How to turn off navigation buttons on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: the complete guide

Modern smartphones, including the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, are gradually moving away from classic control with three on-screen buttons. Device owners often wonder how to turn off navigation buttons to free up useful screen space and bring the interface closer to the standards of flagship models. It’s not just a cosmetic change, but a way to make interaction with the gadget more intuitive and faster, especially given the 6.3-inch display diagonal.

The transition to gesture control requires some getting used to, but it greatly improves the ergonomics of one-handed use. Navigation buttons occupy the bottom of the display, which can interfere with watching videos or reading texts. In this article, we will detail all the available methods for changing system navigation, from standard MIUI settings to advanced manipulations through ADB.

Before making changes, it’s worth noting that eliminating physical or on-screen buttons changes the logic of working with the menu.You no longer need to reach for the bottom edge of the screen to go back or go to the desktop. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 has a feature of completely hiding gesture indicators, making the interface as clean and similar to iOS or stock Android.

Benefits of switching to gesture management

Redmi Note 8

And gestures also allow you to do things faster. Swipe usually takes less time than aiming and pressing a small button. It reduces the load on your thumb and makes navigation smoother. The animations in MIUI when you use gestures look more organic and natural.

And the aesthetics are also there, because the interface is cleaner and more modern, and many users say that when you switch to gestures, you don't want to go back to the buttons, because you lose the sense of ease in managing the system.

However, it is worth considering that in the early stages, random swipes may be perceived by the system as commands, but muscle memory is formed quickly, usually within 2-3 days of active use of a new method of navigation.

Standard method of switching through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest way to disable navigation buttons on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is to use the built-in system settings. The manufacturer has provided a convenient switch that does not require superuser rights or third-party software installation, a method that is suitable for the vast majority of users.

To start, you need to open the Settings app and find the section that displays the interface elements. The path may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (Global, China or EU), but the logic remains the same. It is important not to confuse this section with the theme or lock screen settings.

In the menu that opens, you'll see two main options: "Buttons" and "Fullscreen mode." If you choose the second option, you automatically turn off three classic buttons. The system will offer a short training video or animation that shows new finger movements.

⚠️ Note: After switching to gestures, the Home button will no longer appear visually, but the lower bar will remain an active swipe area.

If you accidentally choose the wrong mode, don't panic. Within seconds, there'll be a countdown timer on the screen with a "Cancel" button to go back to the previous settings, which is protection against random changes that can disorient the user.

Configure the Hiding Indicators and Sensitivity

Once you switch to gestures, many users want to remove even the thin bar at the bottom of the screen. In MIUI, this feature is implemented, but sometimes hidden in additional menus. By removing the indicator, you get the cleanest screen possible, where nothing distracts from the content.

To hide the indicator, go to the same navigation settings section, there should be a “Hide the indicators” switch or similar option, and once activated, the bottom of the screen will become completely black (or color, depending on the topic), but the swipe functionality will remain completely.

Also available in this section is a customization of the sensitivity of the edges of the screen, so if swipes are difficult or occur too often, you can adjust this setting, especially for those who use protective glasses with curved edges.

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If swipes are not working properly, try removing the security glass or temporarily disable the “High sensitivity” option in the screen settings.

There is no visual landmark, so you need to remember the approximate zone to start the swipe with a stop.

Using ADB for Advanced Configuration

For experienced users who do not have enough standard features, there is a method to disable navigation buttons through USB debugging and ADB commands. This method allows you to penetrate deeper into system settings and change parameters that are not available through the usual menu.

Before you start, you need to activate the developer mode, and then quickly tap the build number seven times in the About Phone section. Then, in the advanced settings, turn on USB Debugging. Connect the smartphone to your computer and make sure the device is recognized.

adb shell settings put secure system_navigation_mode 2

This command forcefully switches navigation mode. However, be careful: misuse of ADB commands can cause the interface to work unstable. Unlike standard settings, there is no Cancel button after a few seconds.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-A syntax error can cause system services to fail, requiring resetting.

This method is especially useful if the standard settings menu is damaged or blocked by third-party launchers, giving full control over the system flags responsible for rendering the controls.

Third-party launchers and their impact on navigation

Installing an alternative launcher, such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, can change the behavior of navigation buttons. Some shells have their own gesture settings that overlap Xiaomi's system settings.

If you have installed a new launcher and the buttons are missing or acting strangely, check the settings of the shell application itself. Often there is a "Navigation style" or "Control panel" item. The launcher may require certain permissions to properly operate the gestures.

In some cases, third-party launchers may not be able to properly handle full-screen MIUI gestures, causing conflicts. For example, swipe up can open Google search instead of the app menu, in which case it is better to go back to the standard launcher or look for a plugin for gesture management.

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Third-party launchers can conflict with MIUI system gestures, so if navigation problems are involved, first test the standard shell.

It is worth noting that the use of custom launchers on the Redmi Note 8 can slightly reduce the performance of animations due to the features of the optimization of the Snapdragon 665 processor. If you notice lags, you may need to abandon heavy shells.

Problem Solving and Troubleshooting

The switch to gestures isn't always smooth. Redmi Note 8 users may find themselves in a situation where swipes don't work or work over and over again. Often the problem lies in a sticky touchscreen or a cheap security glass that distorts the signal.

Another common problem is random exits from apps, which happens when your finger slides off the edge of the screen, and in sensitivity settings, you can try to reduce the active area, although in MIUI this option is not always explicitly implemented.

• 🔄 Reboot the device – this helps to reset systemUI service errors.
• 🧹 Clear the cache of the Settings and Security app».
• 📱 Check for system updates as Xiaomi often rules navigation bugs.

If nothing works, you can reset your navigation to factory settings, and for that, you often have a button in the button settings section, or you can temporarily switch to and from the buttons, and this forcefully restarts the interface configuration file.

⚠️ Warning: If navigation problems are accompanied by chaotic taps all over the screen, this may indicate a physical touchscreen malfunction, not a software failure.

In rare cases, changing the screen density (DPI) in the developer settings helps, but this should be done with extreme caution to avoid making the interface unreadable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)