How to split the screen on Xiaomi phone: all ways to activate the multi-window

Xiaomi’s split-screen feature on smartphones allows you to work with two apps simultaneously — for example, chatting in a messenger and watching videos, or copying text from the browser into notes. This feature is available on most devices with a MIUI shell, but its implementation depends on the firmware version and phone model. In older versions of the interface, multi-windows were turned on through gestures, and in newer versions – through a special menu or quick settings panel.

Many users are unaware of the existence of this feature or have difficulty activating it. For example, on some Redmi and POCO models, the multi-window mode is disabled by default in the developer settings. Others complain that after the MIUI 14 update, the split screen stopped working. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to enable the function, and also explain how to fix typical problems.

If you use your phone for multitasking, splitting the screen is a real lifesaver, especially for owners of devices with large displays, such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+, where two applications can fit simultaneously without losing convenience. But even on compact models like the POCO X5, you can customize the function to your needs.

How to split the screen on Xiaomi: official methods

Depending on the MIUI version and the phone model, there are three main ways to activate the multi-window, the first and most versatile is through the Quick Settings Panel, which works on most devices, starting with MIUI 12 and later.

To split the screen through the notification curtain:

1. Open the first application you want to use in the multi-window.
2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
3. Find the Screen Split icon (usually two rectangles) and tap it.
4. Select the second app from the list of recently opened ones or find it through a search.

If the icon is not in the curtain, it can be added manually:

1. Open the notification panel and tap on the pencil icon (edit).
2. Find the "Share Partition" list and drag it to the active area.
3. Save the changes.

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50), the feature may be called Multiwindow or Split screen. If the icon is not available even after editing, try alternative methods.

Activation through gestures (for MIUI 13 and older)

Newer versions of MIUI now allow you to turn on the multi-window with a gesture, which is more convenient than finding an icon in a curtain, but requires pre-tuning.

To activate the split screen with a gesture:

1. Open the first appendix.
2. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger on the screen (as when you open the menu of recent apps).
3. Without letting go of your finger, pull the app icon upwards and the prompt “Move here for split screen” will appear.
4. Release your finger when the top of the screen is lit.
5. Select the second app from the list.

If the gesture does not work, check the settings:

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Gesture Management.
2. Make sure the "Share-Share" option is enabled.
3. If necessary, activate it and restart the phone.

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On some models (e.g. POCO F4), the gesture only works if the full-screen mode for applications is turned off in the settings. Check this in Settings → Screen → Full-screen mode.

Splitting the screen through the developer settings

On devices with older MIUI (up to 12th) or some Redmi models, the multi-window function may be hidden, in which case it must be enabled through the developer settings.

Instructions for activation:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times until the notification “You’ve become a developer!” appears.
3. Return to the basic settings and open a new Settings section → Additional → For developers.
4. Find the option “Enable multi-window” (or “Force enable split-screen”) and activate it.
5. Reboot the phone.

After that, the function should appear in the notification curtain or be available through gestures. If the option is not in the developer settings, then your model does not support the software enabled multi-window.

Enable the developer mode (7 taps according to MIUI)

Check for the option "Enable multi-window" in the developer settings

Reboot your phone after the changes

Update MIUI Up to the latest version if the function is not working)-->

Why is it that Xiaomi’s screen split doesn’t work?

If you have completed all the steps, but the multi-window is still not activated, the problem may lie in one of the following factors:

• 📱 An outdated version MIUI — firmware MIUI 10 The function may be missing or not running. Update the system to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔧 Developer settings disabled - after a phone reset or update, the developer mode may deactivate.
• 🚫 Manufacturer restrictions – some budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) Do not support multiwindows due to weak iron.
• 🔒 Application locking – some programs (such as games or banking apps) may prevent screen splitting for security reasons.

Another common reason is a conflict with shells from third-party vendors. If you use a launcher like Nova Launcher or HyperOS (on new devices), try temporarily switching to a standard MIUI launcher and try again.

Alternative methods for devices without multi-window

If your smartphone doesn't support built-in split screen, you can use third-party solutions, and one of the most reliable is Google Play's "Split Screen Launcher," which emulates multi-window functionality even on devices with 1GB of RAM.

How to set up a third-party multi-window:

1. Download and install Split Screen Launcher.
2. Open the application and provide all the permissions requested (including Overlaying Other Windows).
3. Select the first application from the list and click "Open in split screen".
4. Repeat the step for the second application.
5. Set the window size with a dividing strip.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ It works on any device, including Redmi Go and other weak models.
• ✅ Allows you to save pairs of applications for quick access.
• ✅ Supports horizontal and vertical separation.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Possible lags on devices with a small amount of RAM.
• ⚠️ Some system applications (e.g. settings) may not open.

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The multi-window app side is a good alternative, but they consume more RAM and may conflict with the MIUI shell. Use them only if the built-in feature is not available.

Setup split screen: tips and tricks

Once multi-window is up and running, you can adapt it to your needs. Here are some useful tips:

• 🔄 Resize windows – pull the dividing strip up or down to enlarge one of the windows. Some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro) support arbitrary change in proportions.
• 🔒 App fixation – Hold the app icon in the multi-window to anchor it. this will prevent accidental closure.
• 📱 Quick exit – to close the multi-window, pull the dividing strip to the edge of the screen or swipe down from the top edge.
• 🎵 Sound from one source – by default, sound is played only from an active window. To hear both applications (such as video and music), turn on the option "Duplicate audio" in the developer settings.

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the Floating Window feature has been introduced, allowing applications to be opened in small, rectangular windows on top of the main screen, which is convenient for instant messengers or players, but does not replace a full multi-window.

If you often use the same pairs of apps (like YouTube + Telegram), create a shortcut on your desktop:

1. Activate the multi-window with the desired applications.
2. Press and hold the dividing strip.
3. In the menu that appears, select "Save as a shortcut".

Multi-window compatibility table by Xiaomi models

Below is a current update on support for splitting screen on popular devices, based on the latest versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS (for newer models).

If your model is not in the table, check the support for multi-window experimentally or check the information on the official forum Xiaomi.

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new shell for global models), the multi-window interface may differ. In some cases, activation requires you to hold the application icon in the menu of recent tasks and select Open in split form".

Frequent questions about splitting the screen on Xiaomi

If none of these methods worked, check if the feature is disabled at the firmware level. In rare cases, the manufacturer can block the multi-window for specific regions or carriers, in which case only flashing to the global or European version of MIUI will help.