Modern Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS offer users a high degree of customization of the interface. One of the first actions that new device owners resort to is changing the usual control scheme. The standard layout, where the back button is on the left, can be uncomfortable for those who are used to iOS logic or just prefer mirroring elements. Fortunately, system settings allow you to change this behavior without installing third-party software.
The process of changing buttons affects the system launcher and affects how you interact with apps, menus and notifications. The navigation bar is the main control tool, and its correct configuration directly affects the ergonomics of using a gadget with one hand. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to change the location of buttons, including hidden functions and alternative management methods.
It’s worth noting that depending on the Android operating system version and the MIUI firmware version, menu item names may vary slightly. However, the overall algorithm of actions remains the same for most current models, whether it’s a budget Redmi or flagship Xiaomi.
Standard button change through system settings
The easiest and safest way to change the order of the buttons is to use the built-in settings menu, which does not require superuser rights and works consistently on all certified devices, and to get to the desired partition, you need to open the Settings app and scroll down to the Additional item, which is where the parameters for system navigation are hidden.
In the menu that opens, select Navigate in the system, and you'll see a visualization of the current way you're managing. If you have three classic buttons activated, the button order option below will be available. The switch allows you to choose between the Back Home Menu (standard for Android) and Menu Home Back (standard for iOS) schema.
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If the button order switch is inactive (gray), check if Full-screen mode (gestures) is enabled. The button change is only possible when the button mode is active.
It is important to understand that changing this setting affects the operation of all applications using system navigation. Some games or specialized programs may have their own screen buttons that do not depend on Xiaomi's system settings. In such cases, changing the position of the buttons in the phone menu will not give a visible result inside the particular application.
Transition to gesture management
An alternative to the classic buttons is gesture control, which is becoming the de facto standard for modern smartphones, which frees up useful screen space and makes the device more intuitive. To activate, you need to select Full-screen mode from the same Navigation menu in the system.
When you switch to gestures, the physical location of the buttons ceases to matter as they disappear from the screen. Instead, swipes are used: return is by swipe from the edge of the screen, and exit to the desktop is by swipe from the bottom up. In gesture settings, you can also activate a hidden bar-indicator at the bottom of the screen, which visually replaces the home button.
- 📱 Swipe from left or right edge – a step back.
- 🏠 Swipe from bottom up in the center - access to the desktop.
- 📋 Swipe from bottom to top with a delay - opening the menu of running applications.
Many users note that after getting used to gestures, you do not want to return to the buttons. However, it is worth considering that in some applications with an unadapted interface, gestures can conflict with controls. In such situations, Xiaomi often offers a temporary solution or allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the edges of the screen.
Setting up a hidden navigation bar
Some versions of MIUI firmware, especially in Chinese builds or on devices with global firmware Early Access, feature a hidden navigation bar that allows you to hide buttons when they are not needed and call them by tap, a hybrid option between buttons and gestures that can be useful on small-screen devices.
To activate this function, you may need to turn on the Hidden Navigation Bar mode in the navigation menu, in which case the button bar appears only when you touch the bottom of the screen or when you gesture, which allows you to maximize the working area of the display for watching video or reading text.
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (especially with MediaTek processors), the hidden panel option can be cut from the menu by the developer, in which case activation is possible only through third-party applications or modification of system files, which is not recommended for ordinary users.
Using a hidden panel requires some habit, as you need to precisely enter the active area to call the buttons. If you accidentally touch the edge of the screen, the panel may appear at the wrong time, for example, during a game, so this mode is more often recommended for devices with a diagonal less than 6 inches.
Use of customization applications
If standard features aren't enough, Google Play Store apps come to the rescue, like Navigation Bar or Fluid Navigation Gestures, which allows you to create your own navigation bar on top of the system, requiring special permissions, but giving you full control over the appearance and behavior of the buttons.
With third-party software, you can not only swap buttons, but also change their color, transparency, add additional features, such as a screenshot of a double tap or run specific applications, but it is worth remembering that such programs consume additional battery power and can conflict with system security updates.
Risks of using third-party navigation
Installing alternative navigation often requires disabling the standard panel through the ADB-commands or special settings in developer mode. For example, the adb shell settings put global policy_control immersive.full=* It can hide system elements by handing control over to a third-party application.
Table of comparison of navigation methods
To make it easier for you to decide on the best way to manage, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method in the context of everyday use of the Xiaomi smartphone.
| Method | Convenience with one hand | Saving space on the screen | Compatibility with games |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons (Standard) | Average. | Low. | Tall. |
| Buttons (Mirror) | High (for right-handers) | Low. | Tall. |
| Full-screen gestures | High. | Maximum | Medium |
| Hidden panel. | Average. | Tall. | Low. |
As you can see from the table, mirror buttons are often the choice of those who move from the iPhone, because the logic of "Back" on the right is more familiar to them. 3D-Games where random swipe can interrupt gameplay.
Frequent problems and their solution
Xiaomi users sometimes experience a situation where navigation settings are reset after a system update or reboot.This may be due to errors in the launcher or conflict of established design themes. If the buttons spontaneously change or disappear, try resetting the launcher settings.
To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All apps, search System Launcher (or MIUI Launcher) and select Clean → Reset. This action will return the interface to factory status, including navigation options, but will not delete your personal data or installed applications.
☑️ Diagnosing navigation problems
Another common problem is sticking buttons or their incorrect reaction to pressing, in which case the screen calibration, which is carried out through the engineering menu, helps: enter the code # # # #64663## in the phone application, select the Touchpanel test and follow the instructions on the screen to check the responsiveness of the display.
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Resetting the launcher settings is the most effective solution if the navigation buttons behave unpredictable or disappear after changing the theme.