The look of the buttons on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a part of the interface, but a key element of the user experience. Standard round or rectangular buttons in MIUI or HyperOS are not popular: some people seem too large, some do not contrast enough, and some users want to completely remake them to the style of iOS or Pixel. Fortunately, the manufacturer and third-party developers offer several ways of customization – from simple themes to deep system changes.
In this article, we will analyze all current methods, including official settings, third-party launchers and even ADB-Important: Not all methods are compatible with the latest firmware versions (e.g. HyperOS 1.0.7).+ Support for some of them is disabled MIUI-Also note that changing system files can cause crashes – so always back up before experimenting.
1. Official MIUI/HyperOS themes: Quick change of button style
The safest and easiest way to change the look of buttons is to use the built-in Themes app. Xiaomi offers thousands of free and paid themes, many of which change not only wallpaper, but also the shape of icons, fonts, and the style of system buttons (including the navigation bar, volume buttons and off).
How to apply the topic:
- 📱 Open the Topics app (brush icon on desktop).
- 🔍 Enter the search for “buttons” or “navigation".
- 🎨 Choose your favorite theme (pay attention to reviews – some themes may not change the buttons completely).
- 📥 Click "Apply" and confirm the changes.
Advantages of the method: does not require root-rights, reversibly, works on all models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 14, etc.). Disadvantages: limited choice of styles (for example, you can not make buttons transparent or animated), and some themes are paid (from 50 to 300 rubles).
2. setting up the navigation bar in the developer parameters
If you don't like the location or size of navigation buttons (e.g., Back, Home, Recent), you can change them through the developer's settings. This method doesn't change the design of the buttons drastically, but it allows you to:
- 🔄 Change the order of the buttons (for example, do "Back" on the right, as in the iPhone).
- 📏 Change the size and transparency of the panel.
- 🚫 Turn off animation when pressed.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and press 7 times in a row.
- Return to Settings → Additional settings → Developer settings.
- Find the Navigation Panel section and select the options you need.
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If your firmware doesn’t have the option of changing the order of the buttons, try installing the MiuiHome Mod module via Magisk (requires root).
Please note: on some models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi K60) With HyperOS, some of these settings can be hidden. ADB-team:
adb shell settings put global force_fsg_nav_bar 1Third-party launchers: full customization of the interface
If there are few built-in themes, you can install an alternative launcher.
- 🌈 Nova Launcher – allows you to change icons, sizes and even add gestures for buttons (for example, swipe up the Home button to run Google Assistant).
- 🎭 Lawnchair – supports adaptive icons and customization of the navigation bar (including color and shape).
- 🔧 Microsoft Launcher – integrates with Windows and offers unique widgets, but the ability to change buttons is limited.
How to set the buttons in Nova Launcher:
- Install a launcher from Google Play.
- Go to Settings Nova → Navigation Panel.
- Select the style of the buttons (for example, "Transparent" or "Minimalist").
- Customize the color, size and indentations.
Make a backup copy of the current desktop |
Check compatibility with the Android | version
Disable battery optimization for launcher |
Restart the phone after installation-->
Important: Third-party launchers may conflict with Xiaomi system gestures (e.g., swipe sideways to return back). In this case, turn off conflicting gestures in Settings → System → Gestures.
4. ADB-Teams for Advanced Users
If you're ready to work with ADB, you can change the system settings of buttons that are not available through normal settings, such as turning off the button lighting or changing their shape at the firmware level.
Popular teams:
| Team team. | The effect | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| adb shell settings put global policy_control immersive.full=* | Hiding the navigation bar in full-screen applications | MIUI 12–14, HyperOS |
| adb shell settings put secure navigation_bar_height 48 | Changes the height of the navigation bar (value in pixels) | Only MIUI |
| adb shell settings put global navigation_bar_color -16777216 | Makes the panel completely transparent | Android 10+ |
Warning: misuse of ADB can cause interface failures.
⚠️ Note: Create a recovery point in TWRP or make a backup through adb backup. some commands (e.g., change) navigation_bar_height) can make buttons non-clickable on screens with cutouts (Xiaomi) 13 Ultra, POCO F5).
How to return the standard settings after ADB-team?
5.Magisk modules for deep customization
For users with root rights and installed Magisk, modules are available that change the system files responsible for displaying buttons.
- 🔄 MiuiHome Mod – Adds hidden settings MIUI, including customization of navigation buttons and notification panels.
- 🎨 NavBar Tuner – allows you to change the color, size and shape of buttons, as well as add your own icons.
- 🖌️ Button Mapper – Reassigns button functions (e.g. double-click on Home to launch the camera).
How to install the module:
- Download the module file (.zip extension) from the XDA Developers or 4PDA forum.
- Open Magisk Manager and go to the Modules section.
- Click "Install from storage" and select the downloaded file.
- Reboot the phone.
⚠️ Attention: Modules for MIUI HyperOS may not work due to changes in the structure of system files. Before installing, check compatibility with your firmware version (for example, HyperOS 1.0.7.0 for Xiaomi 14 Pro).
6. Change buttons through the system file editor
For the most experienced users, there is a way to edit system files manually, such as the navigation buttons stored in files:
- /system/media/theme/default/navigation_bar — standard.
- /vendor/overlay/navigation_bar.xml — display.
To change the icons:
- Download the archive with customized buttons (for example, in the style of iOS or One UI).
- Use Root Explorer or ADB, to replace files in a folder navigation_bar.
- Change the access rights to 644 (r-w-r-----).
- Reset the device.
Example of a command to replace a file via ADB:
adb push custom_nav_back.png /sdcard/
adb shell
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
cp /sdcard/custom_nav_back.png /system/media/theme/default/navigation_bar/
chmod 644 /system/media/theme/default/navigation_bar/custom_nav_back.png
reboot💡
Editing system files is the riskiest method. An error in access rights or an incompatible image format can lead to a bootloop. Always check backups!
7. Alternative methods: gestures and virtual buttons
If you don’t like the look of the buttons, you can completely abandon them in favor of gestures or virtual alternatives:
- 👆 Full-screen gestures (in MIUI/HyperOS): swipes instead of buttons. Activated in Settings → Display. → Full screen mode.
- 📱 Virtual panel via Button Mapper or Floating Toucher – creates floating buttons on top of any application.
- 🎮 Game triggers (in Game Turbo): You can assign buttons to physical triggers (e.g., Black Shark 5 or Black Shark). POCO F4 GT).
The advantage of gestures is that it frees up space on the screen and the interface looks more modern. The disadvantage is that it requires addiction (for example, a swipe from the edge to go back may accidentally trigger).