Modern smartphones, such as the popular models from Xiaomi and Redmi, have screens of sufficient size to effectively use the space for multitasking. The split-screen feature isn't just a visual trick, it's a powerful productivity tool. Imagine being able to respond to messages in the messenger while browsing your news feed, or copying data from a table while looking at the original in the browser.
However, many users encounter difficulties when trying to activate this mode. In the shell MIUI or new HyperOS the settings may be hidden in a non-obvious way, and some applications simply do not support working in this format. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the ways to enable split screen, from standard gestures to special settings for developers, so that you can get the most out of your gadget.
Let's start with the fact that the function is available on almost all current models, from budget Redmi Note to flagship Mi and MIX. The main thing is to understand the logic of the interface, which may differ slightly depending on the firmware version. We will help you understand the nuances and avoid common mistakes when setting up.
The standard activation method is through the recent applications menu
The simplest and most common method, which works on most devices with shell MIUI 12 and newer, involves using the menu of running apps. You don't need to install third-party software or go into deep system settings. Just open the application that should occupy the top of the screen, and then minimize it.
Next, press the "Menu" button (the square in the navigation bar) or swipe up from the bottom and hold if you have gesture controls enabled. You will see cards of all open applications. Find the card you need and pay attention to the icons that appear above or to the side of it. This is where the icon we need is hidden.
Click on the icon that resembles two rectangles on top of each other. The screen will automatically split: the selected application will occupy the upper half, and in the lower part the system will prompt you to select a second application from the list of recently used ones. If the app you need is not in the list, you can click on the three dots icon or the down arrow to open the full list of installed apps.
After selecting the second application, you will get a full-fledged desktop with two active windows. The border between them can be moved up or down, changing the proportions of content display. This is especially convenient when one application requires more space for reading, and another only for a quick overview.
To quickly swap applications, drag the gray separator bar to the very bottom or top of the screen, and then select another application in the free area.
Customizing additional buttons in the multitasking menu
Sometimes users complain that when they open the recent applications menu, they do not see the treasured split-screen button. This is a common situation on devices with a simplified interface or after a factory reset. Fortunately, Xiaomi provides the ability to manually add this function to the card control panel.
To do this, you will need to go to the system settings. Find the section responsible for the home screen or multitasking. The path may look like Settings → Desktop → Recent tasks. In some firmware versions, this item may be called differently, for example, “Window management” or hidden in advanced settings.
In the menu that opens, you will see the option “Additional buttons” or “Show multitasking buttons”. Activate the switch next to "Split screen". Now, when you open the menu of running applications, three icons will be displayed above each card: pinning, split screen and close.
- 📱 Paper clip icon — fixes the application in memory, preventing the system from closing it when cleared.
- 🔲 Two windows icon — activates split screen mode for the selected application.
- ❌ Cross - forcefully closes the application and unloads it from RAM.
If you did not find this item in the desktop settings, try looking for it in the "Advanced settings" section or through a search in settings by entering the query "split screen". The interface HyperOS may have a slightly different menu structure, but the logic remains the same: the system allows you to customize the task management panel to suit your needs.
Using special gestures for quick separation
For those who value speed and do not like to poke around the menu again, developers Xiaomi implemented support for special gestures. This method allows you to split your screen in just a second without having to go into the multitasking menu. However, it requires a little skill and getting used to finger movements.
The essence of the method is to swipe with three fingers. Open the first application, which should be on top. Then swipe up from the center of the screen with three fingers. If the function is active and the application supports the mode, the screen will instantly split in half. A menu for selecting a second application will appear at the bottom.
It is important to note that this gesture may not work by default. It needs to be activated in the settings. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Quick launch gestures (or "Gesture Shortcuts"). Find Split Screen and make sure the switch is turned on. Here you can also change the direction of the gesture if the standard one is inconvenient for you.
Some users prefer to use the "Back" button to call up the split-screen menu. In the gesture settings, you can assign a long press on the "Back" button to activate this mode. This is especially convenient on devices with a physical or touch navigation panel, where the button is always at hand.
☑️ Checking the operation of gestures
List of compatible applications and mode restrictions
Unfortunately, not every application can work in split-screen mode. This limitation is related not so much to the capabilities of the smartphone Xiaomibut to the policies of the developers of the applications themselves. Some apps require a full screen to display the interface correctly or protect content.
Banking applications, for example Sberbank Online or Tinkoffoften block the ability to split the screen for security reasons. This is done to prevent data from being intercepted by other applications that may be running in the adjacent window. This list also includes many streaming services and applications with DRM-protected content.
Games also rarely support this mode. Launching a game in a small window usually results in controls not displaying correctly or the application completely refusing to work. The system automatically closes split-screen mode if you try to run an incompatible game in the second window.
To check whether your favorite application supports dual-window operation, try activating the mode in the standard way. If the application does not appear in the list of available for the second window or displays an error, then the developer has disabled this feature. The table below shows examples of popular application categories and their compatibility.
| Application category | Examples | Separation support | Operation features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Messengers | Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber | Full | Work stably, notifications arrive correctly |
| Social networks | VK, Instagram, TikTok | Partial | VK works fine, Instagram may limit functionality |
| Browsers | Chrome, Yandex.Browser | Full | Convenient for copying text and links |
| Banking applications | Sberbank, Tinkoff, Alfa | Forbidden | Blocked by the application security system |
| Video players | YouTube, Kinopoisk | Depends on the version | Official applications are often blocked, third-party ones work |
⚠️ Attention: Even if an application supports split screen, some of its functions may not be available in a reduced window. For example, navigation buttons may be overlapped by the system bar.
Forced activation for all applications through settings
If standard methods fail to split the screen with the desired application, there is an advanced way to bypass the restrictions. It consists of using the “For Developers” menu, hidden deep in the system settings. This method allows you to force any application to work in multi-window mode.
First you need to activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and find the item "MIUI Version" or "OS Version". Quickly click on this item 7-10 times in a row until the “You have become a developer” notification appears. Now a new section “Advanced settings” → “For developers” will appear in the main settings menu.
Inside this menu, scroll down the list to the "Applications" section. Find the item "Force activities to be resizable". Activate this switch. After this, restart your smartphone for the changes to take effect.
Now try again to split the screen with an application that previously refused to work in this mode. With a high degree of probability, the system will allow you to launch it in a second window. However, be prepared that the interface may look distorted and the buttons may become too small to press.
Risks of using Developer Mode
Enabling developer features may cause some applications to become unstable or drain your battery quickly. Use these settings only if you understand what you are doing, and disable them after completing the task.
Managing windows and exiting split mode
When two applications are running simultaneously, managing them has its own characteristics. There is a gray separator strip between the windows. By grabbing it with your finger, you can change the size of the windows: make one large and the other small, or split the screen exactly in half. This is a dynamic setting that can be changed at any time.
To exit split-screen mode, just drag the dividing bar to the very edge of the screen - up or down. The window towards which you drag the bar will close, and the second application will expand to full screen. This is the fastest way to return to standard use.
You can also press the Home button (circle in the navigation or swipe up) to minimize both applications. They will remain in the background in split screen mode. When you open the recent apps menu again, you'll see a combined card with the two apps. By clicking on it, you will instantly return to working with two windows.
In some scenarios, it is useful to close the mode completely. To do this, you can press the back button several times until one of the applications closes, or use the close button in the multitasking menu. The system itself will suggest the best option depending on the current situation.
Dragging the separating bar to the edge of the screen is the fastest way to close one of the windows and return to the full-screen mode of the remaining application.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Despite the simplicity of the function, users sometimes encounter bugs. The most common problem is a black screen in the second window or the system freezes when trying to split. This is usually due to a lack of RAM, especially on budget models with 3 or 4 GB of RAM.
If you notice that your smartphone starts to slow down in dual-window mode, try closing unnecessary background applications. Free up memory before activating the mode. Also make sure that both applications are updated to the latest versions via Google Play or GetApps. Outdated code often causes conflicts in new versions Android.
Another problem is spontaneous exit from the mode. This can happen if one of the applications crashes with an error. In this case, check the error logs or try clearing the cache of the problematic application through the settings. Sometimes uninstalling and reinstalling the app helps.
⚠️ Attention: On older smartphone models with low RAM, using split-screen mode may lead to accelerated battery drain and heating of the case. Monitor the temperature of the device while multitasking is active.
If none of the methods helps, your firmware version may contain a critical error. Check for system updates in the menu Settings → About phone → System update. Developers Xiaomi regularly release patches that fix multitasking bugs.
Reboot your smartphone periodically if you actively use split-screen mode. This helps clear the memory cache and prevent errors from accumulating in background processes.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the split screen button not appear above applications?
Most likely, the function is disabled in the settings or this particular application does not support multi-window mode. Check the settings in the "Desktop" section and try to activate the mode through the developer menu.
Is it possible to run three applications simultaneously on the Xiaomi screen?
This is impossible using standard system tools, the screen is only divided into two parts. However, there are third-party applications from the Play Market that emulate floating windows, allowing you to run more than two apps, but they work less stable.
Does split screen affect game performance?
Yes, significantly. If you run the game in one of the windows, it will receive less CPU and GPU resources. This will lead to a drop in FPS and possible stuttering. It is better to run games in full screen mode.
How to save the window layout after rebooting the phone?
Unfortunately, the system MIUI and HyperOS do not save the split screen session after a complete reboot of the device. You will have to reopen the multitasking menu and activate the mode for the desired applications.
Does split screen work in landscape mode?
Yes, in landscape mode the screen is also divided into two parts, but the windows are located next to each other (left and right), and not on top of each other. This is convenient for tablets and smartphones with large diagonals.