How to turn off swipe up for Google Search on Xiaomi: all ways

The swipe gesture up from the bottom of the screen to call Google Search is one of the most controversial features in MIUI firmware. On the one hand, it speeds up access to the search bar, but on the other hand, it often works accidentally, interfering with the work with applications or games. This is especially annoying for owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, where the gesture conflicts with navigation on the system.

In this article, we’ll look at all the working ways to turn swipe up for Google, from standard MIUI settings to hidden developer settings to even radical methods for advanced users. Importantly, some methods require root rights or system file changes that can affect warranty, and we’ll point out the risks to each option.

Note: instructions are valid for MIUI 14/15 based on Android 12-14. If you have an older firmware version (e.g. MIUI 12), some of the methods may not work – check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Why Swipe Up for Google is Hindering Users

The main problem with gesture is false positives, and here are typical scenarios where the function becomes a hindrance:

  • 🎮 In games: Swipe up is often used for control (e.g. jumping into a game) PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact, but Google Search opens instead.
  • 📱 When scrolling: in TikTok, Instagram or browser, a random swipe interrupts the viewing.
  • 🔧 Navigation Conflict: Xiaomi with Sign Navigation (MIUI Launcher) swipe up may conflict with return to home screen.
  • 🔒 Privacy: If the phone is unlocked, a random gesture can reveal Google search history in plain sight.

According to a survey of Xiaomi users (2023), 68% of respondents would like to disable this gesture, but do not know how, and Google does not provide a direct option to deactivate the feature in Android settings – it can only be removed by workarounds.

📊 How often do you get annoyed by swipe up for Google?
Constantly.
Sometimes.
I used to be annoyed, but I used to.
Never interfered.

Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI options. It works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with MIUI 12 and later. You do not need root rights or additional programs.

☑️ Preparation for deactivation of the gesture

Done: 0 / 4

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings. → Home screen.
  2. Select Additional Settings (or Advanced Settings in some versions).
  3. Find the Gesture option to call Google Assistant or Swipe up for search.
  4. Switch the slider to the off position.
  5. Confirm the action if a warning appears.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

  1. Click the empty space on the home screen → Home screen settings.
  2. Go to Gestures. → Launch gestures.
  3. Turn off the swipe up option for Google search.

Limitations of the method:

  • ❌ On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or XP) POCO F5) This option may not be available due to Google’s policy.
  • ❌ After updating MIUI settings may reset.

💡

If you don’t have an option, try changing the launcher to a third-party launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher) – you can turn off the gesture in the gesture settings.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If the standard settings didn't work, you can turn off the gesture via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which doesn't require root, but requires a computer and USB debugging enabled.

Warning: Incorrect ADB commands may disrupt the system. Follow the instructions carefully.

Steps:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer!

USB debugging

  • Return to Settings → Additional settings → For developers.
  • Turn on USB debugging and confirm the permission.
  • Connect your phone to your PC and execute the commands: adb shell settings put secure assist_gesture_enabled 0 adb shell settings put secure swipe_up_to_switch_apps_enabled 0
  • Reset the device.

Cons of the method:

  • ⚠️ The gesture may continue to work in some applications.
  • ⚠️ Disabling permissions may disrupt other Google features (such as notifications).

Method 4: Installation of a third-party launcher (alternative)

If the built-in methods didn’t work, the radical solution is to switch the standard MIUI launcher to a third-party one. Most alternative launchers (e.g. Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, Hyperion) allow for flexibly customized gestures, including turning off the swipe upwards.

Advantages of the method:

  • ✅ Complete control of gestures.
  • ✅ Additional customization functions (themes, icons, animations).
  • ✅ There is no need to root or ADB.