Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face situations where standard feature layouts do not match their habits or physical characteristics. The MIUI ecosystem and the new HyperOS offer tremendous user customization capabilities that go far beyond simply changing wallpapers. The deep-tuning of hardware keys makes it possible to turn the device into a unique tool tailored to the personal needs of a particular user.
But many users don’t even realize that the usual volume or power buttons can work completely differently, and in this article we will examine not only the obvious accessibility settings, but also advanced methods of reassigning actions, including launching applications by double pressing or changing the behavior when pressed, which will help to significantly speed up the work with the gadget in everyday scenarios.
Before we get to specific instructions, it is important to understand that the interface of settings can vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system. However, the logic of the system components remains the same for most modern models of the brand.
Basic setting of volume and power buttons
The standard functionality of the side keys on Xiaomi smartphones is initially set to perform basic tasks: adjusting the sound and locking the screen. However, the special features menu hides a section that allows you to change the behavior of these controls during prolonged clamping, which is especially useful for those who are accustomed to a certain course of action or want to avoid accidental calls to emergency services.
To access these settings, you need to go to Settings, then select Advanced Settings and find the Special Options menu. This is where the key switch changes the logic of the power button, and by default, a long press activates the voice assistant, but this action can be reassigned to call the device's turn off menu.
Changing this setting dramatically changes the experience of interacting with your smartphone. If you often use the shutdown or reboot function, standard system behavior can be annoying. Switching mode makes control more intuitive for those who switch from other Android or iOS smartphones.
It's worth noting that in some regions and firmware versions, the path to setup may look different. Sometimes the item you want is hidden in the Additional section of the Special Options menu. If you don't find the switch right away, carefully study all the sub-items in the device management category.
⚠️ Warning: Changing the power button to call the shutdown menu turns off the voice assistant's quick start when you're clamping. If you're actively using voice input, think twice before changing this setting.
Use of gestures and quick actions
Xiaomi’s modern shells offer a rich set of gestures that allow you to control the device without using physical buttons. Not only is it convenient, but it also prolongs the life of the mechanical elements of the smartphone.
One of the most useful features is Quick Launch of Apps, which allows you to assign a specific program to run when you double-press the down or up the volume button when the screen is off, and it's the perfect way to instantly open the camera, voice recorder or messenger without wasting time unlocking and searching for an icon.
To activate this function, go to Settings → Additional → Quick Application Launch. Here you will see a list of available actions. The system will prompt you to select an application for each of the volume buttons. After selecting the selected program when you double-press the corresponding key, the selected program will start.
- 📸 Double-clicking the volume button is often set to start the camera by default, which allows you not to miss an important moment.
- 🎤 Assigning a voice recorder to a volume button is useful for journalists or students who need to record a thought quickly.
- 💬 Launching a popular messenger like Telegram or WhatsApp speeds up response to urgent messages.
It is important to remember function conflicts. If you assign an action to the volume button that is already reserved by the system in certain modes (e.g., in the camera), priority may be given to system action. Test the selected combinations in different use cases to make sure they work correctly.
💡
If double-pressing doesn’t work, try changing the sensor response rate in the screen settings or check if there’s a case installed that physically makes it difficult to quickly re-press.
Setting up navigation and virtual buttons
The transition from classic navigation buttons to gesture control has become the standard in the industry, but many users prefer the familiar three-button interface at the bottom of the screen. MIUI and HyperOS allow not only to choose the type of navigation, but also fine-tune its behavior, the order of the buttons and the duration of vibration when pressed.
To change the way you navigate, open Settings, go to Desktop and select System Navigation, and there are two main modes available: Buttons and Full Screen Mode. In Button Mode, you can change the order of the buttons, which is especially true for those who are used to iOS logic or older versions of Android, where the Back button was located on the right.
The table below shows the differences between the main navigation modes available on Xiaomi devices:
| Parameter | Buttons | Full screen mode | Floating buttons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupied seat | Fixed lane down. | Absent (maximum area) | Minimum floating point |
| Adjustment rate | Instant. | It takes time (2-3 days) | Medium |
| Convenience with one hand | High. | Average (depending on diagonal) | High. |
| Visual style | Classical. | Modern, without limits | Minimalist |
The floating button mode is a hybrid between gestures and classic navigation, and there's a little dot on the screen that you can drag around, a short tap that mimics the back button, and a long one that brings it back to the desktop, and it's perfect for devices with large diagonals where reaching the edges of the screen is physically inconvenient.
☑️ Set up the perfect navigation
Don't forget to adjust the sensitivity of the edges of the screen when using full screen mode. If swipes don't work the first time or, conversely, random returns occur, adjusting this parameter in the navigation menu will solve the problem, which is critical for models with curved screens.
Special capabilities and adaptive management
The “Special Features” section of Xiaomi smartphones is designed not only for people with disabilities, but also for advanced users looking for alternative ways to interact with the gadget. Here you can find features that allow you to control the phone with voice, head movements or even blinking, which can be useful in situations when your hands are busy.
Voice control allows you to give commands to the phone without touching the screen. You can say "Open YouTube" or "Write a message," and the phone will perform an action. It's not a replacement for a full voice assistant, but rather a system control layer that works even without the Internet. You can activate it in the Special Options menu → Voice control.
Another interesting option is Eye Control, which is the front-facing camera that tracks your eyes, and if you look at the screen, it won't go out even if the lock timer runs out, and it prevents you from having to read long articles or watch videos without recharging.
⚠️ Attention: Using the gaze and voice control functions significantly increases battery consumption, as it uses sensors and microphone in the background constantly.
For users with hand tremors or motor impairments, you can adjust the duration of the pressing, you can increase the time interval, which the system considers a “long press” to avoid random calls to context menus, this is done under the “Improving visibility” or “Interaction” subsection depending on the version of Android.
Third-party applications for button reassignment
If you don't have enough built-in HyperOS or MIUI, third-party solutions from Google Play come to the rescue. Apps like Button Mapper or Key Mapper can do wonders by giving volume, power, and even a fingerprint scanner new meanings.
These utilities can be used to implement complex scenarios, such as triple-pushing the volume button can include a flashlight, and long-pressing both volume buttons simultaneously can be used to take a screenshot or start recording a screen, and the possibilities are limited only by the user's imagination and the resolutions you are willing to provide the application.
These programs often require special permissions through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or debugging mode, which may seem tricky for a beginner, but the instructions inside the applications usually explain the process Step-by-step. One popular method is to type a command over a computer:
adb shell pm grant com.flar2.homebutton android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGSUsing third-party software gives flexibility, but it also has a downside: applications run in the background and can consume resources, and require permanent permissions to access the system. In addition, after major firmware updates, the algorithms of the buttons can change, which temporarily disrupts the macros.
Security of Third Party Applications
Solving and resetting button settings
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where buttons stop responding properly, stick or take actions with a delay. Before carrying a device to the service, it is worth trying software methods to solve the problem. Often the cause lies in a temporary system failure or software conflict.
The first step should always be to reboot the device, which is a trivial action that clears the RAM and restarts the system processes that handle input. If the problem persists, check if In-Pack mode or other security mechanisms that can block random taps are on.
If buttons only work incorrectly in certain applications, check availability settings for those programs. Sometimes third-party launchers or themes can intercept button management. Returning to a standard theme and launcher often helps identify the source of the conflict.
- 🔄 Restart your smartphone in Safe Mode to check if a third-party app is affecting the operation of the buttons.
- 🧹 Clear the cache of the system application "Settings" and "System" UI» via the application management menu.
- ⚙️ Reset special features if you have experimented with many parameters and become confused with them.
In the case of physical problems, such as a button failure or a lack of tactile response (click), software methods are powerless. Mechanical wear is a natural process, especially for buttons that are used often, in such situations, you need to replace the plume or button module in an authorized service center.
💡
If the buttons stop working after moisture is injected, don't dry them with a hair dryer - high temperatures can damage the screen's adhesive connections.Use silica gel and let the device dry naturally for 24-48 hours.