Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer users the flexibility to personalize the interface, and one of the basic settings is navigation management. Owners of the Xiaomi Mi 10 model, which runs on the basis of the MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, often face the desire to change the usual layout of the buttons or move to a more modern gesture control. This is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also ergonomics, especially for those who are accustomed to a certain arrangement of controls in one hand.
The process of changing navigation settings in Xiaomi is hidden in the system settings, but finding it the first time is difficult due to the peculiarities of the menu localization. Navigation buttons can be moved mirrored, which is important for left-handers, or completely replaced with swipes. In this article, we will discuss all the available options, including hidden functions and settings of the system navigator, which will help adapt the screen to your individual preferences.
Before we start making changes, it’s worth noting that the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the firmware installed. However, the basic algorithm of actions remains unchanged for the entire Xiaomi Mi 10 line. We will describe each step in detail to eliminate errors and misunderstandings when working with the system parameters of your device.
Main types of navigation in MIUI and HyperOS
Android
Xiaomi
Android
The classic schema includes three virtual keys: Back, Home, and App Menu. The standard back button is on the right, which is convenient for most right-handers. However, many users switching from other smartphone brands are used to the reverse position, where the return button is on the left.
- 📱 Three-button navigation is a traditional control method with three virtual keys at the bottom of the screen.
- 🖐️ Gesture control is a modern way that uses swipes from the edges of the screen to navigate.
- ⚙️ Full-screen menu – an option that hides hints and maximizes the useful display area.
It is important to understand that the choice of navigation type affects the speed and usability of the Xiaomi Mi 10. Gestures allow you to switch between applications faster, while buttons give a clear visual understanding of the available actions. The system navigator in MIUI 12, 13 and 14 has become more responsive, making the use of gestures even more comfortable.
⚠️ Note: When switching between navigation modes, the system may blink or reboot the desktop interface for a brief period of time. This is normal behavior of the Android operating system that requires no intervention.
The right method depends on your personal habits and smartphone use scenarios. If you use your phone with one hand often, button location can be a critical comfort factor. Next, we will look at how you can change these settings in your device settings.
Instructions for changing the location of the buttons
To swap the buttons on the Xiaomi Mi 10, you don't need superuser rights or third-party software, all the necessary tools are built into the system shell, and the first step is to get to the main settings menu, where all the device settings are concentrated.
Find and open the Settings app (the gear icon) and in the category list, you need to find the screen and control section, and depending on the firmware version, it can be called "Additional" or be classified as a separate screen category, but the fastest way is through search.
☑️ Algorithm of button change
In the menu that opens, you'll see a switch between modes. If you select Full-screen mode, you won't have any buttons on the screen, you'll be swiping the buttons back and you'll have to switch to Button mode to change the order, and then you'll have the "Swap buttons" option active.
Activating the "Share button" function instantly changes the position of the "Back" and "Menu" keys. The "Home" button (center) stays in place, as it is the main point of return to the desktop. The changes apply immediately, without the need to reboot the device.
⚠️ Note: If the button sharing option is inactive (gray), make sure that the button mode is selected, not the full screen gesture mode.
After making changes, it is recommended to press each button several times to make sure that they work correctly. Virtual keys should respond to touch instantly. If you notice delays, you may want to check the screen sensitivity settings or clear the system interface cache.
Set up full screen mode and gestures
Many owners of Xiaomi Mi 10 prefer to abandon the buttons in favor of full-screen mode. AMOLED-It's also a little bit more intuitive. MIUI It is flexible enough to perform most of the activities with one finger.
To activate gestures, select the appropriate item in the same navigation menu. The system will offer a brief training video or animation showing the main movements. A swipe from the bottom up returns to the desktop, a late swipe opens the multitasking menu, and a swipe from the side faces replaces the back button.
| Action. | Gesture. | Analogue of a button |
|---|---|---|
| Home. | Swipe from bottom up (short) | Circle/House |
| Back up. | Swipe from left or right edge | The triangle |
| Appendix menu | Swipe from bottom up (long with pause) | Square. |
| Google Assistant | Swipe from the bottom corner diagonally | Absent. |
One of the useful features is the ability to customize the gesture sensitivity area, and in some firmware versions, you can choose which side of the screen the Back swipes will work from, which is especially true if you want to simulate the left-hand or right-handed location of the return button without even using the buttons themselves.
Secret gestures of navigation
When switching to gestures, it may take some time to adjust muscle memory, tactile recoil when performing gestures helps you feel the boundaries of action better, and it is recommended to turn on vibration when touching in the sound settings to feel the confirmation of actions.
Resolving navigation problems
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where buttons stop responding, disappear or behave incorrectly, this can be caused by a failure in the system process of System UI or conflict with established themes of design, in most cases, the problem is solved by restarting the device.
If a simple reboot didn’t work, it’s worth checking whether One Hand or Screen Enlargement mode is enabled, which can change the area of available space and shift navigation elements, and problems can also occur after a firmware update, when old settings conflict with new algorithms.
- 🔄 Restarting the interface – sometimes it helps to force the process of “System interface” in the application settings.
- 🎨 Change of theme – return to the standard theme MIUI Can fix visual button bugs.
- 🧹 Cache Clearing – Deleting temporary system files often resolves touchscreen response issues in the lower zone.
In rare cases, you may need to reset your settings to factory settings, but this is an extreme measure. Before doing this, make sure to back up your important data. Most often, the problem lies in a particular application that intercepts navigation control, so check if you have third-party launchers or gesture control utilities installed.
⚠️ Note: Installing Nova Launcher (Lawnchair) can change the behavior of the bottom navigation bar. If the buttons are missing after installing such an application, check its settings or remove it for diagnostics.
If none of these methods worked, there may be a hardware problem with the touchscreen at the bottom of the screen. Check the touch layer with the help of the engineering menu or special test apps from the GetApps store.
The impact of design themes on buttons
MIUI is famous for its customization capabilities through the Themes app. Users often install third-party designs that completely change the look of system elements, including navigation buttons. However, not all themes are optimized for the Xiaomi Mi 10 and its screen resolution.
A poor theme can cause buttons to become translucent, move out of the visible area, or be the wrong size. In some cases, button icons may simply disappear, leaving only their functionality. If you notice such artifacts, first try changing the theme to a standard one.
When creating or downloading themes, pay attention to compatibility with your version of Android. Themes developed for Android 10 may not display correctly on Android 12 or 13. The visual style of the buttons is just a shell, but the functionality remains system.
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Tip: Before installing a new theme from the directory, always look at the screenshots of the lock screen and desktop in the description. If you see that the navigation looks strange, it is better not to risk the stability of the system.
To return to the factory look of the buttons, just go to the Themes app, go to the profile and select the theme “Classic” or “No Theme” – this action will reboot the GUI and return the standard navigation icons.
Additional settings of the system interface
In addition to the location, you can find other useful options in Xiaomi navigation settings, such as hiding gesture prompts to make the interface even cleaner, and you can adjust the speed of transition animation, which visually affects the sensation of working with buttons.
The Developer section (which needs to be activated multiple times by clicking on the MIUI version) hides deeper settings, where you can zoom in, which can affect the size of the buttons, but beware: the wrong settings can make the system unusable.
Regular system updates via Settings → About Phone → System updates provide navigation-related bug fixes. Xiaomi engineers are constantly improving touch and gesture processing algorithms.
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Regular software updates and the use of proven design themes are the key to the stable operation of the navigation system of your Xiaomi Mi 10.
So, navigation management on the Xiaomi Mi 10 is a flexible tool that is easy to adapt to. Whether it's classic buttons, mirror image or modern gestures, the system provides a choice, the main thing is to find the option that allows you to use your smartphone as efficiently and comfortably as possible.