How to use floating windows on Xiaomi: full instructions

Floating windows on Xiaomi smartphones are one of the most useful features of the brand shell MIUI, This technology, also known as multitasking or Picture-in-Picture, saves time and makes it easier to interact with the device. For example, you can watch YouTube videos in a small window while simultaneously texting to Telegram or checking email.

However, not all users know how to activate and configure this mode correctly. depending on the Xiaomi model (e.g. Redmi Note). 12, POCO X5 or Mi 13) version MIUI (12/13/14/15) In this article, we will look at everything from basic inclusion to solving typical problems, such as the lack of a floating window button or automatic video folding.

We pay special attention to hidden settings MIUI, This is true for users who want to use floating windows in instant messengers, browsers or games.

What are floating windows and why do they need them?

Floating windows (or Picture-in-Picture, PiP) are a display mode where one application operates as a small window on top of the others.

• 🎥 Watch videos on YouTube or TikTok while simultaneously browsing Instagram feed.
• 📞 Talk via video call on WhatsApp or Zoom without blocking access to other apps.
• 🎮 Run some mobile games in the window while checking your browser strategy.
• 📊 Use the navigator (Google Maps or Yandex.Maps) in the mini window while listening to music.

Xiaomi has implemented this mode through two technologies: standard Android PiP (works in most applications) and advanced multitasking mode. MIUI (It allows you to capture windows on the screen, which is only available on devices with MIUI 12 and newer.

It is important to understand that not all apps support floating windows out of the box, for example, Netflix and some banking programs may block this mode for security reasons or licensing restrictions. MIUI There are hidden settings that allow you to circumvent these restrictions – we will talk about this in the section about forced PiP inclusion.

How to enable floating windows on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

The method of activation depends on the version MIUI Here's a general-purpose algorithm that works on most devices (Redmi, POCO, Mi), starting with MIUI 11.

To start, check if your app supports PiP mode. This is usually seen by the window icon in the interface (for example, in YouTube Premium or Google Maps).

1. Open the app you want to use a floating window (like YouTube videos).
2. Go to full screen mode (if applicable).
3. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger – this will open the multitasking menu.
4. Click on the app icon at the top of the card and select Floating Window (or Picture-in-Picture).

If this method does not work, try the alternative method through the settings:

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Picture-in-Picture Mode.
2. Turn on the switch Allow PiP modes.
3. In the list of applications, find the desired one and activate the option for it.

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or XP) POCO F5) You can open floating windows by gesture: just pull the video or the card to the side, holding your finger. If this gesture does not work, check its settings in Settings. → Additionally. → Gestures.

How to force PiP to be enabled in any application

Many applications (e.g, VK Videos, Twitch or some messengers do not support floating windows by default. MIUI There's a hidden feature that allows you to force the PiP to be activated for any program:

1. Enable Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option Forced to enable PiP (or Force enable PiP) and activate it.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

Now, most applications will have a floating window when folded into multitasking, and note that some programs (such as banking) may not run smoothly or at all due to security limitations.

If the coercive mode doesn’t work, try using third-party utilities like the PiP Tool (available on Google Play), which allow you to emulate floating windows even in apps where it is forbidden, but beware: such programs may violate the security policies of some services (for example, Netflix may block an account for using unofficial playback methods).

Floating windows settings: size, transparency, position

V MIUI You can flexibly adjust the appearance and behavior of floating windows:

1. Open a floating window (for example, a YouTube video).
2. Tap the window twice and the control panel will appear.
3. Use the following gestures: 🔄 Drag and Drag - changes the position of the window on the screen. 📐 Fingering / dilution - scale the size of the window. 🔘 Double touch – folds the window into the icon (you can turn back). 🗑️ Swipe towards the basket - closes the floating window.

For a more subtle setup, go to: Settings → Annexes → Floating windows (or Settings) → Screen. → Multitasking mode in new versions MIUI). Here we can:

• 🎨 Change the transparency of the window background (useful for video).
• 📏 Set the minimum/maximum window size.
• 🔒 Enable the window fixing on the screen (so that it does not close when pressed outside it).
• 🔊 Customize the sound (for example, turn off the sound in the floating window if it interferes with the sound).

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If the floating window interferes with other applications, press it and drag it to the top or bottom edge of the screen – it will automatically lock in the corner and will not overlap important interface elements.

On devices with MIUI 14/15 You have Smart Windows, which allows you to automatically group floating windows by topic, for example, video and chat will be attached to each other, forming a single block. To enable this option, go to Settings. → Screen. → Smart windows.

Common problems and their solution

Despite the convenience, floating windows on Xiaomi sometimes don’t work properly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If the floating windows stopped working after the update MIUI, Try resetting the settings of the application responsible for multitasking:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find System Applications → Multitasking (or Recent Apps).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

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If the problem with floating windows occurred after the update MIUI, Try rolling back the shell version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select the service pack. Download the previous version from the official Xiaomi website and install it manually.

Floating windows in games: features and limitations

Many users want to play mobile games (such as Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile or Brawl Stars in a floating window to chat or watch guides at the same time:

• 🎮 Most modern games block the PiP by default, as it can be used for cheating (e.g., simultaneous viewing of the map and game).
• ⚡ Games consume a lot of resources, so a floating window can be very slow, especially on budget models (Redmi). 10A, POCO M5).
• 🔒 Some games (such as Honor of Kings) automatically fold if they detect a launch attempt in the window.

To circumvent these limitations, the following methods can be used:

1. Game Turbo Mode: Settings → Special facilities → Game Turbo → Settings → Enable Floating Windows This mode allows some games to run in the window without locking.
2. Third-party launchers, such as Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher, which support forced application launches in the window.
3. ADB-commands to change system settings (requires root rights or unlocked bootloader).

For example, in PUBG Mobile or Free Fire can be blocked for a few days.

Alternative ways to multitask on Xiaomi

If floating windows don’t suit you (for example, due to app limitations), consider alternative multitasking methods on Xiaomi:

• 🖥️ Split Screen: allows two applications to run simultaneously, splitting the screen in half, activated by a long tap on the multitasking button.
• 📱 Second desktop space: creates an isolated environment for working with applications, useful if you want to separate personal and work tasks.
• 🔄 Quick Switch: Swipe gesture on the bottom panel for instant transition between the latest applications.
• 🖼️ Desktop widgets: Some apps (like Spotify or Google Keep) support widgets that can be placed on top of other windows.

To activate the separate screen:

1. Open the first appendix.
2. Press the multitasking button (square in the navigation bar).
3. Hold the icon of the second app and drag it to the top or bottom of the screen.
4. Release your finger – the screen will split and both apps will work simultaneously.

If you need more flexibility than standard tools MIUI, Pay attention to third-party utilities: Floating Apps, Island (for application isolation) or Taskbar (for PC desktop simulation).

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A separate screen consumes less resources than floating windows, so it is better suited for weak devices (e.g. Redmi). 9A or POCO C31).

Security and privacy when using floating windows

Floating windows are convenient, but can pose privacy risks, such as:

• 👁️ If you use a floating window with a camera (such as Zoom or Google Meet), other video callers may accidentally see personal information on your screen.
• 🔓 Some malicious applications can intercept the contents of floating windows (for example, passwords or messages).
• 📱 In banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff) floating windows are often blocked due to the risk of data leakage.

To minimize the risks:

1. Do not use floating windows in financial applications or messengers with confidential correspondence.
2. Periodically check the permissions of applications in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
3. Use incognito mode in your browser if you open floating windows with web pages.
4. Install an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) to scan for suspicious applications.

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If you use floating windows for video calls often, turn on Privacy Protection in your camera settings (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Privacy: This will hide the notifications and contents of other windows during the broadcast.

On devices with MIUI 14/15 And we have Privacy Mode, which automatically hides notifications and floating windows when you open banking or other secure applications:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Confidential mode.
2. Add applications for which you need to turn off floating windows.
3. Activate the option to hide floating windows.

FAQ: Frequent questions about floating windows on Xiaomi