FreeForm on Xiaomi: what kind of program is it, how to turn it on and use it

If you are the owner of a Xiaomi smartphone and notice the mysterious name FreeForm in the list of applications, then do not rush to remove it as unnecessary. MIUI, Unlike standard split-screen, FreeForm allows you to run applications in floating windows of arbitrary size — almost like a desktop PC.

The feature appeared in Android 7.0 Nougat, but Xiaomi adapted it for its devices taking into account the features of the new model. MIUI. However, not all users are aware of its existence – after all, by default, FreeForm is hidden in the developer settings. In this article, we will discuss what FreeForm is on Xiaomi, how to activate it, what applications support window mode, and why this feature can be more useful than standard split screen.

What is FreeForm and why is it needed in Xiaomi?

FreeForm (or free form) is a multitasking mode that allows you to open applications in floating windows with the ability to change their size and position on the screen, 1/2 + 1/2 or 1/3 + 2/3), Here, the windows are not tied to a rigid grid and can overlap on each other.

The main advantages of FreeForm on Xiaomi:

• 📱 Flexibility: Windows can be stretched, compressed and moved as you like – almost like Windows.
• 🔄 Multitasking: Working with 3-4 apps at the same time (e.g. chatting) + browser + note-book).
• 🎯 Convenience: You don’t have to constantly switch between full-screen applications.
• 🔒 Compatibility: Works even with programs that do not support standard split screen.

However, there are limitations, such as not all apps are properly displayed in window mode (especially games and some instant messengers), and weak Xiaomi smartphones (such as Redmi). 9A POCO C31) FreeForm may slow down due to a lack of RAM.

How to enable FreeForm on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

By default, the FreeForm function is disabled in MIUI. To activate it, you need to:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap it 7 times in a row until you become a developer!.
2. Activate FreeForm: Go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers (or Advanced settings) → Developers on new versions MIUI). Find the option Enable Free Form and transfer the slider to the On position..
3. Reboot the device: Once activated, it is recommended to restart the smartphone so that the changes take effect.

Enable the developer mode|Find the FreeForm option in the settings|Activate the slider|Reboot your smartphone-->

If there is no FreeForm item in the developer menu, then your version is the same. MIUI In this case, you can try to update the firmware or use alternative methods (we will discuss them below).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi) 9T) When FreeForm is enabled, the standard screen splitting may disappear. To return it, turn off FreeForm and restart the device.

How to use FreeForm: Launching applications in windows

After activating FreeForm, you can launch the application in window mode in several ways:

• 📌 Through the recent menu: Open the app, then click on the square button (recent menu). Hold your finger on the app icon and select Free Form (or Window).
• 🔘 Through the notification bar: Deploy the notification curtain, find the FreeForm tile (if it's not available, add it manually) and tap it. After that, any open application will run in the window.
• 🤏 Gesture: On some firmware, you can swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger to open the app in the window.

Managing windows in FreeForm:

If the window is stuck or does not respond to touch, try closing it through the menu of recent or reboot your smartphone. In rare cases, FreeForm may conflict with some applications (for example, TikTok or other apps). PUBG Mobile, causing them to crash.

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To quickly roll all FreeForm windows, hold the Home button (or swipe up and hold on your gesture smartphones).

What apps support FreeForm on Xiaomi

In theory, FreeForm should work with all applications, but in practice, many programs are either not optimized for window mode or block its launch. Here is a list of application categories that usually work well in FreeForm:

• 💬 Messengers: Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber (but there may be problems with the keyboard).
• 🌐 Browsers: Chrome, Mi Browser, Firefox (best suited for browsing the web in a window).
• 📝 Office applications: Google Docs, WPS Office, Microsoft Word (comfortable for working with documents).
• 📁 File Manager: Mi File Manager, Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer.
• 🎵 Music players: Spotify, YouTube Music, Mi Music (you can listen to music in the background window).

Here are the apps that most often refuse to work in FreeForm:

• 🎮 Games: PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, Genshin Impact (block window mode due to cheat protection).
• 📺 Streaming services: Netflix, Disney+, Twitch (may cause an error) DRM).
• 📸 Camera and Gallery: Camera and Gallery system apps often don't support FreeForm.
• 🔒 Banking applications: SberBank Online, Tinkoff (blocked for security reasons).

If the app doesn’t start in the window, try:

1. Update it to the latest version.
2. Clear the cache (Settings → Apps → [name] → Clear the cache).
3. Enable the option to Change the size in the developer settings.

FreeForm vs. Standard Screen Sharing: Which Is Better

Many Xiaomi users confuse FreeForm with the standard split screen, which are actually two different multitasking modes, each with its own pros and cons.

The choice between FreeForm and split-screen depends on your goals:

• 📊 FreeForm is suitable if: you need to work with multiple documents, chats and a browser at the same time (for example, copy data from one window to another).
• 🎬 Split screen is better if you watch videos and chat in parallel, or use two fixed-separation apps (e.g. Google Maps). + Telegram).

⚠️ Note: On smartphones Xiaomi with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 12 or Redmi) K50) Long-term use of FreeForm can cause pixels to burn out due to static interface elements (window frames, toolbars.

FreeForm Issues on Xiaomi and How to Solve Them

Despite its convenience, FreeForm on Xiaomi sometimes runs insecurely, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Windows will spontaneously close: Check if the power saving mode is turned on (Settings) → Battery → Power saving mode. Turn it off or add FreeForm to exceptions.
• 🖥️ Apps don’t open in windows: Make sure the developer settings include the option to Force free form (if any in your version) MIUI).
• 🐢 Lags and Brakes: Close background apps through Settings → Annexes → Clean. If the problem persists, try turning off animation in the developer settings (Window animation scale) = Off.).
• 🚫 No FreeForm option in the developer menu: This means your version MIUI Try updating the firmware or installing custom software (e.g. Xiaomi.EU).

If the standard split-screen is missing after FreeForm is turned on, return it as follows:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the MIUI (or Launcher) system interface.
3. Choose Clear Data and restart your smartphone.

On some firmware (e.g, MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 10 Pro FreeForm can conflict with navigation gestures. In this case, try to switch to navigation buttons (Settings) → Screen. → Navigation buttons).

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If FreeForm is unstable, check for updates first. MIUI. Frequently, bugs are fixed in new firmware versions.

FreeForm Alternatives on Xiaomi: What to Use If the Feature Doesn't Work

If your Xiaomi smartphone does not support FreeForm or it works with errors, you can use alternative solutions:

• 🔧 Floating Apps: Download the Floating Apps Free app from Google Play, which allows you to run any program in floating windows, even if they do not support FreeForm.

If you choose Floating Apps, please note that:

• The free version has restrictions (such as advertising and window limit).
• Some system applications (such as Settings or Camera) may not open in windows.
• To work, you need Overlay rights over other applications (Settings) → Special facilities → Overlay).

For advanced users, there is another option – the use of ADB-commands to enforce free form:

adb shell settings put global enable_freeform_support 1

However, this method requires debugging of USB This can lead to unstable operation of the system.

FAQ: Frequent questions about FreeForm on Xiaomi