How to completely disable gestures on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: 3 proven ways

Handling gestures on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 with MIUI firmware may seem convenient, but not everyone likes it. Classic navigation buttons ("Back", "Home", "Recent") are more common for many, especially if you have moved from older versions of Android or other brands. Fortunately, the manufacturer has envisaged the possibility of returning the traditional interface - but not always the process is intuitive.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable gestures on the Redmi Note 8 (including the Note 8 Pro and Note models). 8T), Considering the different versions MIUI — 11 to 14. You'll learn how to do this through standard settings, using ADB-Teams for power users, and what third-party utilities can help if standard methods do not work.

Why users want to turn off gestures on the Redmi Note 8

The switch to gesture control has become a trend among smartphone makers since the release of Android 9 Pie, but not everyone will appreciate the change. Here are the main reasons why owners of the Redmi Note 8 are looking for a way to return the buttons:

• 🔄 The classic interface habit: for many years, users have become accustomed to physical or software navigation buttons, and do not want to relearn.
• ⚡ Random positives: gestures (especially swipe from the bottom) may conflict with games or applications where similar movements are used to control the game.
• 🎯 Accuracy of pressing: buttons allow you to clearly control actions, while gestures are sometimes not correctly recognized (for example, when wet hands).
• 🔧 Compatibility with covers: some accessories overlap the swipe area, making gestures uncomfortable.

In addition, on the Redmi Note 8 with informal firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), gesture settings may work differently than on stock MIUI. In such cases, standard shutdown methods may not work and alternative solutions will be required.

Method 1: Disable gestures via MIUI settings (the easiest method)

If your Redmi Note 8 runs on the official MIUI 11-14 firmware, the fastest way to return navigation buttons is to use the built-in settings.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Display section.
3. Select Full-screen Mode (in some versions of MIUI, it may be called Navigation buttons or Gesture Management).
4. In the menu you will see three options: 🔘 Navigation buttons (classic three buttons) 👆 Gestures MIUI (swipe) 🔄 Android Gestures (Alternative Sign System)

Navigation buttons

Then, at the bottom of the screen, the familiar Back, Home and Recent buttons will appear. If Full Screen Mode is missing, then your version of MIUI has been modified (e.g. custom firmware), in which case you go to Method 2.

Check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version

Make sure your phone is at least 30% charged.

Close all background applications for stable operation-->

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If the buttons don’t appear after changing the settings, restart the phone – sometimes MIUI requires a restart to apply the changes.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If the standard method did not work (for example, due to custom firmware or restrictions of the regional version) MIUI), may be resorted to ADB-This requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Warning: improper use of ADB may cause system failures. Follow the instructions carefully!

⚠️ Note: Before executing commands, turn on Debugging by USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).

Step 1: Install ADB on your computer

Download and install Google’s Platform Tools (the official package with ADB and Fastboot) and unpack the archive in a convenient folder (e.g., C:\adb).

Step 2: Connecting the phone

Connect Redmi Note 8 to your computer via USB, select File Transfer mode and confirm debugging permission on your phone screen.

Step 3: Execution of commands

Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and type:

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed. If not, check the drivers.)

adb shell settings put global force_fsg_nav_bar 1

This command is forced to turn on the navigation buttons. Use:

adb shell settings put global force_fsg_nav_bar 0

Once done, restart your phone. If the buttons don't show up, try an alternative command:

adb shell cmd overlay enable com.android.internal.systemui.navbar.gestural

Method 3: Third-party applications for navigation management

If the first two methods didn't work, or if you're looking for flexible settings, you can use third-party utilities that not only allow you to return buttons, but also customize their appearance, location, and even add additional features.

The best applications for this task:

Important: Applications like Nacho Notch or Xstana can conflict with MIUI system updates. After a firmware upgrade, their settings are sometimes reset.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Fluid Navigation Gestures) require special permissions through the ADB. Without it, they won’t be able to change the navigation system.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you turn off gestures on the Redmi Note 8, users face typical difficulties. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: There is no “Full screen” option in the settings

This is typical of:

• 📱 Custom firmware (such as LineageOS or HavocOS).
• 🌍 Regional versions MIUI (China, for example. ROM).
• 🔄 Outdated versions of Android (below 9 Pie).

Solution: Use ADB-commands or third-party applications.

Problem 2: Buttons appear but don’t work

Possible causes:

• 🔄 Conflict with running applications (for example, launchers like Nova Launcher).
• 🛠️ Damage to system files after incorrect update.
• 🔋 Insufficient performance (rarely, but occurs on overloaded devices).

Solution: Restart your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode) and check the buttons. If they work, remove the recently installed apps.

Problem 3: After the MIUI update, the settings reset

MIUI sometimes resets custom navigation settings after major updates.

• 📥 Before updating, make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
• 🔧 Use it. ADB-commands for forced buttons (they will remain after the upgrade).
• 🔄 If the buttons are missing, repeat the setting through Full-screen mode.

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On devices with an unlocked bootloader, navigation settings can be made permanent through editing the build.prop file. However, this requires root rights and is dangerous for beginners.

Comparison of methods: what way to choose

Each of these methods has its pros and cons, and to make it easier to choose, we have compiled a comparative table:

For most users, the first method (through settings) will be optimal. If it didn’t work, try ADB (for tech savvy) or apps (for those who don’t want to mess with a computer).

Additional tips for setting up navigation

Getting the buttons back is only half the battle, and to make navigation as easy as possible, use these tips:

• 🎨 Change the order of the buttons: in MIUI You can swap back and recent. To do that, go to Settings. → Additionally. → The back button on the left.
• 🖼️ Set up the transparency of the panel: in Settings → Display. → Full screen mode → Customizing buttons can make the panel semi-transparent or hide it in full-screen applications.
• ⚡ Speed up animations: if buttons seem to be "braking," turn on Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Windows animation (install) 0.5x).
• 🔒 Block random changes: in MIUI 12+ There is an option Settings → Password and security → Blocking settings that prevents accidental switching to gestures.

If you are using the Redmi Note 8 Pro with a Mediatek Helio G90T processor, note that gestures may not work smoothly on some custom firmware due to the drivers’ peculiarities, in which case it is better to stay on standard buttons or use ADB to force them to turn on.

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On the Redmi Note 8T (NFC model), you may lose fast access to Google Pay via a swipe from the bottom corner after disabling gestures. To return this feature, install an alternative launcher, such as Microsoft Launcher.

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off gestures on Redmi Note 8