Buttons on Xiaomi smartphones are not just controls, but keys to the user-friendliness of the device, from physical on and volume buttons to touch areas on the screen, each of them can be customized to suit your needs. buttons stop working after updating, vibration is annoying, and standard features are not satisfied. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to adjust the buttons on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — From basic parameters to hidden possibilities MIUI.
It is important to understand that the customization options depend on the smartphone model and firmware version, such as flagship devices (Xiaomi 14, POCO F6 Pros support more options than budget options (Redmi) 13C). We'll take these into account and provide universal solutions that work on most devices. If your button doesn't respond to clicks or behaves incorrectly, at the end of this article you'll find a section on diagnostics and repairs.
Types of buttons on Xiaomi smartphones and their functions
Xiaomi smartphones come with several types of buttons, each of which performs specific tasks, and let’s take a look at them in detail so you understand what elements you can customize.
Physical buttons are mechanical keys located on the device body:
- 🔄 Power button – on/off, screen lock, call voice assistant (on some models).
- 🔊 Volume buttons – adjusting sound, rewinding tracks (in some firmware), quickly opening the camera.
- 🔘 Google Assistant button – is present on some models (for example, the Google Assistant button, POCO X6 Pro).
Touch buttons (or gestures) are virtual controls on the screen:
- 🏠 Home button – returns to the main screen.
- 🔙 Back button – return to the previous screen.
- 🗂️ The “Recent” button opens the list of recent apps.
On new models (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi Note 13 Pro+) Touch buttons are often replaced by navigation gestures, but can be returned in settings. Some devices also support additional buttons through accessories (for example, Xiaomi Smart Button for smart home).
How to Reassign Physical Button Functions
By default, the buttons on Xiaomi perform standard actions, but MIUI So, for example, you can make a double tap of the power button open the camera, and a long hold of the volume button triggers the voice assistant.
To reassign functions:
- Open the Settings. → Advanced settings → Buttons and gestures.
- Select the Power button or Volume buttons.
- Assign new actions for single, double pressing or holding.
The options available depend on the model. POCO F5 can be tuned:
- 📷 Opening the camera with double pressing the power button.
- 🎵 Rewinding tracks while holding volume buttons.
- 🔦 Turning on the flashlight at triple pressing.
Check the version. MIUI (Some functions are available only for MIUI 14+)
Make a backup copy of settings
Choose convenient combinations (not conflicting with system ones)
Test new appointments in safe mode-->
Restrictions: On some models (e.g. Redmi) A2) Reassignment options can be cut down. It is also worth remembering that changing the volume button functions can conflict with system actions (for example, adjusting the sound during a call).
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If your firmware doesn’t have a reassignment option, try installing the Button Mapper app from Google Play.It supports most Xiaomi devices and allows you to flexibly customize buttons.
Setting up touch buttons and navigation gestures
Touch buttons on the screen (or soft buttons) can be customized or replaced entirely with gestures, especially for bezel-free devices where there are no physical buttons.
To change the type of navigation:
- Go to Settings. → Display. → Type of navigation.
- Choose one of the options: 🏠 Navigation buttons – classic three buttons (Home, Back, Recent). 👆 Gestures MIUI — swipes from the bottom edge of the screen. 📱 Full-screen gestures – swipes from the side edges (analogue of the iPhone).
If you have selected navigation buttons, you can further configure them:
- 🔄 Change the order of the buttons (for example, change the “back” and “recent” places).
- 🎨 Change the transparency or color of the buttons.
- ⚡ Turn off vibration when pressed.
On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the Smart Button option is available, which automatically hides touch keys in full-screen applications (for example, in games or video).
| Type of navigation | Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation buttons | It is intuitive, and works in all applications. | It takes up space on the screen, looks outdated. |
| MIUI gestures | Quick access to multitasking, more space | It requires addiction, there may be random swipes |
| Full-screen gestures | Maximum screen usage, modern look | Not all apps support, it’s hard to go back. |
How to return navigation buttons if they are missing?
Disabling button vibrations and other irritating effects
Many users complain of too much vibration when pressing buttons, both physical and touch, which can be turned off or customized to suit themselves.
To turn off the vibration:
- For physical buttons: Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Vibration when pressed. Turn off Vibration when you press the buttons.
- For Touch buttons: Go to Settings → Display. → Type of navigation → Sign settings. Turn off the vibration when you touch.
If the vibration is too weak or strong, it can be adjusted:
- 📉 B Settings → Sound and vibration → Vibration intensity select the appropriate level.
- 🔧 On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Vibration settings are available for each button separately.
On devices with MIUI 13 and older, button vibrations can automatically turn on in Do Not Disturb mode, even if it is turned off in the settings. To avoid this, check for exceptions in Settings → Don't disturb. → Vibration.
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Turning off the vibration of the buttons does not affect the vibration of the keyboard or notifications – these settings are adjusted separately.
Diagnostics of broken buttons: software and hardware causes
If the button on your Xiaomi has stopped working, first determine if it is a software problem or a hardware one.
Programmatic reasons:
- 🔄 Firmware failure – the button does not work after the update MIUI.
- 📱 Application conflict – third-party software blocks click processing.
- ⚙️ Incorrect settings – the button is disabled in the system settings.
Hardware causes:
- 💧 Moisture intake - oxidation of button contacts.
- 🔨 Mechanical damage – the button jammed or soldered off the train.
- 🔋 Wear – frequent use has led to breakdown of the mechanism.
For diagnosis:
- Reboot your smartphone – sometimes it temporarily solves the problem.
- Check the button in safe mode (hold the power button). → «Safe Mode. If the button works, it's third-party software.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and check the button with ADB: adb shell input keyevent KEYCODE_VOLUME_UP If the command works but the button does not work, the hardware problem is.
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If the volume button only works in one direction (e.g., increases sound but does not decrease), the problem is likely mechanical damage.
Repair and replacement buttons on Xiaomi: when to contact the service
If the diagnosis showed that the button failed physically, there are several ways to solve the problem - from self-repair to contacting the service center.
What you can do on your own:
- 🧹 Cleaning the button – if it sticks or presses poorly, try removing the dirt with isopropyl alcohol and cotton swab.
- 🔧 Disassembly and verification of the plume – if you are an experienced user, you can disassemble the smartphone and check whether the button plume has moved away from the motherboard.
- 🛠️ Replace buttons – on AliExpress or in specialized stores you can buy parts for popular models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5).
When to contact the service:
- 🚨 The button doesn’t respond fully and cleaning yourself didn’t help.
- 💦 The smartphone fell into the water or was subjected to severe humidity (you need professional cleaning).
- 🔧 Requires a soldering iron to replace a plume or chip (for example, on Xiaomi) 11T Pro).
The cost of repairing buttons in service centers:
| Type of repair | Cost (₽) | Date(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning the mud button | 500–1 000 | 1 |
| Replacement of the power button | 1 500–3 000 | 1–2 |
| Replacement of volume button plume | 2 000–4 000 | 2–3 |
| Repairs after moisture | 3 000–6 000 | 3–5 |
⚠️ Note: If you decide to replace the button yourself, be careful with the plumes - they are very fragile. IP-certification (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) after disassembly may break the tightness, and the device will lose protection from water.
Hidden button functions on Xiaomi: what keys can do besides the main tasks
Buttons on Xiaomi can perform hidden functions that many users are unaware of. Here are some useful tricks:
Power button:
- 🔋 5 seconds retention – forced reboot (works even if the smartphone is frozen).
- 📞 Triple pressing - on some models (POCO F4) Turns on/off the "Do Not Disturb" mode».
- 🔦 Double press in the off state – includes a flashlight (configured in Settings) → Advanced settings → Power button).
Volume buttons:
- 🎵 Holding off – on some devices starts Fastboot mode.
- 📸 Clicking off – Quick camera opening (powers on Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ newer).
- 🔇 Simultaneously pressing both volume buttons POCO It can turn on/off the silent mode.
Touch buttons:
- 🔄 Holding the "Recent" button opens the split screen menu (on the MIUI 14+).
- 🏠 Double-clicking on the Home button – folds all applications (similar to a gesture on the iPhone).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for POCO Some button combinations may conflict with branded features (e.g., start-up) POCO Before setting up, check if these options are disabled in Settings → Features POCO.