Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the need to change the way they manage the interface, which may be due to a change from a different brand that used physical or on-screen keys, or, conversely, the desire to master modern swipes for faster operation. The MIUI shell and the new HyperOS provide flexible tools to personalize this area, allowing each user to choose the best option.
Changing the type of navigation is not just cosmetic, it's a way to improve the ergonomics of the device. On large flagship screens, reaching the top corner to go back is inconvenient, and here come the classic buttons at the bottom. At the same time, gestures free up useful display space, which is especially true for multimedia content. Understanding how to switch between modes in your version of Android works will help avoid confusion in the future.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods of changing navigation, from standard system settings to advanced methods for experienced users. We will look at the nuances of button layout, the features of horizontal operation and solve possible problems if the menu suddenly disappears. You do not need to be a programmer to make using your smartphone as comfortable as possible.
Main types of navigation in MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi
three-point
The second option is gesture control, where the bottom bar disappears, freeing up a few millimeters of useful screen area, swiping back from the edge of the screen, swiping back to the desktop from the bottom up, and switching between running programs swipe up with a delay, which is considered more modern and faster, but takes some time to get used to.
- 📱 Buttons: A classic look with three or two keys at the bottom of the screen, always visible.
- 🖐 Gestures: Swipe control from the edges of the display, maximum screen area for content.
- 🔄 Hybrid: the possibility of using gestures in combination with a floating button for people with disabilities.
The choice between these modes depends solely on your personal preferences: some people appreciate the tactile return and visual clarity of the buttons, while others prefer smooth animations and the absence of unnecessary elements on the screen, the system allows you to change these settings at any time without rebooting the device.
Standard change through the settings menu
The easiest and safest way to change the type of navigation is to use the built-in menu system, which works on all current models Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco, regardless of the version of the shell, you do not need to install third-party software or obtain superuser rights.
First, you need to go to the phone's settings center. Click on the Settings icon on your desktop or notification curtain. Then scroll down to the section that's usually called Additional or Advanced Settings, and that's where the key interface settings are hidden.
Inside the menu, look for Full-screen Mode. When you click on it, you'll see a switch that activates or deactivates gestures. If the switch is on, swipes work, if it's off, buttons are displayed. In some versions of MIUI, you can also select the order of the buttons: the back button on the left or right.
☑️ Algorithm of Navigation Change
Once you change the setting, the system will instantly apply the new controls, the screen can blink, and you'll immediately feel the difference in interaction with the interface, and if the new option seems uncomfortable, you can go back to the menu and change the setting back in a few seconds.
Alternative fast way through search
Sometimes users get lost in the multi-level settings menu, especially after a system update, when items can change their location, in which case the built-in Settings Search engine comes to the rescue, and it allows you to instantly find the desired section without wandering through tabs.
To use this method, open the Settings app. At the top of the screen, usually under the status bar or above the category list, is a search bar with a magnifying glass. Click on it and type in a keyword like "navigation," "buttons," or "gestures."
The system will give you a list of relevant items, you have to choose Full-screen mode or Navigation, you get to the right menu in a single touch, which is especially useful if you have forgotten where in your version of HyperOS hid the switch.
- 🔍 Speed: Search is faster than manually bruising menus.
- 🗣 Universality: Works even if you don’t remember the exact name of the item.
- ⚡ Efficiency: allows you to immediately go to the desired switch, bypassing unnecessary steps.
Using search is a professional approach to configuring any Android smartphone, saving time and nerves, especially when you need to quickly reconfigure the device after a reset or purchase.
Setting up location and additional functions
Once you have chosen the type of navigation, you often need to fine-tune it, and many users are annoyed by the location of the Back button in button mode, which is often on the right of the firmware versions, whereas Europeans are used to seeing it on the left.
To change the order, go back to Settings → Additional → Full-screen. If you have a button mode, there will be an additional option, Order of buttons, and switching it, you will instantly swap the return and menu functions.
⚠️ Note: change the order of the buttons is only available in Button mode. In Gesture mode, the return is always done by swiping from the edge where the Back button is located in the selected layout.
Also worth mentioning is the Block Navigation feature, which is useful when you're watching videos or playing, and accidentally tapping the bottom of the screen can turn the app down, usually by pressing the button area or using a special lock icon in the menu of recent apps.
Another important adjustment is the sensitivity of the gesture edges, so if swipes don't work the first time or if they interfere with games, check the special features settings, and you can find a calibration of the touch sensitivity, which will improve the system's response.
Control mode comparison table
To make it easier for you to make your choice, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you weigh the pros and cons of each method of managing the interface of your Xiaomi smartphone.
| Characteristics | Three buttons. | Two buttons. | Full gestures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen area | Busy with the navigation lane | Minimum band | Maximum (no lane) |
| Speed of operation | Standard. | Tall. | Maximum (swipes faster) |
| Habituality | It's common for everyone. | It takes getting used to. | Requires training |
| Convenience with one hand | Average. | High. | High (from any edge) |
As you can see from the table, gesture mode is a win-win for ergonomics and screen space, but for users with thumbs or who drop their phone frequently, having a physical (even if on-screen) home button can be critical.
Choosing between two and three buttons is a matter of aesthetics and minimalism: two buttons look more modern, but require remembering a new action to call the menu of running applications (usually a swipe up from the home button).
Navigation problems and their solution
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the navigation bar disappears, stops responding or behaves incorrectly, this can be caused by a malfunction in the system process SystemUI or a conflict with the installed launcher.
The first thing to do when buttons disappear is to check if Full Screen mode for a particular application is accidentally turned on. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Full-screen mode and make sure that there is no tick hiding navigation for the problematic application.
What to do if the buttons are missing after the update?
If the problem is systemic, cleaning the Settings cache or resetting the launcher will help, and it’s also worth checking for system updates, as new security patches often fix interface bugs.
⚠️ Note: If the buttons are missing after installing a third-party launcher (Nova, Lawnchair), return to the standard Poco launcher or MIUI, To see if it's a problem, third-party shells may not be able to process system gestures properly.
In rare cases, resetting all settings to factory settings helps, but this is an extreme measure. Before doing this, always back up important data so you don't lose contacts and photos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can navigation buttons be made translucent?
Why does the back button sometimes change sides?
Does the change in navigation affect the speed of the phone?
How to remove the white strip at the bottom of the screen in gesture mode?
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If you often accidentally touch the bottom of the screen, try turning on the “Ignore Touches at the Edges” option in the “Advanced” setting, or use a side-covered case that will physically restrict access to this area.
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The right navigation is key to making your smartphone comfortable. Don't be afraid to experiment with modes to find the perfect balance between speed and hand-friendly.