Changing the interface buttons is one of the first tasks that users do after buying a new smartphone. For those who have used devices with a physical home key or specific Android logic for years, the standard button layout on Xiaomi may seem uncomfortable. Fortunately, the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS provide flexible tools for personalization.
In this article, we will explore how to reorder the back and menu buttons, and explore alternative ways of navigating. You will learn about the hidden features of the system that allow you to control your phone with one finger or completely abandon the on-screen buttons in favor of gestures. The flexibility of the settings here is amazing, allowing you to adapt the device to any habit.
Don't worry if you've chosen the wrong one, because it allows you to go back to your previous settings instantly, and we've developed a step-by-step algorithm that will work for both the Redmi series budget models and the flagship Xiaomi and Poco models. Let's get started on setting up your perfect interface.
Standard Ways to Change Buttons in MIUI and HyperOS
The main way to change the configuration of navigation is through the system settings menu. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system, but the logic remains the same. You need to open the main settings menu, which is usually indicated by the gear.
Next, you'll find the section that handles screen performance and general system navigation. In modern firmware versions, this item is often hidden inside subsections related to additional features.
- 📱 Open “Settings” and go to the “More” section».
- 📱 Select "Full screen mode" or "System navigation».
- 📱 Click on the gear icon next to the selected control method.
- 📱 In the menu “Order of buttons” open, select the desired layout.
Once you select a new option, the changes take effect instantly, without having to restart the device, and you'll immediately see the Back and App Menu buttons swapped places on the bottom of the screen, which is the safest and easiest method, without requiring third-party software.
Differences in the interfaces of different versions of Android
Users often face confusion as menu items change with the release of new versions of Android. In older versions of MIUI, based on Android 9 or 10, settings could be directly in the Screen section. With the release of Android 11 and above, Xiaomi began to group these options deeper into the menu.
Owners of HyperOS shell devices may notice an updated design of the settings menu, where the focus is on the visual component. Here, the button order switch is often presented as a visual scheme with two options. Visualization helps you quickly understand which button will turn on which side.
If you can't find the right item, use the built-in Settings Search. Just type the word "navigation" or "buttons" into the search bar at the top of the Settings menu, and the system will redirect you to the right section, which is a universal solution for any firmware modifications.
⚠️ Note: Some global firmware versions (Global) ROM) The names of the items may differ from the Chinese versions (China). ROM). Look for synonyms such as “System Navigation” or “Buttons & gestures».
Use full screen mode instead of buttons
A modern alternative to the classic buttons is gesture control, which allows you to get rid of the black bar at the bottom of the screen, freeing up useful space for content, and many users who have tried gestures do not return to the buttons because of the increased speed.
To activate this mode, you must select the appropriate item from the same menu, Full-screen mode, and the system will offer a brief training showing basic movements.
- 👆 Swipe from bottom up in the center - return to the desktop.
- 👆 Swipe from the bottom up with a finger delay - opening the menu of running applications.
- 👆 Swipe from left or right edge of the screen – action “Back».
It's important to note that when you turn on full screen, the ability to swap buttons is lost because the physical or on-screen buttons are hidden. However, you can adjust the sensitivity of the edges of the screen to avoid accidental taps, which is especially true for devices with curved edges of the display.
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If you're used to buttons, but you want to try gestures, turn on "Gestural hints," and then you'll see subtle lines at the bottom of the screen that remind you of the logic of control.
Setting up the floating button (Quick Ball)
For those who don't like the classic buttons or gestures, Xiaomi has a floating button or Quick Ball feature, which is a virtual assistant that can be moved around the screen and customized to suit your needs, and can completely replace the bottom navigation bar.
You can activate this function in the "Advanced" -> "Floating button" section. Once turned on, a translucent ball will appear on the screen, and clicking on it will trigger a menu where you can put the labels "Back", "Home", "Menu" and other system commands, and customizing this element allows you to create a unique experience of use.
You can set up actions to either single, double press or long-term hold of the ball, which allows you to minimize the number of actions, for example, double pressing can open the camera, and long press can take a screenshot.
| Function | Location on the menu | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Classic buttons | Full screen mode | It's a habit of taking up space on the screen. |
| Gestures | Full screen mode | Maximum space requires habituation |
| Floating button | Additional -> Floating button | Mobility, customizable actions |
| One-handed control | Additional -> Mode with one hand | Moves the interface down for convenience |
Solving button response problems
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the navigation buttons stop responding or work incorrectly, this can be caused by a malfunction of the SystemUI system process or conflict with the established themes, first of all, it is recommended to check whether a third-party theme is installed that changes the system fonts or icons.
If you have persists, you can try resetting the buttons to the factory buttons, and then you can choose another option from the navigation menu, and then return the one you want, and it also helps to clear the Settings cache or reboot the device in safe mode to check third-party apps.
What to do if the buttons are completely gone?
In rare cases, malfunctioning involves damage to the screen or plume, especially if the phone falls. However, software solutions help 95% of the time, and if nothing works, consider resetting all the phone settings.
Hidden opportunities and advanced setting
For advanced users who want to gain full control of the system, there are options for customization through the ADB-This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and having debugging. USB. With the command line, you can change the behavior of buttons at the system level, which is not available through the usual menu.
For example, you can set up a long-term home button to run a voice assistant or other application, and through ADB you can force hidden navigation flags to be activated if they were blocked by a manufacturer in your area, and use ADB requires caution, since an incorrect command can lead to unstable system operation.
Example of a command to check current navigation settings:
adb shell settings get secure sysui_nav_barRemember that any changes through ADB are at your own risk and it is strongly recommended that you make a full backup of the data before performing such manipulations.
☑️ Check before changing system settings
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The standard MIUI settings allow you to safely change the order of the buttons without risk to the device, while using ADB gives more features but requires technical literacy.