Owners of Xiaomi Mi A2 often face the need to personalize the interface of the device to suit their habits. One of the most popular changes is the rearrangement of the navigation buttons, as the standard layout can be uncomfortable for left-handers or simply unusual after switching from other Android models. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to change the order of the buttons without using third-party applications.
The Android One system on which this smartphone is based offers a limited but functional set of options for managing the interface. Standard tools make it easy to invert the order of the Back and App Menu buttons, which greatly speeds up the work with the gadget. You do not need superuser rights or complex manipulation of the code.
Before we make any changes, we should note that all settings are made through the standard system settings menu, which ensures the stability of the operating system and the absence of conflicts after future security updates.
Available navigation options in Android One
Xiaomi Mi A2 is a pure operating system that offers high response speeds but imposes some limitations on customization. Unlike the MIUI shell, there is no design theme that changes buttons on the fly, but basic functionality is present. The user can switch between classic three-button control and modern gestures.
Classic mode has three controls: the App Menu button (left), the Home button (center), and the Back button (right), which is the standard for many devices, but can be uncomfortable if you're used to the Back button on the left.
The alternative is to use control gestures that completely remove the bottom panel, freeing up the useful area of the screen, which is navigated by swipes from the edges of the display, switching between these modes in the same settings menu, making the process flexible and easy to test different use cases.
- 📱 Classic three-button navigation with the possibility of inversion.
- 🖐 Full-screen gesture control without visible buttons.
- ⚙️ Flexible adjustment of the sensitivity of the edges of the screen for gestures.
It is important to understand that choosing a navigation method is a matter of personal preference, with some people valued tactile response and visual clarity of buttons, while others preferred maximum screen area. Xiaomi Mi A2 system respects user choice, providing tools for both cases.
The process of changing the location of the buttons on the Xiaomi Mi A2 takes no more than a minute, if you know where to look for the desired switch. The settings interface is logical and structured, so even an inexperienced user can find the desired item.
First, you need to unlock the device and go to the main screen. Open the Settings app, which is indicated by the gear, and in the list of parameters, you need to find the section responsible for the system functions of the device, since navigation is part of the basic Android interface.
Then you select System. Inside this menu is Gestures. This is where all the interface management settings are concentrated, including the button order switch. Find the "Order of buttons" or "Order of navigation buttons."
When you activate the switchboard, you'll see the buttons on the bottom bar instantly swap places. The back button will move to the left, and the running app button will move to the right. The home center element will remain in place, as it is the main one and cannot be moved in the standard three-button scheme.
⚠️ Warning: If you don’t see the switch, make sure that the “3 button” mode is selected from the “Gests” menu, not “Fullscreen control".
Once you make the changes, you can immediately check the convenience of the new location, try to do a few things: open the app, go back and fold the program, and if the experience of using it is more comfortable, then the setup was successful.
Set up full-screen gesture management
Modern smartphones, including the Xiaomi Mi A2, are increasingly abandoning physical or on-screen buttons in favor of gestures, which allows you to use the entire display area for content, hiding controls.
To activate this mode, you need to go back to the Settings menu. → System system → Gestures. You can select the option "Full screen control." Once activated, the bottom bar with the buttons will disappear, and swipes will be used for navigation. The Home button is replaced by a short swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen.
Back navigation is done by swiping from the left or right edge of the screen, which simulates the pressing of the corresponding button. To switch between running applications, swipe up from the bottom edge and hold your finger for a split second or swipe horizontally on the bottom of the screen, depending on the Android version.
- 🔙 The swipe from the edge of the screen replaces the "Back" button".
- 🏠 A short swipe from the bottom up performs the function of Home".
- 🔃 Swipe from bottom to top with a delay opens the menu of recent apps.
Many users have noted that after getting used to gestures, you don't want to go back to the buttons, and that finger movements become more natural and faster, but if you have a thumb or you use your phone with one hand often, classic buttons may be preferable.
Hidden Signatures
In gesture mode on Xiaomi Mi A2, a quick swipe-down switch is also available, if multiple keyboard layouts are installed.> Navigation mode comparison table To help you determine the optimal control option, we have prepared a comparison table. It reflects the key differences between the classic three-button mode and gesture control on the Xiaomi Mi A2 device. Each mode has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, buttons give a visual hint of the available actions, while gestures require memorizing movements, but save space. The choice depends on your personal preferences and scenarios of using a smartphone. Characteristics 3 Full screen (Gests) Occupied screen area Maximum bottom panel, panel hidden Development speed Instant (intuitive) Requires getting used to (1-3 One-handed convenience High (fixed zones) Medium (depending on the diagonal) Visual style Classic Android Modern, immersive As you can see from the table, the gesture mode wins in aesthetics and usable area, but loses in learning speed. If you change devices frequently or give a phone to older people, classic buttons can be a more versatile solution.A navigation solution Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the buttons stop responding or behave unpredictably after changing settings.On Xiaomi Mi A2 This is rare, but such cases are possible due to software failures or conflicts of running applications. Most often, the problem is solved by simply restarting the device. If the buttons stick or don’t appear in certain applications (for example, in games or video players), check the settings of the specific application. Some programs have their own full-screen mode, which hides navigation elements to immerse in content. → Annexes → Showing System Processes → Android System Interface. From the storage menu, select "Clear Cache." This action will not delete your personal data, but will reset temporary interface files. ⚠️ Note: Do not clean the system interface data if you are not sure of your actions, as this can reset all design and widget settings. Also worth checking for system updates. Google regularly issues patches for the Android One line that fix navigation errors. Go to Settings → System → System Update and check status. Using third-party solutions of the Xiaomi Mi A2 Staffing may not be enough for advanced users who want to change not only the order, but also the appearance of buttons. In this case, applications from the Google Play store come to the rescue. They allow you to set your own images, change transparency and add new features. One popular solution is the Navigation Bar application. It gives full control over the navigation bar. You can change the size of buttons, however, you need to add additional colors to use them to use them, and switch them to use buttons. 🎨 Possibility to install your own icons for buttons. 🔧 Fine tuning of transparency and panel indentations. ⌨️ Add custom macro buttons. It’s worth remembering that third-party navigation bars can consume extra battery power, as they are constantly active on top of other apps. Use them only if the functionality of the standard system you really lack.The impact of Android updates on the settings of the Xiaomi Mi Smartphone A2 It received several major Android updates as part of the Android One program, and with each new operating system, Google can change the logic of the interface, for example, in newer versions of Android, the option of changing buttons was moved or renamed. If you can't find a familiar switch after you update, try searching by settings. Click on the magnifying glass at the top of the settings menu and type "navigation" or "buttons" and the system will tell you where the menu item is now. It is important to keep up with news of new software releases for your model. Sometimes updates bring not only security patches, but also new management features. Regular updates ensure that you are using the most up-to-date and optimized version of the interface. ⚠️ Note: When updating your firmware, make sure that the battery is at least 50% to avoid interruption and possible errors in the system.In general, the Android One ecosystem is striving for standardization, so you should not expect a radical change in the logic of the buttons. The basic principles have remained unchanged over the years, ensuring the stability of the user experience. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Can the bottom bar with buttons be completely removed without switching to gestures? With the regular Xiaomi Mi A2 tools, you can not completely hide the button panel while remaining in button mode. The panel only hides when you go to full-screen gesture control mode or in some applications (video, games) that automatically hide the interface. Third-party applications or modifications are required to completely hide the normal mode. Will the button settings be resetted while the phone is reset, including the full-scaled data from the factory reset? After resetting, you will need to retrace the Settings → System → Gestures and activate the desired switch. Does changing the buttons affect the performance of the smartphone? No, changing the order of the buttons or switching to gestures has no effect on the performance of the processor or the speed of the applications. This is a purely visual and logical interface configuration that does not affect the computing resources of the Xiaomi Mi A2 device. Why the Back button does not work in some applications? This may be due to the peculiarities of a particular application or a bug in the system. Try rebooting the device. If the problem persists only try to check its application in Google Plays.