How to run two apps on Xiaomi at the same time: all ways to MIUI 12-15

Simultaneously working with two applications on Xiaomi smartphones saves time and increases productivity – whether it is correspondence in the messenger with parallel video viewing, copying data between programs or comparing information from different sources. However, not all users know that MIUI offers several ways of multitasking, and their set depends on the firmware version and device model.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from the standard split-screen mode (split screen) to hidden functions like floating windows and gestures for quick switching. We will focus on the nuances of settings for different versions of MIUI (12 to 15) and popular series – Redmi Note, POCO, Xiaomi 12/13/14. If you have encountered a multi-window button that disappeared after an update or does not work on your model, here you will find solutions.

1. Standard split screen (split screen)

The most common method is split-screen mode, which is available on most Xiaomi devices running MIUI 12 and later, which allows you to divide the display into two equal or asymmetrical parts, where each will open a separate application.

To activate the split screen:

• 📱 Open the first app (for example, YouTube).
• 👆 Swipe your finger up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold it – the latest app menu will open.
• 🔄 Click on the app icon (not the preview!) and select Split Screen (or Split Screen in English firmware).
• 📲 Select the second app from the list of the latest or from the home screen.

If you don't have Split Screen on the menu, you've turned it off in the settings.

1. Go to Settings → Special Options → Split screen mode.
2. Activate the slider Enable split screen mode.
3. If necessary, add a shortcut for quick access to the Notification Panel.

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On some models (for example, POCO F5), the split screen is turned on by double pressing the Home button (if it is activated in the gesture settings).

Important: Not all apps support this mode, for example, Instagram and some banking programs may block work in a split window for security reasons.

2. Floating windows (Mini Windows)

Floating windows are an alternative to split screens, which allow you to open applications in small resizeable windows on top of the main interface, a feature that is especially convenient for instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) or players (YouTube Music, Spotify).

How to turn on floating windows:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Home screen → Floating windows.
• 🔄 Enable the option to Allow Floating Windows.
• 📌 Add the desired applications to the whitelist (some programs are blocked by default).

Now to open the application in a floating window:

1. Open the latest app menu (swipe up with a delay).
2. Click on the app icon and select Floating Window.
3. Change the size of the window by pulling around the corners, or move it by grabbing the top panel.

On the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and POCO F4 GT, the floating windows support the Picture-in-Picture mode for video, allowing you to view videos in a miniature window while working with other programs.

3.Gesturals for quick switching between applications

If you're uncomfortable with split screens or floating windows, MIUI gestures can help you switch between the last two apps quickly, which doesn't offer full multitasking, but speeds up transitions.

Activation of gestures:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Display. → Navigation gestures.
• 👆 Select Full-screen gestures (if not already activated).
• 🔄 Enable the option Quick switch between applications (swipe left/right on the bottom panel).

Now to switch between the last two programs:

• 👉 Swipe your finger on the bottom edge of the screen to the left – the previous application will open.
• 👈 Swipe right, come back.

On Black Shark and POCO gaming smartphones, there is an additional gesture: double-touching the screen with two fingers opens a quick access panel to the latest apps where you can pin two commonly used ones.

4. hidden function "Dual Apps"

Dual Apps (or “Dual Apps”) is originally designed to clone instant messengers (for example, to use two WhatsApp accounts at once), but it can be adapted to work with two instances of the same app simultaneously – if it supports multi-window.

How to set up Dual Apps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Double Apps.
2. Select an app from a list (such as Telegram or Chrome).
3. Click Create – a second shortcut with an icon in the form of two layers will appear on the main screen.
4. Open both instances and use them in split screen or floating windows.

Limitations:

• ⚠️ Not all apps support cloning (for example, Instagram blocks this feature).
• ⚠️ Dual applications take up extra memory and can slow down the device.
• ⚠️ Some programs (e.g. Google Authenticator) prohibit duplication for security reasons.

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Dual Apps is useful for working with two accounts on social networks or instant messengers, but is not suitable for resource-intensive applications (for example, games or video editors).

5.Using Third-Party Launchers for Multitasking

If standard MIUI features don’t suit you, you can install a third-party launcher with advanced multitasking capabilities, such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, which offer flexible settings for multi-window work.

Advantages of third-party launchers:

• 🎛️ Size and position of floating windows with pixel accuracy.
• 🔄 The ability to tie gestures to running a pair of apps (for example, double tap opens Google Keep and Calendar at the same time).
• 📱 Multi-conference support for applications that block it in standard MIUI.

How to set up multitasking in Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
2. Go to Settings Nova → Gestures and inputs → Gestures.
3. Assign a gesture (e.g., swipe up with two fingers) to the action of the Split screen.
4. Now this gesture will open the menu of selection of applications for the split screen.

Make a backup copy of the data|Check compatibility with the Android version|Disable battery optimization for launcher|Set up permissions for floating windows-->

Important: Some features may conflict with MIUI, especially on HyperOS devices (new firmware for Xiaomi 14 and newer).

6. Multitasking on Xiaomi tablets (Pad 6, Pad 5)

On Xiaomi tablets (such as the Xiaomi Pad 6 or Pad 5 Pro), multitasking is implemented differently than on smartphones, it offers Multitasking mode with support for up to three windows at a time, as well as the function of Paired Applications for quick launch of frequently used pairs.

How to set up multitasking on a tablet:

• 📱 Open the first app and swipe from the top right corner down – the Multitasking panel will appear.
• 🔄 Drag the app to the left or right side of the screen to fix it.
• 📲 Select the second application from the dock panel or the menu of the latter.
• 🖥️ To add a third window, pull it to the top of the screen (available only in landscape orientation).

The function Paired Applications allows you to save frequently used combinations:

1. Open two applications in multi-window mode.
2. Click on the dividing line between the windows and select Save a pair.
3. Now this pair can be launched with a single touch from the dock panel.

⚠️ Note: On the Xiaomi Pad 6, using three windows at the same time, you may experience performance declines in resource-intensive applications (for example, Photoshop or Lightroom.

7 Problem Solving: Why Multitasking Doesn't Work

If split screen, floating windows, or gestures have stopped working, the reasons may be:

• 🔄 Update MIUI: After updating the firmware, some multitasking features may be reset. Check the settings in Special Features → Split screen mode.
• 📱 Manufacturer's limitations: On budget models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4) Multitasking can be cut down to save resources.
• 🔋 Power Saving Mode: Activation of Ultra-Economic or High Performance Mode Can Block Background Processes Required for Floating Windows.
• 🛠️ Failures: Restart the device or reset the launcher settings (Settings) → Annexes → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data).

If the problem persists:

1. Check if the function is disabled in Settings → For developers → Do not save actions (should be off).
2. Update your firmware to the latest version (in Settings → About Phone → System Update).
3. Reset your MIUI settings to factory settings (pre-reverse!).

⚠️ Attention: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), the path to multitasking has changed. → System system → Developer → Multitasking. If there is no partition, turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI phone).

FAQ: Frequent questions about multitasking on Xiaomi