Modern smartphones, including the popular Poco X3 (NFC and Pro versions), offer users the flexibility to personalize the interface. One of the first tweaks that the owner faces is the way the user navigates the MIUI system. The standard three-button interface at the bottom of the screen is familiar to many, but it takes up useful space and can interfere with content or games. The transition to gesture control frees the display and makes interaction with the gadget more modern.
Many users are wondering if they can be changed or completely abandoned in favor of swipes. The answer is unequivocal: Xiaomi’s Android shell allows not only switching between modes, but also fine-tuning their behavior. This is especially true for Poco X3 owners, whose screen has a high refresh rate, and every free-area pixel counts.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the algorithms for changing the type of navigation, look at hidden settings that are often overlooked, and provide solutions for typical problems where buttons may disappear or stop responding to touch. A deep understanding of these mechanisms will allow you to make your smartphone experience as comfortable as possible.
Main navigation types on the Poco X3 MIUI
MIUI 12, 13 and 14
The second option is gesture control, where physical or on-screen buttons are replaced by swipes around the edges of the display, a solution that came from earlier versions of Android and has become the standard for full-screen smartphones. Signature navigation is a bit addictive, but it speeds things up in the long run.
There is also a third, less well-known hidden mode, the Floating-Button Full-screen Mode, which is a hybrid where the buttons disappear, but a small dot or bar appears that triggers the control panel, which is ideal for those who don't want to learn new gestures but want to make room on the screen.
⚠️ Note: When you switch navigation modes, the system can automatically change the orientation of some interface elements, such as notification curtains.
The right method depends on your personal preferences and palm size. For large-screen devices like the Poco X3, gestures are often more convenient, as it is difficult to reach the top of the screen with the thumb of one hand, and a swipe on the side solves this problem.
Step-by-step instruction: transition to gesture management
Xiaomi
To start, unlock your smartphone and find the Settings icon on your desktop, which is usually a gray gear, and if you change the theme, the icon may look different, but the name will remain the same. Inside the menu, scroll down the list.
You need to find a section that, depending on the language version, can be called "Additional" or represented by a separate item in the bottom menu block, which hides the key parameters of the interface.
☑️ Switching algorithm
In the window that opens, you'll see two large previews, the button option on the left, the gesture option on the right, tap the right side of the screen or switch to activate swipe control, and the system will instantly apply the changes, and the button bottom panel will disappear.
Now, the basic movements are important to remember. You swipe back from the left or right edge of the screen to the center. You swipe from the bottom up the center to the desktop. And to open the menu of running applications, swipe from the bottom up and hold your finger for a split second.
Configure the hidden panel and additional parameters
MIUI
To activate this feature, when you're in the navigation type selection menu, look for additional switches under the main options. Find Hide the panel or Full Screen Mode. If you turn off full hiding, that visual indicator will appear.
This section also often provides edge sensitivity settings, which is especially useful if you're using a rounded edge protective glass or a thick case that can interfere with touch recognition, and sensitivity enhancement makes the response more accurate.
⚠️ Warning: Enabling full-screen display mode may conflict with some games that use virtual joysticks at the edges of the screen.
Remember that with the Poco X3, with its high sensor polling rate (240 Hz), even minimal delays in gesture recognition can be noticeable. Proper calibration in this menu will help avoid accidental tapping or, conversely, no reaction.
Comparison of modes: buttons vs. gestures
Xiaomi
| Parameter | Buttons (3-point navigation) | Gestures (Full Screen) | Hidden panel. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupied area | ~10% of the bottom of the screen | 0% (full screen) | ~1-2% (thin strip) |
| Speed of access | Medium (to aim) | High (intuitive swipes) | Tall. |
| Getting used to | Not required | It takes 2-3 days. | Minimum |
| Risk of error | Low. | Medium (random swipes) | Low. |
And you can see from the table that gestures are better at ergonomics and usable space, but for thumb users or those who wear gloves a lot of the phone, the classic buttons can still be a more reliable option.
It is also worth considering that in some applications, especially video players and games, the system automatically hides navigation elements regardless of the selected settings, in such situations, the difference between the modes becomes almost invisible.
Navigation problems and how to solve them
System UI
The first thing you should do is try to reboot the device, which is 80 percent of the time, and if the problem persists, check if you have One Hand or Pocket Mode activated, which can lock the bottom of the screen.
Another common reason is installing third-party launchers or themes from the GetThemes store. Some interface modifications mishandle the system navigation commands. Try returning the standard theme "Classic" and check the buttons.