Dividing the screen on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: how to turn on and use the multi-window function

Xiaomi Redmi 9A is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but many users do not even realize that it supports split screen (multi-window) mode. This feature allows you to work with two applications simultaneously - for example, chat in the messenger and watch videos, or copy text from the browser into notes. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate a split screen on the Redmi 9A, the nuances of settings and typical errors that interfere with the correct operation of the feature.

It’s important to understand that multi-window capabilities on Xiaomi’s budget models are limited compared to flagships. For example, not all apps support this mode, and some system features (such as viewing a gallery) may not work smoothly. However, even a basic split-screen implementation makes multitasking much easier.

If you've tried to turn this feature on before and you've failed, don't be quick to blame your smartphone. Most often, the problem is the wrong sequence of actions or the developer's settings are disabled. Next, we'll take a look at each step in detail, including hidden options that are not written about in the official instructions.

1. Compatibility Check: Does your Redmi 9A support split screen?

Before you try to activate a multi-window, make sure that your Xiaomi Redmi 9A model supports this feature at all. Even though most devices on MIUI have this option, there are nuances:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: The split screen is available starting with MIUI 9. On Redmi. 9A box-only MIUI 12 or newer, so there should be no problems. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
• 🔄 System Updates: If your smartphone hasn’t been updated in a while, some features (including multi-windows) may not work properly.
• 🛠️ Firmware region: On some custom (unofficial) firmware or regionally specific versions (e.g, MIUI Global vs MIUI China) function may be disabled.

If your Redmi 9A is running MIUI 12+ but the split screen is still not turned on, the problem may lie in the developer’s disabled settings or the limitations of a particular application.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi budget models (including Redmi) 9A) The split-screen function can be blocked for individual applications, such as games or system utilities, and this is done to optimize performance.

Method 2: Standard Inclusion through Multitasking

The easiest and most official way to activate split screen on Xiaomi Redmi 9A is to use the multitasking menu.

1. Open the first app you want to pin to the top of the screen (like YouTube or Chrome).
2. Click on the “Recent Apps” button (the square icon at the bottom of the screen or swipe up and hold it).
3. In the multitasking menu, find the card of the desired application and press it with your finger for 1-2 seconds.
4. In the context menu that appears, select "Split screen" (or "Split screen" if you have English firmware).
5. After that, the screen will split into two parts, and at the bottom you will see a list of compatible applications. Select the second app for the bottom.

If the "Separate Screen" item does not appear, it may mean:

• 🔧 The application does not support multi-window (for example, most games or Settings).
• 📵 The function is disabled in the system settings (solved by including the option in Special Opportunities).
• 🔄 Your version. MIUI outdated (update firmware).

If done correctly, you'll see a black dividing line in the middle of the screen, which you can drag up or down to change the proportions of the windows, and to exit split-screen mode, pull the dividing line to the edge of the screen, or press the home button.

Method 2: Activation through Developer Settings

If the standard method didn't work, it's possible that the split screen function is hidden in the developer's settings, which requires additional manipulation, but often helps in cases where the multi-window "does not want" to turn on.

First, you need to activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row (you will be notified "You became a developer!").
3. Return to the main Settings menu – there will be a new section “For developers”.

Now turn on the forced multi-window mode:

1. Open the Settings. → For developers.
2. Scroll down and find the option “Forced enable split-screen” (or “Force enable split-screen”).
3. Activate the switch and restart the smartphone.

After rebooting, try to turn on the split screen again via the multitasking menu. If that doesn't work, check if the feature is disabled in Special Options:

• Go to Settings → Special features → System settings.
• Make sure that the option "Multi-window" or "Share screen" is enabled.

⚠️ Attention: Enabling the developer mode and changing system parameters can lead to unstable operation of the smartphone. If after activation of the "Forced Multiwindow" applications began to fly out - return the setting to the original state.

Method 3: Use of gestures (for MIUI 12 and later)

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added gesture support for split-screen control, a method that is more convenient than the classic one, since it doesn't require you to open the multitasking menu. Here's how it works:

1. Open the first app (e.g. Telegram).
2. Swipe your finger up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold it to open the menu of recent apps.
3. Without letting go of your finger, pull the app card upwards – the screen will split and a dock with other apps will appear at the bottom.
4. Select the second app for the bottom half of the screen.

If the gestures don’t work, check their settings:

• 👆 Go to Settings. → Display. → Navigation buttons.
• 🔧 Select "Gesturals" MIUI" (If you have buttons, not swipes).
• 🔄 Make sure the split screen option in gestures is enabled.

The Redmi 9A with MIUI 12.5+ also has the ability to quickly switch between windows: swipe your finger on the dividing line left or right to swap applications.

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If you have gestures enabled but the split screen still doesn’t activate, try temporarily switching to the classic navigation buttons (Settings → Display → Navigation buttons → Buttons).

5.What applications support split screen?

Not all programs on the Xiaomi Redmi 9A can run in multi-window mode, but here are the main categories of compatible and incompatible applications:

• ✅ Supporting: 🌐 Browser (Chrome, Mi Browser) 📱 Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) 📝 Office applications (Google Docs, WPS Office) 🎵 Music services (YouTube Music, Spotify) 📺 Video players (YouTube, MX Player)
• ❌ Not supportive: 🎮 Games (PUBG, Free Fire, Genshin Impact) 📷 Camera and gallery (systemic restrictions) 🔧 Some system utilities (Settings, Files) 🏦 Banking applications (for security reasons)

If an application does not support multi-window, when you try to open it in split mode, you will see a notification saying, "This application does not support split screen." This restriction can only be circumvented through the developer settings (the option "Forced Multi-Window"), but this can lead to crashes.

On the Redmi. 9A s MIUI 12.5+ Some applications (like Google Maps) can only work in multi-window mode in portrait orientation, even if the screen is rotated horizontally. MIUI.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even if you did everything right, the split screen on the Redmi 9A may not work properly.

• 🔳 Screen does not divide when swiping up: Check if gestures are included in Settings → Display. → Navigation buttons. If you use buttons, try holding the app icon in the multitasking menu.
• 🔄 The app opens in full screen mode: Some programs (like Instagram) block multi-windows. Try opening them first in normal mode and then deploying them in split screen.
• 📵 Dividing line doesn't move: This is a bug of some versions MIUI. Restart your smartphone or update your firmware. If it doesn't work, reset your display settings (Settings) → Display. → Resetting settings).
• 🔋 Smartphone warms up strongly in multi-window mode: On Xiaomi budget models, the simultaneous operation of two apps loads the processor. Close background programs and reduce screen brightness.

⚠️ Warning: If after activating the split screen, the smartphone began to slow down or fly out of apps, check free RAM. 9A (With 2-3 GB of RAM, multi-windows can run unstablely while running “heavy” programs (for example, Chrome). + YouTube).

If none of the methods helped, try resetting (not to be confused with a full reset to the factory!):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Reset App Settings."
3. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

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On Xiaomi Redmi 9A split screen mode works most stable with "light" applications (messengers, notes, browsers). For resource-intensive tasks (video editing, games), it is better to use full screen mode.

7. Alternative ways to multitask on Redmi 9A

If split screen isn’t right for you for some reason, consider alternative multitasking options:

• 🖥️ Floating windows: Starting with MIUI 12.5, some applications (such as Calculators or Notes) can be opened in small floating windows. To do this, hold the application icon in the multitasking menu and select Open in a floating window".
• 🔄 Quick switching between applications: Double-clicking the "Recent" button (square) quickly switches between the last two programs. It's not a full-fledged multi-window, but it's convenient for copying text or comparing information.
• 📲 App Cloning Mode: If you need to use two accounts of the same messenger (such as WhatsApp), activate Settings → Annexes → Cloning applications, which will allow you to run two copies of the program at the same time.

For advanced users, there is another option - using third-party launchers (for example, Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher), which support their own multi-window mechanisms. 9A This can lead to additional stress on the system.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions