How to change navigation on Xiaomi: from buttons to gestures and back

Navigating the Xiaomi interface is a key element of interaction with the device. A poorly chosen control method can turn the use of even the most advanced gadget into anguish. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several options for customization, from classic virtual buttons to modern gestures, and on some models, even the possibility of installing alternative launchers.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change navigation on Xiaomi devices – from smartphones to smartphones. MIUI You will learn how to return the usual buttons "Back / Home / Recent", configure swipe gestures, and what hidden combinations allow you to unlock additional navigation options on firmware for the European region. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances that are not covered in the official instructions - for example, why some models after the update lose the ability to choose gestures.

1. Navigation methods on Xiaomi: what is available to the user

Xiaomi devices support up to three main navigation types, the choice between which depends on the version. MIUI (We'll look at each option in detail, and we'll look at each option in detail:

• 📱 Classic buttons – three virtual buttons at the bottom of the screen (Back, Home, Recent Apps) – suitable for users accustomed to traditional management.
• 👆 Gestures MIUI — Swipes at the bottom of the screen replace buttons, like swipes up to the home screen, and swipes diagonally open up multitasking.
• 🔄 Full-screen gestures are an extended version of gestures where swipes work on the edges of the screen (similar to iPhone). MIUI 12+ hyperos.
• 🖥️ Navigation on Xiaomi TV — separate control system for TVs with remote control, where you can choose between the classic menu and gestures on the remote.

On smartphones with MIUI 14 and later (and HyperOS) full-screen gestures are enabled by default, but classic buttons can be manually returned. On Xiaomi TVs, the choice is limited to two modes: Standard (with Home button on the remote) and Simplified (up/down gestures for navigating the menus).

2. How to change navigation on Xiaomi smartphone (MIUI/HyperOS)

The process of changing the type of navigation on Xiaomi smartphones takes no more than a minute, but the path to settings may vary depending on the firmware version. MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Display section (HyperOS may be called the Screen).
3. Select Full-screen mode or System Navigation (name depends on the firmware version).
4. You will be offered 2-3 navigation options (see the table below), choose the one you want and confirm the choice.

If some gestures don't work properly after changing navigation (for example, the notification bar doesn't open), try restarting the device. On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro after updating to MIUI 13 may disappear the option of classic buttons – in this case, resetting the screen settings will help (see section 5).

Make a backup copy of the screen settings

Check out the MIUI/HyperOS version

Charge your phone at least 30%

Make sure there are no important unsealed applications-->

3. Navigation settings on Xiaomi TVs (Mi) TV, Redmi TV)

On Xiaomi TVs, the navigation system is closely linked to the remote control. Unlike smartphones, there are no screen gestures (except for models with a touchpad on the remote), but you can choose between two menu modes:

• 📺 Standard mode: Navigation with the Back, Home, Menu and arrows.
• 🎮 Simplified mode - swipes up/down on the touch panel of the remote control replace buttons. Available on remotes with a touchpad (for example, Mi Mi). TV Stick or Mi Box S).

To change the type of navigation on the TV:

1. Press the Settings button on the remote.
2. Select the System → Remote settings (or Devices) → Remote remote control on new models).
3. In the Navigation Mode section, select Standard or Simplified.
4. Confirm the selection and wait for the interface to restart (it can take up to 30 seconds).

On Google TVs TV (for example, Xiaomi TV A2 2023) navigation is set up via the Android menu TV. You can choose between classic control and gestures on the remote with a microphone. Note: if after changing the settings, the remote control stopped responding to swipes, try reconnecting it via Bluetooth (Settings). → Devices → Bluetooth).

4.Alternative launchers: how to radically change navigation

If you don’t like the standard navigation options on Xiaomi, you can install a third-party launcher from Google Play, which will not only change the appearance of the interface, but also customize unique gestures that are not in the user interface. MIUI. Popular options:

• 🚀 Nova Launcher – supports gesture customization (e.g., double tap to lock screen).
• 🎨 Lawnchair – open source launcher and gesture support for Android 10+.
• ⚡ Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration and easy navigation for work.
• 🔄 Total Launcher – maximum customization, including own gesture schemes.

To install an alternative launcher:

1. Download an app from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. After installation, click the Home button and select the new launcher as the default application.
3. In the launcher settings, find the Gestures or Navigation section and configure the desired combinations.

On some Xiaomi firmware (especially on the POCO Redmi with lightweight versions MIUI) Third-party launchers may be blocked:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable installation from unknown sources.
3. Download. APK-Launcher file from the official website (for example, Nova Launcher) and install it manually.

💡

If after installing a third-party launcher, gestures disappeared MIUI, Return the standard launcher through Settings → Annexes → By default. → Launcher.

5. Common Problems and Their Solutions

When changing navigation to Xiaomi, users often encounter common mistakes, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If after changing the navigation, the screen reacts to swipes incorrectly (for example, the notification panel accidentally opens), check the sensitivity settings in the Settings section. → Display. → Full screen mode → Sensitivity of gestures. On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) Disable the option to "Ignore random touches".

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the screen settings to factory:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset screen settings (not a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action and restart the device.

On Xiaomi TVs, a similar reset is performed via Settings. → On TV. → Data reset, but be careful: it will delete all installed apps and accounts.

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Before resetting, be sure to sync your data with your Mi Account account – this will allow you to quickly restore contacts, notes and settings after the reboot.

6. Hidden navigation features on Xiaomi

In the firmware MIUI And HyperOS has some hidden features that allow you to flexibly customize your navigation to your needs, and these features are not documented, but they work on most devices:

• 🔍 Double tap to lock: enable in Settings → Screen locking → Additionally. → Double-touch locking, even on a locked screen.
• 🖐️ Screenshot gesture: swipe three fingers down takes a screenshot (included in Settings) → Additionally. → Screenshots).
• 🔄 Switching between applications: on some models (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5) Swipe on the bottom panel left/right quickly switches between the latest applications.
• 🎮 Game gestures: c Settings → Special facilities → Gestures in games can be configured to swipe to call the game menu or block notifications.

Xiaomi TVs also have hidden combinations:

• 📺 Holding the Home button on the remote for 3 seconds opens the Quick Settings menu.
• 🔊 Double press Volume Down switches sound modes (night/movie/music).
• 🔍 Holding Back + Home resets the remote settings (useful if swipes are not working properly).

For advanced users, there is an opportunity to configure navigation through ADB. For example, to force full-screen gestures on unofficial firmware, execute the command:

adb shell settings put global force_fullscreen_navigation 1

Then restart the device. To return the buttons, replace 1 with 0.

7.Natural comparison on different Xiaomi devices

The navigation options vary depending on the type of device and its firmware, and below is a comparison table for popular Xiaomi gadgets:

On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) navigation has become smoother due to the optimization of animations, but some users note that gestures are less responsive than on the other hand. MIUI 13.If you encounter delays when swiping, try turning off animations in the developer settings (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers → The scale of window animation → Off.).

FAQ: Frequent questions about navigation on Xiaomi