How to disable the bottom buttons on Android Xiaomi: the complete guide

The bottom panel with the Back, Home and Recent buttons on Xiaomi smartphones takes up precious space on the screen and often interferes with viewing content or games. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to turn them off, from standard MIUI settings to hidden features for power users. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods for Redmi, POCO and Mi devices based on Android 10-14.

It is important to understand that after disabling the physical/touch buttons, the phone will be controlled solely by gestures, and if you have never used this navigation system, we recommend that you first try it in demo mode (available in the settings). Also note that on some budget models (e.g. Redmi). 9A or POCO C31) Some methods may not be available due to firmware limitations.

1. Standard method through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI shell options. It works on all Xiaomi devices with firmware version 12 and above, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 and the flagship Mi 11/12/13.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Display section → Full-screen mode.
3. Select Full Screen Style.
4. Activate the Gesture option (or Full-screen gestures in new versions).
5. Confirm the change and wait for the interface to restart (the phone will not restart).

Then the bottom bar with the buttons will disappear, and instead it will appear a thin white bar at the bottom of the screen, which is the gesture indicator. To return to the main screen, swipe your finger up from the bottom edge. To call the menu of recent apps, swipe up and hold your finger for a second. AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) gesture indicator can be completely hidden in additional settings of full-screen mode.

Check out the MIUI version (should be 12+)

Backup of important data

Get acquainted with gestures in the demonstration mode

Charge your phone at least 30%

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2. Disable buttons through developer mode

If the standard method didn’t work (for example, on custom firmware or an outdated version of MIUI), you can use hidden options of the developer mode. This method is suitable for Android 9-13 devices, but requires caution – incorrect settings can lead to interface failures.

First, activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version string and tap it 7 times in a row.
3. Enter a password/pattern lock if required.
4. Return to the main settings menu – there will be a new section for developers.

Turn off the navigation buttons:

1. Open the Settings. → For developers.
2. Find the option to Minimize the Navigation Bar (or Force Full-screen display in English).
3. Select Hide navigation bar or Full-screen gestures.
4. Restart your phone to apply the changes.

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If there is no option in developer mode, try updating MIUI to the latest version or resetting to factory settings (with data saved).

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Redmi) 8A, POCO M2) This method can cause not only the bottom bar to disappear, but also the top status bar. To return it, re-enter Developer Mode and turn off Force full-screen display option.

3.Use of ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If the previous methods did not help, you can resort to ADB-This method works on all Xiaomi devices with an unlocked bootloader, but requires a connection to a computer. The advantage of the method is that it allows you to flexibly configure the display of buttons, including their transparency or complete removal.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 📱 USB-cable (original or quality)
• 🔧 Installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB phone-on

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools.
2. Connect the phone to your computer and allow debugging over USB.
3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear serial number of your device.
5. Use the command to disable the navigation bar: adb shell settings put global policy_control immersive.full=*
6. Reboot the phone.

To return the buttons back, use the command:

adb shell settings put global policy_control null

4. Hiding buttons with third-party apps

For users who do not want to mess with settings or ADB, There are some special tools in Google Play that not only hide the bottom panel, but also adjust its transparency, position and even replace the standard buttons with custom ones.-3 tested applications:

⚠️ Note: Apps like Button Mapper or Tasker may conflict with system processes MIUI, firmware-in-chief MIUI 14+. Before using, create a restore point in Settings → System system → Backup or backup through TWRP (if established).

For maximum stability, we recommend using Nacho Notch, which does not require root rights and has a minimal impact on performance.

1. Launch the app and grant permission to overlay over other windows.
2. Select Hide Navigation Bar from the main menu.
3. Activate the Auto-hide in landscape option if you want to hide the panel only in horizontal mode.
4. Add apps to a whitelist (like games or video players) where buttons should remain visible.

5. Manual editing of the build.prop file (for advanced)

This method is only suitable for users with an unlocked bootloader and a TWRP or other custom recovery installed. It allows you to permanently remove the bottom bar at the system file level, but if you do not act correctly, it can lead to a bootloop (a looped reboot). Use at your own risk!

Instructions:

1. Create a backup of the current firmware through TWRP (Backup section).
2. Connect your phone to your computer and mount the /system partition in TWRP.
3. Open /system/build.prop file in a text editor (e.g. Notepad++).
4. Add a line to the end of the file: qemu.hw.mainkeys=1
5. Save the changes and restart the phone.

If the screen turns black or the phone loops after the reboot, return the original build.prop from the backup. On some devices (POCO F1, Mi A2), this method may not work due to the Android One firmware.

Standard settings of MIUI

Developer mode

ADB-team

Party of annex

Manual editing of system files

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6. Features for specific Xiaomi models

Xiaomi makes frequent firmware changes for different product lines, and here is a list of models with unique nuances when you turn off the bottom panel:

On Android One devices (Mi A1/A2/A3), standard MIUI methods don't work.

1. Go to Settings → System → Gestures.
2. Choose Navigation with gestures.
3. Activate Full-screen gestures (in new versions of Android).

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On Android One devices (such as Mi) A3) cannot be used ADB-commands to hide buttons, this will cause a system failure. Use only the standard Android settings.

7 What to do if the buttons do not disappear?

If none of the methods worked, check the following points:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: On firmware older MIUI 12 full-screen gestures may not be available.Update your phone via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Application conflict: Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) or UI customization utilities may block changes.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware: On informal builds (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), gesture settings may be in another menu section.
• 🔒 Security Policy: On enterprise or Knox-powered phones (if Samsung has previously been used), some features may be blocked.

If the problem persists, reset to factory settings:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset all settings (without deleting data).
3. After restarting, try again to disable the buttons.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with bootloader lock (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro for the Russian market), resetting may lead to a requirement to link your Mi Account!

FAQ: Frequent questions