Xiaomi’s current smartphones, which run on the MIUI or HyperOS shell, offer users the flexibility to personalize the interface. One of the first steps new device owners take is to change the way they navigate. The standard three-button scheme at the bottom of the screen is common, but it takes up useful space and looks less aesthetic than full-screen gestures.
Changing the control method allows not only freeing up a few millimeters of useful display area, but also significantly speed up the work with the gadget. Navigation gestures are considered more intuitive, as they reduce the path of the finger to the desired function. However, the switching process may not be obvious for those who first encountered the Android ecosystem performed by the Chinese manufacturer.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to change the location of buttons on Xiaomi, how to invert their order for easy use with one hand and what hidden opportunities are hidden by system navigation. You will learn to fully adapt the control to your habits, whether it is a classic three buttons or a modern system of swipes.
Available navigation methods in MIUI and HyperOS
Before you start changing your settings, you need to understand what control options your smartphone operating system offers. In current versions of firmware from Xiaomi, developers have implemented two main scenarios for interaction with the interface. The first option is the classic navigation with buttons, which includes three virtual keys located at the bottom of the screen.
The second option is gesture control, where the buttons disappear completely, freeing up space for app content. In this mode, the button functions are swiped from the edges of the screen. There is also a hybrid mode, but it is less common and depends on the specific version of MIUI. The choice between these methods depends solely on the user's personal preferences and the speed of getting used to new movements.
It's worth noting that switching to gestures takes some time to build muscle memory. However, after a period of adaptation, most users note that swipes allow them to switch faster between running applications and return to the desktop. The system becomes more responsive as visual noise in the form of graphical interface elements disappears.
Where to find screen control settings
To change the navigation settings, you need access to the system settings menu. The path to the desired partition may vary slightly depending on the version of the firmware installed, but the general logic of the menu structure is retained in all current Redmi and Poco models. You need to open the Settings app and find the section responsible for the appearance and system functions.
In most cases, the item you are looking for is on the Settings → Settings → System Navigation path. In some HyperOS updates, this section has been moved closer to the top of the basic settings list or integrated into the Desktop menu. If you can’t find the item right away, use the search bar at the top of the Settings menu.
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Use the search by settings by typing the phrase “navigation” or “buttons” to instantly go to the desired menu without long searches by section.
When you enter System Navigation, you'll see two large preview pictures showing the method you've chosen. This is where the basic switching happens. Note that when you change the method, the system can offer a brief tutorial showing you how to do the basic things in a new way. Don't ignore these clues if you're changing the control method for the first time.
Instructions for switching between buttons and gestures
The process of changing the type of navigation takes only a few seconds, but requires care not to accidentally activate unnecessary features.Follow the step-by-step algorithm to properly configure the management of your Xiaomi device.Before you start, make sure the screen is unlocked and you are on the desktop.
☑️ Checklist for navigation switching
Once you've entered the selection menu, the system will offer you two options: If you want to return buttons, select Buttons. Three virtual keys will appear on the screen. If your target is a modern interface, select Gestures. The buttons will disappear instantly, and a thin bar will appear at the bottom.
It's important to understand that when you switch to gestures, the old buttons stop responding to clicks. Now, to swipe back, you swipe from the left or right edge of the screen to the center. You use a short swipe from the bottom up to the desktop, and you use a swipe from the bottom up to open a list of recent apps with a split second delay.
⚠️ Note: When switching to gestures, the return menu area (swipe from the edge) may conflict with the side menus in some apps. If the swipe doesn't work the first time, try moving your finger a little further from the physical frame of the screen.
How to invert the order of navigation buttons
Many users prefer to hold the smartphone in their right hand using their thumb to control. In the standard Android configuration, the Back button is located on the left, which requires either interception of the device or the use of the left thumb. To fix this, Xiaomi has a button order inversion feature.
To change the position of the keys while in button navigation mode, click on the gear icon or button settings, which is usually located next to the preview of the chosen method. In the menu that opens, you will see the option to mirror the order of the buttons or similar wording. Activating this switch will change the buttons in places: "Back" will be on the right and the task menu will be on the left.
This feature is especially useful for people with limited finger mobility or those who are used to the logic of the interfaces of iOS or older versions of Android. The changes apply instantly and do not require a reboot of the device. You can experiment with the layout until you find the most convenient configuration for yourself.
| Control element | Standard location | After the inversion | Action. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back button | Left. | Right. | Back a step. |
| Home button | Downtown. | Downtown. | Access to the desktop |
| The "Menu" button | Right. | Left. | Opening of running applications |
| Sign stripe | Downtown. | Downtown. | Sign indicator (not changed) |
Note that button inversions don't affect gestures if you switch to them later, and the logic of swipes is the same: the return is always from the side edges, no matter how the buttons were placed before, but visual memory can prompt wrong actions in the first hours of using a new circuit.
Setting up the concealment of the navigation lane
One of the common complaints of users who have switched to gesture control is that there is a thin bar at the bottom of the screen, which suggests that navigation is done by swipes, but it can interfere with watching videos or reading text in applications without full screen mode, and fortunately, MIUI allows you to hide this indicator.
To remove the bar from the navigation type selection menu, find the Hide gesture hint (or Hide the indicator) switch. Once activated, the thin line will disappear and the bottom of the screen will be completely clean, creating a frameless display effect and improving the visual perception of the content.
How do you go back if the strip is hidden?
But there's a downside to hiding the band, and for new users, the lack of a visual cue can be a source of disorientation, and you may forget that you're in gesture mode and try to push a non-existent button, so it's a good idea to hide the indicator only after you've fully mastered swipe management.
Solutions and subtleties of navigation
Despite the ease of customization, users may encounter situations where buttons or gestures are not working properly, such as buttons that overlap the interface in older applications, and gestures that conflict with system swipes within programs, where calibration or resetting navigation settings helps.
If the buttons are no longer responsive or are delayed, try restarting the system process of the interface, you can use the command via ADB or just restart the smartphone. In rare cases, the problem lies in the installed third-party launcher, which intercepts navigation control, in which case, check the settings of the launcher itself.
Also worth mentioning is the "App Launch Accelerated" feature, which can be available in advanced gesture settings, which allows you to run frequently used swipe programs up from the corner of the screen, a powerful tool for productivity, but it requires precision movements so as not to confuse it with a normal back-up.
⚠️ Note: Some gaming applications may not display correctly when gestures are turned on, accidentally winding up the game when you touch the edges. In such cases, use Game mode or temporarily switch to buttons for comfortable play.
Understanding the principles of navigation allows you not only to change the pictures on the screen, but to build an ergonomic interaction with the device. Properly tuned buttons or honed gestures reduce finger fatigue with prolonged use of the smartphone and make working with Xiaomi really enjoyable.
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Optimal navigation settings are a balance between user habits and interface capabilities; don’t be afraid to experiment with gestures for at least a week to appreciate their benefits.