Switching between apps on Xiaomi smartphones may seem like a simple task, but MIUI’s shell contains many nuances and alternative ways. From classic gestures to voice commands, the system offers solutions for any situation. In this article, we will examine all available methods, including little-known features for advanced users.
Xiaomi is a feature that regularly updates the interface, adding new features. For example, MIUI 14 introduced an improved multitasking mode with support for floating windows, and in earlier versions, unique gestures were available for quick switching. It is important to understand that some methods depend on the firmware version and device model - Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra can have different default settings.
If you're just switching from iOS or another Android device, standard gestures can be uncomfortable. Don't get used to them, MIUI has flexible settings that allow you to tailor your controls to your needs. Even owners of older models like the Redmi 9A can optimize the switching between apps.
1. Standard Switching Through the Multitasking Panel
The most obvious way is to use the recent app dashboard, and most modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with MIUI 12) need to:
- 👆 Swipe your finger up from the bottom of the screen and hold for 0.5 seconds (on gesture-controlled devices).
- 🔄 On models with physical buttons (Redmi) 9C, Poco M3) — press the menu button (square) once.
- 🔍 Scroll left/right to find the right application and tap it.
In MIUI 14, the multitasking bar became more interactive: you can now capture frequently used applications, swipe down to close everything at once, and use the split screen mode (if supported by the device). On older versions (MIUI 11 and below), the interface looks different - applications are displayed as preview cards.
Important: If the multitasking bar doesn't open, check your gesture settings in Settings → Display → Full-screen display. Possibly the Navigation Button mode is enabled, which changes the control logic.
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On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T), you can adjust the sensitivity of the gesture in Settings → Additional → Special features → Sensitivity of gestures. This will help to avoid accidental positives.
2. Quick switching between the last two applications
If you need to switch between two apps frequently (e.g. between Telegram and the browser), MIUI has a special gesture:
- 👆👇 Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen without delay (short movement).
- 🔄 On devices with buttons – double pressing the menu button (square).
This method works on all models starting with MIUI 10, but in recent versions (MIUI 13/14) the gesture has become more responsive. If the feature does not work, check for Settings → Display → Full-screen display → Quick app switching.
On the Xiaomi Pad 5 and other tablets, this gesture can conflict with Android system gestures, so it sometimes has to be manually disabled.
3. Use of Smart Assistant gestures (smart assistant)
The Smart Assistant (formerly known as Quick Ball) is a floating widget that allows you to quickly switch between apps without gestures.
- Go to Settings → Special features → Smart Assistant.
- Turn on the switch and adjust the appearance (size, transparency).
- Slip on the widget and select Recent Apps.
The advantage of this method is that the widget works on top of any application, including games and full-screen videos. On the Poco F4 and other gaming smartphones, the Xiaomi Smart Assistant can be configured so that it does not interfere with full-screen modes.
MIUI 14 has the ability to link 5 commonly used apps to the widget, which makes it easier to access them, such as YouTube, Chrome, WhatsApp, Camera and Gallery.
How to turn off the Smart Assistant in games?
4. Voice control with Google Assistant or XiaoAI
If you have your hands full, you can switch between apps using voice commands. Xiaomi offers two options:
- 🎙️ XiaoAI (built-in assistant) - supports Chinese and English commands, such as "Open Telegram" or "Switch to Chrome".
- 🤖 Google Assistant works on all models with Google services. Team: Hey Google, open WhatsApp".
To set up XiaoAI:
- Install XiaoAI from the Mi App Store (if it is not available by default).
- Go to Settings → XiaoAI → Voice control.
- Activate Listening at any time (Mic access is required).
On the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and other global models, XiaoAI can be disabled by default, in which case it is easier to use Google Assistant. Note that voice commands only work when the screen is unlocked (except for some models with always active "Okay Google").
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Voice control is convenient for controlling a smartphone from a distance (such as while cooking or driving), but requires a stable internet connection to process commands.
5. Switching over the sidebar (Edge Gestures)
Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi introduced the Edge Gestures feature, which allows you to quickly swipe apps from the edge of the screen to configure it:
- Go to Settings → Additional → Sidebar.
- Enable the function and select apps for quick access (up to 5 pieces).
- Set the sensitivity and the screen side (left/right).
This method is especially convenient on large smartphones like Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi K50 Ultra, where it is difficult to reach the multitasking panel with one hand.
MIUI 14 has the ability to add not only apps to the sidebar, but also quick actions (like turning on a flashlight or launching a camera), which makes it even more versatile.
| Xiaomi model | Support for Edge Gestures | Max, number of applications |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Yes (with MIUI 12.5) | 5 |
| Xiaomi 11T | Yes (default) | 5+2 actions |
| Poco X3 Pro | Yes (requires manual activation) | 5 |
| Redmi 9A | No (iron restriction) | — |
6. split screen mode (Multitasking)
If you need to work with two applications at once, MIUI has split-screen mode, and you can activate it in a number of ways:
- 📱 From the Multitasking Panel: Hold the app icon and select Split screen.
- 👆👇 On some models: swipe up with a delay → hold the app icon → drag it to the top of the screen.
- ⚙️ Through Settings: Settings → Special facilities → Split screen.
MIUI 14 has become more flexible: you can now resize windows (60/40, 50/50), and fix one of the applications so that it does not close when switching. On Xiaomi Pad 5 and other tablets, you can open up to 4 applications at a time.
Limitations:
- ❌ Not all apps support split screen (e.g. some games).
- ❌ On devices with 2 GB of RAM (Redmi) 8A) The regime may be unstable.
Close unnecessary applications in the background|Check the mode support in the settings|Turn off energy saving for the applications used|Customize the windows to suit your needs-->
7.Alternative methods: power buttons and additional accessories
If standard methods do not suit you, alternative solutions can be used:
- 🔘 Double press power button: on some models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) You can set up a double tap to open the last application. → Buttons and gestures → Power button.
- 🎮 Game triggers: Black Shark and Poco F-series can be assigned to switch applications to physical gamepad buttons.
- 🖱️ Mouse or keyboard: when connected via OTG Mi Bluetooth Mouse can be used with key combinations (e.g. Alt) + Tab in DeX mode).
On the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra and other flagships, there is a Quick Tap feature (quick touch of the back panel), which you can configure to open the multitasking panel. This is convenient if the screen is busy or you hold the smartphone with one hand.
On devices with MIUI for Russia (e.g. Redmi 10C), some features may be disabled due to localization, in which case the installation of global or European firmware will help.
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If you use DeX (Desktop Mode) frequently, set the hotkeys to DeX Settings → Keyboard and mouse for easy switching between windows.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Sometimes switching between apps doesn't work properly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
- ⚡ Gestures don’t work: check if One Hand is enabled in Settings → Display. Also make sure that the screen protection doesn't block touch.
- 🔄 Applications are rebooted: in Settings → Annexes → Application Management Disable RAM Cleanup for Frequently Used Programs.
- 🔇 Voice commands are not recognized: update Google Assistant or XiaoAI, and check the microphone settings in Settings → Confidentiality → Permits.
If the multitasking panel slows down, try clearing the system cache:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → Memory.
- Click Clear Cache (not to be confused with Clear Data!).
- Reset the device.
On Xiaomi with 4GB of RAM and below (e.g. Redmi 9), it is recommended to turn off window animations to speed up the switch. This can be done through the developer settings (activated with a 7x tap on the MIUI version in About Phone).
⚠️ Note: On some models (Poco) X3 NFC) post-update MIUI 13 may be lost the sensitivity of gestures, in which case will help reset settings in Settings. → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting gesture settings.
⚠️ Note: If you use third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher), standard gestures MIUI They may conflict with the launcher's gestures, in which case, set priority in the launcher settings.