How to make a strip at the bottom of the screen on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones offer users flexible customization options. One of the most frequently requested features is returning a classic navigation bar or button at the bottom of the screen that allows you to conveniently switch between applications. In recent versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shell, developers often hide these elements, focusing on full-screen gestures, but the functionality to return the usual control has not gone away.

Users often confuse the standard swipe bar and the full navigation bar with the Home, Back and Menu buttons. Depending on your purpose, activation methods may differ. If you need a visual guide for swipes or want to return good old-fashioned control buttons, you will need access to advanced system settings, which are sometimes hidden from the eyes of the average user in the standard menu.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, from basic settings in the phone menu to the use of special codes and engineering modes. We will look at the nuances of working on different versions of Android and MIUI shells, so you can customize your gadget as comfortable as possible for everyday use.

Types of navigation in MIUI and HyperOS

button

full-screen gestures

Many users use the term "strip" to mean a thin line at the bottom of the screen that appears when gestures are turned on, which serves as a visual indicator of the "home zone." However, if your goal is to make this bar more visible or turn it into a functional bar, standard settings may not be enough, and in some cases, you need to activate hidden parameters through an engineering menu.

It is worth noting that on global versions of firmware, the interface may differ from Chinese builds. Xiaomi is constantly improving its management algorithms, so the location of menu items can vary from version to version.

⚠️ Note: Using engineering codes and hidden menus can lead to unstable system operation if you change settings you are not sure about.

Standard button activation and gesture bands

The safest and easiest way to change the type of navigation is to use the built-in settings menu, which is suitable for 95% of users and does not require installing third-party software. First, you need to go to the Settings section of your device. Next, the path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but usually it looks like this: Settings → Additional settings → Full-screen mode.

In the window that opens, you'll see two main switches, the first one allows you to choose between "Full-screen" (gestures) and "Buttons." If you select buttons, the system will automatically turn off gestures and return the classic control panel. If you want to leave gestures but make the bar more visible, you'll need to look for the option "Hide a strip" or "Show gesture hints."

Some versions of the shell have a Hide Strip feature that hides the swipe indicator when not in use, freeing up useful space. By turning off this option, you'll make the strip visible all the time, which is especially convenient for those who are used to navigating the bottom edge of the screen when swiping.

If standard settings don't work, such as the bar is too pale or you don't like it, you can try advanced methods. However, in most cases, the problem is solved by setting the full screen mode correctly. Remember to restart the device after you make changes so that the system applies new interface parameters.

Using code to activate hidden navigation bar

There is a more advanced way to activate what's called the Hidden Navigation Bar, a technique often used by enthusiasts who lack the functionality of standard buttons, using a special diagnostic code embedded in the MIUI shell, and you need to open the Phone app and type in the following character combination:

##6484##

Once you enter the code, the CIT (Customer Inspection Test) menu will open. There are many tests to test hardware components. We don't need this menu for tests, but for access to hidden features. However, on many modern versions of MIUI, this code can be locked or redirected to the standard test menu. If the code doesn't work, try an alternative path through the Security app → Cleanup → a three-point menu → Special Opportunities (if available).

A more reliable method for activating additional navigation options is to use the ADB-You can use Google Play's Activity Launcher app, which allows you to find hidden activity in the system, if you want to stay within the phone. In the application search, type in the word “Navigation” or “Navigation” and try to run the system activity found.

It is important to understand that activating hidden panels can affect the operation of other interface elements, for example, the keyboard may shift or the indentation area for system notifications may change.

Setup through third-party applications and launchers

If Xiaomi's built-in tools don't satisfy you, third-party solutions come to the rescue. App stores offer a variety of tools to create custom navigation bars. These apps create a layer of buttons on top of the system that can look and behave exactly as you want. Popular options are "Simple Control," "Assistive Touch," or "Navigation Bar."

Once you install an application, you'll need to give it special permissions, usually "Master on top of other applications" and "Accessibility," without which it won't be able to intercept taps or draw a strip on top of the desktop, and the setup process takes only a few minutes and requires no in-depth knowledge.

• 📱 Simple Control – a minimalist bar with basic back, home and menu buttons, fully customizable by color and size.
• 🎨 Assistive Touch – Creates a floating button or strip in the style of iOS that can be moved around the screen.
• ⚙️ Navigation Bar – allows you to emulate the system panel even on devices where it was removed by the manufacturer.

Using third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher can also change navigation behavior, although they are primarily responsible for the desktop.Some launchers have built-in gesture control modules that can conflict with or complement Xiaomi's system settings.

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When installing navigation apps, be sure to add them to the Autostart list and remove battery restrictions in the power saving settings, otherwise the system may force the process to close and the strip will disappear.

Comparison of Interface Management Methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have compiled a comparative table of the main navigation methods available on Xiaomi devices, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the use case.

As you can see from the table, standard methods (buttons and gestures) are the most optimized, consume less resources and ensure stable operation of the system, and resort to third-party solutions only if the regular functionality does not fully cover your needs.

For example, if you have a broken touch area at the bottom of the screen, using a floating button or moving navigation to another part of the display through third-party software can be a temporary salvation before repair. MIUI.

Solution: the strip is gone or not working

Often users are faced with a situation where the gesture bar suddenly disappears or ceases to respond to touch. First of all, check whether the Full Screen mode is turned on for a particular application. In MIUI there is a setting “Hide the cutout and controls” for individual applications. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Full screen mode and make sure that the desired applications do not have a tick hiding elements.

The second common cause is a systemUI failure, and in this case, a simple reboot of the device helps. If the problem persists, try resetting the navigation settings. ADB-command to reset Secure settings:

adb shell settings delete secure policy_control

It’s also worth checking for system updates. Sometimes navigation bugs get fixed in security patches or minor shell updates. Go to Settings → About your phone and check for new versions of the software.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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Setting up navigation is a matter of personal preference. Try using each mode for at least one day to see which gesture or button option is most convenient for your ergonomics.