Xiaomi smartphone users often face the need to personalize the interface of the device to suit their habits. The Redmi 9A model, which runs on the basis of the MIUI shell, provides flexible options to change the way you control the screen. Many owners want to know how to change buttons to the android Xiaomi 9A to make the use of the gadget more comfortable and intuitive.
In the standard configuration, the system offers a classic scheme with three controls located at the bottom of the display. However, current trends dictate the transition to full-screen gestures that free up the usable screen area and speed up navigation. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods for changing the configuration of buttons and switching between control modes.
Standard navigation and its features
By default, the Android operating system installed on Xiaomi Redmi 9A activates the classic navigation mode, which assumes the presence of three virtual keys: Back, Home and App Menu, which is a familiar arrangement for those who have switched to a smartphone from older models or other brands where the physical keyboard has been replaced by touch-sensitive counterparts.
The layout of items can vary depending on the regional settings and the firmware version of MIUI. Most often, the Back button is on the right and the Menu button is on the left, but users have the ability to invert this order, especially for left-handers or those who are used to iOS logic, where the return button is located on the left side.
The home button is usually centered, and is used to quickly return to the desktop or call the voice assistant for prolonged pressing. Using three buttons occupies a certain part of the screen in the lower area, which can be seen on displays with an aspect ratio of 20:9, as in the case of the Redmi 9A.
⚠️ Note: Changing the button layout does not affect the sensor, but can temporarily cause discomfort, as muscle memory takes time to adapt to the new arrangement of elements.
For many users, the classic circuit remains preferred due to its predictability and lack of need to swipe, but it is worth considering that constant use of the bottom of the screen can lead to faster wear of the matrix in this area, although modern AMOLED and IPS panels have a high resource.
Transition to gesture management
Modern versions of MIUI are actively promoting the use of full-screen gestures, which allows you to hide the bottom control panel and increase the usable area of the display. To activate this mode, you need to go to the system settings. Open the Settings menu, then find the Additional section and select the Full-screen menu.
In the window that opens, you will be asked to choose between Buttons and Gestures. When you choose the second option, the bottom bar with three elements will disappear, and navigation will be carried out by swipes from the edges of the screen. The swipe from the bottom up returns to the desktop, the swipe with a pause in the middle opens the menu of recent applications, and the swipe from the side faces acts as a back button.
Gesture management takes some getting used to, especially if you've been using physical or virtual keys for years, but after a period of adaptation, most users notice a significant increase in speed and convenience, since you don't need to reach the bottom of the screen to perform basic operations.
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For more accurate gesture control, you can increase the sensitivity of touches in special features, if swipes are recognized not the first time.
How to change buttons on Xiaomi 9A
If you’re not ready to abandon the classic buttons, but want to change their order, MIUI provides this capability, which is often required by users who are used to having the Back button on the left, like the iPhone interface, or simply want to optimize one-handed control.
To change the order of the buttons, go to Settings → Additional → Full-screen menu. Make sure you select Button Mode. Below you will see the Reflect Buttons switch or layout option. In some versions of MIUI, this may look like a choice between Back on the Right and Back on the Left.
☑️ Check before changing the settings
Once the reflect function is activated, the buttons will immediately swap places, the Menu button will move to the right and the Back button will move to the left (or vice versa, depending on the initial state), the system does not require a reboot to apply these changes, they are effective instantly.
⚠️ Note: When changing the layout of the buttons, the position of the vibration response also changes, so it is important to get used to the tactile again when typing or navigating.
It is worth noting that on some global firmware versions, the button reflection option may be hidden or missing if the region of the device does not imply such customization, in which case it may be necessary to change the region in settings or use additional tools.
Setting up sensitivity and additional functions
In addition to simply moving the buttons, Xiaomi allows you to adjust additional navigation options. In the same menu, you can find vibration settings when you press, which is an important aspect of ergonomics, since the tactile response helps the action without visual control.
You can adjust the vibration duration or turn it off completely if you prefer silent control, and some versions of MIUI also offer gesture settings to avoid accidental tapping when you hold your phone in a case or with wet hands.
| Parameter | Description | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Button mode | Classic 3 buttons | It takes up space on the screen, familiar to everyone. |
| Sign mode | Swipe management | Maximum screen area, modern |
| Reflection of buttons | Left/right shift | Convenience for left-handed or left-handed users |
| Vibration. | Tactical response | Improves confirmation of action |
It’s important to experiment with these settings to find the perfect balance.For example, turning off vibrations can save Xiaomi Redmi 9A battery power, albeit marginally, but for some users, lack of sound and vibration is a key comfort factor.
Hidden navigation settings
Use of third-party applications for navigation
If standard features aren’t enough, Google Play offers a variety of apps to customize the navigation bar, such as Navigation Bar, Simple Control, or Assistive Touch, which lets you create floating buttons, change their design, and add new features.
Installing a third-party launcher or navigation utility requires special permissions. When you first run the application will request access to Accessibility, which will allow it to intercept control of the interface. Without this permission, the program will not be able to display on top of other windows.
Using third-party solutions gives you freedom of creativity: you can change the transparency of buttons, their size, add a screenshot button, lock the screen or launch a specific application.
⚠️ Be careful when installing apps from unknown sources, as they get deep access to managing your smartphone’s interface.
Solution and resetting of settings
Sometimes, after a system update or MIUI malfunction, the navigation settings may become lost or unavailable. If the buttons are gone, no longer responsive or not behaving properly, the first thing to do is to try to restart the device, which solves the problem of temporary software errors in 90% of cases.
If the reboot didn’t work, check to see if the One-Hand or Pocket mode mode is on, which can block the bottom of the screen, and make sure that there’s no low-quality protective film on the screen that disrupts the sensor’s sense in the button area.
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Resetting navigation settings to factory values often solves problems with incorrect response or interface freeze.
In extreme cases, you can reset all system settings, but this will return the phone to its original state.Be sure to back up the data before such actions. For Xiaomi 9A, all the standard recovery procedures described in the official documentation are relevant.
Comparison of MIUI versions and navigation
Different versions of the MIUI shell installed on Redmi 9A may have different settings menus. On older versions (MIUI 11, 12), the path to button settings may have been different from current MIUI 13, 14 or HyperOS. It is important for users to consider the version of their software when searching for the desired menu item.
With new firmware versions, Xiaomi is aiming to unify the interface, making gesture management a priority. Therefore, options for classic buttons can be hidden deeper in the menu or have less obvious names.
If you can't find the menu items you're looking for, search inside the settings. Type the word "navigation," "buttons," or "gestures" into the search bar at the top of the settings screen, and the system will tell you the section you want.