Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have long since ceased to be just callers and have become powerful multimedia centers that can compete with some tablets in functionality. One of the key features that increase productivity is the ability to work with multiple applications simultaneously, known as split screen or dual display mode. This feature is especially relevant for owners of models with large diagonals, allowing you to watch videos and chat in the messenger without constantly switching between windows.
MIUI and the new HyperOS have several ways to activate this option, each with its own nuances depending on the firmware version and the specific device model. Users can use both standard screen splitting into two equal parts, and more advanced options for using display space through the floating window function. Understanding the differences between these modes will allow you to maximize the use of resources of your gadget.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the available methods for activating multitasking, look at the compatibility of various applications and answer frequently asked questions, and learn not only to turn on this mode, but also to customize it to your needs, creating a convenient work environment in just a few touches.
What is dual screen mode in MIUI and HyperOS?
The dual-screen mode in the Xiaomi ecosystem is usually defined as Split Screen, which divides the display into two independent areas. The top and bottom can have different applications, each responding to touch independently of the other, which dramatically changes the way we multitask, allowing you to copy text from an article in a browser and immediately paste it into notes or a document.
It is important not to confuse the classic split screen with the Floating Windows function. If the first option rigidly divides the space in half or in a given proportion, then floating windows allow you to run applications on top of other programs in the form of a small window that can be moved around the screen. The dual screen mode on Xiaomi technically limits the work to only two active applications at a time, while floating windows allow you to keep up to 9 programs open.
System resources are used more intensively when using split screen, as the processor and RAM serve two active processes. On older models with a small amount of RAM, this can lead to faster battery drain or periodic slowdown of the interface, especially if heavy games or graphics applications are running.
Preparing the device for work with multiple windows
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that your device supports the stated functions and has the latest version of the software. Most modern smartphones Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi are equipped with the necessary set of sensors and processing power for comfortable multitasking.
It is recommended to check for system updates, as newer versions of MIUI have significantly improved memory allocation algorithms for background applications, and it is also worth freeing up some RAM by closing unused heavy applications so that switching between windows is instant.
☑️ Checking system readiness
The diagonal of the display is critical to the comfort of split-screen use. On models with a screen less than 6 inches, the interface may become too small, making reading text or navigation uncomfortable. In such cases, the system may even block some applications from running in split mode, issuing a warning about incompatibility.
Methods of activating split screen
There are several proven methods to start dual screen mode, and choosing the best one depends on your smartphone management habits. The most common way is to use the menu of recent apps, which opens with a swipe from the bottom up with a finger held or clicking the appropriate navigation button.
In the list of running programs that opens, find the card of the desired application. Click on the icon or application name at the top of the card (sometimes you need a long press on the card itself if the interface is changed). In the context menu that appears, select the option "Separated screen" or an icon that resembles two vertical bars.
After that, the screen will split, and at the bottom (or top) you will be prompted to select a second application, you can choose it from a list of frequently used programs or find it in a general list. Some users prefer to use the sidebar for quick access if it is activated in the settings.
An alternative method is to use the sidebar if the toolbar is enabled in the settings, swipe from the edge of the screen to the area of the active application, select the desired program from the list and drag it to the free zone, which is considered the fastest way for advanced users who appreciate access speed.
Setting up window sizes and managing the interface
Once activated, the user can flexibly adjust the proportions of the content display, and between two running applications there is a special dividing band, which can be moved to change the size of the active area, which is especially useful when one application requires more space to display details, such as a navigator map or a table.
There are additional controls on the dividing strip, too, and by pressing the center point, you can either roll one of the windows into a floating window or close it completely. In some firmware versions, you can have a proportion fixing function so that a random touch doesn't change the tuned balance of the space.
| Action. | Control element | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Change of size | Dragging the central lane | Changing the 50/50 ratio to 70/30 or 30/70 |
| Window rolling | Pressing a point on the divider | One application is folded into a floating window |
| Closure of the regime | Drag the lane to the end | One of the apps is closed, the second takes up the entire screen. |
| Exchange of seats | Double press on the separator (depending on version) | Appendices are changed in places upper and lower parts |
Not all apps are properly displayed in a smaller format, graphically heavy games or special programs may require full screen orientation, ignoring the system’s attempts to divide space, and in such cases, Android forcibly stretches the application to the entire segment available to it, which can lead to a distortion of the interface.
Using Floating Windows for Advanced Multitasking
If you don't have a standard split screen, you can switch to floating windows, which allows you to run apps on top of others, creating a layer that can be moved freely around the display, resize it, or temporarily hide it in a sidebar.
To put the application in floating window mode, run it in split screen mode, click on the center point of the separator and select the appropriate icon (usually looks like a small window).
⚠️ Warning: Simultaneously running more than three floating windows can lead to a significant decrease in device performance and rapid processor heating, especially on budget models.
Floating windows are ideal for messengers, calculators, voice recorders or video players, which should remain visible while working with other documents. You can scale such a window by pulling a corner, or fix it so that it does not interfere with the basic actions, but remains available at any time.
Secrets of working with floating windows
Application compatibility and limitations issues
Despite the power of modern processors, there are software restrictions imposed by app developers, and some banks, anti-cheat games, or streaming services may block split-screen work due to security or licensing restrictions.
When you try to run such an application in dual screen mode, you may see a message that this application does not support split screen. In some cases, the app will simply run on the full screen, forcibly closing the second window, which is normal behavior of the system to protect data or ensure correct operation. DRM-defense.
To circumvent restrictions, advanced users sometimes use third-party utilities or special commands through debugging. USB, However, this requires a deep knowledge and can compromise the guarantee or stability of the system. MIUI Bypass the lock set by the application developer is impossible.
⚠️ Note: Financial transactions applications may automatically close when switching to background or split screen for security reasons.Always complete transactions before multitasking activation.
It's also worth considering the orientation of the screen, because if one application is only in portrait mode and the other is only in landscape mode, the system will have to target one of them, which can make using the second application extremely uncomfortable, and in such cases, it's better to use floating windows, which are less dependent on the overall orientation of the interface.
Optimizing battery and performance
The two active applications simultaneously increase the load on the battery, the main energy user, is active, processing the graphics of the two interfaces, and the processor also has to switch context more often and process the background processes of both programs.
To minimize power consumption, it is recommended to reduce the brightness of the screen when working in split screen mode, since the glow area is large, and it is also worth turning off live wallpaper and heavy widgets that continue to work in the background and consume resources.
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Use a dark design theme for both apps, if they support it. AMOLED-Xiaomi smartphone screens can save up to 15% battery power during long-term operation in dual screen mode.
If you notice that your smartphone is starting to heat up or run slower, close one of the apps or switch to normal full-screen mode.Constant high-load operation can accelerate battery degradation and reduce the overall life of the device.
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Dual screen mode is a powerful tool for productivity, but it should be used consciously, closing unused applications to save battery life and system performance.