Owners of budget smartphones often seek to bring elements characteristic of flagship models of competitors to the interface of their device. Xiaomi Redmi 9A is a popular device, but its standard shell MIUI can look outdated compared to iOS. One of the most noticeable visual differences of Apple gadgets is a specific navigation bar at the bottom of the screen, replacing the usual buttons.
Many users are wondering if you can recreate this aesthetic element on an Android device, and the answer is yes: with the flexibility of the system and the ability to install third-party apps, you can easily change the appearance of the lower edge of the display, which not only improves the visual experience, but can also add convenience when controlling one hand.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available interface transformation methods, we will look at the standard system settings that are already laid down by developers, as well as effective third-party solutions, you will learn how to customize gestures and choose the right themes to make your Redmi 9A more like an iPhone.
Setup of system navigation gestures
The first and easiest step to achieve the desired result is to activate full-screen control. Unlike the older versions of Android, which were dominated by three buttons, modern interfaces use hidden zones and thin indicators. On MIUI, this feature is implemented with good quality, but requires manual activation in the settings menu.
To start, you need to go to the section that controls the screen. Find the Settings item in the app menu or notification curtain. Next, follow the path Additional → Full-Envelope Mode. Here the system will suggest choosing between classic buttons and gesture control. Choose the second option to activate the thin bar at the bottom of the display.
After switching, you'll notice that the bottom of the screen is free of unnecessary elements, and you'll see a barely noticeable indicator that is the equivalent of the strip on the iPhone. However, the standard MIUI widget often looks different than on iOS, so additional customization actions will be required to make the complete similarity.
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For a smoother switch between apps, try holding your finger on the navigation bar – this will open up a multitasking menu, like on an iPhone.
It's important to understand that the system bar on Xiaomi works differently than it does on iOS. It's less sensitive to swipes up to call a search, but it does a great job of returning to the home screen. If you're used to Apple's logic, it'll take you a few days to adjust to the new management scheme.
Using third-party launchers for full imitation
The standard MIUI shell features limit the deep customization capabilities. To achieve maximum similarity with iOS 14 or later, it is recommended to install a third-party launcher. These applications completely replace the desktop, control panel and, most importantly, the navigation bar.
One of the best solutions for Redmi 9A owners is the iOS 15 Launcher app, which not only changes icons, but also introduces a full-fledged bottom panel with a characteristic “pill” installed through the official Google Play store, which guarantees data security.
☑️ Launcher installation
Once the launcher is installed, the system can warn you several times about changing the standard application. This is a normal Android protection reaction. You need to confirm the choice and allow the new launcher to work in the background so that the animations and navigation bars function without failure.
⚠️ Warning: Some heavy launchers may consume more battery power on budget processors.watch for device autonomy after installation.
In the launcher settings you select, find the section that's responsible for "Dock" or "bottom panel," where you can change the transparency, size and behavior of the strip, and many advanced themes make it virtually indistinguishable from the original, including animations when swiping.
Installation of widgets and elements of the iOS interface
Just changing the navigation isn’t enough to create a holistic experience. Apple’s ecosystem is famous for its widgets, which are often located at the bottom of the screen or in special areas. Redmi 9A has special imitation widgets that can be placed on top of the desktop.
Use widgetting apps like Widgetsmith or their Android counterparts, and they allow you to create an empty space or a decorative element that visually complements the bottom bar, creating the illusion of a single interface where navigation and content work together.
Place the widgets carefully so they don't overlap the functional areas. On the 6.53-inch screen that's mounted in the Redmi 9A, there's room for maneuver, but it's important to keep the balance. Too many elements can make it difficult to control.
| Type of widget | Function | Compatible with Redmi 9A |
|---|---|---|
| Empty widget (Blank) | Establishment of indentations | Complete. |
| iOS calendar | Date and events | Complete. |
| Weather (Apple Style) | Forecast and temperature | Complete. |
| Music player | Track management | Partial |
Keep in mind that widgets require constant data updates, which can increase traffic and power consumption, and adjust the refresh intervals to your needs to make the device work optimally.
Setting and Colors of the Navigational Lane
A key feature of iOS design is the adaptability of the interface: the strip changes color depending on the background: it is white on dark and dark on light. On Android, this effect is more difficult to achieve, but it is possible with the right tools.
Most launcher themes already have color profiles. However, if you use system navigation, you may need root rights or specialized modules such as Substratum. For the average user, it is safer to limit yourself to theme settings in the Themes app.
Try using a global theme in the style of iOS. When searching for themes, type in "iOS style" or "iPhone 12." When installing the theme, the system will suggest using all components, including wallpaper, icons and lock screen.
Risks of using informal topics
If the color of the strip doesn’t suit you, you can try changing the overall color scheme in the display settings. Go to Settings → Screen → Color scheme and select “Saturated” or “Standard” to see how the contrast of the interface elements changes.
Solving compatibility and bug problems
Installing third-party interface elements on a budget device like the Redmi 9A can be difficult. The Helio G25 processor is not the most powerful, and overloading with animations can lead to slowdowns.
If you notice that the bar is disappearing or is not working properly, check the application permissions. The launcher must have access to the display on top of other windows. Without this right, the system navigation will block the custom strip.
A common problem is the conflict between MIUI system gestures and third-party launcher gestures, in which case it is recommended to disable system gestures and rely on the functionality of the installed program, this will eliminate double positives and desynchronization.
⚠️ Attention: If the launcher crashes frequently, clean the app cache in the memory settings.This often solves the interface freeze problems.
Also, be aware that some applications, especially banking ones, may not display correctly when using modified launchers, in which case return the standard launcher temporarily or use security mode.
Alternative methods of customization without launchers
If installing a third-party launcher seems too risky or difficult, there are easier ways to change the way you navigate, such as using apps to create transparent buttons or change the color of the system panel.
Apps like Navigation Bar allow you to change the color and transparency of the lower bar without replacing the entire desktop, a gentle option for the Redmi 9A that does not load RAM, and you can choose a color close to white or black, mimicking the style of Apple.
Another option is to use live wallpaper with darkening at the bottom, which will create a visual contrast that will make the standard white strip MIUI look more organic. Download the MP4 video wallpaper and install it through the gallery.
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A minimalist approach to customization is often more effective than a complete system replacement, especially on devices with limited RAM.
Physical accessories, too: Cases with a camera cutout or a specific design of the bottom frame can visually change the design of the device, focusing on style, not just software changes.