Modern smartphones, including the popular Redmi Note 8 series, have long since moved from physical control buttons to fully touch-sensitive interfaces. However, the way you interact with the operating system can vary significantly depending on regional versions of the firmware and user preferences. For many owners of Chinese versions of devices or those who are used to the classic Android interface, the issue of having and configuring on-screen buttons remains a critical aspect of comfort.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what the navigation buttons on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 are, how to switch between standard gestures and the classic “three” at the bottom of the screen, and also consider the hidden capabilities of the MIUI system. Understanding these settings will allow you to make using a smartphone more ergonomic and familiar, especially if you switch from a different brand or an older model.
It is worth noting that the MIUI shell interface is constantly evolving, and the location of some switches can change. However, the basic principles of the navigation system remain unchanged for several years. We will look at current management methods that are applicable to both global firmware versions and Chinese assemblies with Russian installed.
Types of navigation systems in MIUI
The Android operating system that powers Xiaomi’s shell offers two basic ways to manage the interface: the first is the classic screen button, which sits at the bottom of the display, usually three: Back, Home, and App Menu, a method that most users know because it has been the industry standard for many years.
The second option is gesture control, where the buttons' bottom bar disappears, freeing up useful screen space, and navigation is done by swipes from the edges of the display. On the 6.3-inch Redmi Note 8, gestures can be particularly convenient because they make it easier to reach the interface elements with one hand.
Switching between these modes occurs in system settings, but it's important to understand the difference in logic: If buttons require precise clicking on a certain area, then rely on swipes and finger length gestures. For beginners, switching to gestures can seem difficult, but after a couple of days of getting used to it, the efficiency of the control often increases.
Location of navigation settings in the menu
To change the way you control the screen on your Redmi Note 8, you need to go to the appropriate system settings section. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (10, 11, 12 or later), but the overall logic remains the same. You need to open the Settings app and find the partition responsible for the appearance and management of the system.
In most current builds, the path is as follows: go to Settings → Additional settings → Full-screen mode. This is where the master switch that activates or deactivates the on-screen buttons hides. If you can't find this item, search by settings by typing in "Navigation" or "Full-screen."
☑️ Checking the navigation settings
Note that on some global firmware versions, this section may be simply called “Navigation” and be located in the Settings → Screen menu. If you have this version, look for the “Use buttons” or “Hide buttons” switch.
How to turn on and off screen buttons
The process of turning on or off navigation buttons on the Redmi Note 8 takes only a few seconds, but requires care. Once you are in the Full Screen Mode menu, you will see two main options for switching: the first option is the Full Screen, which hides buttons and activates gestures. The second option is the Buttons, which returns the classic navigation bar.
If you've chosen button mode, the system can offer additional settings for their location, so you can choose either "Back" on the left or "Back" on the right, which is especially convenient for left-handed people who are more likely to swipe or click with their right hand on the right edge, choose the option that you like and confirm the action.
⚠️ Warning: When switching modes, the screen may blink or go out for a second - this is a normal reaction of the system to re-drawing the interface, do not panic and do not press the buttons chaotically.
Once you have the settings, the changes take effect instantly. If you have the buttons on, they will appear at the bottom of the display. If you have turned them off, the bottom of the screen will be fully accessible to the content, and the control will go to gestures. In case the buttons do not appear, try restarting the device by performing the Reboot command through the power menu.
Setting up sensitivity and additional functions
The MIUI shell provides Redmi Note 8 users with enhanced navigation fine-tuning. In the same menu where you switch control types, screen edge sensitivity settings are often available, critical for gesture mode, as it avoids accidental tapping or makes the response clearer.
You should also pay attention to Hide Tips. In gesture mode, the system can show small stripes or dots at the bottom of the screen, telling you where to swipe. If visual noise annoys you, this option can be turned off to make the interface cleaner. You can adjust the vibrations when you press them, which gives a tactile response.
| Function | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Hide the clues | Removes visual sign markers | Turn on for a clean screen |
| Button vibrations | Tactile response when pressed | Include to confirm actions |
| Edge sensitivity | Swipe reaction from the sides | Customize individually |
| Location "Back" | Left or right | Depends on the leading hand. |
💡
If you often accidentally touch the edges of the screen, try to reduce the sensitivity of the edges in the settings or use a black-framed protective glass that physically limits the touch area.
Remember that sensitivity settings can affect the performance of protective cases. If the case has high sides, it can overlap the edges of the screen, making swipes impossible, in which case it is better to leave the standard sensitivity or temporarily return to the buttons.
Hidden buttons and floating navigation
Many users are looking for so-called “hidden buttons” on the Redmi Note 8, implying the ability to call the navigation bar on motion or swipe so that it does not occupy space on the screen constantly. There is no such feature “by swipe” in the MIUI stock shell, but there are alternatives, one of them is the use of the “smooth switch” mode, which is sometimes mistaken for hidden buttons.
There is also the option of a floating button (Quick Ball), which is analogous to Assistive Touch in iOS. This virtual joystick can be configured to act as the Home, Back and Menu buttons. To activate it, go to Settings → Additional Settings → Floating button and turn on the switch.
How to set up a floating button for navigation?
Using a floating button is a great solution for those who have a damaged touchscreen at the bottom of the screen or who are used to controlling one hand on large diagonals. However, it is worth remembering that this interface element can overlap the content in games or applications, so it is often hidden until the first touch of the edge of the screen.
Navigation problems and their solution
Despite the stability of the Redmi Note 8, users may experience software failures in which the navigation buttons disappear, stop responding or work incorrectly, often due to overflow of the cache of the system application Explorer or System UI.
Another common problem is third-party launcher conflict, and if you install a new design theme or launcher from GetApps or Google Play, they can take over navigation control, check if you have modified themes, and try to return the standard Classic theme for diagnosis.
⚠️ Note: If the buttons are missing after installing an unknown application from an unverified source, there is a high probability of malware blocking system functions.
In extreme cases, when software methods don’t work, you can try resetting your navigation settings through an engineering menu or ADB, but this requires caution. For the average user, a safest way is to perform a full Hard Reset after saving important data, which will return the system to a factory state.
Use of third-party applications for navigation
If standard MIUI capabilities aren't enough, the app store offers a host of customization solutions, applications like Navigation Bar or Fluid Navigation Gestures that allow you to create your own button interface, change their transparency, size and behavior, and give you the freedom you don't have in standard settings.
However, installing such apps on modern versions of Android (and MIUI in particular) requires special permissions, you will have to give access to “Above Other Applications” and “Use Without Restrictions”, which can slightly increase battery consumption, and third-party navigators can conflict with system security gestures.
💡
Standard MIUI tools provide the best stability and integration with the system, so third-party applications should be resorted to only when specific functions are urgently needed.
Before installing any navigation tweaker, read reviews carefully and check compatibility with your version of Android. On the Redmi Note 8, which runs on Android 9, 10 or 11 (depending on updates), older versions of such programs may not work correctly or cause cyclical interface reboots.