Dividing the screen on Xiaomi Redmi: how to turn on and use multi-window mode

The split screen (or multi-window) feature on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones allows you to use two applications simultaneously – for example, watching YouTube videos and chatting to Telegram. Despite the obvious benefits, many users do not know how to activate this mode or face errors when starting it. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to enable, nuances for different versions of MIUI and Redmi models, and give tips for solving typical problems.

It's important to understand that splitting the screen depends on the firmware version and the device model. For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 14, the switching algorithm differs from the Redmi 9A with MIUI 12.5. We'll look at generic methods, and we'll also point to specific device features. If your smartphone doesn't support out-of-the-box functionality, we'll show you how to get around that limitation.

What is Screen Sharing and Why You Need It

Multi-window mode (or Split Screen) divides the smartphone display into two independent areas, each running a separate application.

• 📺 Multimedia. + Watch a movie on Netflix and read a WhatsApp chat at the same time.
• 📊 Documents: Compare tables in Excel or copy data between Google Docs and the browser.
• 🎮 Games + Guides: play Genshin Impact and watch the passage on YouTube.
• 📱 Social networks: flip through Instagram feed and comment on posts in VK.

On Xiaomi Redmi, the mode is implemented through the proprietary shell MIUI, but its work depends on hardware capabilities. For example, on budget models like Redmi A1, the function may be absent due to memory limitations, and on flagships (for example, Redmi K60 Pro) even three windows are supported at the same time.

Note that not all applications support multi-windows, such as TikTok or some banking programs may block split mode for security reasons, and on devices with a screen resolution below Full HD (1920×1080), the feature may not work smoothly.

Check the support function on your Redmi

Before you try to enable split screen, make sure your device supports it.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Check the device model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G) and the MIUI version (e.g. MIUI 14.0.5).
3. Compare the data with the table below.

If your model is not in the table or marked as “No”, try updating your firmware to the latest version. To do this, go to Settings → System Update. If there are no updates, but the function is critical, consider unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience), where the multi-window works more stable.

Method 1: Standard Entry Through Gestures

The easiest method to activate a multi-window is to use MIUI gestures, which works on most modern devices (starting with MIUI 12).

1. Open the first app (like Chrome).
2. Swipe your finger from the bottom up and hold your finger on the screen to open the recent apps.
3. Click on the app icon (not the preview, but the icon at the top) and select Split Screen (or Split Screen).
4. Select the second app from the recent list or on the home screen.

If the split screen is not available, it means:

• 🔄 Function disabled in settings (see Method 2).
• 📱 Your model does not support the mode (check the table above).
• 🔧 The application blocked the work in the multi-window (for example, SberBank Online).

Update MIUI to the latest version

Close all background applications

Check that both apps support the mode

Turn off energy saving for selected programs-->

After activation, you can:

• 🔄 Change windows: pull the dividing line up / down.
• 📱 Change the size of the windows: drag the divider left / right.
• ❌ Close the mode: Pull the divider to the edge of the screen or press Home.

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If the dividing line sticks when dragging, try clearing the system cache in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three points → Clear the cache.

Method 2: Enable through system settings

If gesture control is not working, try activating the function manually through the settings menu, which is suitable for MIUI 12-14:

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Select Windows Management (or System Settings → Multitasking on some models).
3. Activate the split screen switch.
4. Return to Recent Apps and try to start mode again (see Method 1).

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 11), the path may be different:

Settings → Additional settings → Laboratory → Split screen

If there is no window management, it means:

⚠️ Note: On budget models (Redmi) 9A, Redmi 10A) function hidden by the manufacturer. Try updating the firmware or use Method 4 (ADB).

Once activated in the settings, check the different apps mode. For example, Google Maps and Music are usually stable, and Instagram may close when you try to deploy.

Method 3: Use the "Recent" button (for older versions of MIUI)

On devices with MIUI 11 and below (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro), the split screen is enabled via the physical button Recent (if any).

1. Open the first appendix.
2. Click the Recent button (the square icon in the navigation bar).
3. Hold the app icon and select Split screen.
4. Select the second app from the list.

If the Recent button is missing (you are using gesture control), return it:

Settings → Display → Navigation buttons → Select “Buttons”

On some firmwares after activation of the multi-window, an additional toolbar with buttons appears:

• 🔄 Switch windows.
• 📱 Curtail the upper/lower window
• ❌ Close the regime.

Method 4: Activate through ADB (for power users)

If standard methods fail, you can enable multi-windows via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for models where the function is hidden but supported hardware (e.g. Redmi 9C or Redmi 10A).

This will require:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock Developer Settings, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Enter the command: adb shell settings put global force_split_screen true
4. Reset the device.

After the reboot, check for the "Share Screen" option in the menu of recent apps. If the feature doesn't work, try an alternative command:

adb shell am start -n com.miui.multitask/.MultiTaskActivity

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can cause system failures if you type in the wrong commands. Do not edit other settings through settings put unless you are sure of their purpose. MIUI settings may reset.

Solving typical split screen problems

Even if you manage to turn on multi-windows, there may be failures, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

If none of these methods helped, check:

• 📱 Device model: Some Redmis (e.g. Go series) do not support multi-windows.
• 🔄 Version MIUI: on Chinese firmware (China) ROM) The function may not be available – you need to flash it to Global.
• 🛠️ System integrity: If the smartphone has been “rooted” or modified, conflicts are possible.

💡

On devices with 3GB of RAM and less multi-windows, it may not work smoothly, in which case it is recommended to close all background processes before activating the mode.

Alternative ways to multitask on Xiaomi Redmi

If standard screen splitting is not available, consider alternative options:

• 🖥️ Floating Windows: Some apps (like Facebook Messenger) support display in a small window on top of other programs.
• 📱 Launcher apps: Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher have built-in multitasking tools.
• 🔄 Projection on PC: Use Mi PC Suite or scrcpy to control your smartphone from a computer – there is easier to switch between windows.
• 🎮 Game mode: on Game Turbo devices (e.g. Redmi) K60) You can run messengers in a floating window during the game.

For Redmi owners with MIUI 14, MIUI+ is available, allowing you to synchronize notifications and clipboards between your smartphone and PC, making multitasking easier.

Settings → Connected devices → MIUI+

If you need a split screen but don’t have it on your model, consider buying a device with official feature support (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5).

FAQ: Frequent questions about splitting the screen on Xiaomi Redmi