Smartphone owners often face the challenge of doing multiple things at once, without switching between apps indefinitely. The floating windows feature on Xiaomi devices solves this problem by allowing programs to run on top of the main screen, especially for those who are used to multitasking on a computer and want to bring this experience to the mobile environment.
Many users are unaware that their gadget is capable of more than just standard tab switching. The built-in MIUI mechanism provides powerful tools for managing windows that are hidden by default or require activation in the developer menu. Understanding the principles of this system will open up new horizons for your smartphone.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what floating windows are, how they differ from conventional split screen and how to set them up correctly. You will learn to create comfortable workspaces right on the display of your Xiaomi, improving the efficiency of working with instant messengers, videos and documents.
⚠️ Warning: Floating windows consume more RAM. On models with less than 4GB of RAM, activating too many windows can force background applications to close.
What are floating windows and how do they differ from split screen
A floating window is an application interface that appears on top of other running programs as a separate, moveable unit. Unlike the classic split-screen, where two applications divide the display in half, floating mode allows the window to have an arbitrary size and position, which gives the user flexibility not available in a standard split screen.
The main advantage is that you can interact with content without losing sight of the main application. For example, you can watch a video on YouTube or chat on Telegram while browsing through the social network tape or working with the browser. MIUI This is done through a special window management service.
It's important to understand the difference between modes. Screen splitting rigidly locks apps into specific zones, whereas a floating window behaves like a widget. It can be rolled up into a small icon, stretched out onto the full screen, or moved to a convenient angle. This multitasking is especially useful on tablets and smartphones with large diagonals.
- 📱 Freedom of movement: You can drag a window across the screen, placing it on top of any content.
- 🔄 Scalability: It is easy to resize a window by pulling a corner, adjusting it to the current task.
- ⚡ Fast access: The floating window can be quickly rolled into the sidebar or completely closed with a single touch.
How to Enable Developer Mode for Extended Features
To gain full control of windows, you often need to activate hidden system settings. The standard interface can limit some functions, so the first step is to enter developer mode. It is a safe procedure that does not affect the device's warranty, but requires care when changing parameters.
To activate the desired mode, go to your smartphone settings and find the item About Phone. There you need to quickly click on the version of MIUI seven times. After the notification that you have become a developer, a new section Additional or Advanced Settings will appear in the settings menu.
In the open menu, you should scroll down to the window management section for developers, find Forced Size Activities or Always Scale Modes, and activate these switches to allow the system to correctly display applications that are not initially optimized for floating mode.
☑️ Pre-activation check
⚠️ Warning: Do not change the settings in the "Developers" section unless you are sure of their purpose. Incorrect settings can lead to unstable interface operation or cyclical restart of the device.
Instructions for launching applications in floating mode
There are several ways to run an application as a floating window, and the choice of method depends on the version of MIUI and the type of application. The easiest way is to use the menu of recent applications. Open the list of running programs, click and hold the icon of the desired application, then select Floating window.
The second method involves using the sidebar. If you have Sidebar enabled in the special feature settings, you can swipe it from the edge of the screen. In the list, pin frequently used applications, and then just drag them to the screen, where they automatically open in floating mode.
The third way is for some versions of the system and for specific applications: When you open the program in full screen, swipe from the bottom up and hold your finger in the center to open the window control menu. Here you can select the option Floating window. This method requires a certain skill, but is the fastest after training.
What to do if the application is closed?
Windows Management: Moving, Scaling and Securing
Once you run an application in floating mode, you can interact with it in a variety of ways. The top of the window usually contains a control panel that allows you to roll the application into a small icon, deploy it to the full screen or close it.
To change the size, you have to pull at one of the corners of the window, and you can choose from a few preset proportions or you can set an arbitrary size, which is especially useful when you're working with a calculator, a calendar, or notes that don't require much space.
You can set up your system so that important floating windows, such as a video call or a navigator, remain on top of other applications even when you go to the menu. To do this, select the option on top of other windows or the same in the floating window settings.
| Action. | Gesture/Team | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Relocation | Swipe on top panel. | The window moves across the screen. |
| Change of size | Pull the corner | Scaling the window |
| Curtailment | Tap the "-" button. | Turning into a mini-icon |
| Closure | Tap "X" button | Complete closure of the annex |
Setting up the sidebar for quick access
The sidebar is one of the most effective tools for working with floating windows on Xiaomi. It allows you to keep a set of frequently used applications that can be instantly deployed to float mode. To customize, go to Settings → Special Features → Sidebar.
In the settings menu, activate the Sidebar switch. Next, click on the App to select which programs will appear in the list. You can add messengers, a calculator, a voice recorder or a browser. Once set up, the panel will be called by a swipe from the edge of the screen in the area where it is activated.
The convenience is that you can drag and drop apps from the dashboard directly onto the content, so for example, when you're in the browser, you can pull the calculator out of the dashboard and do the calculations without interrupting the article, and this creates the effect of a real multi-window operating system on a mobile device.
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For quick call of the sidebar in horizontal mode (games, videos), configure its activation in landscape mode separately so as not to interfere with the gameplay by accidental touches.
Compatibility issues and work optimization
Not all applications are properly floating. Some programs, especially games and applications with a unique interface, may not display correctly, overlap with other elements or fly out, because developers do not always provide for the possibility of running their software in the window.
To solve the display problems, you can try changing the zoom settings for a particular application. In developer mode, find Forced Activity Size and select a resolution close to the standard for a mobile device.
If floating windows are slow or cause lags, check your energy saving settings. Energy saving mode may limit background activity of floating windows. Switch the performance profile to Balanced or Performance for stable multitasking.
⚠️ Note: When using navigation apps (maps) in floating mode, make sure that GPS-the module is activated and has access to the location, otherwise the window may show a connection error.
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The stability of the floating windows depends on the amount of free RAM and optimization of a particular application by the developer.