Managing a Xiaomi smartphone or smart device through buttons seems easy - until you feel like reassigning them. Standard key layout (e.g. Back, Home, Recent) isn't always convenient, especially if you're used to a different navigation system or using the device with one hand. Fortunately, MIUI and HyperOS offer flexible tools to change the functionality of both physical and virtual buttons.
In this article, we will look at all the available customization methods, from basic repositioning of navigation buttons to advanced methods using ADB or third-party applications. We will focus on the features of different models, for example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro with an ultrasonic sensor or the POCO F5 with a dedicated button for the voice assistant. If you want to optimize the interaction with the device for your needs, read on.
Types of buttons on Xiaomi devices: which can be changed
Before you start setting up, it’s important to understand which buttons you’re dealing with, and on Xiaomi devices, they can be divided into three categories:
- 📱 Physical buttons are hardware keys (Power, Volume, and on some models Google Assistant or Camera) and are limited in functionality but partially reassignable.
- 🖥️ Virtual navigation buttons — program keys at the bottom of the screen (Back, Home, Recent) are fully customizable in the user's computer. MIUI/HyperOS.
- 👆 Gestures – Replace navigation buttons with swipes (e.g. swipe from the bottom up to return to the home screen) and are flexible but addictive.
Newer models (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+) have gestures activated by default and virtual buttons are hidden. However, they can be returned in settings. Physical buttons (such as Power) on most devices can only be reassigned via ADB or root access, but there are exceptions - for example, on the POCO F4 GT, the Game Turbo button can be configured without additional tools.
How to Change Virtual Navigation buttons in MIUI/HyperOS
The easiest way to customize is to change the order or functions of virtual buttons, which is available on all Xiaomi devices without the need to install third-party apps.
- Open the Settings → Screen.
- Choose a full-screen display (or HyperOS Navigation Style).
- Slip on Virtual buttons (if available) or Navigation buttons.
- Choose one of the proposed options: 🔄 Standard – Three buttons (Back, Home, Recent). 🔀 Back Order – Recent and Back buttons switch places. 🖐️ Gestures MIUI — swipe-change.
On some firmware (for example, HyperOS 1.0 on Xiaomi 13T), an additional Smart Assistant mode is available, where the Home button opens the voice assistant with a long press. If this option is missing, check for system updates - the functionality can appear after the update.
☑️ Preparation for button changes
Reassign physical buttons without root rights
You can only change the physical buttons (Power, Volume) without special tools on a limited number of devices. For example, on the POCO F3 GT or Black Shark 5 there is a built-in option to adjust the side button of the Game Turbo:
- Go to Settings → Special Features → Physical buttons (or Game settings on POCO).
- Select a button to reassign (for example, the Additional button).
- Assign one of the available actions: 🎮 Launching the game mode. 📸 Quick camera launch. 🔍 Activation of the voice assistant. 🔕 No sound/Vibration.
Most other models (such as the Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 12T) do not have these settings, and you will need to use ADB or third-party utilities like Button Mapper (discussed below).
Why some Xiaomis don’t have the option of reassigning buttons?
Using ADB to Advanced Button Customization
If built-in options aren’t enough, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a low-level device management tool that works on most Xiaomi models, but requires a PC connection and developer mode.
Here is a step-by-step instruction for reassigning the Volume button down to start the camera (example):
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → tap 7 times on the MIUI version.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect the device to your PC, open the command line and type: adb shell settings put global volume_key_long_press_camera 1 This will assign a long tap on Volume Down to launch the camera.
Other popular teams for ADB are:
| Team team. | Action. | Example of model |
|---|---|---|
| settings put global power_key_long_press_torch 1 | Long press power includes a flashlight | Redmi 10 |
| settings put global volume_key_cursor_control 1 | Volume buttons work like arrows (useful for gamers) | POCO X3 Pro |
| settings put global assist_key_long_press 3 | Long press of Google Assistant button opens the power menu | Xiaomi 11T |
Important: After the MIUI/HyperOS update, the ADB settings may reset. To avoid this, create a script to automatically apply commands when connecting to a PC.
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If the ADB team is not working, check if it is blocked by antivirus on the PC or built-in protection MIUI (Security → Autostart).
Third-party applications for button customization
If ADB seems complicated, you can use specialized utilities.
- 🔧 Button Mapper – allows you to reassign any physical and virtual buttons (requires permission Special features) Supports the creation of user actions, for example, launching an application by double-pressing.
- 🎛️ Tasker is an advanced automation tool, and you can set the Volume Up button to triple-press "Do Not Disturb" mode".
- 🖱️ Fluid Navigation Gestures – replaces virtual buttons with gestures with additional options (for example, swipe around the edge of the screen to return back).
Example of settings in Button Mapper:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Provide access to Special Features (in Android settings).
- Select a button to reassign (such as Volume Down).
- Assign action: Launch the application, Shortcut, ADB Command, etc.
Limitation: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the Button Mapper may not work due to a lock MIUI. In this case, it will only help. ADB root.
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Third-party apps are convenient, but may conflict with MIUI system processes. Before using, check reviews for your device model.
Features of button settings on different Xiaomi models
The function of the buttons may vary depending on the series of devices.
| Model/Series | Features of buttons | Available settings |
|---|---|---|
| POCO F4 GT / F5 | Additional Game Turbo button for game mode | Reassignment to launch applications, macros, voice assistant |
| Black Shark 5/6 | Physical triggers L1/R1 for gaming | Sensitivity setting, assignment of actions in games |
| Xiaomi 13/14 Pro | Ultrasonic sensor instead of physical volume buttons | Only gestures or virtual buttons |
| Redmi Note 12/13 | Standard physical buttons with no additional functions | Reassignment only through ADB or third-party applications |
On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), some of the button settings are moved to the Lab section to open it:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Slip 5 times on the HyperOS version.
- Enter the password ==3 (double equals and number 3).
- A hidden section of the laboratory will appear with additional options.
In the Laboratory, you can find experimental functions, for example, adjusting the vibration of buttons or changing their transparency.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When reassigning buttons, users experience common errors, and here's how to avoid or fix them:
- ❌ The buttons do not respond after the changes ⚠️ Note: If after use ADB or third-party application buttons stopped working, reset to factory settings (Settings) → The phone. → Before you do this, check if the application conflicts with the MIUI (Button Mapper may require battery optimization to be disabled).
- ❌ No settings are saved. ADB Make sure you restart the device after you enter the command. Some changes only apply after the reboot. Also check if the debugging permissions have been reset. USB.
- ❌ Gestures conflict with buttons If virtual buttons and gestures are activated simultaneously, there may be a delay. → Screen. → Full-screen display.
On devices with HyperOS after the update, the ability to reassign buttons through ADB may disappear. In this case, a rollback to the previous version of the firmware will help (see instructions on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums).
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If after the changes to the button Power stopped waking the screen, check the setting Double touch to wake up in Settings → Screen → Sleep mode.