Why users want to change buttons to Xiaomi and how to do it right
Touch buttons on Xiaomi smartphones are one of the most controversial elements of the MIUI interface. Some are used to the classic location of "Back-Start-Recent", others prefer the reverse order, and still others want to remove virtual keys in favor of gestures. The manufacturer provides flexible settings, but not all users know where to look for them.
In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to reassign buttons on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices, from standard MIUI settings to hidden features for power users, how to swap buttons without root rights, what to do if the option is not available, and what nuances are important to consider before changing configuration, and pay special attention to the differences between the versions of the MIUI 12 shell, MIUI 13 and MIUI 14, as well as the specifics of working on different models.
Before you start setting up, make sure your smartphone is running the current firmware version. Some features may not be available on older builds or custom firmware. Also remember: changing the location of the buttons is not only a matter of convenience, but also a potential risk of gestural or third-party launchers crashing.
Method 1: Standard configuration in MIUI (without root)
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in shell options, which is suitable for most modern Xiaomi devices based on MIUI 11 and later.
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to the Display section.
- Select Full-screen mode (on some models – Navigation buttons).
- Slip on the option of button location.
- Choose one of the proposed options: 🔄 Standard (Back-Start-Recent) 🔀 Reverse (Recent-Start-Back) 👆 Only gestures (hiding buttons completely)
On some devices (like the Poco F3 or Xiaomi 11T), the path may be slightly different: Settings → Additional → Full-screen mode. If you don’t find the right item, try searching by settings – type in the “navigation button” request.
Availability of the latest MIUI update
Adequate battery charge (minimum 30%)
Lack of active gestures in third-party launchers
Compatibility of current firmware with function-->
Important: Once the buttons are repositioned, some gestures (like swiping up to return to the home screen) may work differently, and if you don’t like the new order, you can always return the standard layout in the same way.
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On devices with MIUI 14 after changing the buttons, it is recommended to restart the smartphone - this will help to avoid temporary lags when using gestures.
Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams for Advanced Users
If you're in your version MIUI There is no option to change buttons through the menu (relevant for some regional firmware or old models), you can use the option to change buttons through the menu. ADB-This method requires the smartphone to be connected to a computer, but does not require root rights.
You'll need:
- 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers
- 📱 Smartphone with enabled debugging USB (How to turn it on - see below)
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original)
Steps to change buttons through ADB:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone Tapnite 7 times on MIUI Version Return to the main settings menu – a new section For Developers will appear
USB debugging
For developers
Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
platform-tools
adb devicesThe name of your device should be displayed.
adb shell settings put secure sysui_nav_bar "space,recent,home,back,space"To return to standard order:
adb shell settings put secure sysui_nav_bar "space,back,home,recent,space"What if the ADB can’t see the device?
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-If the buttons are missing or are not working correctly after the commands are executed, reset the settings through the same command line:
adb shell settings delete secure sysui_nav_barOr return the standard values as shown above.
Method 3: Third-party applications for customization
If the first two methods don't work, you can use specialized applications that offer advanced customization options, including changing the appearance of buttons, adding new features, and even creating custom gestures.
Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi:
| Annex | Features | Need root? | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NavStar | Flexible button location adjustment Color and transparency Adding user actions | No. | Google Play |
| Fluid Navigation Gestures | Replace buttons with gestures Sensitivity setting Works on top of any launchers | No. | Google Play |
| Xposed Edge | Advanced customization Creating your own panels Integration with Xposed Framework | Yes. | Xposed Repository |
Before installing third-party applications, consider:
- 🛡️ Some programs require special permissions (e.g, SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW), which need to be activated manually.
- 🔄 After installation, the device may need to be restarted.
- ⚠️ Applications can conflict with system gestures MIUI.
Standard settings of MIUI
ADB-team
Third-party annexes
I don’t change, I use a standard location.
Another option-->
Features for different Xiaomi models
The manufacturer uses different versions of firmware and interfaces for different product lines, which means that the process of changing buttons may vary depending on the model.
Smartphones of the Redmi Note series (Note 8/9/10/11):
- 📱 Nana MIUI 12.5 and the newer option to change the buttons is in Settings → Display. → Full screen mode.
- 🔧 On some regional firmware (e.g. India), the item may be called Navigation buttons.
- ⚡ Quick way to return standard buttons: hold the power button and select "Reboot in Safe Mode".
Flagship models (Xiaomi 12/13/14, Mix):
- 🎨 More customization options are available here, including changing the transparency of the navigation bar.
- 🔄 On Xiaomi 13 Ultra, when you change the buttons, gestures in Game Turbo are automatically updated.
- 📲 In some firmware for these models, you can assign a double press on the “back” button for quick switching between applications.
Poco devices (F3/F4/F5, X3/X4/X5):
- 🚀 On Poco Launcher, changing buttons may require additional reboot.
- 🎯 There is a separate Poco Labs section in the settings where you can test experimental navigation features.
- ⚠️ On Poco. F3 GT When using game mode, system buttons are temporarily disabled.
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On devices with MIUI 14 and AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) when changing the buttons automatically adjusts and the color temperature of the lower part of the display to reduce burnout.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When you change the location of the buttons, users often experience problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:
Problem 1: The buttons disappeared after the change in settings.
⚠️ Attention: If the navigation buttons are gone completely, it may be due to a gesture conflict. Try disabling all third-party launchers (like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher) and restart the device. If that doesn't help, reset through ADB: adb shell cmd overlay enable com.android.internal.systemui.navbar.threebutton
Problem 2: The gestures stopped working after the buttons were changed.
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Display. → Full screen mode and disable the option Touch Sensitivity at the edges.
- 📱 Install Fluid Navigation Gestures and reset your gestures.
- 🔄 If you use MIUI 13/14, Try to turn on the mode for left-handed in the settings of special features.
Problem 3: The buttons return to their standard location after rebooting.
⚠️ Note: This is a typical problem for devices with MIUI 12.0-12.5 Solution: Install the latest update via Settings → Software Update: If there are no updates, reset the settings through ADB: adb shell settings put secure sysui_nav_bar "Space,back,home,recent,space" For a permanent solution, you may need to flash to a global version MIUI.
Problem 4: Navigation buttons don’t respond to clicks.
- 🔌 Check if the Do Not Disturb mode or Game mode is activated.
- 🛠️ Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → System applications and clear cache for Launcher and System UI.
- 📲 If the problem persists, try calibrating the touchscreen through the engineering menu (#6484##).
Additional Customization Opportunities
Changing the buttons is just the beginning, and modern versions of MIUI offer much more options for customizing navigation:
Tweaking of gestures:
- 👆 V MIUI 13/14 There are three types of gestures available: MIUI-gestures (swipe from the bottom edge) full-screen gestures (swipe from the side edges) Android gestures (standard for pure Android)
- 🎛️ You can adjust the sensitivity and speed of animation for each gesture separately.
Additional buttons:
- ➕ On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra: You can add a fourth button to quickly start the camera or voice assistant.
- 🔧 Use the Button Mapper app (requires) ADB root).
Themes and design:
- 🎨 In Themes, you can download alternative icons for navigation buttons.
- 🖼️ Nana MIUI 14 Available option Transparent navigation bar that visually expands the screen.
Special facilities:
- ♿ Special features can be included: Help button (additional floating button) One-handed control (squeezes screen for convenience) Slowing down touches (useful for hand tremors)
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On devices with MIUI 14, you can create a custom gesture to quickly switch between the latest apps. To do this, go to Settings → Additional → Gestures and Movements → Double Touch and assign the action “Last Apps”.