Reassign buttons to Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: 3 proven ways

Why Change the buttons on the Redmi Note 9

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 has a standard hardware button layout: up/down on the left and power button on the right, but for left-handers or motorists, this arrangement can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, the manufacturer and third-party developers offer several ways to reassign button functions – from built-in settings to use. ADB-team.

In this article, we will discuss all current methods, including their pros and cons, and give recommendations on security. It is important to understand that not all methods are equally reliable: some require unlocking the bootloader and can lead to loss of warranty, others work out of the box without risks. Let’s start with the simplest option – built-in tools. MIUI.

Method 1: Reassign buttons through MIUI settings

The safest and fastest method is to use the built-in MIUI firmware options. It does not require super-user (root) or PC connection, but is only available on some versions of the software.

1. Open Settings → Special Options → Physical buttons.
2. If there is no item, try the alternative path: Settings → Additional → Buttons and gestures.
3. Enable the option to “Reassign buttons” (if any).

Possible options for reassignment to MIUI:

• 🔄 Change the volume buttons (left becomes right and vice versa).
• 🔋 Use the power button as a volume control (useful when breaking physical keys).
• 🚫 Disable the response to double pressing (if the function interferes with the function).

If your MIUI version doesn't have one, don't worry. First, update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → About Phone → System Update. Second, move on to the following ways.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) may have a different or no button reassignment option.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-commands without root)

If the built-in MIUI settings don't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which doesn't require superuser rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to a computer, and benefits from running most versions of MIUI and not resetting after the upgrade.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux and installed Xiaomi drivers.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB (How to turn it on - see below).
• 🔗 Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate USB Debugging and confirm permission.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and select File Transfer mode.
3. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
4. Follow the commands: adb devices (should appear your device) adb shell settings put system swap_volume_keys 1 (It'll swap the volume buttons)

To get it back, use:

adb shell settings put system swap_volume_keys 0

⚠️ Warning: After resetting your phone to factory settings or updates MIUI via fastboot parameters ADB Save the commands in your notebook to quickly reset the settings.

Method 3: Third-party applications (with or without root)

If the first two methods don't work, you can use the apps from Google Play, which fall into two categories:

1. Without root – work through ADB or special services (for example, Button Mapper).
2. With root, you have full control over the buttons (e.g., Xposed Framework + GravityBox).

Let’s look at the popular options:

• 📱 Button Mapper (no root): Allows you to reassign volume, power and even Bixby (on Samsung). ADB It's activated. MIUI 12+, It may be in conflict with system gestures.
• 🛠️ GravityBox [MM] (root only: The Xposed Framework module gives you advanced button settings. You can assign double-press, long-hold and other actions. Risk: incompatibility with new versions MIUI (check before installation).
• 🔄 Remap Buttons (universal): Supports hardware and software button reassignment. There are plugins for automation (for example, launching the camera with double pressing).

How to install Button Mapper:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. When you first start, follow the ADB connection instructions.
3. Select a button to reassign (such as “Volume Up”) and assign a new action.

💡

Before using root-access applications, back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will prevent you from losing information when you crash.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When reassigning buttons, Redmi Note 9 users encounter common errors.

• 🔌 ADB Does not see the device: Check if debugging is enabled USB And if you have drivers installed. USB-Cable (original from Xiaomi preferred) execute adb kill-server, then adb start-server.
• 🔄 The buttons are reset after rebooting: ADB-method: add a command to boot via Tasker or MacroDroid. For applications: check autorun settings in Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
• ⚠️ System gestures conflict with reassigned buttons: Turn off navigation gestures in Settings → Screen. → Navigation panel. Use gesture-enabled apps (e.g. Fluid Navigation Gestures).

If after reassignment the power button stopped waking the screen, check:

1. Is the Double Tape to Wake Up disabled** in the screen settings?
2. Does the application conflict with MIUI Optimization (turn off optimization in the developer settings).

Comparison of methods: which to choose

To make the choice easier, we will summarize the pros and cons of each method in a table:

Selection recommendations:

• 🔹 If you just need to change the volume buttons in places → try out the settings MIUI or ADB.

💡

For most users of Redmi Note 9, the best solution will be a combination of the two. ADB-Button Mapper commands and applications. This gives you flexibility without having to unlock the bootloader.

Security and Guarantee: What You Need to Know

Reassigning buttons is a relatively safe procedure, but some actions can affect the warranty or stability of the smartphone.

• 🔒 Built-in settings MIUI: They don't affect the warranty. They don't require additional permits.
• 🖥️ ADB-Commands: Do not remove the warranty, but may cause questions when contacting the service (if the problem is related to buttons.
• 🛡️ Root access: Automatically removes warranty (even if you return it back) can lead to a brick in error.

How to minimize the risks:

1. Before any manipulation, back up through Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Use official tools (ADB from Google, firmware from Xiaomi).
3. If you unlock the bootloader, follow the official instructions of Xiaomi.

⚠️ Attention: Forums often advise using third-party tools like Mi Unlock Tool, which can be dangerous because they may contain malicious code or violate Xiaomi policies.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions