Changing the buttons on Xiaomi devices is one of the most popular features among users who want to adapt the interface to their habits. Whether it is touch keys navigation on a smartphone, physical buttons on the remote control of the TV or the order of items in the menu, the brand provides flexible tools for customization, but not everyone knows where to look for these settings and how to avoid typical errors when they change.
In this article, we will look at all possible scenarios, from repositioning the virtual Back, Home and Recent buttons on MIUI to reassigning the keys on the remotes of Mi TV and Redmi TV. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of firmware and device models - for example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro and POCO F5 algorithm may differ, and you will learn how to return the standard layout if the experiments went wrong.
Why users change the location of the buttons on Xiaomi
The reasons for reconfiguring the buttons are several, and they depend on the type of device:
- 📱 On smartphones: left-handers often transfer the “Back” button to the right side of the screen, and owners of devices with a cutout for the front camera center the navigation panel so as not to touch the sensors.
- 📺 On TVs: users switch volume keys and channels if they are used to a different layout (for example, after switching from Samsung or Samsung). LG).
- 🎮 In the game modes: on Black Shark or POCO F with triggers reassign touch zones for convenience in shooters.
Interestingly, MIUI 14 and later has simplified the button layout algorithm, but older versions (e.g. MIUI 12) may require the activation of hidden functions via ADB. It is also worth considering that on some budget models (e.g. Redmi 10A), some options may be blocked by the manufacturer.
How to swap navigation buttons on Xiaomi smartphones
Most modern Xiaomi smartphones (including Xiaomi 12T, POCO X5, Redmi Note 11) use a virtual navigation bar with three buttons: Back, Home and Recent.
- Open the Settings → Display.
- Select Full-screen display (on some models - System navigation).
- Slip the button location option (or button order).
- Choose one of the options offered: standard (Back-Home-Recent) or reverse (Recent-Home-Back).
If you don't have button location on your menu, it means that the device uses gesture navigation.
- 🔄 Switch to button navigation in the same section (System Navigation) → Buttons).
- 🔧 If the option is not available, update the firmware to the latest version. MIUI (Relevant to Redmi 9 and older).
☑️ Preparation for changing buttons on a smartphone
Important! On Android One devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi A3), the algorithm is different: the path will be Settings → System → Gestures → System Navigation. There are only two layout options available without the possibility of fine-tuning.
Reassign physical buttons on Xiaomi TV remote
On Mi TVs and Redmi TVs (2020 models and later), you can change the functions of some remote keys through system settings, such as swap volume and channel switching buttons or assign another service to Netflix (such as Disney+).
- On the remote, press Menu. → Settings (⚙️) → The device → DU remote.
- Select Button Setting (or Key Reassignment on English firmware).
- Slip the button you want to change (e.g. Volume+).
- Select a new action from the list (e.g. Channel+).
- Save the changes and restart the TV (required!).
Note that not all keys can be reassigned, for example, Power, Home and Google Assistant buttons are usually locked, and on voice-controlled remotes (Mi TV Stick and Mi Box S models), some functions are tied to hardware limitations.
| Model remote control | Available buttons for reassignment | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi TV Remote (2022) | Volume ±, Channel ±, Mute, Netflix, Prime Video | You can't change Power, Home, Back |
| Redmi TV Remote (Bluetooth) | Volume ±, Channel ±, Mute, 1-9 (numbers) | Voice button locked. |
| Mi Box S Remote | Volume ±, Play/Pause, Back | Limited to Android TV firmware |
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If after reassigning the buttons on the remote stopped working, reset the settings through Settings → Device → Remote DU → Reset to factory.
Hidden Opportunities: Change buttons through ADB
For advanced users who don’t have the option of changing the layout (relevant to Xiaomi Mi 10 on MIUI 11 or POCO F1), there is a way through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) This method requires connecting the phone to a PC and executing commands in the terminal.
Algorithm:
- Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
- Activate Debugging by USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put secure sysui_nav_bar "space,back;home;recent,space" Here back;home;recent is the standard order, and recent,home,back is the reverse.
- Reset the device.
Critical nuance: on some firmware, after updating through OTA, the ADB settings are reset. To fix the changes, add a command to the initialization script (requires root rights).
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
Features for gaming smartphones (Black Shark, POCO F)
On gaming-savvy devices (such as the Black Shark 5 Pro or POCO F4 GT), navigation buttons can be duplicated with physical triggers to reassign them:
- 🎮 Go to Settings. → Shark Space (or the Playing Space) POCO).
- 🔧 Select the button setting and activate the User mode.
- 🖱️ Drag the virtual buttons on the screen to the right positions (for example, swap places). L1 and L2).
Black Shark can also assign macros to physical buttons, such as making a double tap on Shark Key open a specific application (such as Discord).
- Open Shark Space → Macros.
- Create a new macro and select a trigger (like Double Press).
- Set an action: Launch the app or gesture.
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On Xiaomi gaming smartphones, navigation buttons can be reassigned separately for each application – this allows you to optimize management for specific games (for example, PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When changing the layout of the buttons, users often face typical problems:
- ❌ Buttons don’t change: check if Child Mode or Guest Mode is turned on – they block system settings.
- ❌ The remote stopped working: after reassigning the keys to Mi TV Always restart your TV (power button for 10 seconds).
- ❌ ADB Make a mistake: Make sure the version is MIUI supportive sysui_nav_bar (on MIUI 10 And below it may not work).
Another common problem is resetting your settings after the update, to avoid this:
⚠️ Attention: Before updating the firmware, back up the button settings via Settings → Additionally. → Backup → System settings. You can only restore them after the first activation of the new version. MIUI.
If after all the manipulations, the buttons still do not respond, try resetting to the factory settings (but remember, this will delete all data from the device!). On Xiaomi TVs, press Menu + Home on the remote for 5 seconds.