How to enable split screen on Xiaomi Redmi 7A: a complete guide with MIUI secrets

The split-screen (or multi-window) feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to use two apps simultaneously β€” for example, watching YouTube videos and chatting to Telegram without constantly switching. On Redmi 7A, this feature is implemented through the proprietary MIUI shell, but many users face difficulties in activating it. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to turn on the mode, the nuances of working on different versions of the firmware and solving typical problems.

Specifically, Redmi 7A runs on the basis of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 processor and has 2 GB of RAM - this is enough for stable multi-window operation, but it is important to consider the limitations: not all applications support mode, and some can "fly" at high load. If you upgraded to MIUI 12/13, the onboarding algorithm may have changed - we will consider current methods for all versions.

Note: Redmi 7A does not have a hardware button to call a multi-window quickly (unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models), so you will need to use gestures or system settings. Also note that some banking applications (such as SberBank Online) block split-mode work for security reasons.

If you've tried splitting screens before, but you've failed, don't be quick to blame your smartphone. 80 percent of the time, the problem is with the system resolutions disabled or the firmware that's out of date. Next, you'll find step-by-step instructions, an app compatibility table, and answers to frequent questions.

1. Verification of MIUI version and compatibility

Before you turn on the multi-window, make sure your Redmi 7A runs on the current firmware version.Share split is officially supported starting with MIUI 10, but in earlier builds (such as MIUI 9.6) may be missing or malfunctioning.

To check the version:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Find the line MIUI version - it should be at least 10.2.2.0.
  3. If the version is outdated, update the software through Settings β†’ System Update.

Compatibility also depends on the application model, for example, Google Chrome and YouTube almost always support multi-window, but Vkontakte or TikTok can block mode.

AnnexMulti-window supportNotes
YouTubeβœ… Yes.Works only in the official client (not in the browser)
Google Chromeβœ… Yes.Can slow down when opening heavy sites
Telegramβœ… Yes.No restrictions.
VKontakte❌ No.Blocking the regime due to security policies
Sberbank Online❌ No.Prohibited by bank regulations

If your app isn’t on the list, try turning on the multi-window manually – sometimes the mode works even for β€œunsupported” programs, but with limitations (such as no sound or display artifacts).

πŸ“Š What version? MIUI You're using Redmi. 7A?
MIUI 9 or lower
MIUI 10-11
MIUI 12
MIUI 13/14
I don't know.

Method 2: Enable by swipe up gesture

The fastest method of activating a multi-window is to use a multi-tasking gesture, which works on all versions of Redmi 7A with MIUI 10 and later.

Instructions:

  1. Open the first app (like YouTube).
  2. Press the Recent button (square in the bottom navigation bar) and hold the app icon for 1-2 seconds.
  3. In the menu that appears, select Divide Screen (or Multi-Window).
  4. Select the second app from the recent list or on the home screen.

If there is no Shared Screen option, then the function is disabled in the system settings. Go to the next method.

First appendix opens

Free β‰₯500 MB of RAM

The second annex has been installed and updated

Power-saving modes are turned off-->

An important nuance: on the Redmi 7A, splitting screen only works in landscape orientation (horizontal mode).If you try to turn on the multi-window in portrait mode, the system will give an error Not supported in the current orientation.

Method 2: Activation through MIUI settings

If the gesture doesn’t work, manually enable the function through system settings, a method that works for all firmware versions, including custom ones (like LineageOS).

Step-by-step:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Special Opportunities.
  2. Find the Screen Split (or Multi-Window) section and activate the switch.
  3. Return to Settings β†’ System β†’ Gestures and make sure that the split screen gesture is enabled.
  4. Reset the device (required!).

On MIUI 12+ firmware, the path to settings may vary: Settings β†’ Screen β†’ Screen Partition. If there is no partition, then your version of MIUI does not support the function (the solution is to update the software or use third-party launchers like Nova Launcher).

Once activated, try using the multitasking gesture again. If the multi-window still doesn't turn on, check the permissions for applications (more on this in the next section).

πŸ’‘

If the feature has disappeared after the reboot, try turning off the developer mode (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version – press 7 times).

4. Problem Solving: Why doesn't split screen work?

Even after you set it up properly, the multiwindows may not turn on, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to address them:

  • πŸ”„ Outdated firmware: Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings β†’ System updates on Redmi. 7A flash-flip β€” MIUI 12.5.3 (for global version).
  • πŸ”’ Application lock: Some programs (banks, instant messengers) prohibit splitting screen.
  • πŸ“± Memory Lack: Close background processes through Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ The multi-window requires β‰₯1 GB of free RAM.
  • πŸ› οΈ System failure: Reset the settings to factory (Settings) β†’ Additionally. β†’ Reset), but make a backup copy beforehand.

If the problem persists, check the error logs:

  1. Install the Logcat Extreme app from Google Play.
  2. Try to turn on multi-window and look for logs for errors like ActivityManager: MultiWindow not supported.
  3. If there is a mention of miui.multiwindow in the logs, then the function is disabled at the firmware level (the solution is to reflash the device).
What if the multi-window is turned on but the applications are not opened?
This is a typical problem for Redmi 7A with 2GB of RAM. Try: 1. Turn off animation in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version (press 7 times, then Windows animation = 0.5x). 2. Use "light" versions of apps (e.g. YouTube Go instead of regular YouTube). 3. Clear the cache through Settings β†’ Storage β†’ Clear the cache.

Another life hack: if the multi-window turns on, but one of the apps crashes, try to anchor it in multitasking.

  1. Open the app.
  2. Click Recent and swipe down the app icon (a pin icon will appear).
  3. It will not close when the screen is split.

Alternative methods: third-party applications

If the standard multiwindow doesn't work, use third-party utilities. They don't require root rights and are compatible with Redmi 7A.

Top.-3 split-screen:

  • πŸ“± Split Screen Launcher: Lightweight Launcher with gesture support. Download to Play Market.

Instructions for setting up Split Screen Launcher:

  1. Install the application and make it the default launcher.
  2. Open the first app, then swipe from right to left from the edge of the screen.
  3. Select the second app from the list.
  4. Adjust the size of the windows by dragging the dividing line.

⚠️ Note: Third-party multi-window applications may conflict with MIUI. If you start lagging after installing Split Screen Launcher, return the standard launcher (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ By default).

6. Optimization of performance in multi-window

The Redmi 7A is not a flagship, so you may experience some slowdowns when working in split mode. To minimize them, follow these tips:

  • ⚑ Turn off background activity: Go to Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimize your battery and select No restrictions for the applications used.
  • πŸ—‘οΈ Clear the cache: Regularly delete temporary files through Settings β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache.
  • πŸ”‡ Reduce animation: Enable developer mode and install window animation = Off..
  • πŸ“΅ Use lighter versions of apps: For example, Facebook Lite instead of regular Facebook.

If the brakes are critical, try turning off one of the processor cores (root rights required).

  1. Install Kernel Adiutor from Play Market.
  2. Go to section. CPU β†’ Hotplug.
  3. Disable 1 core (such as CPU4).
  4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Disabling the CPU cores can cause the system to run in an unstable way. Do this only if you understand the risks! CPU up to 1.4 GHz (instead of the standard 1.95 GHz).

To test multi-window performance, use the AnTuTu Benchmark test in split mode. The normal score for Redmi 7A is β‰₯80,000 points while running two applications simultaneously.

7. Comparison with other Xiaomi smartphones

The split-screen feature is implemented differently on different Xiaomi devices, and the table below compares the Redmi 7A to other popular models:

ModelMulti-window supportMax. Number of windows.Activation gesture
Redmi 7Aβœ… Yes. MIUI 10)2Keeping an icon in multitasking
Redmi Note 10 Proβœ… Yes.3 (with MIUI 12.5)Swipe up + retention
Poco X3βœ… Yes.2Double tap on the "Recent" button
Mi 11βœ… Yes.4 (with MIUI 13)The "finger-breeding" gesture

As you can see, the Redmi 7A is inferior to the flagships in terms of multi-window flexibility, but for basic tasks (messenger + video), its capabilities are enough, the main difference is the lack of floating windows (like on the Mi 11), where you can change the size and position of each window independently.

πŸ’‘

On the Redmi. 7A Multi-window works most stable in pairs of lightweight + lightweight application (e.g. Telegram) + Google Keep: Heavy software (games, video editors) causes overheating and crashes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about splitting the screen on Redmi 7A

Can I turn on the multi-window on MIUI 9?
Officially, no. But if you have custom firmware installed (like Havoc-OS), the feature can run through third-party Magisk modules (like MultiWindow Modifier), with risks of unstable operation and loss of warranty.
Why does one app turn black when splitting the screen?
This is a typical problem for screenshot protection applications (banks, some instant messengers). Solutions: Try another application. Turn off protection in the app settings (if there is one). Use Safe Window Mode (if available).
How to change the size of windows in multi-windows?
On Redmi 7A, the dividing line between the windows is dragged by your finger. If the line doesn't move: Make sure Free Size Change is enabled in multi-window settings. Reboot the device. Try another combination of apps (some block the resizing).
Multi-window works, but there's no sound in one of the apps. What do you do?
The problem is with Android policy: sound is played in only one "active" window. Solutions: Click on a no-sound window to make it active. Use Bluetooth headphones - they can transmit sound from both windows. For YouTube, turn on playback in the background via Vance Manager.
Can multi-windows be used in games?
Technically yes, but on Redmi 7A, this almost always results in: Severe lags (due to a weak Snapdragon 439); overheating (temperatures can reach 50Β°C+); automatic game closure (many block multi-windows); Recommendation: for games, use a separate Game Turbo mode (Settings β†’ Special Features β†’ Game Turbo).