Why swiping up for Google is hindering users of Xiaomi Redmi
The swipe gesture up from the bottom edge of the screen to call Google search appeared in Android 10 as part of the standard Google App functionality. On Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (especially those running MIUI 12-14), this gesture often conflicts with navigation by accidentally opening the search bar instead of returning to the home screen or calling the notification panel. The problem is exacerbated on devices with high sensor sensitivity (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ or Redmi K50), where even a light touch can work as a command.
Unlike pure Android, where disabling a gesture takes a couple of clicks, in MIUI, this process is hidden deeper - either in the launcher settings or requires intervention in system applications. Moreover, after updating Google Play Services or resetting the gesture can return automatically, which causes annoyance among users. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable, including hidden options for MIUI 14 and workarounds for older versions.
Itβs important to understand that swipe up gestures are not just a feature of Google, but part of the system integration with the MIUI shell. Disabling them can affect other features, such as Google Discover (the news feed to the left of the main screen) or quick access to Google Assistant. If you are actively using these services, weigh the pros and cons before changing your settings.
Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI launcher settings
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI launcher options, which works on most Redmi devices with MIUI 12-14 and does not require superuser rights, but the settings interface may vary depending on the firmware version and regional build.
To find the right parameter:
- π± Long pressing in the free place of the main screen β Select Screen Settings (or Home Screen Settings in English).
- βοΈ Go to the Additional Settings (or Advanced Settings) section).
- π Find Google Gestures or Google Swipe Search.
- π Turn off the switch next to the swipe up option for search.
If your MIUI version doesnβt have a Google Gesture, try an alternative path:
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find Google in the list and tap it.
- Select Permissions β Other permits.
- Turn off Search on the main screen.
Check the version of MIUI in Settings β About the phone
Back up the launcher settings (if you use custom)
Make sure you have the latest version of Googleβs app from the Play Market
Close all background apps before changing settings-->
On some devices (e.g. Redmi 10 or Redmi 9T), the option may be hidden under the name Show the search bar on the home screen, and if you can't see it, then the gesture is controlled at the system app level of Google, and you will need one of the following methods.
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If the gesture continues to work after turning off, restart the phone - sometimes changes are applied only after the reboot.
Method 2: Using ADB to force shutdown
If the launcher settings didn't work, you can use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) debugging bridge, which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but doesn't need root rights. It's suitable for power users and works even on locked bootloaders.
To begin with, prepare the tools:
- π» Install Platform Tools from Google (or download only adb.exe).
- π Turn on Debugging. USB on the phone: Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI (tap 7 times to activate the developer mode, then Settings β Additionally. β For developers β Debugging by USB.
- π Connect Redmi to your PC via the original cable (importantly, some cheap cables donβt transmit data).
Next, run commands in the terminal (or cmd):
adb shell pm list packages | grep google
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.googlequicksearchboxThe first command will show all Google packages on the device, and the second will disable the Google Quick Search Box app responsible for the gesture.
adb shell pm enable com.google.android.googlequicksearchboxWhat if the ADB canβt see the device?
The downside of this method is that Google Discover will also be disabled along with the gesture, as well as quick access to search through the widget. If you need these features, consider a third way.
Through MIUI settings
With ADB
Using third-party launchers
Manually disable via Google App
I'm not turning it off. I'm used to the gesture.-->
Method 3: Change of launcher to third party (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)
If the system methods didn't work, the radical solution is to install an alternative launcher, which would completely replace the standard MIUI interface, including gestures.
- π Nova Launcher β flexible gesture settings, support for themes and icons.
- π¨ Lawnchair is an open source lightweight launcher that mimics the Pixel Launcher.
- β‘ Apex Launcher β Optimized for performance, free version.
To turn off swipe up in Nova Launcher:
- Install the launcher from the Play Market and select it as the main one in the application settings.
- Open the Nova settings β Gestures & inputs.
- Find Swipe up and assign the action No (None).
- Save the changes and restart the launcher (long press on the Home button).
The advantage of this method is that you not only get gesture control, but also additional features: hide application icons, customize folders, adaptive icons. However, note that some MIUI system widgets (such as weather or steps) may not work on third-party launchers.
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Changing the launcher is the only way to completely get rid of the swipe gesture up without losing the functionality of Google Discover and Assistant.
Problems and Mistakes: What to Do When Nothing Works
Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, the gesture keeps going, and let's look at the typical causes and solutions.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The gesture returns after the reboot | Google Play Services automatically restores settings | Turn off Google App Auto Update in Play Market β Settings β Auto-Update Apps |
| There is no βGoogle gesturesβ item in the settings | Obsolete version of MIUI or regional firmware | Update the system or use ADB |
| ADB issues an error not allowed | No debugging authorization granted. | Check if the developer mode is on and confirm RSA-key |
| The swipe only works on the main screen. | Conflict with launcher settings | Reset the launcher settings in Settings β Applications β Launcher β Storage β Clear data |
If you use Redmi with global firmware (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Global), the problem may be with Googleβs policies for European devices, in which case only a change of launcher or a rollback to MIUI EU (unofficial firmware without Googleβs restrictions) will help.
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Before resetting the launcher settings, export its configuration (in Nova Launcher this is done in the Backup section).
How to return the swipe up if you change your mind
If you have turned off the gesture but then decide to restore it, the procedure depends on the method used:
- π Through settings MIUI: Return to the screen settings β Google gestures and turn on the switch.
- π₯οΈ Through ADB: run adb shell pm enable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox.
- π± With a third-party launcher: reassign the swipe action up in the launcher settings or return to the standard one MIUI Launcher.
If the gesture does not work after turning on, check:
- Has the Google app been updated to the latest version?
- Does the gesture conflict with other system settings (for example, full-screen gestures in MIUI).
- Is Google App blocked in battery settings (check Settings β Battery β Battery Optimization).
On some devices (such as the Redmi K40 or Redmi Note 11S) you may need to reset the Google app cache after returning the gesture.
- Go to Settings β Applications β Google β Storage.
- Click Clear Cache (not data!).
- Reboot the phone.
Alternative solutions: if you can not disable the gesture
On some MIUI firmware (especially Chinese or beta versions), you can't turn the swipe up using standard methods.
- π‘οΈ Use the Xposed Framework or LSposed with DisableFlags to force the function to be disabled!
- π Install Magisk and Universal Module GMS Doze that restricts Google Services activity.
For users without root rights, a workaround is a way to assign another swipe upwards, for example, in Nova Launcher you can link to a gesture:
- π Opening a folder with frequently used applications.
- π Quickly launch Google Assistant (if you need one).
- π± Calling the notification panel (if swipe down is inconvenient).
If you decide on custom firmware, note that this will void the warranty and may lead to unstable operation of the device.
- Make a full backup through TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.
- Check firmware compatibility with your Redmi model (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro has separate builds for sweet and sweetin).
- Make sure the bootloader is unlocked (instructions on Xiaomiβs official website).
What is LSposed and how to install it?
FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off swipe up
β Why After Updating MIUI gesture again?
β Can you turn off the gesture only on the main screen, but leave in applications?
β Will Google Assistant work after switching off the swipe?
β Why there is no option to disable the gesture on the Redmi Note 8 Pro?
β Can you turn off the gesture without losing Google Discover?
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On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13+, the swipe up gesture can be tied to Google Lens, in which case, turn it off in the camera or Google app settings.