The split screen (or multi-window mode) feature on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro allows you to use two apps at the same time — for example, watching YouTube videos and chatting in instant messengers. Despite the convenience, many users do not know how to activate this option correctly or encounter errors such as “Function is not available.” In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to enable a split screen, the nuances for different versions of MIUI, as well as typical problems and their solutions.
The Redmi Note 8 Pro supports multi-windows starting with MIUI 10, but in recent updates (e.g. MIUI 14 based on Android 12), the activation algorithm has changed. In addition, some applications (e.g. games or banking programs) block split mode by default, we tested all methods on a real device and collected up-to-date data — including hidden settings and circumvention of restrictions.
1. Standard method: through the notification panel
The fastest method is to use the Quick Settings Panel, which works on all versions of MIUI (10 to 14), but requires both apps to be open in the background.
Algorithm of action:
- 📱 Open the first app (like Chrome), then fold it, but don't close it.
- 🔄 Open a second app (like Telegram) and leave it active.
- 🔽 Swipe down from top to bottom to open the notification bar, and look for the Screen Split icon** (two overlapping rectangular bezels). If it's not, tap on a pencil (Edit) and add to the active buttons.
- 🖱️ Click on the icon, the screen splits into two parts, the top will remain the current app (Telegram), and the bottom will open a list of recently used programs.
Important: If the screen split icon is not in the panel, then the function is disabled in the system settings (see section 3, POCO Launcher may hide this option.
2. Alternative method: via the "Recent" button
If the notification bar doesn't display the icon you want, try activating the multi-window through the latest app menu, which works even on custom firmware.
Step-by-step:
- Open the first app (like YouTube).
- Click on the square navigation button (or swipe from the bottom up and hold your finger for gesture control) to open a list of recent apps.
- Slip on the app icon (YouTube) and in the menu that appears, select “Share Sharing”** (or “Open in split form”).
- The screen will split, and at the bottom of the screen will appear a list of other open programs. Select the second application (such as WhatsApp).
⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 with gesture control (no navigation buttons), this method may not work. In this case, use the method through settings or ADB-team.
Open both applications in the background
Check for icons in the notification panel
Update MIUI to the latest version (if the feature is not available)
Reboot the smartphone when failures-->
3. Including through system settings
If standard methods don’t work, it’s possible that the feature is disabled in the settings.This is true for MIUI 12/13/14, where developers sometimes hide the default option.
How to turn on:
- Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Multi-window mode.
- Activate the "Allow Screen Split" switch**.
- Return to Settings → Additional → Functions Lab and find the “Improved Multi-Window”** item.
| MIUI version | The path to settings | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10/11 | Settings → Additional → Multi-window mode | The function may not be present on global firmware |
| MIUI 12 | Settings → Special features → Multi-window mode | Reboot is required after switching on |
| MIUI 13/14 | Settings → Screen → Multi-window mode | Check the Functions Lab for more |
💡
If you don't have Multi-Window Mode in your settings, try resetting MIUI to factory settings (with data saved), which often restores hidden functions.
4. Screen splitting for unsupported applications
Some programs (such as TikTok, SberBank Online, or games) block split-mode work. ADB-commands or third-party utilities.
Method 1: Through ADB (without root)
Connect your smartphone to your PC, turn on USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then return to Additional → For Developers) and execute the command:
adb shell settings put global force_resizeable_activities 1After the device is restarted, all applications will support split screen.
Method 2: Split Screen Enabler
- 🎯 Select the desired application in the list and activate the option “Force Split Screen»**.
⚠️ Warning: Forcing a multi-window for banking applications or games can result in a user being blocked for suspicious activity.
5. Solving Screen Split Problems
If the screen is not shared or there are errors, check the following points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Screen split icon missing in notification panel | The function is disabled in settings or hidden by the shell | Enable in Settings → Special features or reset MIUI settings |
| The screen is split, but the second app does not open. | The application does not support multi-window | Use it. ADB-The Split Screen Enabler |
| Screen split only works in landscape orientation | Limitation MIUI for some | Turn the device or use gestures to change orientation |
| The function is available, but after the reboot disappears | System cache failure | Clear the cache to Settings → Applications → Application Management → System → Launcher |
What if the screen is divided curve or the proportions are not saved?
6. Comparison with other Xiaomi smartphones
The split screen function is implemented differently on different Xiaomi devices, for example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro free window mode (floating application) is available, and on the POCO F3 - only the classic 50/50 separation.
| Model | Multi-window type | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8 Pro | Classical division (50/50) | It doesn’t work with all apps, it requires MIUI 10+. |
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ | Split + free window | Support for gestures to change window size |
| Xiaomi 12 Pro | Adaptive multi-window | Automatic scaling to screen size |
| POCO X3 Pro | Only 50/50 separation | No free window support, restrictions on gaming |
💡
The Redmi Note 8 Pro does not have a free window mode (as on Xiaomi flagships), but it supports the forced inclusion of multi-windows through ADB for any application.
Video instructions and supplementary materials
If the text instructions seem complicated, watch the video with a step-by-step demonstration:
Video: "How to enable screen split on Redmi Note 8 Pro in 1 minute" (Xiaomi Tips channel)
We also recommend:
- 📄 Official documentation MIUI multi-window (in English).
- 🛠️ Discussion on 4PDA with alternative methods for custom firmware.
- 📱 Annex MIUI Hidden Settings – reveals hidden features, including advanced multi-window settings.