Launched in July last year, MIUI 9 powers most recent Redmi devices and brings meaningful upgrades to Xiaomi's custom Android skin. Drawing from hands-on testing across multiple Xiaomi phones, this guide uncovers 13 practical MIUI 9 features to streamline your daily use and unlock hidden potential.
Quick Navigation: 1. Split screen | 2. Quickly switch between apps | 3. Create collages | 4. Add images to Photos tab in Gallery | 5. Erase background | 6. Access shortcuts on the lock screen | 7. Move and delete multiple apps | 8. Set default home screen | 9. Enable silent mode | 10. Share files using Mi Drop | 11. Access app information from recent apps | 12. View memory/RAM status in recent apps | 13. Group unimportant notifications
MIUI 9 enhances lock screen functionality, notification management, gestures, themes, and effects—plus plenty of lesser-known gems. Let's dive in.
Read also: Get MIUI 9 on your Xiaomi phone before everyone else without rootingPorted from Android Nougat, MIUI 9's split-screen mode lets you run two compatible apps side-by-side. One app takes the top half, the other the bottom.
Open recent apps with the Recents key, tap the split-screen icon in the top-left corner, drag the first app to 'Drag items here,' then select the second. Adjust sizes by dragging the divider line between apps. Exit by sliding the line fully up or down.
Effortlessly toggle between your two most recent apps by double-tapping the Recents key—a seamless Nougat-inspired shortcut in MIUI 9.
Also read: 9 Essential Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro Camera Tips and TricksNo need for extra apps: MIUI 9's Gallery has built-in collage creation.
In Gallery's Photos tab, tap the three-dot menu > Collage. Pick photos, hit OK, then tweak layout and style.
Note: Collages work only with Photos tab images (mainly Camera album). Add other folders via the next tip.
From any album, tap the three-dot menu > Show in Photos. Those images now appear in the Photos tab for collages and more.
Also read: 6 apps to add arrows and text to images on AndroidMIUI 9's photo editor now includes a background/object eraser tool under Edit options—perfect for removing distractions.
Swipe right on the lock screen for quick access to Mi Home, Mi Remote, and Torch (flashlight).
Pinch the home screen to enter edit mode—gray bubbles appear over icons. Tap to select multiple apps, then drag to reposition or to the trash icon to uninstall.
Pinch home screen > Settings > Set default screen. Choose your preferred page.
Press volume up/down anywhere, then tap Silent in the volume menu for instant DND or full silence—no physical switch needed.
Ditch SHAREit or Xender: Mi Drop handles fast transfers across Android devices, pre-installed on MIUI 9.
In Recents, long-press any app icon to jump straight to its info screen.
Also read: Mi Drop vs Xender vs SHAREit: Best Android File Sharing App ComparisonThough hidden by default in MIUI 9, enable it via Settings > Home screen & Recents > Show memory status.
Enable Notifications folder in Settings > Notifications & status bar. Then, in the shade, swipe notifications left > mark as Unimportant to group them neatly.
Also find out: How to Unlock Game Booster Mode in Xiaomi Phones Running MIUI 9These MIUI 9 tips will transform your Xiaomi experience. New to Redmi Note 5 or Note 5 Pro? Check tailored tips for those devices too.
