Multitasking is something that users value today’s smartphones, and Xiaomi’s devices are no exception. Being able to chat in a messenger and watch videos at the same time or copy text from one document to another greatly improves efficiency. However, standard navigation of MIUI or the new HyperOS is not always obvious to beginners, hiding useful features in gesture control.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can activate Split Screen, which allows you to divide your display into two independent areas, learn not only about classic methods, but also about hidden settings, and understand why the feature may not work on your particular device.
System preparation and compatibility check
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that your software supports the declared functionality. split screen mode is available on most modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones running Android 7.0 and higher. However, the interface and location of controls can vary significantly depending on the version of the shell.
It's important to understand that hardware constraints also play a role. On low-cost models with little RAM, the system can force background applications to close, making multi-window work unstable. If you're an entry-level device owner, don't be surprised if heavy applications reboot when switching between windows.
Also worth checking for the latest security and system updates. Developers often optimize memory algorithms, which directly affects the stability of multiwindow mode. Go to Settings → About phone and click on the shell version to check for updates.
⚠️ Note: Some global firmware versions may call it “Share Screen” while in Chinese builds it is called “Parallel Windows.” It’s the same function, just a difference in localization.
Activate through the menu of recent apps
The most common and quick way to run two applications at once is to use the task menu, which is intuitive and doesn't require a deep dive into the system settings. Open the programs you want to use to keep them in your device's memory.
Then, call the recent app menu. Depending on the type of navigation you choose, this is done either by swiping bottom-up with a finger held in the center of the screen, or by pressing a square button at the bottom of the display. Find the card of the first app you want to see at the top of the screen.
Press and hold your finger on the preview of the app or on the icon at the top of the card. You will see a context menu where you need to select the item "Spare screen" (the icon with two rectangles), then the application "stick" to the top half of the display, and at the bottom there will be a choice of the second program.
☑️ The Split Screen Launch Algorithm
If you don't see the split icon, it may be hidden. In some versions of MIUI, you need to click on the three dots or gear in the corner of the app card to see additional actions. Make sure that the selected app supports this feature, as some programs, such as YouTube or Instagram, can block this mode.
Using the sidebar for quick access
For those who use multi-window mode, the most convenient solution is to configure the sidebar, which allows you to run a second application in a floating or split window in just one touch, without interrupting current activities.
To activate this tool, go to Settings → Special Features → Sidebar. Turn on the activation switch and select the applications that will appear in the Quick Access list. It is recommended to add messengers, calculator, notes and browser.
Once set up, call the sidebar swipe from the edge of the screen (left or right, depending on the settings) in any application. Click on the icon of the desired program in the list that appears. The system will offer options for opening: over the current window or in split screen mode. Select the second option to activate Split Screen.
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Set up the transparency of the sidebar in the settings menu so that it doesn’t overlap important interface elements in games or when watching videos.
The convenience of the sidebar is that you can instantly change apps in the second window, so you can read an article in your browser and quickly switch between different chats by simply clicking on the icons in the floating menu, which saves time and eliminates the need to constantly fold and unfold windows.
Customization of gestures and window management
When two applications are already running in split-screen mode, additional control tools are available to the user. Between the windows is a dividing strip, which, moving up or down, you can change the proportions of the space you occupy, one application can occupy two thirds of the screen, and the other one one third.
The dividing strip often has a menu button or a point that opens up additional options, where you can swap apps, deploy one of them to the full screen, or completely close split mode, and new versions of HyperOS also have the ability to capture the size of windows.
For more advanced control, you can use special gestures. For example, swipe three fingers down (if the function is activated in the settings) can also trigger split mode. Check if this option is available along the Settings path → Additional settings → Gestures and buttons → Gestures.
| Action. | Control element | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Border movement | Swipe down the central lane | Change the size of windows |
| Replacement of the annex | Clicking on the swipe panel | Selection of a new application from the list |
| Getting out of the regime | Swipe strips full. | One app is closing. |
| Curtailment | Swipe up from the bottom edge | Transition to the desktop |
Windows control is particularly effective when you use an external keyboard or stylus, and by connecting a keyboard, you can use hot keyboard shortcuts to switch between windows, making your smartphone a full-time workplace.
Solving the problem: if the regime is not working
Despite the system’s fine-tuning, users may find that multiple windows are not activated or not working properly, most often the problem lies in optimizing a particular application, and software developers may not display their content on a split screen for security or interface reasons.
The second common cause is overcrowded RAM: If there are many heavy processes in the background, Android can block the launch of new windows to prevent the device from freezing, in which case it is recommended to close unnecessary tabs in the browser and heavy games before activating Split Screen.
⚠️ Warning: Some banking applications and services with enhanced security may automatically close when you try to open them in split-screen mode.
If the problem is systemic, try clearing the cache of the system's Security app or resetting the special features settings, sometimes by simply restarting the device, which clears temporary files and frees up memory resources.
Hidden opportunities of the developer
Alternative methods and third-party utilities
If Xiaomi’s standard tools don’t work well or are not working well, you can turn to third-party developers. There are many launcher apps and utilities on the Google Play store that specialize in improving multitasking, and they can offer more flexible window settings and convenient switching menus.
However, it is worth considering that third-party launchers on the shell of MIUI can work with restrictions due to aggressive energy saving policies. You will have to manually configure autorun and no restrictions for such programs, otherwise the system will constantly “kill” them in the background.
Also available for Xiaomi Pad tablets is the Parallel Apps feature, which allows you to run two instances of the same messenger at the same time. This is achieved through Settings → Apps → Dual applications, which is a great addition to split screen mode for those who have multiple accounts.
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The use of built-in system tools is always preferable to third-party counterparts, as they are better optimized for the specific hardware and version of Android.