Xiaomi’s current smartphones, which run MIUI shells and the new HyperOS, offer users a wide range of options for customizing the interface. One of the most significant changes affecting the daily comfort of using the gadget is the method of navigating the system. For a long time, the de facto standard was three virtual buttons at the bottom of the screen, but the trend for full-screen displays and increasing usable area dictates its rules.
Many device owners are wondering how to change the navigation buttons on Xiaomi to move to more modern gesture management or, conversely, return the usual interface. This process does not require obtaining super-user rights or installing third-party software, since all the necessary tools are built deep into the system settings.
In this detailed guide, we’ll take a look at all the control options available, from the classic circuit to the hidden features that aren’t always obvious when you first get to know the device. You’ll learn how to adapt your smartphone to your habits, whether you use one hand or prefer the system’s maximum response speed.
Basic navigation methods in MIUI and HyperOS
Before you start changing your settings, you need to clearly understand the difference between the available management methods. Current versions of Xiaomi firmware provide two main ways of interacting with the interface, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the use case.
The first is classic on-screen control, a scheme familiar to anyone who has used Android smartphones in the past decade, which involves three static or dynamic elements at the bottom of the display: a back button, a home button, and an app menu (or recent) button, a key advantage of which is its predictability and no need to remember complex swipes.
The second is gesture control, which replaced buttons in the age of frameless screens, where the bottom bar with buttons disappears, freeing up precious screen space for content. Navigation is done by swiping away from the edges of the screen. The depth of immersion in this method takes some time to get used to, but after adaptation, many users notice a significant increase in speed.
⚠️ Attention: It may take several minutes to adjust muscle memory when switching navigation techniques. Don't rush back to the old settings if you feel uncomfortable in the first hours of use.
The choice between these two options often depends on the diagonal of your device’s screen. On compact models like the Xiaomi 13 or Lite version, buttons can take up too much of the usable area, whereas on flagships with large displays, gestures make it easier to reach the thumb controls.
Step-by-step instruction for switching control methods
The process of changing the type of navigation in Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones is as unified as possible and takes no more than a minute. You do not need to search for hidden menus or use engineering codes, since the developers have made this feature in the main profile of the system settings.
To start, unlock your smartphone and find the Settings icon on your desktop, which is usually a gear icon located at the top of the screen or in the dock bar. After logging in, scroll down to the option list below to the "Additional Settings" or "Extended Settings" section, depending on the firmware localization version.
☑️ Algorithm of action
Inside the "Additional Settings" section, you need to find a item that can be called "Fullscreen Control" or simply "System Navigation." When you click on it, you'll see two switches. The first one is responsible for enabling full-screen mode (gestures), and the second one allows you to return to button use. Activating the switch instantly changes the interface without having to reboot the device.
If you choose to use buttons, the system will offer an additional choice of where to place them, you can leave the standard scheme (left "Back", right "Menu") or mirror them, this is especially true for left-handed people or users who hold the phone in a particular hand, the changes take effect immediately after choosing the appropriate item.
It's worth noting that in some older versions of MIUI, the path to these settings may have been different, and if you don't find the right item using the algorithm, search inside the settings menu, type the word "navigation" or "buttons" into the search bar, and the system will redirect you to the desired menu section.
Hidden Navigation Panel: A Compromise
There's a third, less-known control, which is a hybrid of buttons and gestures, called the hidden navigation bar, which allows you to keep the visual cleanness of the screen that is typical of full-screen mode, but still leaves you with the ability to use the usual buttons for the first requirement.
To activate this mode, you need to select the option "Hide buttons" from the Full Screen Control menu. Unlike the full gesture transition, there is a thin, barely noticeable strip at the bottom of the screen, and when you briefly touch this strip, three virtual buttons pop up, allowing you to perform navigation, after which they disappear again.
This method is often called “tablet mode” because it was originally designed for large-diagonal devices where persistent buttons would take up too much space. However, on Xiaomi smartphones, it is also available and can be a salvation for those who can’t completely abandon buttons but want to see more content on the screen.
⚠️ Attention: In the hidden panel mode, the touchscreen sensitivity at the bottom of the screen may work differently. Make sure you touch the indicator bar instead of the area above it, so as not to activate random actions.
Using a hidden panel also allows you to save battery power on the AMOLED-The black pixels at the bottom of the display are not illuminated, unlike when bright white buttons are lit. This energy saving factor can be critical for owners of previous generations of models.
In addition, it solves the problem of compatibility with some applications that do not display the interface correctly with a completely hidden navigation bar. If you notice that in programs buttons hit content, switching to a hidden bar often solves this problem without having to close the application.
Sensitivity setting and error prevention
Switching to gesture control or full-screen modes often involves the problem of random taps. Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with advanced algorithms to protect against erroneous touches, but in some cases require manual adjustment of sensitivity parameters.
In the navigation settings section or in the additional display settings, the item “Preventing Mistakes” is often found. This tool allows you to adjust the reaction of the edges of the screen to touch. You can choose “High” if you swipe from the edge often, or “Low” if the standard sensitivity seems to you insufficient.
Cheap accessories with thick edges can interfere with the correct operation of gestures, especially the swipe from the bottom up to the desktop, in such cases, it is recommended to either replace the protective coating with a better one marked “compatible with gesture control”, or increase the delay in the recognition of touch in the settings.
Why can't gestures work?
Another important aspect is sensor calibration, and if you feel that swipes are not registered the first time or late, it makes sense to calibrate through an engineering menu or special diagnostic applications, although in HyperOS this process is automated and occurs in the background.
Users who actively use a smartphone in side cases may also face difficulties, in which case the system can ignore touching at the very edges of the device, the solution lies in changing the angle of the hand when swiping or temporarily disabling protection against erroneous presses.
Comparative table of navigation methods
To make a final decision on the right control method for you, it is advisable to conduct a comparative analysis of the main characteristics of each method, which will help you to weigh the pros and cons, based on your personal preferences and device model.
Below is a table that summarizes the key differences between the three main approaches to navigation in the Xiaomi ecosystem.
| Parameter | Three buttons. | Full-screen gestures | Hidden panel. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Useful screen area | Reduced (busy with buttons) | Maximum | Almost maximum |
| Adjustment rate | Instant. | 3-7 days | 1-2 days |
| Convenience with one hand | Average. | High (on big screens) | High. |
| Compatibility with games | 100% | Random swipes are possible | Tall. |
As you can see from the table, full-screen gestures benefit in terms of aesthetics and space use, but take time to adapt. Classic buttons remain the most reliable option for those who value predictability over visual effects.
The hidden panel occupies an intermediate niche, offering a balance between functionality and appearance. The choice of the specific method depends on which aspect of using a smartphone is a priority for you at the moment.
Solving common problems and failures
Despite the stability of the operating system, users may experience a situation where the navigation buttons disappear, stop responding or work incorrectly, most often due not to a hardware malfunction, but to a software failure of a particular application or system process.
One of the common causes of buttons disappearing is when you activate the immersion mode in a particular app or game. Some programs automatically hide navigation elements to expand the playing field. To return the buttons, you usually just swipe from the bottom of the screen or press the power button.
If the buttons are missing in all applications and on the desktop, try rebooting the System UI process. Go to the settings, look for Advanced Settings → Accessibility → Visual (the path may differ in different versions) and check if third-party launchers or themes conflicting with the system are included.
💡
Before making major changes to your navigation system settings, take a screenshot of your current configuration, which will help you quickly get things back to normal if you get confused with the new designations.
⚠️ Warning: Installing third-party design themes from unofficial sources can cause navigation buttons to disappear completely. If this happens, load into Safe Mode or reset the theme to standard through the theme menu.
In rare cases, cleaning the Settings app cache or resetting all settings to factory settings helps, but this is an extreme measure. Most often, the problem is solved by simply updating the firmware to the current version, since in new security patches Xiaomi regularly fixes bugs associated with the touch interface.
It's also worth checking if the One-Hand Control feature is enabled, and when activated, the screen shrinks and the navigation buttons may shift or behave strangely. Turn off this feature in your settings search if you don't need it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In conclusion, we will answer the most popular user questions that arise during the navigation settings on Xiaomi and Redmi devices.