How to set up gesture management on Xiaomi with MIUI 12: From basic to hidden functions

Handling gestures on Xiaomi smartphones with a shell MIUI 12 dramatically changes the interaction with the device, offering a smoother and more intuitive experience than traditional navigation buttons. However, many users face difficulties in initial configuration or are unaware of the hidden capabilities of the system. This article will not only tell you how to turn on gestures, but also help fine-tune them to individual preferences – from the sensitivity of swipes to the personalization of animations.

It is important to understand that MIUI 12 offers three basic navigation modes: classic buttons, gestures MIUI (Full-screen gestures and Android gestures (standard gestures), each with unique features that affect usability, such as full-screen gestures. MIUI They allow you to maximize the screen workspace, but require you to adapt to new movements. At the same time, standard Android gestures may seem more familiar to users who switch from other brands.

In this article, we’ll look at not only basic settings, but also little-known tricks like how to turn off random swipes in games or configure gestures to be used simultaneously with app gestures (like TikTok or Instagram).

Three types of navigation in MIUI 12: Comparison and selection of optimal

Before you go to the setting, you need to decide on the type of navigation. MIUI 12 there are three options available, each suitable for different use cases:

• 📱 Classic buttons are a traditional scheme with three virtual buttons ("Back", "Home", "Recent"), suitable for conservative users or those who often switch between devices of different brands.
• 👆 Gestures MIUI (Full screen is the most advanced option with maximum screen usage: swipes run from the bottom edge of the display, and additional functions (for example, calling Google Assistant) are customized separately.
• 🤖 Android Gestures – Google’s standard gesture system, similar to pure Android 10/11. Less flexible than gestures MIUI, It is more predictable for users who are used to other brands.

To choose the best option, consider the following factors:

On Xiaomi models with AMOLED-screens (e.g., Mi) 11, Redmi K40) full-screen gestures MIUI allow you to hide the indicator panel at the bottom of the display, which visually increases the workspace on the screen. 5-7% Compared to standard Android gestures.

Step-by-step instructions: how to include gestures in MIUI 12

The transition to gesture management takes no more 2-3 You need to pay attention to detail, but follow this instruction to avoid common mistakes:

1. Open the Settings → Display.
2. Select Full-screen Display (on some models, navigation buttons may be called).
3. At the top of the screen, you'll see three navigation options. MIUI Or Android gestures depending on preferences.
4. The system will offer a brief training. Scroll through it or skip it by clicking "Pass".
5. Go back to the home screen and test the new gestures. 1-2 The day may require adaptation to new movements.

If you notice that some applications (such as games or instant messengers) are in conflict with system swipes after you turn on gestures, go back to the settings and activate the Game Mode option in the Features section. This will turn off navigation gestures in full-screen applications.

Check the version. MIUI (Must be 12.0 or newer)

Backup settings (Settings → About Phone → Backup)

Close all background applications before changing settings

Test gestures in safe mode (hold the power button) → Safe regime)

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It's important, on devices with MIUI Global and MIUI The way to customize gestures in China may be slightly different, for example, in the Chinese version, the full-screen display item is called the "Full-screen display.

Fine gesture tuning: sensitivity, speed and exceptions

Basic gesture inclusion is often not enough for comfortable work. MIUI 12 allows you to customize the swipe settings in detail, which is especially useful on devices with curved screens (for example, Mi 11 Ultra or Black Shark 4 Pro:

• ⚡ Swipe sensitivity: in the Settings menu → Additional settings → Gestures can be selected low, medium or high sensitivity. High sensitivity is recommended for devices with covers.
• 🔄 Speed of animations: affects the smoothness of transitions between screens — 0.5x or 1x (is in the settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI, Tap 7 times according to the version to unlock hidden settings).
• 🎮 Application exceptions: add games and messengers to the exception list to avoid gesture conflicts. → Annexes → Permits → Gestures.
• 📱 Swipe vibration: Tactile recoil helps confirm gesture execution. Included in Settings → Sound and vibration → Vibration of the system.

Pay special attention to setting up the gesture of return. MIUI 12. it can work in two ways:

1. Swipe from the left or right edge of the screen (classic version).
2. Swipe up and retention (an alternative method useful for narrow-frame devices).

To change the “Back” gesture type, go to Settings → System system → Gestures → Back gesture and select your preferred option. MIUI 12.5 and later is also available option Edge Sensitivity, which adjusts the width of the swipe zone.

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If the “Back” gesture is triggered by chance when scrolling web pages, reduce the sensitivity of the edge to 20-30%. This will solve the problem without losing functionality.

Hidden gesture functions in MIUI 12: What your Xiaomi can do

Besides basic swipes, MIUI 12 hides a few useful features that many users are unaware of. These "chips" can greatly simplify everyday use of a smartphone:

• 📸 Quick screenshot: swipe three fingers down the screen to take a screenshot. works even in games and full-screen apps.
• 🔍 Search Call: Swipe down the home screen (not to be confused with lowering the notification curtain) can be reassigned to a Google Assistant or Mi Search call.
• 📋 Quick app switching: Swipe right on the bottom panel (full-screen gesture mode) opens a list of recent apps. Double swipe right - returns to the previous screen.
• 🔇 Turn off the sound: Turn the phone down on the horizontal surface to activate silent mode. → Additional settings → Gestures → Turn off the sound.

One of the most useful hidden features is a split-screen gesture to activate multitasking:

1. Open the first appendix.
2. Swipe up from the bottom edge and hold your finger to open a list of recent apps.
3. Drag the second app to the top or bottom of the screen.
4. Release your finger to lock in a separate mode.

On devices with MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro) is available with an additional gesture, double tap the screen to wake up. This is convenient when the smartphone is lying on the table and you don't want to press the physical button. → Display. → Double touch to wake up.

Problem Solving: Gestures don’t work or don’t work properly

Even after you set it up properly, users sometimes encounter gesture bugs, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If after updating to MIUI 12 gestures stopped working at all, check if the mode for the visually impaired is activated in the special settings.

If none of the methods worked, try resetting your gesture settings to the standard:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Choose Reset gesture settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action and restart the device.

On root-right devices, you can manually edit the configuration gesture file along the way. /system/usr/idc/Vendor_0001_Product_0001.idc, This is recommended only by experienced users.

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Before resetting your gesture settings, make sure to check if the developer mode is on. Some experimental features (such as Force Fullscreen Gestures) may conflict with standard settings.

Optimizing gestures for games and specific applications

Players and active users of social networks often find that system gestures interfere with management in applications. PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile, a swipe from the edge of the screen can accidentally return to the menu:

• 🎮 Game mode: activate it in the notification curtain or through Settings → Features → Game mode. This will turn off all navigation gestures in full-screen apps.
• 📱 Personal Exclusions: Add problematic apps to the exclusion list (the path is specified in the previous section).
• ⚙️ Set up the gesture area: on some models (for example, POCO F3) You can narrow down the swipe zone "Back" to 5-10 edge.
• 🖥️ Virtual buttons in games: use the game’s built-in controls instead of system gestures.

It is useful for streamers and content creators to know that MIUI 12 you can set up gestures to quickly access the screen recording tools:

1. Activate screen recording through Settings → Additional settings → Screen recording.
2. Enable the option of floating panel.
3. Now the swipe from the upper right corner of the screen will open the recording control panel.

On devices with MIUI 13 (if you are planning an update) there is a feature of intelligent gesture recognition, which automatically adjusts the sensitivity to the current application. MIUI 12 This feature can be emulated using the Edge Gestures app from Google Play.

Comparison of gestures MIUI 12 with other versions and brands

If you have previously used smartphones of other brands (Samsung, Huawei, Google Pixel), gestures in the MIUI 12 may seem unusual. Here are the key differences:

Main advantage MIUI 12 to competitors -- flexibility of setting. For example, only here you can adjust separately:

• Sensitivity of the "Back" gesture for the left and right edges.
• Vibrational response for each type of gesture.
• Exceptions for individual applications with the option of selecting an alternative gesture.

But MIUI There are also disadvantages. Unlike Stock Android, for example, there is no way to use gestures on a locked screen (for example, to launch a camera or flashlight). MIUI less predictable in horizontal orientation of the screen.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Gestures MIUI 12