The interface of modern Xiaomi smartphones is constantly evolving, offering users more options for personalization. One of the most commonly used controls is the bottom navigation bar, through which 90% of all actions in the system are performed. Many device owners who have switched from other brands or just want to optimize their experience are wondering how to change the navigation buttons to the shaomi for more convenient use, this is especially true, given that the standard layout of the elements may not be suitable for left-handed or users with large screens.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods for reconfiguring navigation, not only the classic change of position of the back and menu buttons, but also the transition to modern gesture controls, which are becoming the standard in the HyperOS shell. We will look at the standard system tools, and also touch on advanced methods for those who do not have standard functionality. Understanding these settings will allow you to make use of your smartphone as ergonomic as possible.
It is worth noting that the configuration algorithms may vary slightly depending on the version of the Android operating system and the version of the MIUI shell. However, the general logic of the menu has remained unchanged over the past years. Before you start manipulating, make sure that your device is unlocked and operational, since changing system parameters requires access to the basic interface settings.
Standard change of button position in settings
The easiest and safest way to change the order of the buttons is to use the built-in menu of the system. This method does not require root rights, installing third-party software or complex manipulation of the code. All the necessary tools are already integrated by Xiaomi developers into the basic firmware. First, you need to go to the main settings menu of your device, which is usually indicated by a gear.
In the list of options that opens, you should find the section that is responsible for screen performance and system functions. Depending on the version of the shell, this item may be called "Additional", "Extended settings" or simply be in the general list. We are interested in the subsection Full-screen mode, and this is where the key switches that control navigation are hidden.
Once you log into the Full Screen Mode menu, you'll see several options. The first allows you to switch between gesture control and classic buttons. If you already have buttons selected, the "Order of the Buttons" or "Navigation" option will be available below or next to you. Clicking on this option will give you two options: standard for Android and alter-shift, familiar to iOS users or older versions of MIUI.
⚠️ Note: Change the order of buttons in the standard menu is only available when buttons are activated. If you have gestures enabled, this option will be hidden or inactive.
If you choose the right option, the system will instantly apply the changes, you don't have to reboot the device, and the back button can be on the left or right, depending on your preferences, which is especially convenient for those who are used to the certain logic of control on previous smartphones.
Transition to gesture management
Modern Xiaomi smartphones are increasingly coming with default gesture controls, which allows you to increase the usable screen area by removing the bottom black bar with buttons. If you want to change the navigation buttons to shawmi for aesthetics or convenience of one hand, switching to gestures is the best solution.
To activate this mode, you need to revisit the Settings menu → Additional settings → Full screen mode. Here you need to select Full screen or gesture control. The system will offer a short training course showing how to swipe back, access the desktop or call the menu of running applications.
One of the most useful features in this mode is the ability to adjust the sensitivity of the edges of the screen. This prevents accidental tapping when you hold the phone behind the edges. There is also the option to hide or change the appearance of the bar at the bottom of the screen, which makes the interface even cleaner.
☑️ Checking for gesture readiness
It's important to understand that gesture navigation takes some time to get used to. For the first few days, you may instinctively look for buttons, but soon muscle memory adapts, and the advantage is that you can switch between apps more quickly using a swipe on the bottom of the screen to the left or right.
Use of third-party applications for navigation
When standard MIUI or HyperOS functionality isn’t enough, Google Play apps come to the rescue, allowing you to implement unique scenarios like floating buttons, transparent background buttons, or fully customizable control panels, which is an answer to the question of how to change navigation buttons to shawmi if standard methods seem boring.
Popular applications like Assistive Touch or launchers can completely replace the bottom panel, creating a new interface layer on top of the system, but these solutions consume additional battery power and may conflict with some games or applications that use a full screen.
These utilities need to be given extended permissions, usually through a feature menu or a pop-up when they first start, without the "Over Other Windows" or "Access to Use" option being limited.
⚠️ Warning: Installing third-party navigation bars can reduce device performance on weak processors.Use only proven high-rated apps.
One of the advantages of third-party solutions is the ability to bind actions to a double tap or long-press virtual buttons. Xiaomi's standard system also allows you to assign actions for long-pressing, but third-party software gives more freedom in visual design.
Safety of third-party navigators
Set up additional button actions
Few people know, but standard navigation buttons on Xiaomi can do more than just switch screens. It has the ability to customize actions with a long press, which allows you to turn the button "Menu" or "Back" into a quick call to the desired function, which significantly speeds up the work.
To activate this feature, go to Settings → Additional settings → Buttons. Here you will find the item “Long press”. The system will prompt you to choose which action will be performed when holding the button. This can be starting the voice assistant Google Assistant or Mi AI, turning on the flashlight, creating a screenshot or running a translation.
This is especially useful for buttons that are less commonly used, for example, if you rarely call up a menu of running apps, set the camera or voice recorder to launch at a long press, which makes the navigation bar a powerful productivity tool.
| Action. | Standard appointment | Possibility of change | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| A short press of "Back" | Returns | No. | System function |
| A short press of "Home" | Desktop | No. | System function |
| Long press. | Voice input | Yes. | You can choose an application. |
| Swipe button | No. | Partially. | Depends on the launcher. |
Using these settings, you can adapt your smartphone to your habits, for example, photographers will be comfortable launching the camera with a long press, without having to hide the icon on the screen, which makes the interface more flexible and responsive to the user's needs.
Hiding the navigation lane and the mode of “One Hand”
On Xiaomi’s big smartphones, one-handed control can be difficult, and in such cases it’s not just good to change buttons, but to optimize their availability. One-Hand Mode shifts the screen image downwards, making the top part accessible to the thumb.
You can activate this mode via Settings → Additional settings → One-handed mode. Here you can choose between swiping down the navigation bar or triple-clicking on the Home button. This does not change the location of the buttons, but makes them more comfortable in difficult situations.
It is also possible to completely hide the navigation bar when using certain applications, for example, when watching videos or reading books, and for this purpose, the Full-screen mode menu has a list of applications where you can customize the behavior of the navigation bar.
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For quick one-hand mode switching on without going to the menu, try swiping down the bottom navigation bar (if this option is activated in the settings).
Hiding interfaces is also useful for saving battery life on AMOLED screens, where black means off pixels. By removing the bright bar, you reduce power consumption slightly and increase contrast in the dark.
Solution: buttons are missing or not working
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the navigation buttons disappear on their own or stop responding to clicks, this can be caused by a failure in the system process System UI or conflict with a newly installed application, in most cases, the problem is solved by simply restarting the device.
If the reboot didn't work, check to see if Full Screen is on for the app where the buttons are missing, and in this mode, swipe navigation is done and the buttons are hidden, and swipe from the bottom of the screen upwards to hold your finger to return them.
In rarer cases, you need to reset your navigation settings, you can use ADB debugging, although it requires a computer, and the command to reset your navigation settings is as follows:
adb shell settings put global sysui_nav_bar nullHowever, for most users, it is enough to check the system updates. Interface errors are often fixed by security patches or new versions of MIUI. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and check for updates.
⚠️ Note: If the buttons are missing after installing the theme from the theme store, try returning the standard theme. Third-party themes may incorrectly modify the system files of the interface.