How to change the buttons at the bottom of the screen on Xiaomi: all ways

Why users want to change the order of the buttons on Xiaomi

The touch-sensitive navigation buttons at the bottom of the Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO screen are a classic MIUI interface element that many users want to adapt to their habits. The standard layout (from left to right: Back, Home, Recent) is not always convenient, especially for those who have switched from other brands or use a smartphone with their left hand.

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to swap buttons, from built-in MIUI 14/15 features to hidden settings and third-party solutions. We will separately focus on the nuances for different models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro vs Redmi Note 12) and explain why some methods may not work on certain versions of firmware.

Importantly, if you use gesture navigation, the buttons at the bottom of the screen will be hidden, so it doesn't matter where they are, but for the classic button mode, order setting is still relevant.

Method 1: Standard setup in MIUI (for most models)

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI options. It works on most devices running MIUI 12 and later, including Xiaomi 12/13, Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F4/F5 and others.

  1. Open Settings → Additional settings → buttons and gestures.
  2. Select the Back button (or the Navigation Panel in some versions).
  3. In the Location of the buttons select the desired option: 🔄 Left to right (standard: Back) → Home. → Recent) 🔄 Right to left (inverted order: Recent) → Home. → Back up)

If you don't have button location on your menu, the manufacturer has disabled the option for your model or region, in which case you can move on to the following options.

Make sure button mode is on (not gestures)|Check the version. MIUI In Settings → The phone.|Update the firmware if a new version is available|Make a backup copy of the settings (optional)-->

Method 2: Use a hidden menu (for advanced users)

On some devices (such as the Xiaomi Mi 10 or POCO X3 Pro), the option to change buttons is hidden in the engineering menu, a method that requires caution, as improper actions can disrupt the system.

Instructions:

  1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
  2. In the menu that opens, select Equipment Test → Single Test → Navigation bar.
  3. There are options for button layouts available, including custom diagrams. Some firmwares don't have this option - don't change other settings to avoid crashes!

Important: these applications will require ADB permissions or USB debugging in the developer settings, without which functionality will be limited.

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Before installing third-party apps, check user reviews of your Xiaomi model – some utilities may conflict with MIUI and cause lags.

Method 4: Edit system files (for experienced ones only)

This method is suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and root rights. It allows you to manually change the configuration files responsible for the location of the buttons.

Step-by-step:

  1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  2. Go to /system/usr/keylayout/ and find the Generic.kl or qwerty.kl file (name depends on the model).
  3. Open the file in the text editor and find the lines responsible for the buttons: key 158 BACK key 172 HOME key 139 APP_SWITCH Change the meanings. 158, 172 and 139 place-by-place.
  4. Save the file, restart the device.

⚠️ Warning: Changing system files can cause a download failure.Before editing, make a full backup through TWRP Or the Mi Flash Tool. MIUI 14/15 This method may not work due to DM-Verity protection.

Not all methods work on all devices, and below is the compatibility table for current Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models (2026):

Model of the deviceStandard MIUI settingEngineering menuParty of annexEditing system files
Xiaomi 13/13 Pro (MIUI 14/15)✅ Yes.❌ No.✅ Yes. ADB)❌ No (defence)
Redmi Note 12 Pro+✅ Yes.⚠️ Partially.✅ Yes.⚠️ Maybe a root)
POCO F5✅ Yes.❌ No.✅ Yes.✅ Yes (with unlocking)
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite (MIUI 13)✅ Yes.✅ Yes.✅ Yes.✅ Yes.
Redmi 10C (MIUI 12.5)❌ No.✅ Yes.✅ Yes.✅ Yes.

If your model is not in the table, check the MIUI version in the settings. For firmware older than MIUI 12, more methods are available, whereas newer versions often limit customization.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change the location of the buttons, users encounter common errors.

  • 🔄 Buttons don't change after setup: Reason: conflict with shell or third-party launcher Solution: return the standard launcher MIUI or reboot the device.
  • 🚫 Navigation panel: Reason: accidentally activated gesture control. Solution: Go to Settings → Screen. → Full screen mode and select "Buttons".
  • ⚠️ After updating MIUI Settings are lost: Reason: System reset. Solution: Reset the configuration or use location fixing applications (e.g. NavStar).

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new shell from Xiaomi, which came to replace the new model) MIUI In 2026, standard methods may not work, and in that case, the only reliable way is to use them. ADB or third-party utilities with superuser rights.

Can I change the buttons to Xiaomi without root?
Yes, in most cases, standard MIUI settings or third-party applications with ADB permissions are sufficient. Root is only required for editing system files (Method 4).
Why do they come back after changing the buttons?
This is because you automatically reset your settings when you update your firmware or reboot. To record changes, use apps like Custom Navigation Bar with the "Start at Start" option.
Can I add a fourth button to the navigation bar?
Normally, MIUI is not. But with apps (Nacho Notch) or custom firmware (LineageOS), it's possible. Note that an extra button can interfere with some games.
How to return the standard button location?
Go to Settings → Additional Settings → Buttons and gestures and select “Left to right.” If the reset button is missing, reset the interface settings in Settings → About Phone → Reset (select “Reset UI Settings”, not a full reset!).
Does this guide work for Xiaomi tablets (like Pad 6)?
Partially. On the Xiaomi Pad 6 and other tablets with MIUI for Pad, the order of the buttons changes similarly, but some menu items may be called differently (for example, "Taskbar" instead of "Navigation buttons").

Standard settings MIUI|Engineering menu|Party of annex|Editing system files|I haven't tried it yet.-->

1) MIUI Version – on new firmware (MIUI 15+) some features may be removed.

2 Regional firmware – Global ROMs have more restrictions than China ROMs.

3) Updates - sometimes patches come in the following patches.-->