How to make Vatsap over all Xiaomi windows: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI shell or the new HyperOS provide users with ample opportunities for multitasking. One of the most popular features is the floating window mode, which allows you to run the messenger on top of any other application or desktop. This is especially convenient when you need to quickly respond to a message without interrupting the video on YouTube or work in the browser. However, many users are faced with the fact that the standard launch does not activate the desired mode, or the system blocks the display of dialogues on top of other programs.

The problem often lies in the aggressive power saving policies and strict Android security settings that Xiaomi implements.To make WhatsApp work in picture-in-picture or floating window mode, you need to perform a number of specific actions in the settings menu. In this article, we will detail all the activation methods available, from standard gestures to deep system resolutions.

Before you start to make complex manipulations, it is important to understand that the functionality may differ depending on the firmware version. The floating windows function has only become standard since MIUI 12, in older versions it can work unstable or require third-party launchers. We will look at current algorithms of actions that will help you to customize a comfortable experience with the messenger right now.

Activation through the system menu of multitasking

The easiest and fastest way to run WhatsApp on top of other windows is built directly into the menu of running apps. This method does not require deep immersion in the system settings and is available out of the box on most current models of Redmi and Poco. You just need to open the messenger, then fold it and go to the control of the windows.

To implement this method, click the Menu button (square or three bars depending on the type of navigation) or swipe from bottom to top with a delay to open the list of active applications. Find a WhatsApp card in the list. In the upper right corner of this card (or if you press it for a long time), a special icon will appear that resembles two rectangles or the letter β€œP.” This control is responsible for switching the display mode.

Once you click on the icon, the app will instantly fold into a floating widget that you can move around the screen, you can resize it by pulling corners, or you can pin it to the top or bottom of the display. If the icon is missing, maybe your version of the shell has this feature hidden or disabled by the manufacturer to save resources.

πŸ“Š How do you use WhatsApp on Xiaomi most often?
Only in full screen mode.
In a floating window
In split screen mode
Only for calls.

It’s worth noting that in floating window mode, some messenger features may not be available, such as full typing or sending large files, a limitation that Android prioritizes an active full-screen app, but is the most ergonomic option for fast correspondence.

Set up special features and access rights

If the standard method doesn’t work or the floating window is permanently closed by the system, the problem may be that the necessary permissions are not available. Xiaomi is known for its strict security policy, which by default prohibits applications from overriding the interface of other programs.

First of all, check permissions for WhatsApp itself. Go to Settings β†’ Apps β†’ All apps, find the messenger in the list and select the Permissions. Here you are interested in the category "Other permissions." Make sure that the "Master on top of other applications" switch is activated. Without this right, the system will force the window to be folded when you switch tasks.

⚠️ Attention: After system update MIUI If the function stopped working suddenly, check this menu item first.

Also worth paying attention to the battery settings. Aggressive power saving mode can kill the process of a floating window, considering it a background task. In the application menu, find Energy Saving and set the value "No restrictions" to allow the system to not interrupt the messenger, even when it is in the form of a small widget.

For advanced users, the "Special Features" section is also available. In some versions of the firmware, you can find additional settings for managing windows. However, be careful: changing the settings in this section can affect the stability of the entire system.

Use of sidebar and screen split mode

An alternative to the classic floating window is split-screen mode or sidebar, which is built into the MIUI shell and allows you to combine multiple applications efficiently. The sidebar is a narrow bar that is always accessible from the edge of the screen and contains shortcuts of frequently used programs.

To activate the sidebar, go to Settings β†’ Additional Features β†’ Floating Windows (or β€œSidebar”). Turn on the switch and select the apps that should be displayed in the menu. Add WhatsApp. Now, being in any other application, you can call the swipe bar from the edge of the screen and launch the messenger in floating mode with one touch.

β˜‘οΈ Setting up the sidebar

Done: 0 / 1

The split-screen mode works differently: it divides the display into two equal or proportional parts. To run it, open the multitasking menu, press and hold the WhatsApp card, then select the split-screen icon (two rectangles). After that, select the second application. Unlike the floating window, here both apps work in full-featured mode, but occupy only half the screen each.

The advantage of the sidebar is that you can access it quickly, you don't have to look for an app every time you run it, and you can also set it up so that it hides automatically, without taking up any useful space on the screen when you don't need it, and this is especially true for devices with small diagonals.

Table of comparison of display modes

To make it easier for you to choose the right option for using the messenger, we have prepared a comparative table of the main modes of operation in the Android system based on MIUI. Each of them has its advantages and limitations depending on the use case.

ParameterFloating windowSplit screenFull screen mode
Area occupiedMinimum (configurable)50% screen100% screen
MultitaskingHigh (above all apps)Medium (only 2 apps)Absent.
WhatsApp functionalityLimited (chat only)Complete.Complete.
Impact on the batteryAverage.High.Normal.

As you can see from the table, a floating window is ideal for quick response to messages during games or watching videos. A split screen is best used for serious work with text or files when full access to the messenger interface is important. Full screen mode remains the standard for normal communication without distractions.

The mode you choose depends on your current tasks. If you're watching a movie and want to chat in parallel, the floating window is the leader, and if you're copying addresses or phone numbers from your browser to WhatsApp, it's more convenient to use split screens to see both sources of information at the same time.

Solving problems with closing a floating window

A frequent complaint of users is that WhatsApp's floating window spontaneously closes or disappears after a few seconds.This behavior is usually dictated by system memory optimizers. MIUI seeks to free up RAM by closing what it considers inactive, and a floating widget often falls into this category.

To solve this problem, you need to lock the app in memory. Open the menu of running apps, find the WhatsApp card (or its floating version), and pull it down until the lock icon appears. Press the lock. Now, even if you click "Clear All," WhatsApp will remain in RAM and continue to work in the background.

Secret codes for diagnosis
In some cases, engineering codes can help, and type ##64663## to log into the engineering menu, where you can check the status of the sensor and display, which sometimes helps to identify hardware conflicts that interfere with the operation of overlays.

It’s also worth checking whether Do Not Disturb or Game mode is enabled. In Game Turbo mode, the system can block pop-up notifications and windows to keep the gameplay out of the way. If WhatsApp runs on top of the game, go to Game Turbo settings and make sure the messenger is free of display restrictions.

⚠️ Warning: Do not overuse the number of floating windows open at the same time. Running three or more "flying" applications can lead to a strong heating of the processor and a noticeable drop in the processor. FPS play.

Third-party solutions and launchers

If Xiaomi's built-in tools don't suit you or don't work properly, you can always turn to third-party software. There are many floating-window apps in the Google Play store, such as Floating Apps or Multi Window for All. They create their own layer on top of the system, emulating the work of native functionality.

Using third-party launchers can also change the logic of working with windows. Some shells, such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, have their own widgets and task management methods that can conflict with or complement the standard functionality of MIUI. However, it is worth remembering that third-party launchers consume more battery resources.

πŸ’‘

If you use a third-party floating window app, be sure to give it permission to "Draw on top of other apps" and turn off the energy savings for it, otherwise it will constantly fly out.

When installing such software, be careful about the permissions requested. A windowing app should not require access to your contacts or SMS unless stated as a primary feature. Data security remains a priority in the digital age, and using unverified high-rights software carries certain risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why doesn’t my Xiaomi have a floating window icon?
This may be due to the Android version (below 10) or the older version of MIUI (below 11). Also check if the feature is disabled in the special features settings. On some global firmware versions, this feature may be called differently or hidden in the "Additional" menu.
Can WhatsApp be made completely transparent?
Standard MIUI means you can't make the window completely transparent, only size adjustment is available, and full transparency is only achieved with third-party overlay applications that layer on top of the messenger window, but this can make it difficult to read the text.
Does a floating window affect battery consumption?
It does. Constant screen activity and the processor running to render two applications simultaneously increase power consumption by about 15-20% compared to normal use, and it is recommended to close the floating window when it is not needed.
Does this function work horizontally?
In horizontal (landscape) mode, floating windows often behave unstable or automatically unfold to the full screen, a limitation of many Android versions, since the interface is not adapted for floating widgets in landscape orientation.

πŸ’‘

Setting up a floating window requires a comprehensive approach: checking permissions, battery settings, and using multitasking gestures correctly.