How to Download and Install Floating Windows Like on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

What are floating windows on Xiaomi and why do you need them?

Floating windows (or Mini Windows) is a proprietary MIUI feature that allows you to open apps in small windows on top of the main interface. For example, you can simultaneously watch YouTube videos, chat in the messenger and check email — all on one screen. This technology is based on the multi-window mechanism, but is implemented more flexibly than the standard split-screen mode in Android.

On Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, floating windows are swiped down the app icon in the recent task menu. However, on stock Android or other brands, this feature is not available. Fortunately, it can be emulated with third-party apps or manual system setup. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from simple to advanced, including hidden MIUI settings for Xiaomi owners.

Method 1: Using the application "Floating Windows for Android"

The easiest method is to install a dedicated app from Google Play, one of the best solutions is Floating Apps (formerly known as Floating Windows for Android), which supports most popular applications and allows you to adjust the size, transparency and position of windows.

How to determine:

• 📥 Download Floating Apps from Google Play (free version with ads or paid Pro version).
• 🔧 Once installed, open the app and provide all the necessary permissions (including Overlaying on top of other apps in Android settings).
• ➕ Add the apps you need to the list of “Floating” through the Add App menu.
• 🎯 Run a swipe floating window on notification or through a widget on the home screen.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ It works on any Android smartphone (including Samsung, Honor, Realme).
• ✅ Supports multimedia (YouTube, Netflix), instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) and even games.
• ✅ Flexible size and transparency settings for windows.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, EMUI Huawei says the app may not work as well because of the manufacturer's limitations, and then try alternatives like Island or Shelf.

Method 2: Activate hidden floating windows in MIUI (for Xiaomi)

If you have a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, the floating windows are already built into the system, but can be disabled.

1. Open Settings → Special features → Floating windows.
2. Turn on the Floating Windows switch (if not, proceed to step 3).
3. If you don’t have an option, use the activation code: ##6484## After you enter, you will open the hidden MTK Engineer Mode menu, where you can select MultiWindow → Enable Floating Windows.
4. Reset the device.

Now, floating windows will be available in the recent task menu. To open the app in the window, swipe its icon down and select Window or Free Window mode.

⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), code ##6484## may not work. ADB (described below).

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If floating windows don’t open, check if Security blocks them → Permissions → Overlay for system applications.

Method 3: Manual activation via ADB (for power users)

If your smartphone doesn’t support floating windows out of the box, but runs Android 7.0+, They can be included through ADB-This method requires a computer connection and basic terminal knowledge.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC and enable USB Debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About Phone → Assembly Number – tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Developer).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global force_resizable_activities 1 This will force support for floating windows for all applications.
3. To activate the swipe gesture (as on Xiaomi), add: adb shell settings put global swipe_up_to_switch_apps_enabled 1
4. Reset the device.

After that:

• 🔄 To open the app in a floating window, hold its icon in the recent task menu and select Open in the window.
• 📱 On some firmware (for example, ColorOS or One) UI) You will need additional configuration via Tasker or MacroDroid.

⚠️ Note: Not all applications work properly in floating windows after ADB-For example, Instagram or TikTok can block video playback. It is better to use specialized applications for them (see Method 1).

Method 4: Alternative launchers with floating window support

Some third-party launchers (Android shells) have built-in floating window support, such as:

• 🌐 Microsoft Launcher – allows you to open applications in small windows through a swipe gesture on the dock panel.
• 📱 Nova Launcher + TeslaUnread plugin – supports floating widgets and mini-windows for notifications.
• 🔄 POCO Launcher – has a built-in floating window function (even on the-Xiaomi device).

How to set up in POCO Launcher:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play.
2. Set it as a default launcher.
3. Go to the launcher settings → Additional → Floating windows.
4. Turn on the option and set up gestures for the call.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Does not require root rights or ADB.
• ✅ It works on most Android devices (including Samsung, OnePlus, Nokia).
• ✅ It can be combined with other launcher functions (e.g., double tap for sleep).

Make sure that the device has enough memory (at least 1 GB is free)

Turn off battery optimization for launcher in Settings → Applications → POCO Launcher → Battery

Backup your home screen (via Launcher Settings → Backup)

Reboot the smartphone after installation-->

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Each method has its pros and cons, and here is a comparison table to help you choose:

Important: On Android 12+ and Dynamic You devices, floating windows through ADB can conflict with system animations, in which case use the Floating Apps app or launcher.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When using floating windows, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🚫 Windows won't open: Check if permission is enabled Overlay over other apps for the app (in Android settings).Reboot the device - sometimes the system locks windows after updating.
• 🔄 Apps brake in window: Close background processes through Settings → Annexes → Turn off animations in Settings. → For developers → Scale of window animation (off.).
• 📵 No sound in the floating window: Check if the sound for a particular application is turned off in Settings → Sound. → Notifications. Use headphones - some apps (like Netflix) block sound on speakers in floating windows.

If the problem persists, try:

1. Clear the app cache (Settings → Apps → [Title] → Memory → Clear the cache).
2. Update the floating window app to the latest version.
3. Reset the launcher settings (if you use a third-party shell).

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Before resetting or uninstalling an application, export its configuration (if you have one), which will save you time to reconfigure.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions