Xiaomi multitasking menu: where is in the settings and how to set it up

The Xiaomi multitasking menu is not just a list of newly opened apps, but a powerful tool for managing the device’s performance. Many users do not even realize that it can be swiped, but also fine-tuned through hidden system settings. In this article, we will examine exactly where this menu is hidden in the settings of different versions of MIUI, how to activate it on models without gesture control, and what secret functions are hidden there.

Xiaomi’s feature is that the options can be different even on devices of the same line – it all depends on the firmware version and regional build. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 with global MIUI 14, the path to multitasking settings will be one, and on the POCO F5 with Chinese firmware – completely different. We have collected current information for all popular models of 2022-2026 and show how not to get confused in the maze of menus.

What is Xiaomi’s Multitasking Menu and Why You Need It

The Multitasking Menu (or Recent Apps) is an interface that appears when you swipe from the bottom up (on new models) or click on the square navigation button (on old ones).

• 📱 Newly Opened Apps – With the Ability to Quickly Switch Between Them.
• 🔄 RAM cleaning functions – “Close all” button or selective removal of tasks.
• 🔍 Search by application – on some firmware right in the multitasking menu.
• 📊 Information about resource consumption – how much memory and CPU uses every application.

But few people know that you can customize this menu, change the number of apps you display, turn on "no restrictions" mode for individual programs, or even completely disable animations when you switch, and these options are hidden deep in the system settings, and without a precise path, it is almost impossible to find them.

For example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 15 has a hidden feature called Force Fullscreen Recent Apps, which allows you to open the full-screen multitasking menu — this is convenient for tablets or devices with large displays. And on the POCO X6 you can turn on the clipboard history directly from this menu.

Where is the multitasking menu in Xiaomi settings: step-by-step instructions

The path to multitasking depends on the version of MIUI and the type of control (gestures or buttons).

If you have Xiaomi with navigation buttons (rather than gestures), the path may be different. For example, on Redmi 9A with MIUI 12.5, go to Settings → Full-screen display → Navigation buttons → Additional settings where you hide the option to Show recent apps with long pressing.

Update MIUI to the latest version |Check the control type (gestures/buttons) |Clear the system cache in Settings → Memory |Disable power saving for system applications-->

On some firmware (especially Chinese) the path may be hidden behind the developers.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Go back to the basic settings and open Additional → for developers.
4. Find the Force enable split-screen option – it affects the display of multitasking.

How to set up a multitasking menu: hidden features

Once you find the multitasking menu in the settings, you can start customizing it. Here are the most useful options that are available on most Xiaomi devices:

• 🔢 Number of apps displayed: You can increase from 5 to 10 (or even 15 on some models) This is convenient if you switch between multiple tasks frequently. → Multitasking → Number of recent applications.
• 🚫 Exception list: Add applications that should not close when cleaning RAM (e.g. music players or instant messengers) to Settings → Annexes → Auto-start → Exceptions for Multitasking.
• ⚡ Quick switching: Turn on the option Double tap to switch – it allows you to instantly jump between the last two applications with a double tap on the Home button (or swipe on the bottom panel on gesture devices).
• 🎨 Transparency and animation: on MIUI 14+ You can change the style of the menu display (transparent background, smooth transitions). → Display. → Multitasking style.

On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), there is a hidden feature called Game Turbo Multitasking, which allows you to run games in a floating window on top of other applications.

1. Open Settings → Special features → Functions for games.
2. Turn on the Floating Windows for games.
3. Return to the multitasking menu and hold the game icon – the opening option will appear in a small window.

Nana POCO-There's another unique feature in the devices called HyperOS Boost, which optimizes multitasking for gamers by reducing the delays in switching between heavy applications. → Battery and productivity → HyperOS mode.

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If multitasking starts to slow down after changing the menu, reset the animation settings to Settings → About Phone → All settings → Reset the animation settings. This will return the smoothness of the work without losing data.

The difference between the multitasking menu on different Xiaomi models

Even within the same Xiaomi lineup, the multitasking menu can work differently.

The Xiaomi Civi and Redmi K-series have a unique feature called “Smart Multitasking” – it analyzes your habits and automatically groups frequently used apps into the multitasking menu. For example, if you normally open Telegram after Chrome, the system will offer them as a pair. You can set this up in Settings → System → Smart Functions → Smart Multitasking.

But on budget models like the Redmi A2 or POCO C50, the multitasking menu is simplified to a minimum — there is no split screen, no advanced gestures. The most you can do is change the number of apps displayed from 3 to 5.

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On flagships (Xiaomi 13/14, Mix Fold), the multitasking menu runs on the HyperOS base, which gives a performance increase of up to 20% with frequent switching between tasks.

Problems with the multitasking menu and their solutions

Sometimes the Xiaomi multitasking menu gets glitzy, doesn't open, slows down, or shows a blank list, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI You've lost your multitasking gestures, don't rush to drop your phone. First, check if your settings have gone wrong. → System system → Gestures → Resetting gestures.

• 🔄 Menu does not open with swipe: Check if One Hand mode is enabled in Settings → Additionally. → One-handed control. reinstall Launcher (for example, download the official one-handed version). APK From Xiaomi. disable all third-party themes in Settings → Themes – They may conflict with system gestures.
• ⏳ Lags when switching between applications: Clear the system cache in Settings → Memory. → Clean up. Turn off animations in Settings. → For developers → Animation scale (select "No animation"). Check if the processor is overheating (use the app). CPU Monitor).
• 📱 Apps disappear from multitasking list: Add them to exceptions in Settings → Battery → Battery optimization. Turn off the "RAM Cleanup When Locked" function in Settings → Lock screen → Also, check if you have Greenify or other SEOs installed, which can force you to close tasks.

If nothing helps, try resetting Launcher:

adb shell pm clear com.miui.home

This command will reset the home screen and multitasking menu to factory settings (app data is not affected).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially Chinese) may lose Russian after the Launcher is reset. To return it, reinstall the region to Settings → Additionally. → Language and region.

How to Restore the Old Multitasking Menu on Newer MIUI Versions

Many users complain that after upgrading to MIUI 14 or 15, the multitasking menu became uncomfortable: app cards disappeared, unnecessary animations appeared, or swipe became less responsive. Fortunately, there are ways to bring back the old style:

1. Through the theme settings: Go to Settings → Themes. Select a classic theme (e.g. MIUI 12 Classic). Reboot your phone - sometimes this brings back the old menu.

Through ADB (for advanced users):

adb shell settings put global force_fullscreen_recent true

This command forcibly includes full-screen mode for the multitasking menu (as in MIUI 12).

Through a third-party launcher:

• Install Nova Launcher or Lawnchair.
• In the launcher settings, select the Android 10/11 style.
• Assign the launcher as default launcher in Settings → Applications → By default.

If you use Xiaomi.eu (custom firmware), then the developer settings have the option Old Recent Menu – it immediately returns the design of the multitasking menu from MIUI 11.

Hidden chips of the multitasking menu that you didn’t know about

Even Xiaomi’s experienced users are often unaware of the hidden possibilities of the multitasking menu.

• 🔍 Search for text in apps: In the multitasking menu, swipe down the screen and the search bar will appear. Here you can search not only the names of applications, but also the text inside them (works for Chrome, Telegram, Notes).
• 📎 App attachment: Hold the app icon in the multitasking menu and select "Anchor." It won't close when you press "Clear all." Useful for navigators or players.
• 🖥️ DeX mode (for flagships only): On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Mix Fold 3, you can turn the multitasking menu into a full desktop interface. USB-C → HDMI Hold the multitasking button for 3 seconds.
• 🔋 Battery savings: In the multitasking menu, swipe left on the app card and the menu with the option "Optimize" will appear.

The Xiaomi Pad 6 has a unique feature called Multitasking 2.0, which allows you to:

• Open up to 4 apps at a time in floating windows.
• Save groups of applications (e.g. Word + Excel + Chrome) for quick launch.
• Use gestures to drag and drop content between windows (e.g., move text from Notes to Telegram).