Why Xiaomi removed the split screen in MIUI: official reasons and workarounds

Split-screen has long been one of the key benefits of Xiaomi’s MIUI shell, allowing users to work with two apps simultaneously — like watching YouTube videos and texting to Telegram, or comparing prices in the browser and online shopping cart. However, in recent firmware versions, many owners of Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi smartphones noticed that the option had disappeared from the menu. Why did this happen — and can it be returned?

In this article, we will analyze the official statements of the company, the technical reasons for removing the feature, and also consider alternative ways to run multiwindow mode on modern devices. MIUI 14 and HyperOS, and explain how to get around the restrictions through ADB, hidden settings or third-party utilities.

Xiaomi’s official position: why the split screen was removed

Xiaomi has never explicitly answered the question of removing the feature, but the developer documents and brand comments have been missing key reasons, most notably performance optimization on budget and mid-budget devices, because the two applications require significant RAM and CPU resources to work simultaneously, leading to:

• 🔋 Increased power consumption (up to 15-20% additional battery consumption in multi-window mode).
• 🐢 Slowing down the interface, especially on smartphones with 4-6 GB of RAM.
• 🔄 Frequent reboots of applications due to lack of memory (the system kills background processes).

The second reason is the simplification of the user interface for the mass user: according to Xiaomi statistics, less than 5% of owners actively used split screen, while most complained about the complexity of the configuration and random activation of the mode. In MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the company relied on floating windows as a more versatile alternative.

⚠️ Note: On flagship models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro) split screen function may be retained, but implementation depends on regional firmware. MIUI The option is more often absent than in Chinese.

Xiaomi models have lost screen split

The feature was removed mainly for devices released after 2021, as well as those that received an update to MIUI 14 or HyperOS. Below is a table with models where the split screen officially disappeared (data based on user reports and firmware tests):

The exceptions are flagship devices (Xiaomi 13/14 series, MIX Fold) and some models for the Chinese market, where the function can be stored in a hidden form, and split screen remains available on Xiaomi Pad 5/6 tablets, as multitasking is critical for them.

Technical reasons: why the function interfered with the system

Beyond the official statements, there are technical nuances that Xiaomi could have given up splitting the screen, with the main problem being the conflict with modern Android standards and Google's policies:

1. Android 12+ Restrictions: Google has tightened multi-window requirements since Android 12, requiring manufacturers to ensure that apps run in a separate form, and many apps (such as Instagram or TikTok) block this mode by default, leading to errors.
2. Driver problems: On Qualcomm Snapdragon 6- and 7-series chips (used in most Redmi/POCO), the Adreno graphics accelerator drivers do not always correctly handle two simultaneously active windows, causing artifacts or hangings.
3. Gesture conflict: In MIUI, navigation is based on gestures, and splitting the screen requires separate control logic (e.g. swipe from the bottom edge to switch between windows), which complicates UX and increases the number of bugs.

Critical detail: In internal tests, Xiaomi found that on devices with a screen resolution above FHD+ (2400×1080), window separation leads to an increase in interface response time of 20-30 ms, which is noticeable to the user, which was one of the reasons why the feature disappeared even on some flagships.

How to return split screen: 4 working ways

If you're used to multitasking, don't despair: there are a few ways to bring back a feature, even if it's hidden in the firmware. Let's look at them in terms of complexity, from the simplest to the most advanced.

1. Activation through hidden settings (no root)

Some devices have the option hidden away, so you can turn it on.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the line version of MIUI to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the Allow Screen Split (or Force Split-screen) option and turn it on.

If there is no point, move on to the next method.

2. Use of floating windows (alternative)

MIUI 14 and HyperOS have instead of the classic split screen, floating windows to activate them.

1. Open multitasking (swipe up with a delay).
2. Click on the app icon and select the window (or Floating window).
3. The window will shrink and it can be dragged around the screen.

The downside is that not all apps support this mode (e.g., Google Maps or Chrome may refuse to open in a floating window).

3. ADB-forced-inclusion

For advanced users, there is a way to enable screen splitting via ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB.
• 📱 Developer mode enabled and debugging by USB smartphone.
• 🔌 USB-Type C cable.

Instructions:

adb shell settings put global force_split_screen true


adb shell settings put global force_resizeable_activities true

After you execute the commands, restart the device. If the feature does not appear, try manually running the mode through Recent Apps (press the app icon and select Split screen if the option appears).

⚠️ Note: On some HyperOS firmware, these commands may cause a system interface to crash. Before experimenting, back up your data via Settings → Google → Backup.

Third-party applications (requires caution)

Google Play has utilities that emulate split screen, such as:

• Split Screen Launcher – creates shortcuts to run a pair of applications in split mode.
• Multi Window Mode – works on the Accessibility Service, but may conflict with MIUI.

Risks of use:

• 🛡️ Security breach – some applications require accessibility rights, which is dangerous.
• 🔄 Unstable work - possible departures or hangings.
• 🚫 Lockdown MIUI — The system can recognize the application as malicious and block it.

Install ADB drivers on PC

Enable debugging by USB on a smartphone

Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable

Check the connection with the team `adb devices`

Create a backup copy of the data-->

Why some Xiaomis still have split screens

If you see that someone’s Xiaomi or POCO feature is available and yours isn’t, the reasons may be as follows:

Also, it should be borne in mind that on devices with dynamic RAM (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with RAM Expansion technology), the function can automatically turn off when there is a lack of memory, in which case only rebooting or cleaning the background processes will help.

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If you’re using the Xiaomi Pad 5/6, try activating split screen via Settings → Screen → Multi-window. On tablets, the feature is often saved even after updates.

Alternatives to split screen: what Xiaomi offers instead

Instead of the classic separation, Xiaomi is pushing other multitasking tools, and let’s look at their pros and cons:

• 🪟 Floating Windows: Pros: Works on almost all applications, you can change the size of the window. Cons: inconvenient for long work (for example, typing), windows can close accidentally.
• 📱 Dual Apps: Pros: allows you to run two accounts of the same app (for example, two WhatsApp.
• 🔄 Quick switching between apps: Pros: Swipe on the bottom bar allows you to instantly jump between the last two apps Cons: not suitable for viewing content at the same time.

Xiaomi Pad owners also have a Desktop Mode that converts the interface to a Windows-like free window experience, activated via Settings → Connected Devices → Desktop Mode (requires a monitor or TV connection).

The Future of Multitasking in HyperOS: What to Expect

With the transition to the new HyperOS shell (debuted in late 2023), Xiaomi promises to rethink its approach to multitasking, according to insiders, future updates may include:

• 🖥️ Flexible multi-windows – the ability to split the screen into 3-4 parts (like on Samsung DeX).
• 🤖 AI optimization – the system will automatically allocate resources between windows depending on the task.
• 🎮 Game mode with overlays – for example, chat Discord over the game.

However, these features are still in testing, and in the first builds of HyperOS (1.0-1.1), screen splitting is still absent on most devices except flagships and tablets.

FAQ: Frequent questions about splitting the screen on Xiaomi

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Floating windows in MIUI 14/HyperOS are not a complete replacement for split screen, but the most stable way to multitask on modern Xiaomi devices.