The dual screen (or multi-window) feature on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to work with two applications simultaneously – for example, chatting in the messenger and watching videos, or copying text from the browser into notes. Despite the obvious benefits, many users do not know how to activate this mode, especially after upgrading MIUI to new versions. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to enable dual screen on Redmi, POCO, Black Shark and classic Xiaomi devices, including hidden settings and circumventing restrictions for incompatible applications.
It's important to understand that the possibility of splitting depends on the firmware version and the device model. For example, on the Xiaomi Mi 11 with MIUI 14, the function works differently than on the Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 13. We tested all methods on current versions of the software (2026) and identified universal solutions that work in 90% of cases. If your smartphone does not support multi-window out of the box, at the end of the article you will find alternative ways using third-party applications.
What is a split screen and why it is necessary
Split-screen mode divides the smartphone display into two independent areas, each of which can run a separate application.
- 📱 Multitasking: simultaneous work with documents and correspondence, watching videos and surfing the network.
- 📝 Data Copying: Transfer text or images between applications without using a clipboard.
- 🎮 Games and streams: for example, play Genshin Impact and follow the guide on YouTube.
- 📊 Data Comparison: Analyzing Tables in Excel and Google Sheets Simultaneously.
On Xiaomi, bifurcation is implemented through the Multi-Octs system function, but its operation depends on the version of MIUI:
| MIUI version | Support for bifurcation | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 and below | Yes (on most models) | Activated via a gesture or button in the notification panel |
| MIUI 13 | Yes (with limitations) | Some applications are blocked by the system (e.g. games) |
| MIUI 14 | Yes (improved stability) | Support for horizontal bifurcation for tablets |
| MIUI 15 (2026) | Yes. AI-optimization) | Automatic scaling of windows to the screen size |
Important: On devices with MediaTek processors (such as Redmi 9A), the split may not work smoothly due to performance limitations. If your smartphone is slowing down in multi-window mode, try turning off animations in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times).
Method 1: Enabling bifurcation through the notification panel
The easiest method is to use the notification bar, which works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-15, but requires preconfiguration:
- Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Multi-window.
- Activate the split screen switch.
- Return to the home screen and launch the first app (like YouTube).
- Swipe your finger up to open the notification panel.
- Find the Multi-Octno icon (two rectangles) and tap it.
- Select the second app from the list or from the home screen.
If the Multi-window icon is not in the notification panel:
Add the icon manually through the Edit panel (pencil icon)
Update MIUI to the latest version in Settings → About Phone → System Update
Restart the device after activating the function-->
Restriction: Some applications (such as TikTok or PUBG Mobile) block multi-window operation, in which case use alternative methods.
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Method 2: Gesture split (for MIUI 13 and later)
The new MIUI versions have a double gesture that works even without a button in the notification bar.
- Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Gestures.
- Select Screen Split and activate the function.
- Start the first app (like Chrome).
- Swipe your finger up from the bottom of the screen and hold for 1-2 seconds until the dividing line appears.
- Select the second app from the list or from the home screen.
If the gesture doesn't work:
- 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes the system doesn’t apply the changes right away.
- 📱 Check if the gestures are disabled in the Settings → Screen. → Full screen mode.
- 🔧 Update. MIUI until the last version (the gesture appeared in the MIUI 13.0.4 and newer).
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If the dividing line does not appear, try to make a gesture from the lower right or left corner - on some models (for example, POCO F4) works only so.
Method 3: Splitting through Developer Settings
If standard methods don't work, you can enable bifurcation through the developer's settings, which is suitable for devices with MIUI 12-15, but requires caution - incorrect changes can lead to failures.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the option Enable freeform multi-window and activate it.
- Reset the device.
- Now, when you hold the application icon in Recent, the Open option in the multi-window will appear.
⚠️ Note: on some devices (Redmi Note 11, POCO X3 Pro) enabling the free form of the multi-window can cause the interface to freeze. If the screen starts to slow down, turn off the function and restart the smartphone.
What if the navigation buttons are missing after activating the free form?
Method 4: Splitting through third-party applications
If the system bifurcation is not working or supported by your model (Redmi 7A, POCO M2), you can use third-party utilities.
| Annex | Support for MIUI | Features | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split Screen Launcher | 12–15 | Simple to run a multi-window through a widget | Google Play |
| Floating Apps | 11–15 | Windows over other applications (not full bifurcation) | Google Play |
| Island (Work Profile clone) | 13–15 | Creates an isolated environment for the second application | Google Play |
Instructions for Split Screen Launcher:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Add the Split Screen widget to the main screen.
- Launch the first app (e.g. Telegram).
- Slip on the widget and select the second app.
⚠️ Note: Apps like Floating Apps may violate Google Play policies (for example, when used in banking applications) and do not enter passwords or payment details in windows opened through third-party utilities.
Why Screen Splits May Not Work
If none of these methods worked, check the following points:
- 📵 Incompatible app: Some programs (e.g. Netflix, Fortnite) block multi-window security policies.
- 🔋 Lack of RAM: on devices with 2-3 GB of RAM (Redmi) 8A, POCO C3) splitting can automatically shut down.
- 🔄 Outdated firmware: in MIUI 11 and below multi-window is unstable.
- 🛠️ Custom firmware: If you are using LineageOS or Pixel Experience, the feature may not be available.
Decisions:
- 🔄 Update. MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🧹 Clear the system cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Clear the cache.
- 🔧 Reset the interface settings: Settings → Annexes → Resetting application settings.
💡
If the split refuses to turn on POCO F3 or Redmi K40, try disabling MIUI optimization for a specific application: Settings → Applications → Select the application → Battery → No restrictions.
How to optimize work in multi-window mode
To ensure that the split screen works smoothly and without hanging, follow these tips:
- 🔋 Close background apps: before activating multi-window, clear Recent (swipe up the apps).
- 📶 Turn off auto-update: go to Settings → Annexes → Auto-update and deactivate the function.
- 🎮 Use Game Mode: For multi-window games, turn on Settings → Special facilities → Turbo-playing mode.
- 🔄 Set up gestures: in Settings → Gestures disable conflicting combinations (e.g. Swipe up for home).
For devices with AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi) K50 Ultra recommended:
- 🌓 Set a dark theme in Settings → Screen. → Dark theme – this will reduce the load on the processor.
- 🔍 Disable animations in the developer settings (Scale of window animations) → No animation).
💡
On the Xiaomi Pad 6 and other tablets, you can use horizontal bifurcation. To do this, turn the device into landscape orientation and activate the multi-window through the notification panel. In this mode, the windows are located on the left and right, not on the top and bottom.
Alternative methods for incompatible applications
If you need to split your screen with an app that doesn’t support multi-window (like WhatsApp or the Banking app), use these workarounds:
- App Clone: Settings → Applications → Dual Applications Create a clone of a messenger or browser, then open the original and clone in the multi-window.
- Picture-in-Picture Mode (PiP): Settings → Special Features → Picture-in-Picture Some apps (like YouTube Premium) support a mini window on top of other programs.
- Second Space: Settings → Special Features → Second Space Create a second user profile and run the desired application in it in parallel with the main one.
⚠️ Note: the use of clones of applications for banking services (SberBank Online, Tinkoff) can lead to the blocking of the account due to suspicions of fraud.