How to swap buttons on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: a step-by-step guide

Why do users want to change buttons to Redmi Note 7?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 has become one of the most popular budget devices due to its combination of performance and price, but many owners are uncomfortable with the standard arrangement of physical buttons: the power button on the right and the volume buttons on the left, which creates inconvenience when using one hand, especially for left-handed or users with large fingers.

Button reassignment allows you to tailor your smartphone to your personal preferences, for example, you can make the Volume Up button turn on the screen and the Power button adjust the volume. But it's important to understand that not all methods are equally safe. Some require unlocking the bootloader, others work without root rights, but with restrictions. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from simple to advanced.

Before you start, consider that changing system settings can lead to loss of warranty (if unofficial software is used) or unstable device operation. On the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 12 and above, standard methods for reassigning buttons through system settings are not available - workarounds will be required.

Method 1: Reassigning buttons without root via ADB (the safest)

This method does not require superuser rights and is suitable for most versions of MIUI. It is based on changing system parameters through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices.

What you need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux
  • 📱 USB-cable (preferably original)
  • 🔧 Installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB Tools
  • 🔒 Included debugging by USB smartphone

Step-by-step:

  1. Activate Developer Mode on Redmi Note 7: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap it 7 times.
  2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
  3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm your trust in the computer on the device screen.
  4. Open the command line (or Terminal) on your PC and type in: adb shell settings put global swap_volume_keys 1 This command will swap the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons. To get it back, use settings put global. swap_volume_keys 0.

⚠️ Attention: After the smartphone reboots, the settings may reset.To fix the changes, add a command to the autoboot via Tasker or similar apps.

Xiaomi drivers installed|Debugging by USB included|USB-The cable is connected to the original port|The command line is open on behalf of the administrator-->

Method 2: Use remapper applications (without root but with limitations)

If ADB seems complicated, you can use third-party apps, such as Button Mapper or Remap Buttons, which allow you to reassign buttons without making deep changes to the system, but on the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI, these programs are unstable due to manufacturer restrictions.

How to set up Button Mapper:

  1. Download the app from Google Play (requires Android 7.0+).
  2. Grant permission for Special Features (in your phone settings).
  3. Select the button you want to reassign (such as Volume Down).
  4. Set a new action: Lock screen, Brightness or Launch the application.

Limitations of the method:

  • 🚫 It doesn’t work on some versions. MIUI 13+ due to blocking of system calls.
  • 🔄 Reassignment resets after system update.
  • 🛑 The Power button cannot be changed without root.

💡

If Button Mapper doesn’t recognize clicks, try turning off battery optimization for this application in the MIUI settings.

Method 3: Reassignment through Custom Recovery (TWRP) and Magisk

For advanced users willing to sacrifice the warranty, there is a radical method: installing a custom recavator (such as TWRP) and a Magisk module to change system files, which allows you to reassign any buttons, including Power, but requires unlocking the bootloader.

Step-by-step:

  1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (can take up to 72 hours).
  2. Install TWRP for Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) via fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
  3. Download the Button Mapper for Magisk module and install it via TWRP.
  4. In the module settings, select a button and assign a new action (e.g., Power → Volume Up).

⚠️ Attention: Wrong firmware TWRP or Magisk modules can lead to bootloop. TWRP → Backup.

MethodNeed root?Works on MIUI 14?Risk to the system
ADB-team❌ No.✅ Yes.⚠️ Minimum
Button Mapper❌ No.❌ No (restrictions)⚠️ Low.
TWRP + Magisk✅ Yes.✅ Yes.⚠️⚠️⚠️ High-pitched

ADB (no root) | Button Mapper|TWRP + Magisk | I won't change anything-->

Frequent problems and their solutions

When reassigning buttons to the Redmi Note 7, users experience typical errors.

1. ADB does not recognize the device

  • 🔌 Check the cable connection (try another port) USB).
  • 🖥️ Install Xiaomi drivers manually through the official website.
  • 🔄 Reboot your PC and smartphone, then reconnect.

2.The buttons are reset after rebooting

This is typical of rootless methods.

  • 📱 Use Tasker to perform automatically ADB-loading commands.
  • 🔧 Install Magisk Module to Constantly Change System Files.

3 Button Mapper does not work on MIUI 13+

In the new MIUI versions, Xiaomi blocks access to the system events of the buttons.

  • 🔄 Back on. MIUI 12 (if critical).
  • 🛠️ Use it. TWRP To install the Disable patch MIUI Optimizations.
What if the smartphone does not turn on after the changes?
If the Redmi Note 7 stopped responding to Power after manipulating the buttons, try: 1. Connect the charger for 30 minutes - sometimes "waking up" through charging helps. 2. Press Volume Up + Power for 10-15 seconds for a forced reboot. 3. If nothing works, swipe your smartphone through the Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.

Alternative solutions: covers and accessories

If software methods seem risky, consider physical ways to adapt:

1.Coverages with modified neckline locations

Some manufacturers, like Spigen or Ringke, have cases that shift the buttons, which doesn't change the functionality, but makes it easier to control, and the downside is that it's hard to find a case for the Redmi Note 7, because it's not the most popular for customization.

2. button linings

Silicone or plastic overlays (like D-Brand) allow you to increase the area of the buttons or change their shape, which is a cheap solution, but it does not solve the problem of reassigning functions.

3. Wireless triggers

Devices like the Xiaomi Smart Button can be programmed to perform actions (like turning on the screen) through the Mi Home, but this does not replace physical buttons completely.

💡

Accessories are the safest way to adapt, but they do not change the logic of the buttons, but only improve ergonomics.

Can you swap the Power and Volume buttons on the Redmi Note 7 without root?
Partially. ADB allows you to swap only Volume Up/Down buttons, but you can't reassign Power without root because of the limitations of MIUI.
Will the button settings reset after the MIUI update?
Yes, if you upgrade through OTA, any changes made through ADB or non-root applications will reset. To avoid this, use Magisk or TWRP for permanent changes.
How to return the standard button location?
To cancel the changes: If used ADB: Execute settings put global swap_volume_keys 0. If you have installed Magisk modules: remove them through TWRP. For apps like Button Mapper: Reset the settings in the app itself.
Can I reassign the buttons to the Redmi Note 7 Pro?
Yes, all of the methods described are suitable for the Redmi Note 7 Pro (codename violett), but keep in mind that Magisk firmware and modules must be compatible with this model.
Will I lose my warranty if I change buttons through TWRP?
Yes, unlocking the bootloader and installing custom software will void Xiaomi's official warranty. If warranty is important, use root-free methods (ADB or app).