How to disable gesture control on Xiaomi: all ways in MIUI 12-14

Gesture management on Xiaomi smartphones has become standard after the transition to full-screen displays, but not all users are comfortable with this navigation system. Classic Back, Home and Recent buttons are still the preferred option for many - especially for those who are used to the traditional interface or have difficulty with random gestures.

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to disable gestures on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices running MIUI 12-14, including hidden settings for models with custom firmware. You will learn how to return classic navigation buttons, what to do if the option is hidden, and how to avoid common errors when changing the way you control.

Why Users Want to Turn Off Gestures on Xiaomi

The gesture management system in MIUI has both advantages and disadvantages, and the main reasons for returning to the classic buttons are:

• 🎯 Random positives – especially when playing games or scrolling through social media, when swiping from the edges of the screen is perceived as a command “Back».
• 👴 Button habit – users over 35-40 are often more difficult to adapt to gestures, preferring tactile feedback.
• 🔄 Application incompatibility – some games or programs (e.g. emulators) conflict with gestures by blocking some functions.
• 🛠️ Problems after the update - in MIUI 13-14 gestures may work unstable on older models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi) 9T).

According to the survey XDA Developers (2023), about 38% of Xiaomi users in Russia and CIS prefer classic navigation buttons. AMOLED-Screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) gestures can cause pixels to burn out in swipe zones – another argument for turning them off.

Method 1: Disable gestures through standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system options, and the instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions of the firmware).

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Display section.
3. Select Full-screen mode (on some models – Navigation buttons).
4. In the list of navigation options, select the buttons (or three buttons).
5. Confirm the change – the system will suggest restarting the smartphone (optional, but recommended).

If Full-screen mode is not in the Display menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → Additional → Special features → System navigation

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About the phone)

Close all applications (especially games)

Connect the charger (in case of hanging)

Take a screenshot of the current settings-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) When you change navigation, you may lose the animation of the transition between the applications. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 5 times on the build number to activate Developer Mode. → Additionally. → For developers, enable the option of transition animation 1x.

Method 2: Using ADB to force gestures to be turned off

If the standard method does not work (for example, on custom firmware or in regional versions of MIUI), you can apply the ADB command.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📱 Included Developer Mode and Debugging by USB Xiaomi.
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB Tools (download from Android site).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and allow debugging (a request will appear on the Xiaomi screen).
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Use the command to disable gestures: adb shell settings put global force_fsg_nav_bar 1 (Use the gestures to return 0 instead 1).
5. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: Some models (Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi Note 10 Pro) ADB The sensor calibration may be lost. To fix this, go to Settings. → Display. → Calibrate the screen and perform the procedure again.

Method 3: Disable gestures through the settings editor (for experienced)

This method is suitable for users with root rights or established custom Recovery (TWRP) and allows you to change system parameters directly.

Instructions:

1. Install the BuildProp Editor app (available on Google Play).
2. Open the build.prop file and add the line: qemu.hw.mainkeys=1
3. Save the changes and restart the device.

Alternatively, use MT Manager (requires root):

• Open the file /system/build.prop.
• Find the parameter. ro.miui.has_real_bl= And change it to false.
• Reboot your smartphone.

💡

Before editing system files, back up via TWRP or Titanium Backup, which will help restore the device to work in case of an error.

Problems after disabling gestures and their solutions

Even if you successfully disable gestures, users may experience side effects.

1.The bottom panel with the buttons missing

If the navigation buttons are not displayed after switching:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 📱 Check if the panel is hidden in the settings: Settings → Display. → Full screen mode → Show the navigation panel.
• 🛠️ Reset the interface settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Settings (three points) → Reset the settings.

2.Gesturals continue to work despite shutdown

This is typical for Android 12+ firmware, where gestures are integrated at the kernel level.

• 🔧 Use it. ADB-command (see Method 2).
• 📲 Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that supports your own navigation system.
• 🔄 Reverse to an older version MIUI (if available).

3.The sensitivity of the screen is lost

After changing the way you navigate, you may have trouble touching the edges of the display to fix:

Settings → Display → Touch and gestures → Screen calibration

If you don’t have an option, try resetting your sensor settings via the engineering menu (type ##6484##).

💡

On Xiaomi 12/13 series models with MIUI 14, the Game Turbo feature may disappear after disabling gestures. To return it, update the Security app via Google Play.

Disable gestures on specific Xiaomi models

Some devices have unique features when changing navigation. Consider the nuances for popular models:

Redmi Note 10 / 10 Pro

These smartphones may have a black bar at the bottom of the screen after the gestures are turned off, to remove it.

1. Go to Settings → Display → Screen size.
2. Choose a full screen (not a car).
3. Turn off the option to hide the cutout (if any).

POCO F3 / F4

On MIUI devices for POCO, the navigation change option is hidden deeper:

Settings → Additional → Full-screen display → Navigation buttons

If there is no item, update the firmware to the latest version through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Xiaomi Mi 11 / 11 Ultra

On flagships with MIUI 13+, gestures are only disabled via ADB. The standard method may not work due to manufacturer restrictions.

💡

On Redmi 9/9A, the Double Tap to Wake function may disappear after disabling gestures. To return it, go to Settings → Lock Screen → Screen Awaken and turn on the option again.

Alternatives: How to make gestures more convenient

If you don’t want to completely abandon gestures, but they cause discomfort, try to optimize their work:

• 🎛️ Sensitivity settings: In Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Touching and gestures can reduce the swipe response area.
• 🔄 Change of animation: In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times to unlock Developer Mode, then in For Developers, install Transition Animation 0.5x — It will speed up the response to gestures.
• 📱 Using third-party launchers: Applications like Microsoft Launcher or Action Launcher allow you to configure your own navigation system, regardless of system gestures.

For customization enthusiasts, Fluid Navigation Gestures (requires Android 10+) replaces standard MIUI gestures with more flexible, customizable gestures:

• 🔹 Customized swipe zone.
• 🔹 Double Tap Support for Backwards.
• 🔹 Integration with Tasker for automation.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 Third-Party Gesture Apps May Conflict Security MIUI Optimization. To avoid errors, add the app to exceptions: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Fluid NG → Battery → No restrictions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off gestures on Xiaomi