Xiaomi’s modern gadgets offer users many ways to interact with the interface. However, standard settings often change after MIUI or HyperOS updates, which can confuse even an experienced owner of the appliance. Many users face the need to adapt control to their habits, whether it is a smartphone or a TV.
Changing navigation settings makes your device more comfortable and efficient. In this article, we’ll take a look at all the available methods, from switching between buttons and gestures on your phone to setting up remote controls for Xiaomi TV. You’ll learn how to reassign button functionality and optimize shell work.
Deep customization is a key benefit of the Chinese manufacturer’s ecosystem, and understanding how hidden menus and advanced settings work will open up new possibilities, and we’ll look at both basic and advanced scenarios so you can fully personalize your device.
Setting up navigation on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones
The first thing that a user encounters when changing a device or updating a system is the way they navigate. The standard three-button scheme at the bottom of the screen is familiar to everyone, but it takes up a useful display area. The switch to gesture control frees up space and makes interaction with the interface smoother and more modern.
To change this, you need to go to the Settings menu, then select the Additional section and find System Navigation, and here you will be offered two options: classic buttons or gestures, and the choice of gestures will require a short period of habituation, but will significantly speed up the work in the long run.
When choosing gestures, it is important to pay attention to the sensitivity of the edges of the screen. If swipes do not work the first time or, conversely, are activated too often by accident, this setting can be adjusted in the same menu. Adapting to the size of the user's fingers is an important detail of ergonomics.
Some users prefer to hide gesture prompts (thin bars at the bottom of the screen) so that they don’t interfere with viewing in games or while watching videos.This is done via a switch in the navigation menu or through the Full Screen Mode mode in the display settings.
Reassignment of volume and power buttons
Physical buttons on the body of a smartphone are a powerful tool for quick access to functions. The MIUI and HyperOS shells have the ability to reassign actions when you double press or hold long keys, which is especially useful for launching the camera, voice recorder or Google Assistant.
To change the settings of the power button, go to Settings → Additional Features → Buttons. Here you can activate the Google Assistant Start function with prolonged pressing. However, if you do not need an assistant, the same button can often be reassigned to other tasks through third-party apps or embedded scripts.
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Double-pressing the Down volume button in the off screen state is the standard way to quickly launch the camera on most Xiaomi models without unlocking.
Volume buttons are also customizable, especially when shooting or playing media. In some models, if you press the volume button long enough, you can set the flashlight or a particular application to start, which creates a unique use case that is convenient for you.
⚠️ Warning: Reassigning the power button to launch third-party apps may require installing special utilities from the GetApps store or Google Play, as system capabilities are sometimes limited to the firmware region.
If you do not find the right option in the specified place, search by settings, entering the request "Buttons" or "Manage." The system will tell you the current path for your model.
Xiaomi TV management: remote and voice
Xiaomi Mi TV and Redmi TV owners also have a wide range of control settings available. The standard remote often has dedicated buttons for streaming services that may not be relevant to users in certain regions. Fortunately, the interface allows for partial adaptation of the device's behavior.
The main setting of the remote is through the Settings → Remote and Accessories menu. Here you can reassign the voice assistant button. By default, it activates Google Assistant, but in some firmwares, you can replace it with a built-in assistant or launch a specific application.
| Function of the button | Default action | Possibility of change |
|---|---|---|
| Short press (Microphone) | Voice search | High (through settings) |
| Long press (Microphone) | Launch of the assistant | Medium (depending on version) |
| Netflix/Prime button | Launch of service | Low (requires root or ADB) |
| Menu button | Player settings | No (systemic) |
☑️ Checking the Xiaomi remote TV
The voice control on Xiaomi TVs works quite accurately, recognizing commands in Russian. You can say "Open YouTube" or "Find space movies," and the TV will perform a request. You don't always need to press a button to activate this feature - new models have a "Hands-free" mode, where the TV listens to commands constantly.
If the remote is no longer responsive or is running late, try reconnecting it via Bluetooth, and then press the Back and Home buttons (or the special combination specified in the instructions for your model) at the same time until the indicator blinks quickly, which puts the remote into pairing mode.
Using the Mi Remote application for the IR remote
Most Xiaomi smartphones feature a built-in infrared port, making the phone a universal remote control. The Mi Remote app (or “Remote”) allows you to control TVs, air conditioners, projectors and receivers of various brands, not only Xiaomi.
To get started, open the app and press the + button to add the device, and you will be asked to select the type of equipment (like a TV) and the manufacturer, followed by the code selection process: the phone will send test signals, and you need to confirm whether the device responds to them.
What if the code is not found?
Once you have successfully set up, you can create desktop widgets to quickly access frequently used features like switching channels or changing volume without opening the full app, especially if the main remote is lost or the batteries are dead.
⚠️ Warning: Infrared port requires direct visibility between the phone and the device. Make sure that the smartphone case does not overlap the IR emitter, usually located on the upper end of the case. Special features and adaptive management For users with disabilities or those who prefer custom input methods, Android has a section called "Special features." On Xiaomi smartphones, it is on the Settings path → Advanced settings → Special features: You can activate Voice Access, which allows you to fully control your phone with voice commands, and you can also have a control switch that allows you to assign actions to volume buttons or external Bluetooth buttons. This turns a smartphone into a device that can be controlled without touching the screen. The gaze control feature (available on newer models with appropriate sensors or through the front camera) lets you scroll through pages or stop videos when you look away from the screen. Not only is it convenient, it also helps save battery power by turning off the display when no one is looking at it. 💡The use of special features is not only helping people with disabilities, but also a powerful tool for creating unique control scenarios for gamers or drivers. In the same section, you can adjust the cursor speed if you have a mouse connected, or resize the font and interface elements for better visual perception. All changes apply instantly and do not require rebooting the device. Advanced settings through ADB For advanced users who are not satisfied with standard features, there is a method of changing management through debugging. USB team ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This is a way to hide system buttons, change status bar behavior, or reassign keys at a deep level. First, you need to activate developer mode. To do this, quickly click on the build number in the About Phone section seven times. Then in the menu "For developers" include "Debugging by" USB». Connecting the phone to your computer, you can enter commands. adb shell wm overscan 0.0,0,100 The command above is just an example of how you can change the display of the interface (in this case, an indentation is added from the bottom). To change the behavior of buttons, more complex scripts or specialized launcher applications are used, installed through ADB rootless. ⚠️ Attention: Use of teams ADB An incorrect command can lead to unstable system operation or a bootloop (cyclical reboot). Always check the syntax of the commands before entering. There are ready-made command sets (scripts) that automatically configure hidden Xiaomi features, such as unlocking your finger when the screen is off or turning off advertising in system applications. How to exit debugging mode?To turn off the developer mode, just turn off the switch "Debugging by Debugging" USB» If the menu is gone, click 10 times on the Android version number in the About Phone section to return access to the developer menu. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) How to return buttons instead of gestures on Xiaomi? Go to Settings, select Additional, then System Navigation. Select Buttons. The screen will return to the classic look with three control buttons. Why does the IR remote not work on Xiaomi? Most often the problem is that there is no line of sight or a dead battery in the phone itself (if the port is active). Also make sure that you choose the right code for your TV model or air conditioner in the Mi Remote application. Can you completely turn off the Assistant button on the side? Assistant means? The Xiaomi assistant is not able to completely switch off the external control from the store, however, you can only reset the market from the external control for a long-out from the device. In the settings of the TV, find the section "Sound» → «Sound output" and select "Optical output" or «ARC». Then, in the remote settings (if supported by the TV model), activate volume synchronization with the external device via HDMI-CEC. Does changing theme affect gestures? No, changing theme in the Themes app only affects the visual style of icons and menus. The logic of system navigation and gestures remains the same unless you install a third-party launcher that replaces the system interface completely.