Modern smartphones, including the popular Xiaomi Redmi 9, offer users different ways to interact with the interface. One of the first challenges faced by the owner of a new device or a person who has moved from another system is to adjust the screen control. Standard gestures can seem uncomfortable, and familiar buttons are more reliable. Understanding how to change this setting is a basic skill for comfortable use of the gadget.
Switching between navigation modes in the MIUI shell is quite simple, but many users can not immediately find the desired item on the menu, this is due to the fact that the settings are scattered across different sections, and the logic of the grouping of options may vary depending on the firmware version. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available management methods, including hidden features that are not obvious at first acquaintance.
Not only will we look at the standard three-button gesture replacement, but we’ll also discuss how to customize your gesture layout to fit your habits, and we’ll also touch on the hidden fourth button theme, which isn’t available to all users by default.
Standard navigation methods in MIUI
MIUI
The second option is full-screen gesture control, in which the button-down bar disappears, freeing up useful display space for content, and is managed by swipes: returns are swiped from the edge of the screen, desktop access is swiped from the bottom up, and switching between apps is a delayed swipe. Gestures allow you to use your smartphone with one hand more efficiently, but take some time to get used, especially if you are switching from iOS or older versions of Android.
⚠️ Note: When switching to gesture control, the return area ("back") can only be located on one side of the screen (left or right), unlike some other launchers where the swipe works on both sides simultaneously.
Choosing between these two methods is a matter of personal preference. Some people value the minimalism and maximum screen area that gestures give, while others prefer clear button mechanics. Fortunately, the Xiaomi Redmi 9 allows you to change this setting at any time without having to restart the device or perform complex manipulations. You can test both options to see which one is right for you in everyday use.
Step-by-step instructions for changing the type of navigation
Redmi 9
First, open the main app menu and find the Settings icon (cogs). In the settings list that opens, scroll down to the "Additional Settings" section. This is where the key customization options for the interface are concentrated. If you have a fresh firmware version installed, the path may be slightly different: Settings → Desktop → Navigation System. In both cases, you will be taken to the management method selection menu.
☑️ Algorithm of Navigation Change
Inside the Navigation System section, you'll see two big cards or switches, one signed as "Buttons" and the other as "Gesturals." Click on the option you want to activate. The system will instantly change the changes, and the interface will change before your eyes. If you select buttons, a panel will appear at the bottom of the screen. If the gestures, the panel will disappear, and prompts will appear when you first use.
Importantly, some versions of MIUI for the Global ROM may have a deeper path to follow, and if you don't find a paragraph in the "Additional Settings" section, try the search bar at the top of the settings screen. Type "navigation" or "buttons" and the system will prompt you to go to the desired section, a universal method that works even when the menu structure seems confusing.
Setting the location and appearance of the buttons
To change the order of the buttons, if you're in the navigation type selection menu, you'll notice the additional options below the main switches, and you'll need to have "Button Order" or "Location" on it, and you can click on it to choose which side the return button is going to be on, which is a trifle, but it's a big ergonomic issue, especially if you're used to holding your smartphone in your hand in a certain way.
- 🔄 App menu: opens the list of running programs for quick switching.
- 🏠 Home: Instantly returns to the main desktop from any application.
- 🔙 Cancel the last action or close the current window.
In addition to order, some themes or third-party launchers can also change the appearance of buttons. Standard white or black triangles and squares can be replaced with more stylized ones if you install the appropriate theme from the GetThemes store. However, the basic functionality remains unchanged regardless of the visual style.
⚠️ Note: Changing the order of buttons in the system settings only works for a standard launcher. If you use a third-party launcher (such as Nova or Lawnchair), navigation settings can be managed within the launcher application itself, not in the Android settings.
The hidden fourth button and additional functions
Xiaomi Redmi 9
To activate the advanced navigation menu, you often need to use special codes of the engineering menu or third-party utilities, such as SetEdit or Activity Launcher. force_fsg_nav_bar Or a similar key in the system's settings database, which allows you to unlock a menu with a choice of 5-6 different button layouts.
| Type of configuration | Description of buttons | Who's right for? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (3 buttons) | Menu, Home, Back. | For most users |
| Reverse order. | Back, Home, Menu | For former Samsung owners |
| 2 buttons | Home, Back (swipe menu) | For lovers of minimalism |
| 4 buttons (Hidden) | Menu, Home, Back + Label | For advanced users |