How to swap keys on Xiaomi smartphone: 5 working ways

Reassigning hardware or software buttons to Xiaomi smartphones is a challenge faced by users who are switching from other brands or wanting to optimize management to their habits. For example, owners of Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 often want to swap the back and recent keys to be located on Samsung or Google Pixel. In this article, we will examine all the current ways, from built-in MIUI functions to third-party utilities, including solutions for devices without root rights.

It’s important to understand that reassignment options depend on the firmware version (MIUI 14/15), the phone model, and even regional settings. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra with global firmware, the option may be hidden, whereas on the Chinese version it is available by default. We tested all methods on current devices (2023-2026) and indicated the limitations of each method.

1.Reassigning the navigation buttons to MIUI

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI settings to reorder the touch buttons (if enabled), a method that works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with the MIUI 12 firmware version and later.

To change the "Back" and "Recent" keys:

1. Open the Settings → Display.
2. Select Full Screen Mode (or Navigation Style in the newer versions).
3. Activate the navigation button option (if you use gestures, switch to buttons).
4. Click on the icon. ⚙️ (Additionally) next to the button option.
5. Select the Order of the buttons and set the desired sequence.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) The order of the buttons may not be available, in which case try updating the firmware or using alternative methods from the following sections.

Check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone | Make sure button (no gesture) mode is enabled |Reboot your phone if the option isn't displayed |Update your firmware to the latest version-->

2. Use gestures instead of buttons (alternative)

If your model doesn’t support button reassignment, consider switching to gesture control. MIUI 14/15 offers flexible gesture settings that can be customized to suit your needs:

• 🔄 Swipe from bottom up – returns to the main screen (analogue of the Home button»).
• 🔙 Swipe from the edge of the screen – Back action (can be configured from the left or right edge).
• 📱 Keeping Down – Calling the Recent Apps Menu.

To tune the gestures:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Full-screen mode.
2. Choose MIUI Gestures (or Full Screen Gestures).
3. Set up the sensitivity and sides of swipes in the Additional settings section.

💡 Useful tip: If you're used to buttons but want to try gestures, turn on the gesture hints option in the settings. It temporarily shows visual cues when swiping.

Classic buttons|Gestures MIUI|Gestures from Android (Google)|Third-party software-->

3. Reassignment of hardware buttons (Volume, Power)

On Xiaomi smartphones, you can change the function of physical buttons (volume, power) without root rights, for example, assign a volume button to start the camera or flashlight.

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Power button.
2. Select an action for double pressing or long pressing (such as Starting the camera or Turning on the flashlight).

For more flexible reassignment (for example, swap the volume buttons), you will need a third-party application:

⚠️ Note: When using Button Mapper to reassign the power button (Power), the emergency call function may be disrupted (SOS). Before setting up, check if your model supports this option in the app.

4. Reassign buttons with ADB (no root)

If the built-in settings do not allow you to change the buttons in places, you can use the ADB-This method works on all Xiaomi models with Android 10 and newer, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Turn on USB debugging on your phone (see spoiler above).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute a command to check the connection: adb devices (the name of your device should be displayed).
4. To reassign the "Back" and "Recent" buttons, use: adb shell settings put secure sysui_nav_bar "space, back;home;recent,space" (replace back and recent places if necessary).
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

Important: After the MIUI update, the ADB settings may reset. Save the command in your notebook to quickly apply it again.

adb shell settings delete secure sysui_nav_bar

Then repeat step 4.-->

5. Reassign buttons with root rights

For root users, there are advanced reassignment options available, such as swapping hardware buttons (volume, power) or assigning any application to run on them.

Popular applications for root users:

• 🛠️ Xposed Framework + Xposed Additions module allows you to configure any buttons flexibly.
• 🔧 Button Remapper – supports reassignment of all physical and software buttons.
• 📱 GravityBox – Advanced interface settings, including navigation buttons.

⚠️ Note: Installing root rights will void Xiaomi’s warranty and may lead to security issues (e.g. Google Pay or banking apps won’t work). → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

💡

Root rights offer maximum flexibility, but the risks (loss of warranty, security issues) often outweigh the benefits.

6. Reassign buttons to POCO Launcher and third-party shells

If you use POCO Launcher or other alternative shells (like Nova Launcher), the button reassignment options may vary, such as POCO Launcher, which allows you to configure:

• 🔄 Double-click on the screen – to lock or launch the application.
• 📲 Swipe gestures – for example, swipe down to call the notification panel.

To set up gestures in POCO Launcher:

1. Open the launcher settings (hold your finger on the home screen → Settings).
2. Go to Gestures and Functions.
3. Set up the necessary actions for swipes or double taps.

Nova Launcher will require you to install the Nova Launcher TeslaUnread or Tasker plugin for advanced button management.

7. Problem Solving: buttons don't change or reset

If after reassigning the buttons return to the standard settings, check the following points:

💡 Useful advice: If you update after the update MIUI The buttons are reset, check the firmware change log.Sometimes Xiaomi blocks reassignment in newer versions.In this case, rolling back on the previous firmware may help (but not recommended due to security risks).

FAQ: Frequent questions about reassigning buttons to Xiaomi