Xiaomi’s split screen: How to open two apps at the same time

Multitasking on Xiaomi smartphones goes beyond just switching between apps. The split-screen (or “multi-window”) feature allows you to work with two programs simultaneously — for example, chatting in the messenger and watching videos, comparing prices in the browser and store, or copying text from one document to another. However, many users of Redmi, Poco or Black Shark face difficulties when they first turn on this mode: the button is not displayed, applications are not supported, or the screen is divided incorrectly.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate multi-window on MIUI 12-14, including hidden settings for older models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 9T). You will learn how to bypass the system limitations, which applications are compatible with the mode, and what to do if the function Suddenly disappeared after an update. And for owners of devices with Android 13+, we will give a separate instruction – in new versions, the inclusion algorithm has changed.

What is a split screen mode and why is it needed?

Xiaomi’s Split Screen (or “multi-window”) feature allows you to divide the display into two independent areas, each with a separate app – not the same as “floating windows” (which appear on top of the main interface), but a full-blown vertical or horizontal split of the screen.

Main use cases:

📱 Multimedia. + Communication: watch YouTube or TikTok and chat to Telegram or WhatsApp at the same time.
📊 Work with documents: copy data from Excel to Word, or compare tables in Google Sheets.
🛒 Shopping: browse products in AliExpress and read reviews in the browser.
🎮 Games + Guides: play Genshin Impact and keep the wiki open with passing (on supported models).

It's important to understand that not all apps support split-screen mode, such as Instagram and some banking programs may block multi-window work for security reasons. AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) with long use of split mode, increased power consumption is possible.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with screen resolution below 1080p (Like Redmi. 9A) Interface in multi-window mode may be displayed incorrectly - fonts become too small, and controls - difficult to access.

Method 1: Standard Including Through Recent Applications Panel

This is the simplest and most versatile method, working on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14. Instructions are suitable for models Redmi Note 11/12, Poco X4/X5, Mi 11/12 and newer.

Algorithm of action:

Open the first app you want to use in a multi-window (like Chrome).
Click on the “Recent Apps” button (square in the bottom navigation bar or swipe up with a delay on gesture navigation).
At the top of the screen will appear the app icon – click and hold it (or tap the app icon in the preview).
In the menu that appears, select Split Screen (or Split Screen in English firmware).
The screen will split into two parts, and at the bottom, you'll see a list of recent apps, and you'll pick the second one.

If the split screen icon does not appear, check:

🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
📱 Make sure both apps support multi-window (some, like Netflix, block this feature).
⚙️ Enable the function in settings: Settings → Special facilities → Split screen mode.

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check the compatibility of applications

Activate the mode in the settings

Reboot your smartphone (if the function does not appear)-->

Method 2: Activate through system settings (for MIUI 13–14)

In newer versions of MIUI, the split-screen function can be hidden by default to enable it:

Steps:

Go to Settings. → Home screen.
Select Recent Apps (or Recent Apps).
Activate the split screen switch.
Return to the recent app bar and repeat the steps from Method 1.

On some devices (e.g. Poco F4 GT) the path may be different:

Settings → Display → Multi-window mode → Enable

If the settings do not include the split screen, try an alternative method:

Open the Settings. → The phone.
Tap 5-7 times on the MIUI version line to activate the developer mode.
Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → For developers.
Find the option to Enable the free form of the multi-window and activate it.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with Android 13 and later may need to restart the device after activation of the developer mode for the changes to take effect.

Every day.

1-2 times a week

Rarely, if necessary.

Never tried.-->

Method 3: Using gestures for quick access

On Xiaomi smartphones with gesture navigation (no buttons), you can turn on the split screen using a hidden gesture. This method works on MIUI 12.5+ and is supported by Redmi K50, Xiaomi 12T, Poco X4 Pro models, etc.

Instructions:

Open the first app (like Google Maps).
Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger to open the recent apps panel.
Without letting go of your finger, pull the app icon upwards (as if you were trying to “pull” it outside the screen).
The screen will split and a list of compatible apps will appear at the bottom.

If the gesture doesn't work:

🔧 Check if the multi-window gesture option is included in Settings → Display. → Gestures.
📵 Make sure there are no locks from apps on the screen (e.g. App Lock in the app). MIUI may interfere).
🔄 Restart the device – sometimes gestures are reset after updates.

On the Poco F3 GT and other gaming smartphones Xiaomi for convenience, you can assign an additional gesture:

Settings → Additional → Buttons and gestures → Multi-window gestures → Add

Compatibility table: which Xiaomi models support multi-window

Not all Xiaomi devices work equally well with split-screen mode. Below is a compatibility table for popular models. Note that on budget smartphones (such as the Redmi 10A), the function may be limited due to weak iron.

Model	Multi-window support	Features	MIUI version
Xiaomi 13/13 Pro	✅ Complete.	Support for horizontal and vertical separation, gestures	14
Redmi Note 12 Pro+	✅ Complete.	Restriction on multi-window games	13–14
Poco F5	✅ Complete.	Additional gestures for gamers	14
Redmi 10C	⚠️ Partial	Only vertical separation, lags in multitasking	12.5
Black Shark 5 Pro	✅ Complete. + play-chip	Support for multi-window in landscape mode	13

If your model is not in the table, check multi-window support experimentally. On devices with 4 GB of RAM or less (like Redmi 9), only lightweight applications (like Calculator + Notes) can run at the same time.

Why are some Xiaomis not in split screen mode?

On budget models (e.g. Redmi A1), the function is disabled due to limited processor resources (Helio A22).The manufacturer can also block multi-windows on devices with screens below 720p (e.g. Redmi Go), as the interface becomes unreadable.In some regions (e.g. firmware for Europe), the function is hidden due to local restrictions.

What to do if the split screen is not working

If you have completed all the steps, but the multi-window is still not activated, try the following solutions:

Problem 1: The split screen button does not appear

🔄 Update. MIUI Up to the latest version – in old builds, the function can be disabled.
🧹 Clear the system cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Clear the cache.
🔧 Reset your gesture settings: Settings → Display. → Gestures → Reset.

Problem 2: The application does not support multi-window

🛠️ Check if Google Play has alternative versions of the app (e.g. YouTube Vanced instead of the official YouTube).
🔗 Use the web version of the service via a browser (for example, Twitter Lite instead of the main application).
📱 Install. APK-Multi-window version of the app (e.g. Telegram X instead of the standard Telegram).

Problem 3: The screen is not splitting properly (one window is too small)

🖥️ Drag the dividing line in the center of the screen up/down to change the proportions.
🔄 Restart both apps – sometimes the interface gets lost after prolonged use.
⚙️ Enable the option Fixed ratio in multi-window settings (if available).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with Android 12 and later, some system applications (such as Camera or Gallery) can automatically close multi-windows when you try to open them.

💡

If you use the same pairs of apps often (like Chrome + Translate), create a shortcut on your home screen: open the multi-window, then press and hold the dividing line – the Save Pairs option will appear.

Additional chips: floating windows and multi-windows for games

In addition to the standard split screen, MIUI offers other multitasking tools:

1. Floating Windows (Mini Windows)

🪟 Work on top of the main interface (e.g., a small Calculator window over Excel).
🔧 Included in Settings → Special facilities → Floating windows.
⚠️ Not all apps support this mode (for example, Instagram blocks it).

2. Multi-window game (for Black Shark/Poco)

🎮 Allows you to open Discord or YouTube on top of a game (for example, in Call of Duty Mobile).
🔧 Activated through the Game Center → Multi-window (available on Black Shark) 4/5 POCO F3 GT).
⚡ Requires the inclusion of the Game Turbo mode in the settings.

3. Screen splitting in landscape mode

📺 Useful for watching videos and chatting at the same time (e.g. Netflix) + Telegram).
🔄 It only works on devices with MIUI 13+ and screen resolution from FHD+.
🔧 To turn on, turn the smartphone horizontally after activating the multi-window.

On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Mix Fold 2, a unique “Dual Window in a folding format” mode is available – when you deploy the screen, both applications automatically scale for optimal display.

FAQ: Frequent questions about multi-window on Xiaomi

Can multi-windows be used in games?

On most Xiaomi devices, games block split-screen mode due to the high load on the processor. However, on gaming smartphones (Black Shark, Poco F3 GT) there is a special "Game Multi-Window" mode that allows you to open Discord or YouTube on top of the game. To activate: Open the game. Swipe from the right edge of the screen (gesture for the gaming center). Select Multi-window and add the desired application. Note: in heavy games (for example, Genshin Impact), there may be a drawdown of FPS.

Why did the split screen disappear after the MIUI update?

This is a common problem after major updates (e.g., from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13).To return the feature: Check if it is disabled in settings: Settings → Home screen → Recent applications → Split screen. If there is no item, reset the system settings: Settings → About phone → Reset (no data loss).Install the APK of the "MIUI Split Screen Enabler" application from third-party sources (at your own risk). On some firmware (e.g., MIUI EU) the function can be removed purposefully - in this case, only a rollback to the official global version will help.

How to change the size of windows in multi-windows?

By default, windows are divided in a 50/50 ratio, but you can change the ratio: Touch the dividing line between the windows and pull it up or down. On some models (Xiaomi 12 and later), a fixed ratio is available (for example, 70/30). To turn it on, hold the dividing line for 2 seconds. To reset to the standard look, double tap the line. On foldable smartphones (for example, Mix Fold 2), the proportions change automatically when you deploy the screen.

Can I use multi-windows on Xiaomi tablets (Pad 5/6)?

Yes, on the Xiaomi Pad 5 and Pad 6, split-screen mode works even better than on smartphones, thanks to the large display: 🖥️ Support for three windows at the same time MIUI 14). 🔧 Activation via swipe from the edge of the screen (similar to iPad). ⚠️ Some apps (e.g. Photoshop) may not support multiwindow due to Android limitations. To enable mode on a tablet: Open the first app. Swipe from the right edge of the screen to the center to open the dock. Drag the second app to the left or right side of the screen.

How to turn off the multi-window if it interferes?

If you accidentally activate the mode or it works too often, it can be turned off: Temporary disconnect: swipe your finger from the dividing line outside the screen (up or down). Complete disconnect: Go to Settings → Home screen → Recent apps. Turn off the switch Split screen. For gesture navigation: turn off the Multi-Window Gestures option in Settings → Display → Gestures. Poco and Black Shark may require additional disabling of the game multi-window at the Game Center.

💡

If the multi-window doesn’t work, check the compatibility of the apps and the MIUI version first. On devices with 6+ GB of RAM, the function is more stable than on budget models.