The split-screen (or multi-window) feature on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 allows you to work with two apps simultaneously — for example, watching YouTube videos and chatting in the messenger. This feature is especially useful for owners of smartphones with large screens, where space can be efficiently distributed between tasks. However, not all users know how to activate this mode correctly, since depending on the version of MIUI, the path to settings may differ.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can enable split screen on the Redmi Note 8, including gesture controls, button combinations, and hidden system settings. You’ll also learn which apps support multi-window, how to resize windows, and what to do if the feature doesn’t work. If you use your smartphone frequently for multitasking, this guide will help optimize your experience.
What is Screen Sharing and Why You Need It
Split Screen is a feature that divides the smartphone display into two independent areas, each of which can open a separate application. On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, this option works thanks to the MIUI firmware, which supports multi-window mode starting with the version of MIUI 8.
The main advantages of the function:
- 📱 Multitasking: Simultaneously working with two applications (for example, maps and messenger).
- 🎥 Easy viewing: you can watch videos and read comments or correspondence in parallel.
- 📝 Data portability: copying text or files between windows without switching.
- 🎮 Games and chats: play and communicate in Discord/Telegram pauseless.
However, not all apps support split screens, for example, some games or banking programs may block multiwindow for security reasons, and it is worth considering that the Redmi Note 8 with a 6.3 screen is less convenient to work with two windows at the same time than on tablets or smartphones with displays from 6.7.
Does the Redmi Note 8 support split screen?
Yes, Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 officially supports split-screen mode, but with some nuances:
| MIUI version | Multi-window support | Method of activation |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10–11 | Yes, with limitations. | Through the "Recent" button or settings |
| MIUI 12–14 | Yes, full support. | Gestures or button combinations |
| Custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) | Depends on the build. | Through the developer settings |
If your smartphone is working on MIUI 12 or later, the feature should be available by default. On older versions of the firmware, you may need to manually activate through the developer settings or system update. MIUI (For example, for China, there may be differences in the interface.
💡
Before setting up the split screen, make sure your Redmi Note 8 has the latest version of MIUI installed. Update the firmware can be found in the Settings menu → About Phone → System Update.
Method 1: Enable via the "Recent Appendices" button
The easiest way to activate splitting of the screen on the Redmi Note 8 is to use the "Recent" button (or swipe up gesture with a delay), which works on most versions of MIUI without additional settings.
Step-by-step:
- Open the first application you want to use in multi-window mode.
- Click on the “Recent” button (square in the bottom navigation bar) or swipe up with a delay (if you use gesture control).
- In the list of recent apps, find the app icon you want to open in the second window and hold it for 1-2 seconds.
- In the menu that appears, select "Separate Screen" (or "Open in split mode").
- Select the second app from the list or from the home screen.
And then the screen splits into two, and you can interact with both apps, and to swap them, just drag the dividing line up or down.
Make sure that both apps support multi-windows.
Close unnecessary programs in the background
Check that the function is not disabled in the system settings
Connect your smartphone to charging (long-term multi-window operation consumes the battery faster)-->
Method 2: Activation through system settings
If the button method doesn’t work (for example, due to custom firmware or interface features), you can enable splitting of the screen through the settings menu. This method is universal and is suitable for most versions of MIUI.
How to turn on:
- Go to Settings. → Special facilities.
- Select the "Screen Partition" section (or "Multiwindow" in some versions).
- Activate the switch "Enable Screen Split".
- If necessary, set up additional options such as automatic separation when you turn the screen or the default window size.
If your version of MIUI doesn’t have a separate multi-window option, try an alternative path:
- 🔧 Settings → Additionally. → Functions laboratory (enable "Screen splitting").
- 🔧 Settings → Screen. → Screen splitting (in some regional firmware).
What to do if the settings do not include the "Share split" item?
Method 3: Including through the developer settings
If standard methods don’t work, you can try to activate split screens through developer mode, which is suitable for advanced users and requires caution, as incorrect settings can affect the stability of the system.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click on MIUI Version 7 times in a row until the notification “You’ve become a developer!” appears.
"For developers"
Multiwindow.
"Force resize activities"
Reboot your smartphone.
After restarting, try to re-start splitting the screen through the "Recent" button. If the feature still doesn't work, check if any application (such as an antivirus or battery optimizer) blocks it.
⚠️ Attention: Changing the settings in developer mode can lead to unstable operation of the system. Do not turn on parameters whose purpose you do not know. If after activation of multi-windows lags appear, return the settings to the original state.
How to use a split screen: basic gestures and functions
Once you turn on multi-window mode, it is important to learn how to use it. The following features are available on the Redmi Note 8:
- 🔄 Drag the dividing line: To change the size of the windows, pull the black stripe up or down.
- 🔀 Exchange of seats: Twice tap the dividing line to swap apps.
- ❌ Closing the window: Drag the dividing line to the edge of the screen (up or down) to close one of the apps.
- 📱 Switching apps: Open the recent menu in one of the windows and select another application to replace.
Also in multi-window mode, some MIUI gestures work:
- Swipe from the bottom edge upwards – returns to the main screen (but does not close the multi-window).
- Swipe from the side edge – opens the notification panel or quick settings.
If one of the apps doesn't respond to split-screen touch, try restarting it or checking if it supports multi-window. Some programs (such as Instagram or TikTok) can block split-screen work.
💡
Not all applications support multi-windows. If you try to open a program in the second window, you see an error message, so the developer has restricted this function.
Why is the Redmi Note 8 not splitting screen?
If you have followed all the instructions, but the multi-window mode is still not activated, the reasons may be as follows:
| Problem. | Possible solution |
|---|---|
| An outdated version of MIUI | Update the firmware through Settings → System Update. |
| Disabled function in settings | Check the section "Special Opportunities" or "Additional". |
| Conflict with the battery optimizer | Add applications to exceptions in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization. |
| Custom firmware without multi-window support | Install the official MIUI or firmware with feature support. |
| Hardware limitations (little RAM) | Close the background applications before activating the multi-window. |
If the problem persists, try resetting to factory settings (don’t forget to back up the data!). To do this, go to Settings → About Phone → Reset settings.
⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI For the European region, the split screen function can be disabled by default due to performance optimization, in which case only manual activation through the ADB or global firmware installation.
Alternative ways to multitask on the Redmi Note 8
If splitting the screen for some reason doesn’t suit you, consider alternative multitasking options:
- 🪟 Floating windows: Some apps (like Facebook Messenger or Telegram) support pop-up mode. To activate it, hold the app icon in the Recent menu and select Open in a floating window".
- 🔄 Quick switching: Use the swipe gesture on the bottom panel to the left or right for instant switching between the last two apps.
- 📱 Second space: in MIUI There is a function "Second Space" (located in Settings). → Special features that allow you to create a separate profile with other applications, which will not replace multi-window, but will help to separate work and personal tasks.
You can also use third-party multitasking apps like Split Screen Launcher or Floating Apps. However, beware: some require root rights or may conflict with system processes.
On the Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12.5 and later, floating windows are supported at the system level - just hold the application icon in the "Recent" menu and select the appropriate item.