How to change arrows on Xiaomi phone: a complete guide with pictures

Xiaomi’s navigation arrows are the three buttons at the bottom of the display (back, home, latest apps) that many users want to replace with gestures or alternative icons. But what if the standard arrows are tired and there’s no obvious way to change them in the settings? This article will reveal all the available methods, from the official to the hidden ones, taking into account the features of MIUI 14/15 and the new HyperOS.

We'll look at not only basic settings, but also advanced tricks using ADBs, third-party launchers, and even modified firmware. And then we'll see why some Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) behave differently than flagships like Xiaomi 14. Ready to turn the bottom of your smartphone into a handy tool?

Why Xiaomi’s navigation arrows don’t change in the standard way

Most Xiaomi smartphones have defaulted to the classic navigation arrows — three buttons familiar to Android 9 Pie — but unlike Samsung or Google Pixel, where you can easily change their appearance, MIUI often has this option hidden or absent.

• 🔹 Uniform corporate identity: Xiaomi strives for visual unification of the interface on all devices, therefore limits the customization of navigation elements.
• 🔹 Priority of gestures: Starting with MIUI 12, the company is actively promoting full-screen gestures instead of buttons, considering them more modern.
• 🔹 HyperOS Limits: In the new shell (debuted to Xiaomi 14), some of the settings are moved to the developer section or completely removed.

But that doesn't mean you can't change the arrows, you just have to know where to look. For example, some models (like the POCO F5) have the option hidden in the Special Options menu, and others require you to activate the Developer Mode. Next, we'll go through all the options, from simple to complex.

Method 1: Replace arrows through MIUI settings (official method)

To start with, the basics are built-in MIUI tools, which work on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices with a shell version at least MIUI 11. Importantly, some models (e.g. Redmi 10A) may have different paths to settings.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings → Display.
2. Select Full-screen mode (on HyperOS - Navigation style).
3. Slip the navigation buttons (if gestures are active, switch to the buttons first).
4. At the bottom of the screen will appear the option of button layout – here you can select the order of the buttons (for example, swap the places “Back” and “Recent”).

Unfortunately, you can't change arrow icons (like mugs or lines) through standard settings -- you'll need additional tools to do that. But if you're only happy with repositioning the buttons, that's enough.

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On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13T) after upgrading to HyperOS, the button layout option disappears. In this case, try resetting the display to factory settings: Settings → About Phone → Resetting → Display settings Reset.

Method 2: Using ADB to deep customize arrows

If you don't have a lot of standard settings, Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for advanced users, can not only change the order of the buttons, but also completely remove the arrows by replacing them with a transparent panel or custom icons, which works on all Xiaomi devices with an unlocked bootloader.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. To change the order of the buttons (for example, do "Back" on the right), use: adb shell settings put global settings. policy_control immersive.full=*
5. For complete concealment of arrows (only gestures will remain): adb shell cmd overlay enable com.android.internal.systemui.navbar.gestural

⚠️ Attention: Some teams ADB may conflict with the shell MIUI. If after the changes the phone started to glitches (for example, does not respond to swipes), return the default settings with the command:

adb shell cmd overlay disable com.android.internal.systemui.navbar.gestural

Debugging is on. USB|Drivers installed ADB PC-only|Smartphone connected in file transfer mode|Backup copy of data created-->

Method 3: Third-party launchers with support for custom shooters

If ADB seems too complicated, the other way to go is to install an alternative launcher, many of which allow you not only to change the icons of the arrows, but also completely redesign the bottom panel.

How to set up custom arrows in Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Go to Settings Nova → Docking Station Panel.
3. Select Navigation Bar Style → Transparent or Custom.
4. To completely replace the arrows, install an icon pack (such as the Flux Icon Pack) and apply it to the launcher settings.

⚠️ Warning: Some launchers may conflict with system gestures on HyperOS. If swipes stop working after Nova Launcher is installed, turn off the built-in navigation. MIUI through settings → Special facilities → System navigation.

Method 4: Modified firmware and Magisk modules

For the most advanced users willing to risk the stability of the system, there is a radical method - installing custom firmware or modules for Magisk, which will not only change the arrows, but also completely remake the MIUI interface.

Popular solutions:

• 📦 MIUI Mix Explorer: A module for Magisk that adds advanced navigation bar settings, including replacing icons with customized ones.
• 📱 Havoc OS / Pixel Experience: Android-based firmware without shell MIUI, where the arrows are configured through the standard menu → Gestures.
• 🔧 Xposed Framework (for older versions) MIUI): Allows you to install modules like GravityBox for fine-tuning the interface.

Instructions for installing MIUI Mix Explorer:

1. Unlock the bootloader on your Xiaomi (instructions on the official website).
2. Install Magisk and download the MIUI Mix Explorer module from the repository.
3. Restart your phone and open the MIUI Mix app.
4. Go to the interface settings → Navigation bar and select one of the suggested arrow styles (including iOS-style or transparent panel).

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware will void the warranty and may cause the phone to work unstable.Be sure to back up through Settings before the procedure → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

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Using Magisk modules is the only way to get fully customized arrow icons (like the iPhone or Samsung One UI) without replacing the firmware.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When changing arrows on Xiaomi, users often encounter bugs, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Arrows are missing after the update: Reset the launcher settings or return the standard interface via Settings → Annexes → Silence.
• 🎨 Arrow icons have become blurry: Clear the system interface cache (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → System interface MIUI → Clear the cache).
• ⚡ Gestures stopped working after launcher installation: Turn off launcher navigation in its settings or go back to standard arrows MIUI.
• 🔒 ADB-Commands not applicable: Make sure that the debugging USB Repeat the command with superuser rights (adb root).

If none of these methods worked, check if any of the apps installed conflict with the arrow settings. For example, Good Lock (for Samsung) or Substratum can override system styles. Uninstall suspicious programs and restart the phone.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to decide, we have compiled a comparative table of all ways to replace arrows with Xiaomi:

For most users, the best solution is a combination of standard settings and a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher), but if you want maximum customization, you will have to unlock the bootloader and use Magisk.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions