How to split the screen into 2 parts on Xiaomi: all methods for MIUI 12-15

The split-screen function Xiaomi allows you to simultaneously work with two applications - for example, chatting in messenger and watching videos, or copying text from the browser into notes. However, the implementation of this option in the shell MIUI has its own characteristics: on different firmware versions and smartphone models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 etc.), the path to the settings may differ, and some applications do not support multi-window mode at all.

In this article we will analyze all the current ways to activate a split screen, including gestures, navigation buttons and hidden developer settings. We will pay special attention to typical problems - when the function does not work, applications do not open in a multi-window, or the screen is divided crookedly. You will also learn how to adjust the size of windows and save frequently used application pairs for quick access.

If you are using Xiaomi based Android 12-14 with shell MIUI 13-15all the methods described will work. For older versions (MIUI 11-12), some functions may be missing - in this case, check for updates in Settings → About phone → System update.

1. Standard method: split the screen through “Recent applications”

The most universal method that works on most models Xiaomi is activating a multi-window through the recent applications menu. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the first app (for example, YouTube or Telegram).
2. Tap the square navigation button (or swipe up and hold for gesture navigation) to open the list of recent apps..
3. Click on the application icon at the top of the card and select Split screen (or Multiwindow in MIUI 14+).
4. Select the second application from the list or on the main screen.

If the item Split screen is not in the context menu, then:

• 📱 Your model does not support the function (for example, budget Redmi A1 or POCO C50).
• 🔧 Multi-window is disabled in the settings (see section 3).
• 🚫 The application is not compatible with the mode (for example, some games or banking apps).

2. Split screen with gestures (MIUI 13 and later)

In the latest versions MIUI it became possible to activate the multi-window using gestures - without opening the recent applications menu. This method works on Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12 i POCO X4/F5:

1. Open the first application.
2. Swipe with your finger up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold your finger for 1 second to open the dock.
3. Without releasing your finger, drag the second application icon to the top or bottom screen.
4. Release your finger - the screen will split automatically.

If the gesture does not work:

• 🔄 Make sure that the settings are enabled Gesture navigation (Settings → Display → Navigation buttons).
• ⚙️ Check whether the option Split screen by swipe is activated Settings → Accessibility → Multi-window.

Why does the gesture not work on some models?

On smartphones with AMOLED screens. data-i="88">Settings → Display → Screen refresh rate a high refresh rate (120 Hz), there may be a conflict between gesture processing and the sensor. In this case, try reducing the refresh rate to 60 Hz on Settings → Display → Screen refresh rate.

3. Enabling multi-window in MIUI settings

If the standard methods do not work, the split screen function may be disabled in the system settings. To activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Multi-window.
2. Turn on the switch Split screen.
3. Optional: activate Show multi-window buttonso that it appears in the notification panel.

In the same menu you can configure:

• 🔄 Automatic saving of pairs of applications for quick access.
• 📱 Permission to use multi-window in horizontal orientation.
• 🔒 Ban for individual applications (for example, banking).

Is the "Split screen" switch turned on|Is the button in the notification panel activated|Is use in horizontal mode allowed|Are there any prohibited applications in the exception list-->

On some models (for example, Redmi 10C or POCO M4 Pro), the "Multiwindow" item may be located in Settings → System → Advanced. If it is not there at all, then your firmware does not support the function - try updating MIUI.

4. Split screen via notification panel

In MIUI 14 and newer, it is now possible to quickly enable a multi-window through the notification panel. To do this:

1. Open the first application.
2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification panel.
3. Find button Multiwindow (icon with two rectangles) and click on it.
4. Select the second application from the list.

If there is no button:

• 🔧 You can add it in Settings → Notification panel → Quick settings.
• 📲 On some models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K60), the button appears only after the first manual activation of the multi-window through the recent applications menu.

5. Solving problems with split screen

If the screen does not split or the function does not work correctly, check the following points:

Problem	Cause	Solution
There is no "Split screen" item in the menu	The function is disabled or not supported	Check your settings in Accessibility → Multi-window
The application does not open in a multi-window	The application does not allow split screen	Try another application or enable developer mode (see below)
The screen is divided crookedly (not centered)	Failure in scaling settings	Drag the dividing line manually or reset the display settings
Multi-window lags or slows down	Shortage RAM	Close background applications or reboot your phone

For applications that block screen splitting (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff), you can try to bypass the restriction through developer mode:

1. Activate developer mode: Settings → About phone → MIUI version (press 7 times).
2. Return to Settings → Advanced → For developers.
3. Find the option Force multi-window to be enabled and activate it.

⚠️ Attention: Forcing multi-window for banking applications may violate their security policy. Do not enter passwords or payment data in this mode - use official authorization methods (for example, fingerprint).

6. Alternative methods: third-party applications

If the built-in multi-window function on your Xiaomi is inconvenient or missing, you can use third-party utilities. The best options:

• 📱 Split Screen Launcher - adds a split screen button on the main screen.
• 🔧 Multi Window for Android —supports arbitrary resizing of windows.
• 🎯 Floating Apps —allows you to open applications in floating windows (suitable for Redmi 9A and other models without multi-window).

To install such applications:

1. Download APK from the official website (for example APKMirror) or from Google Play (if available).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special access → Install unknown applications.
3. Run the utility and follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Attention: Third-party applications for multi-window may conflict with MIUI, especially on firmware with increased security measures (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro with HyperOS). Before installation, make a backup copy of your data in Settings → Advanced → Backup.

7. Optimizing work in a multi-window

To make split-screen work smoothly and without delays, follow these tips:

• 🧹 Regularly clear the cache in Settings → Storage → Cleaning (especially if you use Redmi Note 10 or other models with 4-6 GB RAM).
• 🔋 Disable power saving mode in Settings → Battery → Battery mode —it can limit performance in a multi-window.
• 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi if you work with online applications (for example, Google Docs + Chrome).
• 🔄 Save frequently used application pairs: after splitting the screen, tap on the dividing line and select Save combination.

For models with AMOLED screens (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi K50) you can further adjust the color temperature in the multi-window:

1. Open Settings → Display → Color scheme.
2. Select Adaptive or Warm mode to reduce eye strain.

How to change the window proportions?

By default, windows are divided in half (50/50), but you can change the proportions. To do this:

1. In multi-window mode, click on dividing line and hold it.

2. Drag the line up or down to change the ratio (for example, 60/40 or 70/30).

3. Some models (POCO F4) support arbitrary resizing of windows by swiping from the edge.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about splitting the screen on Xiaomi

Is it possible to split the screen into 3 or 4 parts?

No, in standard firmware MIUI only division into 2 windows is supported. To work with 3-4 applications at the same time, you will need root access or custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).

Why do some applications not open in a multi-window?

This is a limitation of application developers. Most often, a multi-window is blocked:

• Banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB).
• Games with high performance requirements (Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile).
• Some instant messengers in video call mode (WhatsApp, Zoom).

You can bypass the limitation through developer mode (see section 5), but this may lead to crashes.

How to disable split screen if frozen?

If the multi-window does not close in the standard way (by clicking on the dividing line or the "Close" button), try:

1. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold for 2 seconds - this will close both windows.
2. Press the button Recent applications and close both applications with a swipe.
3. Reboot the phone while holding the power button.

Does split screen work in landscape mode?

Yes, but you need to enable this option in settings:

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Multi-window.
2. Activate the switch Allow in landscape mode.

Then rotate the phone to landscape orientation - the windows will be automatically rearranged.

Is it possible to use multi-window on Xiaomi with Android Go?

No, smartphones on Android Go (for example, Redmi A1+ or POCO C51) do not support split screen due to the limitations of the light version of the OS. An alternative is to use floating windows through applications like Floating Apps.