The split-screen (or multi-window) feature on Xiaomi Redmi 8 allows two apps to be used simultaneously on the same display, the perfect multitasking solution. For example, you can watch YouTube videos and chat on Telegram at the same time without switching between windows. However, many users have difficulty trying to activate this mode: the split button is lost and does not work in some applications.
In this article, we will go into detail about all the ways to enable multi-window on the Redmi 8 (including the Redmi 8A and Redmi 8 Pro models), explain why the feature may not work, and give practical tips on configuration. The instructions are relevant for MIUI 11-14 firmware and are based on official Xiaomi documentation. If you use custom firmware, some points may differ.
What is Screen Sharing and Why You Need It
Split Screen mode allows you to divide the display of the smartphone into two independent areas, each of which runs a separate application.
- 📺 Watching videos with simultaneous surfing online (e.g. YouTube) + Chrome).
- 📊 Documents: editing text in Word with parallel viewing of reference materials.
- 💬 Communication in messengers during games or viewing content.
- 🗺️ Navigation: Google Maps + music player.
Redmi 8 is a MIUI-level feature, but it depends on the firmware version and supported applications, and not all programs are multi-window-optimized — some (such as games or banking apps) may block this mode for security reasons.
Requirements for split-screen operation on Redmi 8
Before you turn on multi-window mode, make sure your smartphone meets the following conditions:
| Parameter | Requirement | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI version | 11 or newer | Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI |
| Free memory | Minimum 1GB of RAM | Settings → About the phone → Memory |
| Support for applications | The application must be compatible with Split Screen | Try to activate the mode manually |
| Gestures or buttons | Any option (but the setting is different) | Settings → Display → Full-screen mode |
If your Redmi 8 is running MIUI 10 or older, update your firmware via Settings → About Phone → System Update. Without an update, the split screen function may not be available or not work properly.
⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) may have Xiaomi’s standard multi-window mode disabled, requiring third-party apps from Google Play, such as Split Screen Launcher.
Method 1: Enable via the “Recent Apps” button
This is the simplest and most official method of split-screen activation, and works on all versions of MIUI 11-14.
- Open the first app you want to use in a multi-window (like YouTube).
- Click on the “Recent Apps” button** (square in the bottom navigation bar or swipe up with a delay in gesture control).
- In the list of open applications, find the card of the desired application and press it with your finger for 1-2 seconds.
- In the menu that appears, select the option "Share the screen" (or "Split screen" in English firmware).
- Select the second app from the recent list** or run it from the main menu.
After that, the screen will split into two, and there will be a dividing strip between the windows, which you can drag up and down to change the size of the windows.
First appendix | opens.
The "Recent" button is available |
The app supports Split Screen|
Free ≥1 GB of RAM-->
Method 2: Activation through system settings
If the split button does not appear in the recent menu, it can be manually enabled via the MIUI settings. This method is suitable for firmware where the function is disabled by default:
- Go to Settings. → Special facilities.
- Select the option "Split Screen" (or "Split Screen").
- Activate the switch "Enable Screen Split"**.
- Go back to the “Recent” menu and check for the option.
On some versions of MIUI 12/13, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Function Lab → Screen Sharing.
⚠️ Note: If the settings do not include "Share partition", your firmware does not support this function. MIUI or use alternative methods.
What if you don’t have Split Screen in your settings?
Method 3: Using gestures to quickly separate
On Redmi 8 with gesture control (without navigation buttons), you can activate Split Screen via a special swipe:
- Open the first appendix.
- Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger for 1 second to open the Recents menu.
- Click on the app icon (at the top of the card) and select Split screen.
- Select the second app from the list.
If the gestures don’t work, check their settings: Settings → Display → Full-screen mode → Gestures.
💡
To quickly swap apps in Split Screen mode, click on the dividing bar and select Change Places.
Why screen splitting on Redmi 8 doesn’t work: 5 reasons and solutions
If Split Screen is not activated, the reasons may be:
- 🔄 Outdated firmware: MIUI Version 11 below does not support multi-window. Solution: Update the system.
- 🚫 The app does not support mode: some programs (such as games or banking applications) block Split Screen.
- 🔧 Disabled function in settings: check the Settings path → Special facilities → Screen splitting.
- 📱 Insufficient RAM: Close background applications through Settings → Annexes → Clean up.
- 🛠️ Custom firmware: some builds turn off Split Screen.Solution: install official MIUI.
If the problem persists, try resetting to factory settings (don’t forget to make a backup!): Settings → About phone → Reset settings.
💡
Most Split Screen issues on Redmi 8 are solved by upgrading MIUI to the latest version or cleaning up RAM.
How to Set Up Screen Sharing to Your Needs
The Redmi 8 multi-window mode supports several useful options for convenience:
- 🔄 Change the size of the windows: drag the dividing strip up / down.
- 🔁 Quick Application Change: Click on the Separator and select Change Places.
- 🗑️ Close one window: Swipe the app down (as in the “Recent” menu»).
- 📱 Return to full screen: Pull the divider to the edge of the screen.
To anchor a frequently used pair of applications:
1. Activate Split Screen.
2. Click on the separator and select Secure Apps.
3.This combination will now be maintained after the reboot.
⚠️ Note: In multi-window mode, some functions may not work properly, for example, the keyboard may only appear in one window, and YouTube videos will be suspended when switching to another application.
Alternative ways to multitask on Redmi 8
If standard screen splitting is not suitable, consider alternatives:
| Method | Description | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floating windows | Applications open in small windows over others (e.g. Floating Apps) | It works in any application. | Requires third-party software installation |
| Picture-in-Picture Mode (PiP) | Videos are played in a small window (YouTube Premium, Netflix) | Do not block other applications | It only works with video. |
| Quick switching | Double-click on the “Recent” button to switch between the last two apps | Built into MIUI | Not a real Split Screen. |
For floating windows, we recommend Floating Apps (available on Google Play), which allows you to open instant messengers, a browser, and even games in small windows that you can drag around the screen.