How to open two apps at once on Xiaomi: all ways to multitask in MIUI

Multitasking on Xiaomi smartphones has long ceased to be exotic — modern models based on MIUI support simultaneous work with multiple applications through a split screen, floating windows and even hidden modes for gamers. However, not all users know how to activate these functions: in some firmware they are hidden in the depths of settings, and on budget models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) may not be at all.

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to run two applications simultaneously, from a standard split screen to little-known tricks with ADB and third-party launchers. We will separately focus on the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and popular models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5). If your smartphone does not support multi-window out of the box, it’s no problem: we will show you how to circumvent restrictions without root rights.

1. Standard split screen (Split Screen) in MIUI

The most obvious and versatile way is the built-in split-screen mode, which works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 9 and newer, but the path to activation may vary depending on the firmware version. The basic requirement is that both applications must support arbitrary window scale (this restriction is only circumvented through ADB, see section 5).

To activate the regime:

• 📱 Open the first app (for example, YouTube).
• 👆 Swipe your finger from the bottom up and hold it – the menu of recent apps will open.
• 🔄 Click on the app icon and select Split Screen (or Split Screen in Global Firmware).
• 📲 Select the second app from the list below.

If you don't have split screen, you've disabled the function in the settings to activate it.

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Split screen mode.
2. Turn on the slider Allow split screen.
3. If necessary, add the application to the whitelist (some system utilities, such as Settings, may be blocked).

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If the split screen doesn’t work in a horizontal orientation, try turning your smartphone – some apps (like Google Maps) require portrait mode to activate the multi-window.

2.Floating windows (Mini Windows) - an alternative to split screen

If split screens seem uncomfortable, try floating windows, miniature versions of apps that can be moved around the screen, which is not supported by all programs, but it is ideal for instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) or players (Spotify, VLC).

How to turn on floating windows:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Floating windows.
• 🔄 Enable the slider Allow floating windows.
• 📋 Add the apps you want to list (like Chrome or Google Keep).

Now, to open the app in a floating window:

1. Open the recent app menu (swipe bottom up with a delay).
2. Click on the app icon and select Floating Window.
3. Adjust the size of the window by pulling around the corners.

An important caveat: on models with MIUI 13/14, floating windows can conflict with navigation gestures. If the window does not move, turn off Full-screen gestures in Settings → Display → Navigation on the system.

3. Multi-window for games: Game Turbo mode

Owners of POCO and Black Shark smartphones (as well as Xiaomi’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset) can use the floating window game mode, which allows you to run PUBG Mobile in the main window, for example, and open Discord or YouTube on the top for streaming.

How to activate:

• 🎮 Open Game Turbo (Icon in the App Menu or through Settings) → Additionally. → Game Turbo).
• 🔧 Enable the option of Floating Windows for games.
• ⚙️ In the mode settings, add the desired applications (for example, Twitch or Messenger).

Now, as you play, swipe down from the top right corner and a floating window panel will appear. Note: this mode is very loading on the processor and can lead to overheating on budget models (Redmi 10A, POCO M4 Pro).

4. Hidden MIUI functions: gestures for multi-window

MIUI 12.5 and later have undocumented gestures for quick switching between windows, which don’t work on all models, but can save time.

If the gestures don't work, check:

1. Are navigation gestures included in Settings → Display?
2. Is the option Smart functions disabled in Settings → More
3. Is the firmware updated to the latest version (new gesture support added to MIUI 14)?

Are navigation gestures enabled in the display settings?

Is the firmware updated to MIUI 12.5+?

Are “Smart Features” disabled in additional settings?

Does the model support hidden gestures (see table above)?-->

5. ADB-commands for forced multi-window switching

If your Xiaomi doesn’t support split screen or floating windows, you can force these features to activate via ADB. This method works on most MIUI 10+ devices, but requires a connection to a computer.

Instructions:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click on the version, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and do the following at the terminal:

adb shell settings put global force_resizable_activities 1


adb shell settings put global enable_freeform_support 1

After the device has been restarted:

• 🔄 The split screen will be available for all applications, even those that did not support it.
• 📱 Floating windows can be created using adb shell am start -n com.android.systemui/.recents.RecentsActivity.

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ADB-The commands are reset after you reset or update your firmware. To return the multi-window, repeat the procedure.

Warning:

⚠️ Warning: Forced multi-window activation may cause some applications to work unstable (e.g., banking or banking applications). DRM-On models with 2GB of RAM (Redmi) 8A, POCO C31) possible hanging.

6. Third-party launchers with multi-window support

If the built-in MIUI features don't suit, you can use alternative launchers with advanced multitasking.

• 🌐 Nova Launcher + TeslaUnread module (allows you to create floating widgets on top of applications).
• 🔄 Microsoft Launcher (built-in split-screen support for office applications).
• 🎮 POCO Launcher (optimized for gamers, supports fast gestures for multi-window).

How to set up multi-window in Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Go to Settings Nova → Gestures and inputs → Double touch.
3. Set the Split screen action to double tap the home screen.
4. For floating windows, use the TeslaUnread widget (configure via Additional Settings → Floating Panels).

Third-party launchers have the advantage of flexibility: you can adjust window size, transparency, gestures, and even tie multi-windows to specific applications, but note that some features (such as Game Turbo) will not be available.

7. The Limitations and Challenges of Multitasking on Xiaomi

Despite the flexibility of MIUI, multitasking has a number of limitations that depend on the model and firmware version:

On models with MIUI for Russia (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G) may not support floating windows for some applications due to regional restrictions, in which case, changing the firmware region to Global or EEA will help (but this voids the warranty!).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with MediaTek (Redmi) processor 10C, POCO M5) Enable the multi-window through ADB It can cause graphic artifacts in games. Check compatibility before using it!

FAQ: Frequent questions about multitasking on Xiaomi