Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, which run on the shell of MIUI or HyperOS, offer flexible options for personalizing the interface. One of the key controls is the navigation bar, which by default can be displayed as three buttons or controlled by swipes. Many users are wondering how to change this setting to improve usability or increase the usable screen area.
In some situations, standard buttons may interfere, take up space, or simply do not match the habits of the owner of the device. The process of switching between control modes is quite simple, but in different versions of the firmware, the names of items may vary slightly, and we will discuss in detail all available methods and nuances of setting.
Why Change the Standard Navigation on Xiaomi
The main reason for switching to gesture control or, conversely, returning to buttons is ergonomics. On modern devices with a screen diagonal of more than 6 inches, reaching the upper corners or side faces becomes difficult. Full-screen mode allows you to use the entire surface of the display for content, hiding the controls.
In addition, the rejection of physical or screen buttons reduces the risk of the matrix burnout (burn-in) on the screen. AMOLED-Static images, such as the "Back" triangle or the "Menu" square, can leave a barely noticeable trace when on the screen for a long time.
And the aesthetics are also important, because many users prefer a minimalist interface that doesn't distract from watching a video or playing a game, and when you remove the extra elements, you get a cleaner visual experience.
Disabling buttons through system settings
The safest and most appropriate way to change the way you manage it is to use the built-in menu, so you don't have to install third-party apps or get root rights, just go to the settings section, which is usually at the top of the settings list.
Once you enter the Settings menu, look for Additional or go straight to Desktop. Depending on the version of MIUI, the path may look like Settings → Desktop → Navigation System. This is where all the key switches are concentrated.
☑️ Check before changing navigation
In the window that opens, you'll see two or three options: "Buttons," "Gesturals," and sometimes "Battle button." Select the Gesture option to turn off the classic three buttons at the bottom of the screen. The system will immediately apply the changes, and you'll see a thin strip at the bottom of the display.
⚠️ Warning: After switching to gestures, the old buttons will disappear instantly. If you get confused, remember that the swipe from the bottom up in the center will return you to the desktop, and the swipe with a delay will open the menu of running applications.
Setting up sensitivity and gesture indentation
Once you have decided to disable the navigation buttons on Xiaomi, you may need to fine-tune the system, allowing you to adjust the sensitivity of swipes and the amount of indentation from the edge of the screen, which is especially important for devices with curved edges.
In the same navigation menu, you can often find an option called "Advanced" or a sensitivity slider, and if the swipes don't work the first time or if they happen to come back randomly, try changing that option to help you adapt your phone to your print and hold style.
| Parameter | Description of function | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| A retreat from below | Distance from the edge of the screen to the gesture area | Increase to protect against accidental pressing |
| Sensitivity | Strength and speed of response to swipe | Average value for most users |
| Return animation | Visual effect when folding applications | Enable for smooth interface |
| Hiding the stripe | Automatic disappearance of the sign indicator | Enable full screen in the applications |
You should also pay attention to the settings of specific applications. Some programs may conflict with system gestures, in which case it helps to temporarily switch back to buttons or use the "Ignore the edges of the screen" function in the display settings.
Secret setting of animation speed
Using a floating button as an alternative
If you're in the middle of a classic button, and you're not comfortable with gestures, there's a trade-off, a floating button, which is a little circle that you can move around the screen and adjust to your needs, and it's not tied to the bottom edge, and it disappears when you're not using it.
To activate this feature, go to Settings → Additional → Floating Button. Here you can turn on the mode, select the look and adjust the actions for short and long presses. This is a great way to optimize one-handed control.
The floating element can be configured to act as a Home, Back button or even launch a specific application, making navigation more flexible and personalized, especially on the larger Redmi Note or Mi series screens.
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Useful advice: If you use a protective glass with thick edges, the gestures may not work properly, in which case it is better to temporarily switch on the floating button or increase the sensitivity of touch in special features.
Hiding the navigation lane in apps and games
Even by choosing gesture control, the bar indicator at the bottom of the screen can interfere with games or watching videos. Fortunately, the Android system and the MIUI shell allow you to hide this element in full-screen applications automatically.
To check these settings, go to Settings → Special Features → Full-screen mode (the path may vary). This displays a list of all installed applications. You can manually tell the system how to navigate in each particular program.
There's a switch across each application, and if it's activated, it'll be completely immersive, hiding any controls, and if you notice that in a game, the buttons are still coming out, or the swipe area is too small, experiment with that switch.
⚠️ Note: In some older applications, forced full-screen operation may cause important interface buttons to be placed under the system bar. Check critical functions after changing settings.
Solution: if the buttons are missing or not working
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the navigation buttons have disappeared on their own, or they have stopped responding to touches, which may be due to a system process failure or conflict with a recently installed launcher.
The first thing you should do is try to reboot your device, which often solves 90 percent of the software interface problems, and if the reboot doesn't work, check if the Do Not Disturb mode or special features that might block the screen are on.
In more complex cases, when the interface is completely frozen and you can't even log in to the settings, you can use the engineering menu or reset, but before drastic measures, you should try to clear the cache of system applications.
adb shell pm clear com.android.systemuiThis command, run via computer and USB debugging, will restart the system interface without losing data. If you don't have access to ADB, all that remains is Safe Mode or a complete reset.
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The main conclusion: Most navigation problems are solved by simply rebooting or switching the mode in the settings. Don't rush your phone to the service center at the first sign of an interface failure.