How to control the smartphone Xiaomi gestures: all the ways and secrets of MIUI

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer one of the most flexible gesture controls among Android devices, from classic swipes to hidden combinations, allowing users to completely abandon virtual buttons by freeing up screens and speeding up interaction with the device. However, many users use only 20-30% of the gesture control capabilities without even knowing the existence of advanced features.

In this article, we will analyze all the available methods of gesture management on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, Including little-known tricks for power users, you'll learn how to set up basic swipes, activate hidden gestures in games and apps, and solve typical sensitivity problems. MIUI 12/13/14 and the nuances of working on different models - from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14.

Before you jump into settings, make sure your device has an up-to-date firmware version installed.Some gestures (such as double tapping to wake up or hiding the bottom bar) may be missing on older versions of MIUI or require additional activation through the Developer Settings.

1. Basic settings of gesture control

By default, Xiaomi smartphones have three main gesture types: full-screen, navigation buttons, and one-handed control. To switch between them or adjust sensitivity, follow the following steps:

1. Open the Settings → Display.
2. Select Full-screen mode (in some versions of MIUI – Navigation panel).
3. Slip the option of full-screen gestures (recommended for maximum screen space).

In this section, you will also find the slider Gesture Sensitivity – increasing it will help if the system does not recognize swipes from the edges of the screen. Note: models with curved displays (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro) may require additional calibration through the developer settings.

Update MIUI to the latest version

Make sure that the screen protection does not block the edges

Disable third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, etc.)

Check the sensitivity of the touchscreen in Settings → About the phone → Diagnostics

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2 All standard gestures in MIUI and their functions

The MIUI shell supports more than 15 different gestures, some of which are hidden in the depths of settings.

• 👆 Swipe up from the bottom edge – return to the main screen (analogue of the Home button").
• 👇 Swipe down from the bottom edge and hold – opening the menu of recent apps.
• 👈 Swipe left/right of the screen edge – switch back (replaces the “Back” button").
• 🔄 Double swipe on the bottom edge – quick transition between the last two apps.
• 🖐️ Holding your finger on the bottom edge – Google Assistant call (configured separately).
• ⚡ Double touch on the screen – wake up / lock (included in Settings) → Screen locking).

Important: on models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K60) Double-touch gestures may conflict with Always-On Display, in which case it is recommended to disable AOD or reassign the gesture to the Settings → Display. → Always-on and lockdown.

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If the swipe back gesture is triggered by accident (e.g., TikTok or Instagram), reduce the sensitivity area in Settings → Full-screen → Return Area. This will help avoid false positives when scrolling the tape.

3. Hidden gestures and combinations for experienced users

In addition to standard swipes, MIUI hides a few useful combinations that can be activated through developer settings or third-party utilities.

• 🔍 Swipe down the lock screen – quick start of the camera (works even on a locked device).
• 📱 Double swipe up from the bottom edge – open the smart home control panel (requires a connection to the Mi Home).
• 🎮 Triple touch on the back panel – start a screenshot or other action (configured in Settings) → Additionally, on supported models).
• 🔋 Holding your finger on the battery in the notification panel – opening the battery optimization menu.

To activate some gestures, you will need to turn on the Developer Mode:

Settings → About the phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times)


Back to the Settings → Additional → For Developers

In this menu, pay attention to the options:

• Enable debugging gestures (to test new combinations).
• Touch sensitivity (useful for games with intense swipe).
• Show touch (visualization of gestures for learning).

4.Tunes gestures for one hand

For devices with large screens (6.5" or more), Xiaomi has a special one-handed mode that allows you to "compress" the interface, making the top elements available without stretching your fingers.

1. Open Settings → Additional → One-handed control.
2. Select Enable and set the desired size of the mini screen (from 3.5" to 5.5").
3. Set the activation method: Swipe diagonally (recommended) or Double touch the Home button.

In this mode, additional gestures become available:

• 👇 Swipe down the mini-screen – return to the main screen.
• 👈 Swipe left/right – switch between applications.
• 🔄 Double touch on the mini-screen – exit from the mode.

⚠️ Note: on some models (Xiaomi) 11T, POCO X3 Pro) one-handed mode may conflict with gestures in games of the type PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact.Before launching the game, it is recommended to turn off this mode in the notification bar.

5. Gestures in games and applications: features and settings

MIUI automatically adapts gestures for full-screen applications, but games can be conflicted, such as in Call of Duty Mobile or Free Fire, a standard swipe from the edge of the screen can be perceived as a back command, leading to an accidental exit from a match.

To avoid this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the game (such as Genshin Impact) and tap Full Screen Mode.
3. Activate the option to Disable navigation gestures or select Only swipe up.

To fine-tune sensitivity in games:

Settings → Display → Full-screen mode → Additional → Sensitivity in games

Here you can:

• 🎯 Turn off gestures at the edges of the screen (useful for shooters).
• 🕹️ Configure the swipe zone "back" only for the bottom of the screen.
• ⚡ Enable Game Turbo Mode for Automatic Optimization.

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For maximum comfort in games, it is recommended to use the combination: disable side gestures + activate Game Turbo + adjust the sensitivity of the touchscreen in the game menu. This minimizes random positives and improves responsiveness.

6. Solving gesture problems

If your gestures stop working or don’t work correctly, follow this algorithm:

1. Check the screen protection: thick glass or film can block the recognition of swipes from the edges. Try removing the protection and testing the gestures.
2. Update your firmware: older versions of MIUI (below 12.5) may not have some gestures. Update via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
3. Reset gesture settings: Settings → Display → Full-screen mode → Reset settings
4. Check for conflicts: Disable third-party launchers (Nova, Apex) and gesture customization apps (e.g. Fluid Navigation Gestures).

Common mistakes and their solutions:

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Signs started to work incorrectly, try resetting through Settings → Annexes → Application management → System applications → Launcher (click "Clear Data"). This will return the standard settings without losing user data.

7. Alternative management methods (for advanced)

If standard gestures don’t work for you, consider alternatives:

• 🤖 Google Gestures: Activated through Settings → System system → Gestures: Allows you to use Google swipes instead of standard ones MIUI.
• 🛠️ Third-party launchers: Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher support customization of gestures (e.g. swipe down to search).
• 📱 Signature apps: Fluid Navigation Gestures or Edge Gestures let you create your own combinations, but require rights ADB.
• 🎛️ Tasker + AutoInput: To automatically perform gesture actions (e.g., swipe to start the camera).

To install Google Gestures:

Settings → Application → Application Installation → Three Dots (⋮) → Application Version "Settings"


Tap 5 times according to the version to activate the hidden menu




Select “Android Gestures” and restart your device

Warning: Using third-party gesture apps may result in:

• Increased battery consumption (due to constant scanning of the touchscreen).
• Conflicts with MIUI system gestures.
• malfunction of banking applications (due to ADB use)

FAQ: Frequent questions about gestures on Xiaomi