Xiaomi smartphone owners, particularly the Redmi 9, often face a situation where the system interface behaves unpredictably. The appearance of miniature windows on top of the main screen can be both a useful feature and an annoying bug that interferes with typing or watching videos. Understanding how this mechanism works in the shell of the MIUI will allow you to quickly regain control of the device.
There are several types of windows, some created by video calling apps, others part of system navigation, and others may be the result of random inclusion of hidden developer functions. In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios for floating elements to appear on your display. You will learn to distinguish between system widgets and third-party overlays, which is critical for proper configuration.
Don't panic if the screen suddenly gets overrun with unnecessary controls, and most often, the problem is solved by simply switching the switchboard to the settings menu or changing the type of navigation, and we have prepared a step-by-step algorithm to help you deactivate unnecessary functions and make using Redmi 9 as comfortable as possible.
Types of floating windows in MIUI
MIUI
Redmi 9
System floating windows are often referred to as "floating windows" or "sidebar" and allow messengers or calculators to run on top of other programs. However, there are technical elements, such as a floating return button, which can appear after updating the firmware or resetting the settings, and it is important not to confuse these concepts when looking for a solution.
Special attention should be paid to third-party windows: Messengers like Viber or Telegram can create mini widgets for incoming calls, and if you don’t use this functionality, it should be turned off, since it consumes RAM and processor resources.
- 📱 System widgets multitasking – managed through screen settings.
- ⚙️ Navigation Elements – Floating Return buttons and menus.
- 💬 Application windows - miniatures from instant messengers and video players.
Understanding the source of a window is half the success, and if you can drag and drop or resize it, it's probably a multitasking function, and if it's a static button, it's about the navigation parameters of the system.
Setting up navigation and floating button
Redmi 9
To remove this element, you need to go to the system settings section. The path may vary slightly depending on the Android version, but the logic remains the same. You need to find a menu that is responsible for how to control the screen. Here you can switch to gestures, which will completely free the bottom of the display from any buttons.
⚠️ Warning: When switching to gesture control, the habituation period can take several days.
If you prefer the classic buttons, but you are annoyed by the floating sphere, make sure that the menu selects the type "Buttons" rather than "Floating button." This is a common mistake when users accidentally hit the desired item when you quickly scroll through the menu.
Once the settings are changed, the interface will reboot instantly, so if the floating element is gone, then the problem was the type of navigation, otherwise it is worth checking other system features that can duplicate this effect.
Control of the function "floating windows"
Redmi 9
To completely ban the creation of these windows, you need to go to advanced settings, and here is a switch that allows or prevents applications from opening in floating mode, and if you're not using this feature consciously, it's better to keep it off to save battery life.
And you also have to look at the Sidebar, which is a narrow bar at the edge of the screen that, when you swipe, gives you a list of apps, and it's often where users randomly drag programs to the screen, creating floating windows, and turning off the sidebar will solve the problem of random launches.
| Function | Location on the menu | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|
| Floating window | Settings -> Special Opportunities | High (wasting RAM) |
| Sidebar. | Settings -> Additional functions | Medium (background process) |
| Floating button | Settings -> Advanced settings | Low (interface only) |
It's important to distinguish between these concepts, because disabling one doesn't always affect the other, and configuring all three parameters in a comprehensive way will allow you to have a clean interface without unnecessary elements.
Application permissions and overlays over others
Android
To check which programs have access to this, you need to go to the special features section, and here is a full list of applications, and if you see programs that do not need to be constantly hanging on the screen (for example, a file manager or a game store), access is better selected.
☑️ Permit verification
Pay special attention to apps you've recently installed, and sometimes malware or just poorly designed apps use this permission to display ads in the form of floating windows, and removing such software or restricting its rights will solve the problem.
Xiaomi system applications such as Security or bootloader may also have this access, and it is not recommended to touch them if you are not sure of your actions, as this may disrupt the system.
Developer Mode and Debugging by USB
ADB
If you're not programming or deep-tuning your system through your computer, it's best to turn off the developer mode completely, not only will it remove the windows, but it will also improve the security of your Redmi 9, which is a closed vulnerability for remote access.
Inside the developer menu, there's a "Touch Show" or "Point Pointer Position" item, and if they're active, finger marks or cross marks will appear on the screen, which can be mistaken for floating windows, and make sure that these ticks are removed.
⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in the Developer Menu can lead to unstable system operation%.
Resetting the settings for the developer can also help. At the top of this menu there is usually a reset button that will return all experimental settings to factory values.
Solving interface bug problems
Redmi 9
MIUI
The first step in the fight against bugs is to force the reboot, not just to turn it off and on with a button, but to reboot it through a menu or to press the power button for 10-15 seconds, and it clears the RAM cache and restarts the SystemUI system process.
If the reboot didn't help, maybe there's a problem in a particular application that's causing the conflict. Try to remember after you installed which program the windows came in. Deleting that application often solves the problem.
In Safe Mode, only system applications are loaded. If the bug disappears in this mode, then the third-party application is to blame. If the bug remains, it is the firmware or hardware problem.
In a pinch, if nothing works, you can reset the interface, so it won't delete your photos or contacts, but it will return the icons and screen settings to their original state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the floating window reappear after it is turned off?
Can a floating window be made transparent?
Does the Floating Windows affect the Redmi 9’s performance?
How to remove fingerprints if they are on the screen?
Do I need to update my phone to fix window bugs?
Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to enjoy a clean interface and full multitasking without visual noise.Your Redmi 9 will run faster and control will become more predictable.