How to set up buttons on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Xiaomi’s smartphones, powered by the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, provide users with an unprecedented level of control over the interface. Unlike many competitors, the system allows users to reassign standard physical key actions, turning them into powerful tools to quickly launch applications or execute complex scenarios. Understanding how to set up buttons on Xiaomi opens up access to hidden functionality that is often ignored by ordinary users.

In this tutorial, we will go into detail all the customization techniques available, from simply changing the duration of a press to creating macros to automate routine tasks, learning how to control the lock screen, use double tapping and effectively use the sidebar, not just changing the appearance, but a way to significantly improve performance with daily use of the gadget.

It's worth noting that menu items may vary slightly depending on the version of the Android operating system and the particular device model, but the overall logic of the system has remained the same over the years. Let's start with the basic settings of the physical power key, which is the most commonly used control.

Basic setting of the power button and lock

Traditionally, the power button is used to unlock the screen and call the off menu. MIUI This key has been extended, and by default, a long-term pressing activates the voice assistant, but this behavior can be changed. → Additional functions → Key combinations (or Assign an enable button).

Here you will find the option to switch between calling Google Assistant and the standard shutdown menu. It is important to choose the right option so as not to call the assistant accidentally in your pocket. Also, the same menu often hides the setting for fast start of the camera: five quick presses on the lock button will start the camera app even with the screen off.

⚠️ Note: If you often carry your phone in tight pockets, the camera’s quick start function may be activated accidentally, consuming battery power.

Another useful feature is the ability to unlock without using a fingerprint sensor. By pressing the power button, you can immediately get to the desktop if the option “Unlock the power button” is enabled. This is especially true for models without a fingerprint scanner on the back or for those who prefer to unlock on the face.

⚠️ Warning: With the quick unlock option enabled, accidentally pressing a button in your pocket can lead to unintentional screen turn on and battery consumption.

Assigning actions for long-press and double-click

Xiaomi’s system allows you to assign specific applications or functions to different types of clicks. This applies not only to the power button, but also, in some models, a special AI button (Artificial Intelligence) or the power management side key in the new flagships. To set this up, go to Settings → Additional Functions → Assign a button.

You can choose to do a single, double or long press, for example, double taps can open Mi Pay or a specific application, and long taps can open a voice recorder or flashlight mode, which creates a personalized experience where important functions are literally in one touch.

• 📱 Single tap: Launch the application by default or unlock.
• ⚡ Double press: Quick start of camera, flashlight or scanner QR-code.
• ⏳ Long-term pressing: call voice assistant, voice recorder or shutdown menu.

Using these capabilities makes your smartphone more responsive, so imagine you have to write down a thought quickly -- one long press -- and the recorder is writing, or you have to take a picture of a document quickly -- double click, and the camera is ready, and that saves the seconds that add up to hours of productive time.

Handling gestures and navigation without buttons

Modern smartphones aim for maximum screen space by removing physical and on-screen navigation buttons. MIUI and HyperOS use full-screen gestures, which are addictive but greatly speed up work. You can switch to gesture management from the Settings menu → Desktop → Navigation system.

Here you choose between Buttons (the classic three at the bottom of the screen) and Gestures. When you select gestures, the bottom bar disappears, and swipes from the edges of the screen are controlled. A swipe from the bottom up returns to the desktop, a latency swipe opens the multitasking menu, and a side-facing swipe performs the "Back" function.

Special attention should be paid to the sensitivity of the edges. If you often use your phone with one hand, standard settings can be uncomfortable. In the gesture menu, you can often adjust the activation area, which avoids accidental returns when scrolling through the feed on social networks.

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For more comfortable one-handed control, turn on the One-Hand Control mode in search of settings to move the interface down.

There are also hidden gestures, such as swiping down an empty space on the desktop to search, or swiping with two fingers to scale down the interface, which make navigation more intuitive and faster than mechanically pressing virtual buttons.

Use of side panel and floating windows

The Side Bar is a unique tool in the Xiaomi ecosystem that allows you to quickly switch between apps and open them in floating mode, activate it by swiping your finger from the edge of the screen inwards, and set up on the Settings path → Additional Features → Sidebar.

Inside this menu, you can add any apps you have installed, which is especially useful for messengers, calculators, or notes you need to use when you're using other programs, for example, you can text Telegram without interrupting your YouTube video.

It's important to note that the sidebar can be customized for specific applications, so you can make it appear only in games or only when watching videos, and this prevents the panel from accidentally opening at the wrong time, such as during a tense shooter fight.

Special capabilities and management adaptation

For users with visual or motor disabilities, Xiaomi has an expanded section called “Special Features” where you can configure touchless control, voice control, and even eye control (on supported models). Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Special Features.

Touchless Control allows you to perform actions by simply moving your hand in front of the proximity sensor. This can be useful if the screen is contaminated or with wet hands. A re-press delay setting is also available, which helps people with hand tremors avoid double random activations.

Another powerful feature is the Switch Access, which allows you to connect external physical buttons through a USB or Bluetooth connector and assign them any actions on the screen, making the smartphone a complete device for people with disabilities.

⚠️ Warning: Enabling some special features (e.g., constant sensor surveys) can significantly increase battery consumption in the background.

Automation of actions through scenarios

The pinnacle of button customization in MIUI is to create automation scenarios. While the standard Scenarios app is sometimes hidden or accessible through Mi Home, basic macros can be created through button settings. You can program the phone to perform a chain of action when you press a key combination.

For example, pressing the power button three times in a row can not just turn on the flashlight, but also send SMS-Message with coordinates to trusted contact (mode) SOS). Or a long clamping can trigger a “Sleep Mode”: turn on “Do Not Disturb”, set an alarm clock and start white noise.

For advanced users, integration with smart home platforms is available. Pressing a virtual button on the screen or a physical volume key (when reassigned via ADB) can turn off the lights in the room or start a robot vacuum cleaner. This requires setting up in the Mi Home app or third-party launchers.

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Automation through scripts allows you to turn simple mechanical actions into complex logical chains, saving time and simplifying interaction with a smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)