Xiaomi’s current smartphones, which run MIUI shells and the new HyperOS, offer users flexible tools to personalize the interface. One of the first steps after buying a new device is to adjust the way you navigate, as the standard layout of controls can seem uncomfortable for users who move from other platforms or simply prefer a certain style of interaction. The ability to quickly switch between classic buttons and touch gestures allows you to adapt the smartphone to your personal use habits.
Changing the appearance of the lower part of the screen affects not only aesthetics, but also ergonomics, especially when using a gadget with one hand. Depending on the diagonal of the display and model, whether it is a budget Redmi Note or flagship Xiaomi 14, the logic of the interface remains the same, but the names of menu items can vary slightly in different versions of the firmware. Understanding the structure of the system settings will help to avoid confusion and quickly find the right switch.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the navigation management methods available, look at the nuances of working with in-screen cutouts and answer frequent questions that arise from owners of brand devices.
Basic navigation methods in MIUI and HyperOS
The industry-standard gesture controls free up useful screen space and allow swipe control from the edges of the display. To move to the previous screen, you need to move from the side edge, and to reach the main screen, you need to swipe from the bottom up. This system requires some habituation, but it speeds up the interface significantly after mastering the basic movements.
The choice between these methods is made in system settings, where the user can instantly switch mode, and it is important to note that the choice affects the entire system, including system applications and third-party programs that support Android standards.
⚠️ Note: When switching to gestures, some older apps may not display interface elements correctly if they are not optimized for screens without physical or virtual buttons.
Step-by-step instructions for changing the type of navigation
To change the way you control your device, you need to go to the main settings menu of the system, this can be done through the gear icon on the desktop or through the notification curtain. In the list that opens, you should find the section responsible for the screen and display parameters, which can be called “Additional” or be allocated to a separate category in different versions of the firmware.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 📱 Open the Settings menu for your Xiaomi device.
- 🔍 Find and go to the Desktop section (in some versions) MIUI It is located inside the section "Additional»).
- 🖱️ Select the item System Navigation.
- ✅ Activate the desired mode: buttons or gestures.
Once you select the mode, the system will instantly apply the changes, and you will see the result on the screen. If you select the button mode, you can further adjust their order by swapping the back and menu buttons, which is especially true for users who are accustomed to the logic of iOS or other shells.
☑️ Checking the navigation settings
Customize the appearance of buttons and hide the bandwidth
Using the classic navigation method, users often want to remove the illuminated bar under the buttons or change their transparency. The standard MIUI and HyperOS settings provide a bar hiding option, but it does not work in all applications and may conflict with some launchers.
The navigation type selection menu often has a Hide hints or similar switch that allows you to make the bottom panel completely transparent, leaving only the button icons themselves. This visually expands the space and makes the interface cleaner. AMOLED-A constant static image can theoretically contribute to pixel burnout, although modern technology minimizes this risk.
You can also adjust vibration when you press navigation buttons. Tactile response helps you better sense the interface boundaries and confirms the success of the action performed. The vibration force is adjusted or completely turned off in the section of the sound and vibration settings, which allows you to fine-tune the response of the device to your preferences.
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If you have hidden the navigation bar but in some games or apps, buttons get in the way, try activating Full Screen mode in the settings of a particular application through the Special Features menu.
Comparison of modes: buttons vs. gestures
Choosing between buttons and gestures is not just a matter of taste, but also a matter of usability in different scenarios, and to help you decide, we have compiled a comparative table of the main characteristics of both modes.
| Characteristics | Buttons | Gestures |
|---|---|---|
| Speed of access | It requires precise pressing. | Quick swipe from anywhere |
| Useful area | Take up a seat at the bottom of the screen. | Maximum screen utilization |
| Training | Not necessary, intuitively. | Requires habituation (1-3 days) |
| Compatibility | 100% compatibility | Possible conflicts in old games |
Gestures provide a more modern experience, allowing one hand to easily reach the top of the screen thanks to swipes. Buttons remain a more reliable option for those who often use protective glasses with poor oleophobicity or have specific requirements for accuracy of input. Owners of large phablets, such as the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, often choose gestures precisely because of the inability to comfortably reach the lower corners with their thumbs.
Solution: missing buttons and crashes
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the navigation buttons suddenly disappear or stop responding to clicks, this can be caused by a malfunction of the system process SystemUI or conflict with a newly installed application, the first step in this situation should be a simple reboot of the device, which clears the temporary cache and restarts all system services.
If the reboot didn’t work, check to see if Full Screen mode is activated for the specific app where you’re seeing the problem. In your phone settings, look for Special Features or Full Screen Mode and make sure that the problematic app doesn’t have to be banned from displaying navigation buttons.
⚠️ Warning: If the buttons are missing after installing a third-party launcher, try temporarily returning the standard Xiaomi launcher to check if the problem persists.Third-party shells often require additional permissions to properly operate navigation.
In rare cases, resetting navigation settings to factory values helps, so in the navigation type selection menu you just need to switch to another mode and back. If the problem is software-based and is related to a firmware update, waiting for a patch from developers or installing updates through the Mi Store may be the only solution.
What to do if the home button does not work?
Additional screen control options
In addition to standard navigation, Xiaomi offers a number of supportive features that can replace or supplement buttons. For example, the Quick Access feature allows you to call frequently used apps by double tapping on the screen or swiping your finger on the display off. These settings are in the “Advanced” section and can be useful for people with disabilities or those who prefer minimalism.
Another interesting option is the “Floating Window” or “Balloon”, which can duplicate the functions of the “Home” or “Back” button as a drag and drop icon on the screen. This is especially convenient on Xiaomi Pad tablets or smartphones with very large diagonals, where reaching the edges is physically difficult. Activation of this feature is carried out through the menu “Advanced settings” → “Floating windows”.
And don't forget voice control through Google Assistant or Xiao AI, which allows you to navigate without touching, commands like "Go back" or "Open settings" work systemically and are independent of the state of the buttons on the screen, which can be a great alternative in situations where the screen is contaminated or busy with other tasks.
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The combination of standard gestures and additional features like “Fast Access” allows you to completely abandon visual buttons, making the control as efficient and ergonomic as possible.