Navigation buttons on Xiaomi Redmi 9: what it is, how it works and how to set up

Introduction: Why you need navigation buttons on your smartphone

Modern smartphones, including the Xiaomi Redmi 9, offer several ways to control the interface. One key element is the navigation buttons — virtual or physical elements that help you navigate through menus, return to previous screens and perform other basic actions.

On Redmi 9, the navigation buttons are software-based, meaning that they are displayed on the screen and can be customized to the user's preferences. Unlike older models with physical buttons, virtual ones allow you to flexibly change their location, appearance and even functionality. However, not all users know how to make the most of these elements or how to return them if they are gone.

In this article, we will take a closer look at what navigation buttons are available on the Xiaomi Redmi 9, how they work in standard mode, how to reconfigure or hide them, and also look at typical problems and ways to solve them.

What navigation buttons are available on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Redmi 9 uses three basic virtual navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen, which perform standard functions familiar to Android users:

• 🔙 Back – Returns to the previous screen or closes the current app/menu.
• 🏠 Home – Translates to Home Screen from any section.
• 📄 Recent Apps – Opens the list of the latest running programs for quick switching.

These buttons are displayed as icons and react to touch. In some MIUI firmware, their appearance may vary slightly, but the functionality remains the same. It is important to note that Redmi 9 also has an alternative control mode – gestures that can completely replace traditional buttons.

In addition to the basic buttons, additional navigation elements may appear in some situations, such as when watching full-screen video or in some games, buttons may temporarily hide to avoid disturbing the content, and MIUI also provides hidden features, such as holding the Home button to activate the Google Assistant voice assistant.

Where are the navigation buttons and how to turn them on

By default, the navigation buttons on Xiaomi Redmi 9 are displayed at the bottom of the screen and occupy a small band. If they suddenly disappear, this may be due to activation of gesture mode or accidental change of settings. To return the buttons, follow the following steps:

1. Open the settings on your smartphone.
2. Go to the Display section.
3. Select the Full Screen Mode option.
4. In the Navigation Style submenu, select the button option (or traditional buttons depending on the MIUI version).

After that, the navigation buttons will appear again at the bottom of the screen. If you want to change their order (for example, swap the back and recent buttons), this can also be done in the same menu. Note that some versions of the MIUI firmware offer a choice between two styles of display of buttons: classic (backlit) and minimalistic (transparent).

If the buttons still don't show up, check to see if the child mode or guest mode is activated, which may limit some of the interface features, and make sure the smartphone has the latest version of MIUI installed, as older firmware may have bugs displaying navigation elements.

How to set the navigation buttons for yourself

Xiaomi Redmi 9 allows you to flexibly adjust navigation buttons to make them as relevant as possible to your habits.

• 🔄 Order of buttons – you can swap the places “Back” and “Recent”, if you are more comfortable with a different order.
• 🎨 Appearance – the choice between classic and transparent style, as well as changing the color of the backlight.
• ⚡ Additional features – for example, double-clicking the Home button for quick camera start.
• 🔕 Automatic Hiding – buttons can disappear after a few seconds of inactivity to avoid distraction.

To change these settings, go back to Settings → Display → Full-screen Mode. Here you will find all the options available. For example, if you are left-handed, you may be more comfortable swapping the Back and Recent buttons in places so that the main actions are performed with your right thumb.

MIUI also has a hidden feature that allows you to add a fourth button — for example, to quickly access notification panels or to launch a voice assistant — which requires you to activate the developer mode and use additional settings, but this is a topic for a separate article.

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If you use your smartphone with one hand often, try to reduce the size of the navigation buttons in the settings. This will free up more space for content on the screen.

Navigation buttons vs. gestures: what’s better on Redmi 9

With the release of new MIUI versions, Xiaomi is actively promoting gesture control instead of traditional buttons, which involves using swipes (finger wires) around the edges of the screen to perform the same actions.

• 👆 Swipe up from the bottom edge – return to the main screen (analogue of the Home button").
• 👆👆 Swipe Up and Hold – Opening a list of recent apps.
• 👈 Swipe from right to left – back (analogue of the button “Back").

Gestures have several advantages: they free up space on the screen, make the interface more modern and can be more convenient for users with large screens.

• ❌ It takes time to get used to, especially if you’ve been using buttons for a long time.
• ❌ In some applications, gestures may conflict with internal navigation (e.g., in games or browsers).
• ❌ There is no tactile feedback like when you click on virtual buttons.

To try gestures, go to Settings → Display → Full-screen mode and select Gesture option. The system will offer short training so you can practice. If gestures seem uncomfortable, you can always go back to the buttons.

Typical Navigation Button Problems and Solutions

Sometimes the navigation buttons on Redmi 9 may not work correctly: do not respond to presses, disappear or go off with a delay.

If neither solution worked, it may be the problem of the firmware being damaged, in which case you should try resetting to factory settings (remember to back up the data!) or reflashing the device through the Mi Flash Tool. However, these are extreme measures and it is recommended to contact Xiaomi’s service center before they do.

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If the navigation buttons stopped working after the smartphone fell, the problem may be damage to the display plume, in which case professional repair is required.

⚠️ Note: If the navigation buttons start to behave strangely after installing a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher), try returning the standard launcher. MIUI. Some alternative shells conflict with system controls.

Hidden navigation buttons on Redmi 9

Many users are unaware that the navigation buttons on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 can perform additional functions besides the basic ones.

• 🔍 Double-click on Home – Google Assistant starts by default, but you can reassign to another action (such as opening a camera or flashlight).
• 🔄 Long press on "Recent" - in some versions MIUI Opens the Quick Settings menu.
• 📱 Swipe on the back button – in some applications allows you to quickly switch between tabs (for example, in the browser).
• 🔇 Hiding buttons in full-screen apps – if buttons interfere with watching videos, they can be temporarily removed by swiping down.

To activate these functions, you may need to turn on the developer mode.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row.
3. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
4. Here you will find additional options for setting buttons and gestures.

On Redmi 9, you can activate the "Show Presses" feature in developer mode, which visualizes touches on the screen, which is useful for debugging sensor problems or learning new gestures.

⚠️ Warning: Be careful when changing the settings in developer mode. Some parameters can lead to unstable system operation if they are changed without understanding the consequences.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Navigation Buttons on Xiaomi Redmi 9