Modern smartphones are rapidly getting rid of physical buttons, offering intuitive swipe navigation instead. Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners often wonder how to completely switch to gesture control to free up the usable screen area. It’s not just an aesthetic choice, but also a way to speed up the MIUI interface, making interaction with the device more smooth and natural.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the process of activation and fine-tuning navigation, learn how to adapt system gestures to your habits, hide the bar-indicator, and solve common problems that arise when switching modes.
The switch to buttonless controls changes the smartphone experience to make it more modern. Standard navigation with three buttons at the bottom of the screen takes up space that can be used for app content. Gestures on Redmi 9 are enabled through system settings, where the user is asked to choose their preferred method of interacting with the interface.
The main advantage of this approach is ergonomics: thumbs make fewer movements, since the main actions are performed by swipes from the edges of the screen. MIUI 12 and newer versions of the shell available for this model offer optimized transition animation, which looks especially effective when using swipes.
It's worth noting that the default system can offer training tips when you first turn on. However, if you haven't seen this before, the algorithms may not be obvious, for example, a back swipe from the left or right edge, not from the center, as many beginners think.
To activate a new type of navigation, you need to go to the device settings menu. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the firmware installed, but the logic remains the same for all devices in the Redmi line. Open the Settings app and find the section responsible for the appearance and behavior of the system.
In the settings that open, you should select Full-screen Mode, and that's where the key switches that let you drop the classic buttons are hidden. The system will offer two options: buttons or gesture control. Choose the second option to activate swipes.
☑️ Check before changing the settings
Once you select the mode, the screen will change instantly: the usual three buttons will disappear, giving way to a thin strip at the bottom or a completely clean bottom of the display. The interface will become more minimalist, which is especially noticeable in applications with a dark theme or when watching a video. It is important to try to make a few basic movements at once to get used to the new mechanics.
If you've used other brands like Samsung or Huawei before, the logic may sound similar, but there are nuances. In MIUI, gestures are often more sensitive and have wide activation zones, allowing you to perform control actions even in less precise movements, which is convenient when used with one hand.
Some users may find that after switching, the buttons do not disappear, which requires a device reboot or check for system updates. Redmi 9 is a device that receives regular security patches that improve the interface's workbar.
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If the gestures work incorrectly immediately after turning on, try to increase the speed of animation in the menu For developers - this will visually speed up the response of the system.
Once the main mode is enabled, additional customization options are available to the user, and the full screen mode menu often includes a Hide indicator switch, which removes the lower bar, making the screen completely free of controls, especially for those who like minimalism and a clean picture.
But completely hiding the indicator has its consequences: without a visual cue, it can be harder for beginners to navigate where exactly to start swiping to return to the desktop. The system remembers the user's choice, but in the early days of use, the strip serves as an important beacon.
Also, you should pay attention to the sensitivity of the edges of the screen. If you often use protective glasses with thick bezels, the swipe activation zone may shift, in such cases, it is recommended not to hide the indicator completely, but to leave it visible for convenience.
Understanding basic movements is key to working quickly with a smartphone. Unlike buttons that have a fixed position, gestures require memorizing zones and trajectories. The Xiaomi Redmi 9 implements Android-standard logic, complemented by MIUI shell chips.
- 👉 Swipe from bottom up in the center – opens the menu of running applications and allows you to select an active window.
- 👈 Swipe left or right to center – performs the function of the back button, returning to a step in the application.
- 🏠 Bottom-up Swipe and Retention – Calls Google Assistant or Search if the feature is activated.
- 🔄 Quick swipe left-right on the bottom edge – switches between the latest running applications.
The multitasking menu is particularly noteworthy, because swiping from the bottom up and holding your finger opens a list of app cards, and you can switch, you can also clear your memory by swiping the cards up, and on the big Redmi 9 screens, it's done comfortably with just one hand.
There's also a hidden gesture for a quick screenshot, which is that you swipe three fingers down from top to bottom, and you take a picture of the current image, which should be included in the additional gesture settings that we'll talk about later, and it's very useful for fast-tracking information without looking for volume buttons.
The secret to quickly clearing memory
The MIUI shell offers advanced gesture settings that allow you to tailor your device to specific tasks, and you can find them by going back to the main settings menu and selecting optional, followed by Gestures and shortcuts (or Gestures and Quick Commands).
You can set up the action in this section when you double tap on the screen. The default is often to turn on the screen or start the camera, but the user can reassign this to run any convenient application. This turns the smartphone off into a fast launcher for messengers or navigators.
| Function | Action. | Where to set up |
|---|---|---|
| Screen switching off | Double tapping | Gestures and fast teams |
| Screenshot. | Three fingers down. | Additional settings |
| Camera launch | Long press of the power button | Button settings |
| Cleaning up memory | Swipe on the task menu | Security/Memory |
One-handed Mode is a feature that you can use to swipe down the screen with a special button or gesture, and it's a very useful option for owners of 6.53-inch Redmi 9 when you need to reach the top corner of the interface.
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Customizing additional gestures allows you to create a unique control scheme that reduces the path to frequently used functions to one touch.
Despite the system's cleverness, users may face challenges, most often from application conflict or sensor malfunction after falling or getting moisture, and understanding the nature of errors helps them quickly resolve them.
⚠️ Note: If swipes stop working in a particular game or app, check the settings of that app. Some programs block system navigation to create an immersive experience.
One of the common problems is random activation of gestures in your pocket. The screen can respond to the fabric by opening menus or launching applications. To solve this problem, the screen settings should activate the "Protection against random taps" mode. The algorithm analyzes the touch area and ignores the wide, fuzzy contacts characteristic of the pocket fabric.
There is also the problem of "sticking" gestures when the interface does not return to its original state after swiping, usually indicating a lack of RAM or a failure in the launcher, in which case cleaning the system cache or simply restarting the device that resets the temporal processes helps.
If you use third-party launchers (Nova Launcher, Lawnchair), standard MIUI gestures may not work properly or conflict with the launcher's navigation, in which case it is recommended to use built-in customization tools or return to the standard launcher to check the system's health.
Why are the launchers in conflict?
In conclusion, gesture control on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a modern standard that you quickly get used to. Proper customization allows you to speed up work, free up the screen and make smartphone use more enjoyable. Experiment with settings to find the perfect balance between functionality and convenience.
Don't be afraid to change your behavior patterns. The initial discomfort of switching from buttons is less than 1-2 days of active use. After that, returning to buttons seems archaic and uncomfortable, as gestures become a natural extension of thought.