Xiaomi’s current MIUI-based smartphones offer a number of navigation options: classic buttons, full-screen gestures, and combined solutions. Gesture controls not only free the screen from virtual keys, but also speed up interaction with the device by 30% according to the company’s internal tests. However, many users face difficulties in setting up or even unaware of hidden gestures to quickly access features available only through the engineering menu.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can activate gestures on Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi’s flagship 13/14 models, including little-known tricks for MIUI 14 (like a gesture to call Google Assistant or a quick screenshot). You’ll learn how to return buttons when gestures are uncomfortable, why swipes have gone missing after the update, and how to adjust the sensitivity of the trigger to your habits.
Types of gestures on Xiaomi: comparison and selection of the best option
MIUI has three main types of navigation, each of which is suitable for different use cases, so let's break down their features so you can consciously choose the one that suits you:
- 📱 The classic buttons -- the traditional "Back," "Home," and "Recent" buttons at the bottom of the screen -- are for conservatives and those who often switch from Android to iOS and back. ~10% of the screen area.
- 👆 Full-screen gestures MIUI — Swipes from the bottom of the screen replace all buttons, frees the display as much as possible, but requires addiction (especially the gesture "back" on the right).
- ⚡ Android gestures (AOSP) — It's an alternative implementation from Google, where the swipe from the bottom down the center always returns to the home screen, less flexible, but more predictable for users of other brands.
It is important to note that the POCO F5 Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Default Signs Activated MIUI, Redmi Note 12 is often used for the European market. AOSP-This is due to Google's requirements for certification of devices for Europe. → Display. → Full screen mode.
| Type of gesture | Advantages | Deficiencies | Better for you. |
|---|
| Classic buttons | Traditionally, no training. | Takes up screen space. | Beginners, older users |
| MIUI gestures | Maximum screen area, flexible settings | Random positives, learning curve | Advanced users, gamers |
| Android Gestures (AOSP) | Standardized management, fewer errors | Fewer functions than in MIUI | People who frequently change smartphones from different brands |
📊 What type of navigation are you using?
Classic buttons
MIUI gestures
Android Gestures (AOSP)
I haven't tried gestures yet.
Step-by-step: how to turn on gestures on Xiaomi
Activation of gesture control takes no more than a minute, but the path to settings may vary depending on the version of MIUI and regional firmware.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Display section.
- Select Full-screen mode (on some models - System navigation).
- Slip on full-screen gestures or gesture navigation.
- Choose one of the options: 🔄 Swipe up - gestures MIUI (recommended) 📱 Navigation buttons – returns the classic buttons ⚡ Android gestures — AOSP-implementation
Ready.
On Xiaomi 13T Pro and new HyperOS models, the path is slightly changed: Settings → Screen → System Navigation. If you don’t have gestures displayed, upgrade to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update. Some regional firmware (e.g. India) may require you to change region to Russia or Europe in Settings → Additional → Region.
⚠️ Note: On devices with unlocked bootloader and custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) standard gestures MIUI In this case, use Magisk modules like this "MIUI Extra Gestures" or go to the AOSP-gesture.
Hidden gestures and advanced settings
In addition to basic navigation, MIUI also has additional gestures that make it much faster to use your smartphone, which can be found in Settings → Additional → Gestures and Movements (on some models, the path: Settings → Special Features → Gestures).
- 📸 Quick screenshot: swipe three fingers down the screen, even in games and full-screen applications.
- 🔍 Search call: swipe down the home screen (similar to Spotlight on iPhone) Configured in Settings → Main screen screen → Search.
- 🔊 Volume adjustment: swipe up/down on the left or right side of the screen (alternative to physical buttons).
- 💤 Sleep/wake-up: double tap on the screen to enable (works only on the screen) AMOLED-display).
- 🔄 Switching applications: swipe left on the bottom panel in gesture mode (analogue of double tap on the button "Recently").
The POCO F4 GT and gamer devices have unique gestures to launch the Game Turbo:
Settings → Special features → Gestures → Gestures in games
Here you can assign swipes around the edges of the screen to call FPS panels, block notifications or activate the Do Not Disturb mode.
How to return the back gesture on the left (as in the older versions of MIUI)
V MIUI 14, the back gesture only works by default when swiping from the right edge. To return it to the left side: 1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play. 2. Find activity com.android.settings.Settings$GestureAnywhereSettingsActivity. 3. Enable the Left Edge option and restart the device. ⚠️ After updating MIUI The settings could be reset! One of the main problems when switching to gesture control is accidental positives (for example, returning to the main screen when scrolling through the tape in social networks) or, conversely, insufficient responsiveness (you have to repeat the swipe several times). MIUI have hidden options for fine-tuning: Activate Developer Mode: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times) Go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers. Here are the most common problems and their solutions: Problem Possible cause Gesture solutions don't work after updating Reset navigation settings Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Settings and clear cache Swipe "back" triggered once Security glass/case Conflict Check sensitivity in For developers or remove case Gestures lag in games Active Performance Mode Disable Settings → Battery → Performance Mode Missed gesture for screenshot Disabled in accessibility settings Enable in Settings → Special facilities → If the gestures stopped working after installing a custom launcher (such as Nova Launcher or HyperOS Launcher), return the standard launcher via: Settings → Annexes → By default. → Launcher at Redmi K60 Pro and other devices with 120/144 Hz displays may be delayed gestures Find the points: 📏 Sensitivity of gestures back (recommended value: 0.3–0.5) ⏱️ Duration of retention for gesture home (150-300 ms) 🔄 Size of the swipe area for recent (set 20–30% of the screen width) 12S Ultra and other flagships with curved screens (Curved Display) may need additional calibration due to false touches at the edges. → Display. → Additionally. → Calibration of edges. Follow the instructions on the screen, avoid touching in bending zones. Solving gesture problems on Xiaomi Even after setting the right setup, users experience typical errors due to adaptive refresh rates. To fix this: Go to Settings → Display. → Update frequency: Select a fixed value (e.g. 120 Hz) instead of Adaptive. Turn off Settings → Battery → Optimization MIUI system. ⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek Dimensity (e.g. Redmi Note) 12 Pro+) resetting gesture settings through Settings → Resetting settings → Reset navigation settings can lead to loss of display calibration. Before reset, write down the current sensitivity values in your notebook! Gestures in games and special modes For gamers, Xiaomi has provided unique gesture combinations that work even in full-screen applications. These features are hidden in the Game Turbo menu and require pre-activation: Open Settings → Special facilities → Gestures in games. Turn on the Game Turbo Gesture switch. Set up the following options: 🎮 Quick access to Game Turbo: swipe from two corners at the same time. 📵 Do Not Disturb: Keeping three fingers in the center of the screen. 📊 Panel FPS: swipe down from top right corner. 🔋 Temperature. CPU/GPU: swipe down from top left corner. On Black Shark 5 Pro (and other physical trigger devices), gestures can be combined with hardware buttons: 🔫 Holding the right trigger + swipe → Quick-Switching of Weapons in Shooter. 🛡️ Double-press left trigger → lock-in MOBA. To activate these features, you need to install Shark Space proprietary software (available on GetApps or the official Xiaomi website, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact Game Turbo gestures may conflict with built-in controls. In this case, add the game to exceptions: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [select the game] → Battery → Unlimited Alternative Gesture Controls If Standard Gestures MIUI You are not satisfied, consider third-party solutions. They offer more flexibility, but require root rights or ADB-Teams for full-time work.-3 tested: 🛠️ Fluid Navigation Gestures (Google Play): Full customization of gestures (forms, trigger zones, animations). ADB-Integration with Tasker for automation. minus: plugins for some functions paid. ⚡ XDA Labs (modules for Magisk): Module "MIUI Extra Gestures adds gestures to call Google Assistant, Split Screen, etc. Edge Gestures allows you to assign swipe actions to the edges of the screen. 🤖 Swiftly Switch (for quick app switching): Swipe gesture on the back (works on gyroscope devices). Android support 12+. Cons: High battery consumption (~5–10% hour of active use). For the installation of Fluid NG through ADB Follow the following commands (pre-enable debugging by USB In the developer settings: adb shell pm grant com.fb.fluid android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS adb shell pm grant com.fb.fluid android.permission.READ_SECURE_SETTINGS 💡Sign applications may conflict with system services MIUI. Before installation, create a recovery point in TWRP or make a backup copy through Settings → The phone. → Backup! FAQ: Frequent questions about gestures on Xiaomi ❓ How to return classic buttons if gestures are uncomfortable? Go to Settings → Display. → Full screen mode and select Navigation buttons (POCO X5 Pro) this item may be called Three-button navigation. If the option is not available, update the firmware or reset the settings via Settings → Resetting settings → Resetting navigation settings. ❓ Why does the back gesture work when I scroll through the feed on social media? This is a typical problem on devices with curved screens (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3). Solutions: Reduce sensitivity in Settings → For developers → Sensitivity of gestures back (set 0.2–0.3). Turn off gestures at the edges: Settings → Display. → Additionally. → Touch zones around the edges. Use an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) with your own gestures. ❓ Can I assign my gestures to run apps? Yes, but only with third-party apps: Install Tasker + AutoInput plugin. Create a task with a gesture trigger (like swiping up from the corners). Set an action to "Start the application." Alternatively, the Xposed Edge module (requires Magisk). On some firmware (HyperOS), this feature is available out of the box in Settings → Additionally. → Quick action. ❓ After updating MIUI All gestures are missing. How do I return? This is due to resetting the navigation settings. Try: Clear the cache of Settings through Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Clear the cache. Run the command through ADB: adb shell cmd overlay enable-exclusive com.android.internal.systemui.navbar.gestural Make reset via Safe Mode (hold the power button) → "Restart Safe Mode. If nothing helps, make a full reset via Settings. → Resetting settings → Reset all settings (data will not be deleted, only settings). ❓ How to turn off vibration when using gestures? Vibration response is set separately: Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → System vibration. Turn off the switch Vibration when you touch. For precise settings, use ADB: adb shell settings put global haptic_feedback_enabled 0 Xiaomi. 14 With HyperOS path: Settings → Sound. → Additionally. → Vibration in navigation.