How to set up gestures on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which are based on the shells MIUI or the new HyperOS, offer users a high degree of customization of the interface. One of the most popular features is the ability to control the device without using physical or on-screen navigation buttons. The transition to gesture control allows you to increase the usable area of the screen, make interaction with the gadget more smooth and intuitive. Many users are looking for an answer to the question of how to adjust gestures to get rid of the usual bar at the bottom of the display.

Enabling this feature does not require superuser rights or complex flashing. All the necessary tools are built into the standard system settings menu, but their location may vary depending on the version of the Android operating system and regional firmware. The correct configuration of navigation parameters significantly affects the ergonomics of using a smartphone with one hand. In this material, we will discuss in detail all the steps of activation, the finerities of configuring the sensitivity of swipes and solving possible problems with the display of the interface.

Before we get to the bottom of the game, it’s worth noting that gesture control is based on swipes around the edges of the screen and the center area. The navigation bar, which often remains visible even after switching mode, can be hidden for maximum immersion in content. Understanding the logic of how these elements work will help avoid accidental returns to menus or closing applications during active use.

The main ways to activate gesture control

Settings

Additional settings

Full-screen display

Navigation on screen

Desktop

When you go to the right section, you'll see two basic controls: classic buttons and gesture control. Full-screen gestures are usually represented by an icon with arrows or a schematic image of a swipe. When you choose this mode, the system will offer a short tutorial tour showing basic movements. If you have not previously used this interface, it is recommended to carefully study the animations offered.

  • πŸ“± Go to the Settings menu of your smartphone.
  • πŸ” Find the Additional Settings or Desktop section.
  • βš™οΈ Select Full Screen Mode or Navigation.
  • βœ… Activate the switch opposite the option Full-screen gestures.

There is also an alternative way to quickly switch through the settings search: tap the magnifying glass at the top of the settings menu and type in the "gestures" or "navigation" request. The system automatically prompts you to go to the desired menu item, which saves time with deep nesting parameters, a method that is especially relevant for new versions of HyperOS, where the menu structure has been significantly redesigned.

πŸ“Š Which way of navigation is more convenient for you?
Classic three buttons
Full-screen gestures
Button + gestures
I don't care.

Setting up the navigation strip and hiding it

Hide the stripe

Hide the full-screen indicator

⚠️ Warning: After completely hiding the navigation bar, the visual action indicator disappears. You will have to rely on memory and tactile sensations, since the hint about where to swipe will no longer be available.

It's important to understand the difference between full navigation and hiding the indicator. If you turn off the bar, the functionality will not change: a swipe from the bottom up will still lead to the desktop, and a swipe with a delay will open the multitasking menu. However, for beginners, the lack of a visual landmark can create difficulties in the first days of use, in which case it is better to leave the strip visible until you get used.

In some cases, especially in games or when watching videos, the bar can interfere with viewing. MIUI provides for automatic hiding of the indicator in full-screen applications. If this does not happen, check the settings of a particular application or turn on the Do Not Disturb mode, which often forcibly removes interface elements for maximum immersion.

πŸ’‘

If the navigation bar disappeared on its own after the update, check the theme settings. Some third-party themes may force the system elements to be hidden, disrupting the standard interface behavior.

Adjustment of sensitivity of the edges of the screen

Settings

Additionally.

Setting up the sidebar

Sensitivity of edges

Here you'll find a slider that adjusts the width of the active zone for side swipes. The sidebar (or app curtain) is activated by the swipe from the edge of the screen. If this feature works too often and interferes with games, reduce sensitivity. Conversely, if swipes are not recognized, increase the width of the active area. This is a critical parameter for comfortable operation.

ParameterDescription of actionRecommended value
Edge sensitivityDetermines the width of the swipe response zone from the sideMedium or Low.
Hiding the laneVisual display of the lower indicatorAt the request of the user
Vibrant responseTactile returns when navigatingIncluded (for training)

It is worth noting that the sensitivity setting affects not only the system navigation, but also the work of the MIUI application sidebar. If you often use widgets from the side, make sure that the activation zone is not overlapped with game elements. In Game Turbo game mode, there are also separate edge lock settings that are prioritized over the system ones.

β˜‘οΈ Checking sensitivity settings

Done: 0 / 4

Differences in MIUI and HyperOS navigation

HyperOS

Xiaomi

MIUI 14

Desktop

Navigation

One of the key differences is improved transition animation and more predictable swipe behavior in the multitasking menu. In HyperOS, a bottom-up swipe with a stop in the middle of the screen opens previews of running apps, rather than just folding the current window. This is behavior (closer) to standard Android, making it easier for users of other brands to switch.

The new shell also offers the ability to adjust the vibration response more flexibly when navigating. MIUI vibration was either turned on everywhere or turned off, now you can fine-tune the response force specifically for system gestures, without affecting the system.οΏ½It's a keyboard or other application that makes the interaction with the phone more enjoyable and less intrusive.

Secret codes to check the sensor
To diagnose gesture recognition problems, you can use an engineering menu: dial ##6484## in the phone app, select Touchpanel, and check the response of all areas of the screen, including the curved edges.

Solution: Gestures don't work or glitches

Nova Launcher

Another common cause is screen contamination or the presence of poor-quality protective glass.A touchscreen may not read swipes from the very edge if the glass has a thick bezels or a bad oleophobic finger slides poorly.Wash the screen with a microfiber and try removing the protective film to test the hypothesis.

  • πŸ”„ Reboot the device to reset system processes.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Check if the antivirus or cleaning app is blocking access.
  • πŸ“± Make sure that in the "Guy" or "In the pocket" mode there are no failures of the proximity sensor.
  • βš™οΈ Reset the settings of special. capabilities to factory if the problem persists.

⚠️ Warning: If gestures stop working after a system update, don't rush to reset your phone. Often it's a temporary optimization tank that's solved by waiting for you to go through the process. 1-2 hours of active operation of the device or reboot.

In rare cases, the problem may be caused by damage to the digitizer after a fall, and if the extreme 5-10 millimeters of the screen stop responding to touch in any application, including the diagnostic menu, hardware repair is likely required.

πŸ’‘

90% of gesture problems are solved by restarting the device or removing the thick protective glass that interferes with side swipes.

Specificity of gestures in applications and games

Android

In the horizontal mode (landscape), which is popular in games and when watching videos, the logic can change. A swipe from the bottom up usually folds the application or opens the control panel, depending on the duration of the retention. For games, Xiaomi developers have implemented Game Turbo mode, which blocks random calls to the system menu during a match.

Users who often work with documents or drawings should pay attention to the split-screen feature. Long-term swipe upwards open up the menu of recent apps, where you can drag a window to the top or bottom of the screen, a powerful multitasking tool that only becomes available after full navigation without buttons.

How to get the buttons back if you can’t get used to it?
If gesture control is uncomfortable for you, you can always go back to the classic buttons. Go back to Settings β†’ Additional settings β†’ Full-screen display and select the Button option. The system will instantly switch to the usual interface with three buttons at the bottom of the screen.
Do gestures affect battery consumption?
The gestures themselves don't consume a lot of energy, but if you've turned on constant vibration when you're navigating (Tactile Response), the charge charge charge may increase slightly because of the vibrator, and otherwise, the navigation method doesn't affect autonomy.
Can the order of the gestures be changed?
In standard MIUI and HyperOS firmware, changing gesture logic (such as swap back/gestures as in pure Android) is not available in all regions. In global versions, this option is often hidden, but it can be activated through special customizable apps or in the engineering menu, although this is not recommended for ordinary users.