How to make buttons on Xiaomi: hidden features and gestures

Xiaomi’s current smartphones, which use MIUI or HyperOS shells, offer users a flexible interface management system. Many owners who switch from other devices or buy a gadget for the first time often face the absence of the usual three buttons at the bottom of the screen. Instead, gesture control is activated by default, which may seem inconvenient for those who are accustomed to classic navigation. The question of how to make buttons on Xiaomi is one of the most frequent in user communities.

But the phrase “button” often means more than just returning to classic navigation. In the context of the Mi ecosystem, it can mean setting up function keys, creating shortcuts to quickly launch applications, or even programming physical volume buttons to perform specific tasks. Understanding the differences between software navigation elements and physical or virtual action triggers allows you to fully unlock the potential of your device.

In this article, we will discuss all aspects of the configuration of navigation elements. You will learn how to switch to the classic look, how to assign a double press on the lock button to start the camera, and how to use special features to create your own combinations. Deep customization of the interface will make using your smartphone as comfortable as possible for you.

⚠️ Note: Before making changes to your navigation system settings, make sure you remember how to go back in the current interface so you don’t get confused in the settings menu.

Activation of classic navigation buttons

The most common scenario where users are looking for a way to "make buttons" is to return three keys: "Back", "Home" and "Menu." In newer versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the default system offers swipe management, hiding buttons. You can return them through the standard settings menu, but the path may vary slightly depending on the regional version of the software.

To start, you need to go to the system settings section. Find the desktop and navigation section. Here you will be asked to choose between two modes: "Full-screen mode" (gestures) and "Buttons." Choosing the button mode will instantly change the interface by adding a control panel at the bottom of the screen, which is especially convenient for users with large smartphones, where it can be difficult to reach the upper corners for a swipe.

Once the buttons are turned on, the system often allows them to adjust their behavior further, you can change the location of the Back key (left or right), which is critical for left-handers, and there is also an option to hide the buttons when watching videos or games, which prevents accidental presses and expands the usable area of the display.

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Desktop or Settings → Additional settings.
• 🔘 Select the item System Navigation.
• 🔄 Switch the switch to button mode.
• ⚙️ Click on the gear next to the mode to adjust the order of the buttons.

⚠️ Note: On some global firmware versions, the path to navigation settings may be hidden in the Full-screen mode section, where you just need to turn off the corresponding switch.

It’s important to note that buttons consume slightly more interface resources than gestures, although on modern Snapdragon or Dimensity processors, this difference is completely invisible in everyday use. However, if you have an older smartphone model, switching to gestures can slightly speed up the system by freeing up the screen bar.

Configuring the functionality of physical buttons

The physical buttons on the body of Xiaomi's smartphone are not just a mechanism for turning on and adjusting sound; it allows you to reprogram their actions to perform useful functions. Standard behaviors - a short press to turn on the screen and a long one to call an assistant or camera - can be changed to suit your needs.

One of the most useful features is to double-press the power button, and this works even on a locked screen, allowing you to take a snapshot instantly. To activate this option, you need to go to the camera settings or special features, and you can set up the launch of Google Assistant or Xiao AI with a long power button clamping, if you don't need standard behavior.

Volume control buttons are also customizable, especially when the screen is off. You can set the lower volume button to turn on the flashlight for a long time, much faster than looking for an app on the menu or reaching for the notification curtain in the dark.

For users who lack a single physical button, there are external solutions. There are special cases with an additional button connected via a charging connector or Bluetooth that can be programmed to run any application. However, there are built-in tools for reassigning volume keys inside the operating system (for example, to change the track in the player when the screen is off) in the standard MIUI, there are no third-party applications required.

Creating virtual buttons and macros

If physical buttons are not enough, virtual buttons come to the rescue. In the Xiaomi ecosystem, there is a powerful tool called "Macros" (or "Scenarios"), which allows you to create complex chains of actions that are triggered by one touch of a virtual button on your desktop or widget.

To create your macro button, open the Security app or search the Macros menu, and you can create a new script here, for example, a "I'm on the go" button can simultaneously include a "I'm on the go" button. GPS, Launch the navigator, open the music and send SMS-So you're going to send a message to your family contact with your geolocation, and that's what you're doing, you know, creating a full-featured function button for a specific task.

You can also use app shortcut widgets, and you can put not just an icon on your desktop, but a specific function of an app if it supports shortcuts, but smart buttons are created through scripts, and you can set a macro to run at a specific time, location, or Wi-Fi connection.

• 🛠 Open the Macros app (often in the Tools folder").
• ➕ Press the button. + create a new scenario.
• 🎯 Select the trigger (start condition) and the action.
• 🏠 Add the created macro to the desktop as a widget button.

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Use macros to create a “Conference Mode” button that puts the phone on silent mode, turns off vibration and launches the recorder with a single touch.

For advanced users, third-party launchers or applications like Button Mapper can be installed, allowing you to reassign the actions of the volume buttons even within running applications, for example, in a game, the volume button can become the shot button, and in a browser, the page scroll button, which gives you complete control over the device.

Use of special management opportunities

The Accessibility section contains features that allow you to create floating control buttons. The Special Opportunity Menu adds a floating button to the screen, which opens the panel with quick actions: screenshot, lock screen, volume control and more.

This floating button can be moved to any corner of the screen and customized to suit your needs, and you can replace the standard steps with the launch of specific applications, which is ideal for people with limited motor skills or for those who have a physical switch on their smartphone.

Another useful feature is "Gestural Control," which allows you to assign actions to tap on the back of your smartphone (if the model supports this sensor function) or to certain gestures in the air, and although these are not quite "buttons" in the classical sense, functionally they perform the same role - fast start programs.

Using special features does not require superuser rights (Root), which makes this method safe for guaranteed maintenance of the device. However, it is worth remembering that too many floating elements on the screen can interfere with viewing in games or when watching videos.

⚠️ Note: Floating buttons may overlap interface elements in some applications. Check regularly to see if the widget interferes with navigation in commonly used programs.

Solving problems with broken buttons

There are times when buttons stop responding to pressing, which can be caused by software failure or physical damage. If the navigation buttons on the screen are stuck, the first thing you do is try to restart the device, which often solves the problem of a temporary conflict of processes.

If the physical buttons are not working, check if there is a case that presses on the mechanism. It is also worth cleaning the charging connector and speaker (if the button is combined), since dust can block the key from moving. In the case of touch buttons (on older models), calibrating the screen through the engineering menu helps.

You can use the ##6484## (engineering menu) code for diagnostics, where there are button tests. If the test shows that the signal from the button is not passing, you probably need to change the plume or module at the service center.

In some cases, the problem is with a particular application that is "capturing" button management. Try to start your phone in safe mode. If the buttons are working properly in safe mode, then one of the apps you installed is to blame for the one that you need to remove.

Third-party customization applications

The standard MIUI functionality is sometimes not enough for power users, and then Google Play apps come to the rescue, and the leader in this area is Button Mapper, which allows you to assign actions to single, double and long presses of volume and power.

Another interesting app is Assistive Touch, which adds a floating ball to the screen, similar to the one in the old iPhones, and you can place up to 6-8 buttons inside of it to quickly access features that aren't on the standard menu, which makes your smartphone a unique control tool.

For minimalist fans, there are launchers that completely change the way navigation buttons look, so you can make them transparent, change color, change size, or even replace icons with your own images, so you can personalize the device beyond recognition.

Using third-party software requires permissions. Button apps need access to special features and sometimes usage statistics. Make sure you only download programs from trusted sources so that your data is not compromised.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Flexible button settings on Xiaomi are a balance between the convenience of standard gestures and the functionality of programmable macros.