How to move icons at the bottom of the screen on a Xiaomi smartphone: 3 working ways

Why users want to change the location of icons on Xiaomi

The bottom navigation bar on Xiaomi smartphones with the MIUI shell is one of the most used areas of the screen. By default, there are three standard buttons: Back, Home and Recent Apps, but their order is not always satisfactory for users. Some are used to a different arrangement from previous Android devices, someone is uncomfortable reaching a certain button with their thumb, and some just want to optimize ergonomics for a single control.

Unlike pure Android, where the navigation bar is available by default, MIUI has traditionally limited this feature. However, with the release of MIUI 12 and subsequent versions (including MIUI 14 based on Android 13/14), both official and alternative ways of customizing the bottom panel have appeared. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from standard settings to hidden features for advanced users.

It is important to understand that not all Xiaomi models support flexible navigation bar configuration. For example, on the budget Redmi 9A or POCO M3 functionality can be reduced, while flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Xiaomi 14 offer advanced options.

Method 1: Standard Permutation through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools.It is suitable for most modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO based on MIUI 12-14.The main condition: the device must be activated gesture navigation (not the classic three buttons).

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

  1. Open the "Settings" (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
  2. Go to the Display section → Additional display settings.
  3. Select Full-screen mode (on some firmwares, navigation buttons may be called).
  4. Activate Gesture Navigation (if not already enabled).
  5. Below will be a block Setting up gestures - tap on it.
  6. In the menu that opens, you'll see three icons: "Back," "Home," and "Recent," and you'll pinch any of them and drag them to the right place.
  7. Confirm the changes with the Ready button.

If you have classic three-button navigation, you'll have to switch to gesture first, and you can do this in the same Full-screen mode section, selecting the appropriate option. Note that after you switch, the bottom bar will visually change, the buttons will become thinner and will respond to swipes.

Press the icon for 2-3 seconds – it should “stick” from the panel|Make sure that gesture navigation mode is enabled|Check the version. MIUI (relevant MIUI 12 and newer)|Restart your phone if the changes don’t apply-->

⚠️ Note: Some of the scoring for POCO (for example, POCO F4 GT) The permutation option may be hidden. In this case, try updating. MIUI Up to the latest version or use alternative methods from the following sections.

Method 2: Using a hidden developer menu

If the standard method didn’t work or you need a deeper customization (for example, adding a fourth button), you can use the developer menu, which requires caution, since incorrect settings can lead to interface failures.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Find the MIUI Version and tap it 7 times in a row. You will be notified, "You've become a developer!"

Settings

For developers

Navigation panel

Customization of button layout

  • Change the "Back" and "Recent" buttons (option reversed).
  • Add a fourth button (for example, to quickly start Google Assistant or screenshot).
  • Change the transparency of the panel.
  • Save the changes and restart the device.

Advantages of third-party applications:

  • 🎨 Flexible configuration of appearance (color, transparency, animations).
  • 🔄 Ability to add up to 5 buttons per panel.
  • 🤖 Support for alternative gestures (e.g. swipe up to run assistant).

Disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Increased battery consumption (the application runs in the background).
  • 🔒 Some functions require root rights.
  • 📱 There may be conflicts with system gestures (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Lite).

Standard settings MIUI|Developer Menu |Third-party applications (NavStar, Fluid NG)|Root and Xposed Framework |I Do not change the settings-->

⚠️ Note: When using the Xposed Framework or modified firmware (like LineageOS), you risk losing your device warranty, and these changes can lead to soft-brick if something goes wrong. Before experimenting, back up the data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

What to do if the icons are not moved

Sometimes, even after you've completed all the instructions, the navigation buttons stay in place, and here are the most common reasons and solutions:

  • 📱 An outdated version MIUI: Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → System Update: For Xiaomi, the current version for 2026 — MIUI 14 (or HyperOS for new models).
  • 🔒 Restrictions of regional firmware: Some features are hidden in global (EU/Global) Try changing the region to "China" in the Mi Account settings.
  • 🛠️ System settings failure: Reset the interface settings through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Settings (three points) → Reset the settings.
  • 🔄 Conflict with running apps: Close all background programs (especially launchers like Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher and try again.

If the problem persists, check if the device is installed. ADB-commands that block interface changes. For example, some users use the adb shell to turn off system animations, which can affect the navigation bar:

adb shell cmd overlay enable com.android.internal.systemui.navbar.gestural

Then restart the phone.

💡

If you experiment with settings often, create a restore point in TWRP (Castom Recovery) that will roll back changes in 5 minutes if something goes wrong. For instructions on installing TWRP for your Xiaomi model, look at the XDA Developers forum.

Additional tricks with the navigation panel

In addition to permuting icons, other aspects of the bottom panel can be configured on Xiaomi:

  • 🖼️ Transparency of the panel: In Settings → Display. → Additional display settings → Full-screen mode can make the panel semi-transparent or completely hidden (in gesture mode).
  • 🎚️ Swipe sensitivity: In the developer menu (Settings) → For developers, there is a point Sensitivity of gestures, where you can adjust the speed of reaction to swipes.
  • 🔄 Alternative gestures: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) swipe up from the corner of the screen opens Google Assistant, and swipe down – notification panel.
  • 🎨 Color theme: With apps like NavStar, you can paint the panel in wallpaper color or make it gradient.