How to exit split screen mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note: a step-by-step guide

The split screen (or multi-window) mode on Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones is a useful feature for multitasking, but sometimes users accidentally activate it and can not return the standard interface. Especially when using gestures or after updating MIUI, when the control logic changes. If your screen is divided into two parts and the applications work in small windows, don't panic: there is a output, and it is simpler than it seems.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can disable split screen mode, from basic (gusts and buttons) to hidden (developer settings and access resets). The instructions are suitable for all Redmi Note models (from Note 4/5 to Note 12/13), regardless of the version of MIUI or Android. Importantly, some methods require pre-tuning, so read carefully.

1. Quick exit using gestures or buttons

The easiest way to get back to full screen is to use standard MIUI gestures or hardware buttons, and if the screen is split into two windows, try these steps:

• 👆 Swipe your finger up from the lower boundary of the dividing line (the gray stripe between the windows) and hold it. 1–2 On some models, Redmi Note. 10/11) It'll turn the multi-window.
• 🔄 Double-press the dividing line (center of the screen) and this works if you have gestures on. MIUI customized.
• 🔙 Press the back button (arrow left) twice in a row. on the Redmi Note 8/9 With physical buttons, it often helps.
• 📱 If the screen is divided into three windows (free window mode), touch any window and pull it to the top or bottom edge of the screen.

If the gestures don't work, check if the dividing line is blocked, and sometimes it turns gray and doesn't respond to touch, in which case, move on to the next method.

2. Disconnection through the notification panel

In MIUI, split-screen mode is controlled through the Quick Settings Panel to turn it off:

1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the screen split button (the icon of two rectangles) – it should be highlighted.
3. Tap it once to deactivate the mode.

If the button is not in the main panel, expand it completely (swipe down twice) and find the icon in the Additional section. On the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and newer models, the button may be called Multiwindow.

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If the screen split button is not in the panel, add it manually: press the pencil (✏️) in the upper right corner of the panel and drag the icon to the active area.

In rare cases, the notification panel may not respond to touches due to a failure. Then try restarting the smartphone by holding the power button for 10 seconds.

3. System settings: where to turn off multi-window forever

If the split screen mode is activated spontaneously, it can be completely deactivated in the MIUI settings.

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Go to Screen Sharing (or Multi-Windows on newer versions).
3. Turn off the slider Enable screen split.
4. In the Activation Method section, select Never or Only through the notification panel.

On the Redmi Note 7/8 with MIUI 11, the path may differ: Settings → Additional → Multitasking → Screen split. If there is no item, search by settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top).

On the Redmi Note 10 Pro and later, when you turn off the multi-window through the settings, you may need to restart the device for the changes to take effect.

4. Reset gesture settings (if the screen is unresponsive)

If the gestures to exit split screen mode don't work, the problem may be that the navigation settings fail to reset.

1. Open the Settings → Screen.
2. Select the Navigation Type (or Full Screen gestures on MIUI 14).
3. Switch to Navigation buttons (three virtual buttons at the bottom of the screen).
4. Return to split screen mode and try to press Back or Home twice.
5. Return the full screen gestures when you are comfortable.

This method helps when the touch screen misrecognizes swipes due to conflict with the MIUI shell. If the problem persists, check if third-party launchers (such as Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher) are installed - they can block system gestures.

5. Disconnection through the developer settings

For power users, there is a way to disable screen splitting through the developer menu, which is true if standard methods fail due to MIUI failure:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → Click 7 times on the MIUI Version.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the USB Debugging option and turn it on (this unlocks hidden options).
4. Scroll down to the Multiwindow section and turn off the Allow Screen Split slider.
5. Reset the device.

On Redmi Note 9 Pro and older, the developer menu can be a separate item Reset multi-window settings - its activation will return all parameters to factory values.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the developer’s settings without experience can lead to unstable smartphone performance.Do not disable unknown settings – this can block access to certain features MIUI.

6. Radical-methods: resetting settings and firmware

If none of these methods worked, the problem could be the damage to the system files, leaving the radical measures:

• 🔄 Resetting to factory settings (without deleting data): Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings → Reset all settings. That'll bring back the settings. MIUI Default, but will not affect photos and applications.
• 📥 Update MIUI through settings → System update: Sometimes multi-window bugs get fixed in new firmware versions.
• 🛠️ Fastboot Flash (for advanced users) download the official firmware for your model on Xiaomi and follow the installation instructions via the Mi Flash Tool.

Before resetting or firmware, be sure to back up important data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. On Redmi Note 11 and later, a backup is created automatically when you connect to Mi Account.

Save photos and videos to your PC or cloud

Record logins/passwords from accounts

Check for backup in Mi Cloud

Make sure the battery is charged > 50%-->

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many Xiaomi Redmi Note users experience the same problems when working with split-screen mode, and here are the most common errors and their solutions:

• 🚫 You can't drag the dividing line. → Check if the Fixed Multi-Window mode is enabled in the settings. Turn it off in Settings. → Multitasking.
• 🔒 The exit button is inactive. → Restart your smartphone or try to exit through the notification panel.
• 📱 The screen is divided into three windows → Touch any window and pull it to the edge of the screen to close. MIUI 14 is called a free window.
• ⚡ The mode is switched on spontaneously. → Turn off the activation gesture in Settings → Gestures → Screen splitting.

If the logic of the multi-window has changed after the MIUI update, check the official instructions for your firmware version on the Xiaomi website. For example, in MIUI 14, you need to hold the dividing line and pull it to the lower edge, rather than upwards, as before, to exit the mode.

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If the split screen mode is enabled when you connect to an external monitor (via HDMI or Miracast), turn off the screen extension function in the Connected Devices settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions