How to change the navigation buttons of Xiaomi Redmi 9: 3 ways + error solving

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with a shell MIUI, which offers flexible interface settings. However, standard navigation buttons (back, home, recent) are not always convenient: they take up space on the screen, accidentally click or simply do not match your habits. Fortunately, in Redmi 9 you can replace them with gesture swipes, classic three-button panels or even customize through hidden settings.

In this article, you will find 3 proven ways to change navigation buttons, from standard MIUI settings to advanced methods using ADB. We will also break down common errors (for example, why buttons disappeared after updating) and give recommendations on choosing the best option for your tasks. If you want to free up space on the screen or just try something new, read on.

1. Standard button replacement via MIUI settings

The easiest way to change the navigation buttons is to use the built-in MIUI options. This method does not require root or PC access, but is not available in all firmware versions.

Open the Settings menu → Display → Full-screen mode. Here you will see three options:

• 📱 Navigation buttons – classic three buttons (back, home, recent).
• 👆 Gestures MIUI — Swipes from the bottom for navigation (similar to iPhone).
• 🔄 Android Gestures – Google’s Alternative Gestures (not available on all versions).

Choose the right option and restart your smartphone if the buttons are not changed immediately. Please note that in some Redmi 9 firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5 for the global version), the gesture option may be hidden.

⚠️ Note: If after changing the buttons the screen reacts to swipes incorrectly (for example, the notification panel accidentally opens), check the sensitivity of gestures in Settings. → Additionally. → Gestures. In some cases, it helps calibrate the sensor through the engineering menu.

2 Unlock hidden options via ADB (for advanced users)

If your MIUI version doesn’t have the ability to change buttons through the menu, you can activate hidden settings using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on most firmware versions, but requires connecting the smartphone to your computer.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and Platform Tools package.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Connect Redmi 9 to your PC, open the command prompt in the ADB folder and type:

adb shell settings put global force_fsg_nav_bar 1

This command will enable MIUI gestures. To return the buttons, replace 1 with 0. To activate the gestures of Android, use:

adb shell settings put global force_fullscreen_gestures 1

USB debugging enabled

Xiaomi drivers installed

Download the Platform Tools package

Smartphone connected in file transfer mode-->

⚠️ Attention: After completion ADB-In the event of a problem, reset your gesture settings via adb shell settings delete global settings. force_fsg_nav_bar.

3. Installation of third-party launchers for button customization

If you don’t like either standard buttons or MIUI gestures, you can use third-party launchers like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher.

• 🎨 Change the appearance of the navigation panel (color, transparency, icons).
• 🔄 Assign your own gestures (for example, double-touching to return to the back).
• 📱 Hide the navigation panel completely (in some launchers).

For installation:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. Launch it and select as the default launcher.
3. Go to the launcher settings and find the Navigation or Gestures section.

Note that third-party launchers do not replace the system navigation buttons, but only mask them or add alternative controls. Root rights are required to completely remove the navigation bar.

4. Problem Solving: The buttons are missing or not working

Sometimes, after changing the settings or updating MIUI, the navigation buttons disappear or stop responding. Here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

If none of these methods worked, try rolling back the firmware to the previous version or contact the service center. In rare cases, the problem is associated with hardware damage to the display plume.

💡

Before resetting or flashing, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup. This will save your contacts, messages, and application settings.

5. Comparison of methods: which method to choose?

The choice of method depends on your goals and level of training. Below is a comparison table:

If your Redmi 9 runs on firmware older than MIUI 12, standard gestures may not be available, in which case ADB or launchers will be the only solution.

6. Additional settings: sensitivity and animations

After changing the navigation buttons, you can fine-tune their behavior:

• 🎯 Sensitivity of gestures: in Settings → Additionally. → Gestures → Select Sensitivity Low, Medium or High.
• 🖼️ Panel transparency: in some firmware, you can make buttons semi-transparent through Settings → Display. → Full screen mode → Panel setting.
• ⚡ Transition animations: in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times) → For developers → Set animation speed without animation for instant response.

For advanced users, a setup is available through the Xposed Framework (requires root), which allows:

• Change the order of the buttons (for example, change the places "Back" and "Recent").
• Add additional buttons (for example, to quickly launch applications).
• Adjust the vibration when pressed.

💡

MIUI gestures save up to 10% of screen space compared to classic buttons, but require getting used to.If you type or play often, a three-button bar may be more convenient.

FAQ: Frequent questions about navigation buttons on Xiaomi Redmi 9