Xiaomi Multiwindow: How to Open Two Apps on One Screen in 2026

Running two apps simultaneously on Xiaomi’s screen is a feature that saves time and makes multitasking easier. However, many users are faced with the fact that the split screen option is either hidden in the settings or works unstable on different models. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to activate multiwindows on Redmi, Poco and Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI 12-14, including bypassing restrictions for incompatible applications.

It's important to understand that split-screen functionality depends on the firmware version and the device model. For example, on flagships like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, multi-window runs out of the box, while on budget Redmi Note 12s, you may need to turn on through the Developer Settings. We tested all methods on current versions of MIUI and highlighted those that are guaranteed to work in 2026.

1. Standard method: gesture for split screen

The fastest method is to use the standard MIUI gesture, which works on most devices without any additional settings, but requires a knowledge of the exact algorithm of actions.

1. Open the first app you want to pin to the top of the screen.
2. Click on the “Recent Apps” button (square in the bottom navigation bar or swipe up with a delay on gesture navigation).
3. In the list of recent apps, find the icon of the second app, hold it with your finger and drag it to the top or bottom of the screen.
4. Release your finger when the blue dividing line appears, and the screens will split automatically.

If the gesture doesn't work, check:

• 🔹 Version MIUI: on MIUI 11 and below the function may not be available.
• 🔹 Smartphone model: on some devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A) multi-window disabled by default.
• 🔹 Sign settings: c Settings → Display. → Full screen display must be selected mode "Gestural".

2. Including through system settings

If the gesture doesn't work, try activating the multi-window manually.

1. Go to Settings → Special features → System functions.
2. Find the "Share Screen" (or "Multiwindow") and turn on the switch.
3. Return to Settings → Display → Full-screen display and make sure that MIUI gestures (not standard Android gestures!) are selected.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 Global), the path may be different:

Settings → Additional → Functions Laboratory → Split screen

If the item is not on the menu, then your model does not support the function at the software level, in which case one of the alternative methods described below will help.

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check free RAM (minimum 2 GB)

Turn off energy saving mode for applications

Reset the device-->

Alternative method: Multiwindow button in notification panel

On some devices (such as the Poco F4 GT or Xiaomi 12 Pro), there is a hidden button in the notification panel to quickly access the split screen.

1. Deploy the notification panel and click on the "Edit" icon (pencil).
2. Find the "Multi-window" (or "Split screen") item in the list of unavailable tiles and drag it to the active area.
3. Now, with an open application, it is enough to swipe down to call the panel and click on the new tile - the screen will split, and you will be able to choose the second application.

Important: on MIUI 14, this tile can be called “Multi-tasking Mode” and only work with supported applications (e.g. YouTube, Chrome, Telegram).

⚠️ Note: If the screen flashes and returns to normal mode after clicking on the Multiwindow tile, then the application does not support split screen. ADB (described below).

4.Shared screen via Developer Settings

For advanced users, there's a way to force multi-windows on even incompatible models.

1. Activate Developer Settings: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option “Forced Multi-Window Enablement” (or “Force split-screen”) and turn it on.
4. Reset the device.

Then try using the gesture or tile again in the notification panel.

• 🔹 Some firmware options may be called "Force resizeable activities".
• 🔹 Not all applications will work properly in split mode (e.g., games or banking applications).
• 🔹 After updating MIUI Developer settings may reset – check them again.

5. Multi-window compatibility table by Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support split screen equally, and the table below shows the popular models (tested on MIUI 14 Global Stable):

If your model is not in the table, check the multi-window support experimentally or check the information in forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

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On flagship models (Xiaomi 13, Mix Fold), the multiwindow is more stable due to a powerful processor and more RAM. On budget devices (Redmi 9/10), the function can slow down or be absent.

6. Third-party applications for split screen

If the standard methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities.

• 🔹 Split Screen Launcher creates a shortcut to run any application in the multi-window. ADB certain functions.
• 🔹 Floating Apps – allows you to open applications in floating windows (suitable for MIUI 12-14). Plus, it works without root.
• 🔹 Island (Shelter) — creates a sandbox for cloning applications and running them in parallel.

Instructions for setting up Split Screen Launcher:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and select two split screen apps.
3. Click "Create Shortcut" and a shortcut will appear on the desktop.
4. When you start the shortcut, the applications will open in the multi-window.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Netflix or Disney+ They can block the playback in a split screen because of DRM-In this case, only root or modified firmware will help.

7. Solving multi-window problems

If the split screen is not working properly (hangs, doesn’t open, or closes spontaneously), try the following steps:

• 🔹 Clear the system cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Clear the cache.
• 🔹 Turn off battery optimization for applications you use in multi-window: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Select the application → No restrictions.
• 🔹 Check conflicts with other features: turn off Read Mode, Super Wallpaper, or Second Space – they may interfere with the multi-window.

If the problem persists, reset settings (without deleting data):

Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Reset system settings

Critical information: on some devices (Redmi Note 11, Poco M4 Pro) after resetting the multi-window starts to work more stable, but you need to re-activate in the Developer Settings.

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If the multi-window opens but one of the apps doesn't respond to touch, try swapping them (dragging the top down and vice versa).

FAQ: Frequent questions about split screen on Xiaomi