9A, users experience typical errors.

If none of these things worked, your version of MIUI might have a very limited version, and there are two options left:

1. Update the firmware to the latest version (via Settings → System Update).
2. Install custom firmware (such as LineageOS), but this requires unlocking the bootloader and may deprive you of warranty.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9A 2GB of RAM: running more than two applications in a multi-window almost always leads to departures. + Notes).

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On the Redmi 9A, stable splitting of the screen is only possible with applications that do not require much resources. For games, video and heavy programs, it is better to use full-screen mode.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions