How to change or replace the Home button on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways

The Home button (or Home) on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the key controls that can fail over time, stop responding to clicks, or simply annoy with its physical implementation. Depending on the device model (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 or Mi 11) button can be both mechanical and touch, and in new versions MIUI It's often replaced by gestures, but what if you want to reassign it, disable it, or physically replace it?

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the Home button - from software settings to MIUI 12/13/14 before the hardware repairs:

• 🔄 Replace the physical button with a touch or virtual button;
• 📱 Reassign button functions through settings or third-party apps;
• 🛠️ Repair a broken button yourself;
• ⚙️ Turn off the button and switch to gesture control.

It is important to understand that not all methods are universal: for example, on Xiaomi Mi. A2 (With pure Android One, the settings will be different from Redmi 9s MIUI. We will indicate which instructions are suitable for specific models and firmware versions.

1. Software methods of changing the home button in MIUI

If you are not satisfied with the current implementation of the Home button, first try to change its behavior through settings. MIUI. This is the safest method that does not require disassembly of the device.

Depending on the shell version (MIUI 12/13/14) The path to settings may be different:

1. Open the Settings. → Additionally. → Buttons and gestures (or Settings) → System system → Gestures in new versions).
2. Select the Home button or the Lower Navigation bar.
3. Here you can: 🔄 Turn off the button and switch to gestures; 📲 Change the order of the buttons (for example, change the “Home” and “Back” places); 🎯 Set the sensitivity of the touch button (if any).

In some models (for example, POCO F3 or Redmi K40) The option is Full-screen gestures, which completely hides the bottom panel, in which case the Home button is replaced by a swipe from the bottom up:

Settings → Display → Full-screen mode → Full-screen gestures

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If after you turn on the gestures, the Home button continues to appear, reboot the device or reset the gesture settings in the Settings menu. → System system → Resetting settings → Reset your gesture settings.

Limitations of the programmatic method:

• ❌ On Android One (such as Mi) A3) Some of the functions may not be available;
• ❌ Some models (such as Black Shark) have their own shell with unique settings;
• ❌ If the button is physically broken, the software settings won’t help – repairs will be required.

2. Reassign the Home button through third-party apps

If the standard settings MIUI Not enough, you can use applications to reassign buttons, and this method is suitable for users with root rights or on devices with an unlocked bootloader.

The most popular applications:

• 🔧 Button Mapper – allows you to reassign any hardware buttons, including Home;
• 📱 Xposed Framework (GravityBox) – for deep customization (requires root);
• 🎛️ Tasker – to create user actions when you press a button.

Instructions for Button Mapper:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Provide access to Special Features (in Android settings).
3. Select the Home button and assign a new action (such as launching an app or simulating clicking Back).

Download Button Mapper from official source|

Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings |

Provide the application with special opportunities|

Create a backup of settings (in case of failure)-->

It's important, on devices with MIUI 14 and later, some applications may be blocked by security:

⚠️ Attention: Disable the protection MIUI in the security settings (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Auto-run) and add Button Mapper to exceptions.

3. Physical replacement of the Home button: when necessary

If the Home button stops responding to presses, jamms or falls off, it will have to be replaced, which is true for older Xiaomi models with mechanical buttons (for example, Redmi). 4X, Mi 5).

Signs of malfunction:

• 🔴 The button is not pressed or pressed with difficulty;
• 🔴 It works spontaneously (for example, returns to the main screen without pressing);
• 🔴 Physical damage (cracks, chips) is visible).

What will be required for replacement:

Step-by-step replacement instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
2. Heat the bottom of the screen with a hairdryer (if the button is built into the display module).
3. Carefully tuck the body with a plastic spatula, starting at the corner.
4. Unscrew the screws that lock the button plume.
5. Disconnect the plume and set a new button.

Cost of repair:

• 💰 Self-sustained replacement: 300–1000 ₽ (spare-price);
• 💰 In the service center: 1500-3000 ₽ (model-wise).

4. Disabling the Home button and switching to gestures

If the physical button interferes or you prefer gesture control, you can turn it off completely. MIUI 12 and newer.

How to turn off the Home button:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Full-screen mode.
2. Choose Full-screen gestures.
3. Enable the swipe option from the bottom up to return to the home screen.
4. Save the settings and restart the device.

Benefits of gestures:

• ✅ Screen space is being released;
• ✅ The wear of the physical button decreases;
• ✅ It is easier to control one hand.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires habituation (1-2 days);
• ❌ On some models, gestures are unstable (for example, on the Redmi 7);
• ❌ Some apps may conflict with gestures (e.g. games).

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On Android One devices (such as Mi) A2) Full-screen gestures are customized through standard Android settings: Settings → System system → Gestures → System navigation.

5. Repair of the broken home button without replacement

If the Home button doesn't work well but it doesn't break, you can try fixing it without replacing it.

• 🧹 Dust and dirt under the button;
• 💧 Oxidation of contacts (after moisture is ingested);
• 🔌 Weakening of the plume (on models with a removable button).

How to clean the button:

1. Turn off the phone and remove the back cover (if it is removable).
2. Gently blow the button with compressed air or clean with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
3. If the button is touch-sensitive, wipe the surface with a soft cloth (without pressing).

If the button is stuck:

• Try pressing it hard several times, sometimes it helps to “develop” the mechanism.
• If the button stops working after water hits, don't dry it with a hair dryer, it can damage the plume. It's better to leave the phone in rice for 24 hours.

⚠️ Attention: On models with IP-certification (e.g., Xiaomi) 11T Pro) self-disassembly may violate the leakage, in which case it is better to contact the service.

6. Alternative ways to control without the home button

If the Home button is completely out of order and repair is not possible, alternative management methods can be used:

1. Virtual navigation bar:

• 📱 Included in Settings → Additionally. → Buttons and gestures → Virtual buttons.
• 🔄 You can adjust the transparency and location of the panel.

Voice assistant:

• 🎤 Activate Google Assistant or XiaoAI and set up voice commands to return to the home screen.

Applications for button emulation:

• 🖱️ EasyTouch – Adds a floating button to the screen;
• 🔘 NavBar Apps – Creates customized navigation panel.

4. ADB-Teams (for advanced users):

adb shell settings put global policy_control immersive.full=*

This command hides the navigation system bar, but requires a connection to the navigation system. ADB and may cause unstable work.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When you change or repair the Home button, users often make mistakes that can lead to even more problems.

1. Incorrect disassembly of the phone:

• ❌ Using metal tools – can damage plumes;
• ❌ Too much heat with a hair dryer - the risk of melting plastic parts;
• ❌ Lack of antistatic bracelet - can disable the motherboard.

Installation of an incompatible button:

• ❌ Buying a “similar” model spare part (for example, a button from Redmi Note 8 for Redmi Note 8 Pro);
• ❌ Use of non-original parts of poor quality (can break quickly).

Programmatic errors:

• ❌ Resetting settings without backup – you can lose data;
• ❌ Installation of modified firmware without backup - the risk of "bricking" the device.

⚠️ Note: On models with Amoled screens (such as Xiaomi 12), when replacing the Home button (if it is built into the display), you may need to calibrate the sensor.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions