The bottom strip on Xiaomi TV: how to remove, configure or return

The bottom gray or black bar on the Xiaomi TV screen is one of the most talked-about topics on the forums, some find it useful for displaying time and notifications, while others want to get rid of the “extra element” that occupies precious pixels, the problem is that the manufacturer does not always provide obvious settings to control this panel, and in some firmware, the option is completely hidden.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible methods of working with the bottom band, from standard settings to hidden commands for power users. Relevant for models Mi TV 4/4S/4A/5/5X, Redmi Smart TV, as well as the Mi Box S and Mi TV Stick. If you do not find your model on the list, check the firmware version: some features appear only after the update.

Let me warn you right away: not all methods are universal. For example, on the Mi TV A2 43" 2023, the strip can be turned off via the menu, and on the Mi TV 4S 55" 2020 - only through ADB. We have specified the limitations for each method so that you do not waste time.

And another important point: the bottom bar is often confused with the overscan area, which cuts the edges of the image, and that's another problem, which we've covered in a separate article, and it's the system panel with the clock, the control buttons and the notifications.

1.What is the bottom strip on Xiaomi TV and why you need it

The lower band (or system panel) is a permanent feature of the PatchWall interface (Xiaomi's signature TV shell).

1. It displays the current time and date.
2. Shows active notifications (for example, about connecting devices over HDMI or updates).
3. Contains quick access buttons: Settings, Signal Source, Voice Search.
4. On some models, it duplicates touch buttons (if they are on the case).

By default, the panel is translucent and takes up about 5% of the screen height. It is almost invisible on a dark background, but can be distracting on light scenes (such as on menus or when viewing photos), and the main complaint of users is that the band does not disappear even in full-screen applications such as YouTube or Netflix, unless they are optimized for Android TV.

Interestingly, the Mi Box and Mi TV Stick don't have this panel at all, they use Google's standard Android TV interface, but Xiaomi's have artificially added it to unify the controls.

⚠️ Attention: On models with OLED-screens (e.g., Mi) TV Q2 55") the constant display of static elements can cause pixels to burn out.+ hours a day, we recommend to hide the panel or reduce its brightness.

2. Method 1: Disconnect the strip through standard settings

The simplest method that works on most Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall 3.0 firmware and later (released after 2021) is suitable for models:

• 📺 Mi TV 5/5X/5 Pro (all diagonally)
• 📺 Redmi Smart TV X and Redmi Smart TV A
• 📺 Mi TV Q1/Q2 (except for the Indian versions)

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog in the upper right corner or the button on the remote).
2. Go to Screen and Sound → Additional screen settings.
3. Find the Control Panel (or the Lower Panel on English firmware).
4. Choose Hide or move the transparency slider to 0%.

If there is no Control Panel, your model does not support this menu, try updating the firmware (see section 5) or using alternative methods.

⚠️ Note: Some TVs lose access to the Source button after hiding the panel (to switch between the two sets). HDMI/USB). To get it back, you’ll have to temporarily turn the panel back on or use a voice assistant (“OK, Google, switch to the new one”). HDMI 1»).

Check out PatchWall (Settings → About TV)

Take a picture of the current screen settings

Remember an alternative method of switching sources (voice/remote)

Update the firmware if a new version is available-->

Method 2: Change of transparency (if the strip cannot be removed completely)

If you don't have a full shutdown option in your model, you can at least make the panel less visible.

1. Press the Settings button on the remote before the Quick Settings menu appears.
2. Select Screen Settings → Panel Transparency.
3. Set a value of 10% to 30% – this is enough to keep the panel visible, but remain functional.

On TVs with AMOLED-matrixes (for example, Mi TV Master) it is recommended to set the transparency of at least 20%, otherwise the text will become unreadable against a dark background.

💡 Useful tip: If the panel only interferes with specific applications (for example, in Kodi or in the case of a scalp). VLC), Try to turn on Immersive Mode (full screen) to do that:

Application settings → Interface → Hide system elements

This trick doesn’t work on all apps, but it often helps to get rid of the intrusive elements.

DU remote

Voice Assistant (OK, Google/Xiao AI)

Mi Remote app on your smartphone

Physical buttons on the body-->

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If standard settings don’t work, you can use the ADB debugging bridge. This method is suitable for all Xiaomi TV models, but requires connecting the TV to your computer.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔌 Cable USB-A → USB-A (for connecting TV to PC)
• 📥 Android Platform Tools (download from Google)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the developer mode on the TV: Go to Settings → About TV. Find the build number and click on it 7 times in a row. Go back to the main settings menu and a new developer section will appear.

For developers

• USB debugging
• Debugging over the network (if you connect over Wi-Fi)
• Connect the TV to your computer by cable or over the network (see instructions below).
• Open the command line (CMD on Windows or Terminal on macOS and type: adb connect [IP-TV address]:5555 adb shell settings put global policy_control immersive.full=* Where [IP-Television address ] - the address of your TV in the local network (you can find in Settings → Network).
• Reboot the TV: Adb shell reboot.

After the update, check the Settings section - there should be an option to control the panel. If not, try resetting to factory settings (Settings → Restore and Reset).

💡

The firmware update not only adds new features, but also fixes the panel display bugs. PatchWall 4.0, for example, fixes an issue where the panel wasn't hidden in immersive mode applications.

📊 Compatibility table of firmware and panel management:

6. Method 5: Alternative launchers (replacement of the PatchWall shell)

If none of the methods worked, you can completely replace the proprietary shell PatchWall with an alternative launcher, for example:

• 🎯 ATV Launcher – minimalist interface without bottom panel.
• 🎯 HalLauncher – supports gestures and concealment of all system elements.
• 🎯 Leanback Launcher – Google’s standard launcher for Android TV.