The split-screen (or multi-window mode) feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to work with two apps simultaneously - for example, chatting in a messenger and watching videos, or copying text from a browser into notes. On the budget model of Redmi 9A, this feature is available, but not always obvious to users. Unlike flagship devices where multitasking is activated by gesture, on the Redmi 9A with the shell of MIUI 12/13, you will need to follow several additional steps.
In this article, you will find 3 working ways to enable split screen, including hidden developer settings, as well as solving typical problems - why the function does not work, how to resize windows and which applications support mode. Particular attention is paid to the unique feature of Redmi 9A: in this model, split screen automatically turns off when the device is locked, even if the settings indicate otherwise.
What is Screen Split and Why You Need It on Redmi 9A
Split-screen mode is an Android feature that allows two apps to run simultaneously in the same window. On the Xiaomi Redmi 9A, the screen is divided into two parts: the top and bottom, each occupying 50% of the area (the ratio can be changed).
- 📝 Multitasking: copying text from a browser into a document or chat.
- 🎥 Entertainment: Watching YouTube videos while reading comments.
- 📊 Works: comparison of tables in Excel or Google Sheets.
- 🎮 Games: using guides or chats during gameplay (not all games support mode).
On Redmi 9A, the feature works with all standard applications (Google Chrome, YouTube, WhatsApp), but some third-party programs (such as TikTok or banking applications) can block multi-window mode for security reasons. It is also important to consider that due to the limited resources of a budget smartphone (2 GB of RAM in the basic version), simultaneous operation of two “heavy” applications (such as games) can lead to slowdowns.
Preparation of the smartphone: checking the version of MIUI and compatibility
Before activating the mode, make sure that your Redmi 9A meets the minimum requirements:
| Parameter | Minimum requirement | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI version | 12.0.1 or later | Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI |
| Android version | 10 (Q) or 11 | Settings → About the phone → Android version |
| Free RAM | ≥ 500 MB | Settings → Applications → Memory status |
| Developer settings | Included (optional) | Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (5 times press) |
If MIUI is below 12.0.1, update your firmware via Settings → System Update. For stable operation, it is also recommended to close the background applications (use the Clean button in the multitasking menu).
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9A version MIUI Below 12.0, splitting the screen may not work properly — windows will spontaneously close or flicker.This is due to the limitations of the Android Go kernel, on which the shell is built.
Method 1: Standard Enablement through the Multitasking Menu
The easiest way to activate is through the recent app dashboard.
- Open the first app (like YouTube).
- Press the Multitasking button (square in the bottom navigation bar).
- In the list of recent applications, find the card of the desired application and hold it with your finger for 1-2 seconds.
- In the menu that appears, select the Divided Screen (an icon with two rectangles).
- Select the second app from the list or return to the home screen to launch it.
If the split screen is not in the menu, it means:
- 🔄 The application does not support mode (for example, Instagram or SberBank Online).
- ⚙️ Function disabled in system settings (see Method 2).
- 📱 Version. MIUI outdated (update firmware).
Close background applications | Check version MIUI|Select compatible applications |Switch off power saving for used programs-->
Method 2: Enable via system settings (if the function is hidden)
On some Redmi 9A firmware, the split screen option is disabled by default to activate it:
- Go to Settings → Special Options → Split screen.
- Activate the switch to Enable the split screen.
- In the Activation Method section, select: Gesture (swipe your finger from the bottom edge of the screen up and hold it) through the application menu (standard method from Method 1).
Save the changes and restart the smartphone.
If the Split Screen option is not in Special Options, use Method 3 (Developer Settings). Also check if the Power Saving feature is disabled: go to Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode → Settings and make sure that the Background Activity Restrict option is off for the right applications.
💡
If the split screen is unstable after activation, try disabling the interface animation: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (5 times pressed) → Windows animation (select 0.5x).
Method 3: Activate through developer settings (for power users)
If standard methods do not work, turn on the mode through hidden parameters:
- Activate the developer settings: Settings → About the phone → MIUI version (click 5 times in a row) There will be a notification You became a developer!.
- Return to the main settings menu and open Additional → for developers.
- Find the parameter. force_resizable_activities and turn it on.
- Reboot your smartphone.
3. The activation gesture is not working
Check your gesture settings:
- Go to Settings → Display → Full-screen mode.
- Choose Gestures instead of Buttons.
- Make sure that the option is included in the split screen in the gesture settings.
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9A version MIUI 12.5 and a new split-screen gesture may conflict with a Google Assistant call. To fix this, disable the Assistant call with a gesture in Settings. → Google → Settings for Google apps → Search, Assistant and Voice → Assistant settings → Phone.