How to set up gesture control on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro

Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro have long since passed the era of physical navigation buttons, offering intuitive swipe control instead. Device owners often face the need to fine-tune the interface to maximize usable screen area and speed up interaction with the MIUI system. The transition to gesture control allows not only visually expand the display by removing unnecessary elements, but also significantly improve ergonomics when used with one hand.

However, standard settings do not always fully satisfy the needs of advanced users who want to gain full control over navigation. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate basic gesture control, hide the screen notch (bangs) and implement additional hidden functions that are not available in the default menu.

Activation of basic gesture control in MIUI

The first step for any Redmi Note 8 Pro owner is to switch from the classic buttons to swipe navigation, a fundamental setup that changes the way you navigate the system, by opening the main settings menu and finding the interface interface interface interface interface interface interface interface interface section, usually the path is: Settings → Screen → Navigation on the screen, and you'll see two main options: button use or full gesture control.

Selecting gesture mode instantly removes three familiar buttons at the bottom of the screen, freeing up precious space for content. In this mode, a swipe from the bottom up returns to the home screen, a latency swipe opens the menu of running applications, and a swipe from the edges of the screen acts as a back button. It is important to note that edge sensitivity can be adjusted, which is especially true for the wide screen of the Redmi Note 8 Pro.

Note that some versions of MIUI may have slightly different locations, but the principle remains the same. Once activated, the system will offer a brief training video showing the basic movements. Don't ignore it if you have not previously used a smartphone without buttons, as this will help you get used to the new interaction mechanics.

⚠️ Warning: Once you have your gestures turned on, the back button can appear from left or right, depending on which edge you started swiping from.

⚠️ Note: When switching to gestures, some older apps may not display their interface elements at the bottom of the screen correctly, in which case it is recommended to force the application to close or check for updates in Google Play.

Adjusting the screen cutout concealment (Brushes)

The Redmi Note 8 Pro features a front-facing camera built right into the display matrix, creating a distinctive cutout at the top. For many users, a black island interferes with the perception of content, especially in dark topics or when watching videos. The MIUI system provides a built-in tool to visually hide this element, coloring the area around the camera black, creating the illusion of a flat upper frame.

To activate this feature, go to Settings → Screen → Screencut and frequency. Here you will be offered several display options. The default mode is "Default", which leaves the cutout visible. Select the "Hide the cutout" option to make the top bar of the status bar completely black. This is especially useful for those who prefer minimalism in the interface.

It's important to understand that this change is purely cosmetic, that the camera doesn't go away physically, and that it's still available for video calls or selfies, and that when you watch a full-screen video, most apps like YouTube or VK automatically hide the status bar, making this setting less relevant to multimedia.

💡

Use dark wallpaper for your desktop in combination with a hidden notch – this will create the effect of a single black field at the top of the smartphone, visually enlarging the screen.

The Secrets of Full Screen Navigation Through ADB

For users who want to remove even visual gesture indicators (thin bars at the bottom of the screen) or change the behavior of system zones, standard settings may not be enough. Here comes the help of debugging ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to make changes to system files that are hidden from the average user. Before starting work, you need to activate the developer mode by clicking on the build number several times in the About Phone section.

Once you have enabled USB debugging, connect your smartphone to your computer. To completely remove the lower gesture indicator (strips), which many consider unnecessary visual noise, the following command is used in the console:

adb shell settings put global systemui_nav_bar_mode 0

If you want to return the indicator, change it to 1. You can also use ADB to change the sensitivity of edge swipe zones, which solves the problem of random clicks in games. However, be very careful: the wrong value of the parameter can make navigation impossible, and you have to reset the settings to factory.

Setting up the sidebar and smart gestures

Xiaomi's functionality goes beyond simple navigation. The Redmi Note 8 Pro has an App Twin that is called by a swipe from the edge of the screen in certain applications. It's a handy tool for quick access to messengers, calculators or voice recorders without interrupting the current task. You can configure the list of applications and the panel itself in Settings → Additional → Sidebar.

In addition, the system offers "Smart gestures" that allow you to perform actions without touching the screen using a proximity sensor. For example, raising the phone to the ear automatically activates the speaker when an incoming call is made, and swiping your hand over the sensor from top to bottom can switch the track in the player or alarm clock. These functions require calibration and may not work when there is a protective film covering the top of the screen.

• 📱 Swipe three fingers down takes a screenshot of the screen (configurable in the section "Moreover").
• 📱 Double tapping on the screen to enable (requires support from the installed theme).
• 📱 Compressing the phone in your hand (on some firmware) can trigger a camera or voice recorder.

The implementation of these features depends on the version of MIUI and the firmware region (Global, China, EU). In global versions, some experimental gestures can be cut out, but they can often be returned by installing appropriate modules or themes.

Solving sensitivity and response problems

Redmi Note 8 Pro users sometimes complain of a lack of sensitivity when using gestures, especially in frosty weather or with a thick protective glass glued. The system has a special mode that increases the response of the touchscreen. You can find it by Settings → Additional → Gloves Mode (or similar item depending on the version of the software).

If gestures are delayed, the problem may lie not in settings, but in the overload of RAM. Redmi Note 8 Pro has a sufficient amount of RAM, but heavy themes and a lot of background processes can slow down the response of the interface. It is recommended to periodically clear the memory through the built-in optimizer or use the function "Memory Extension" if it is available in your version of firmware.

Comparison of navigation methods and their impact on the resource

There is a myth that gestures consume more CPU resources than buttons, but in practice, the difference on modern chips like the Helio G90T installed in the Redmi Note 8 Pro is not noticeable. The main difference lies in the convenience and speed of access. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of the two types of navigation.

The choice of control method is left to the user, but statistics show that more than 80% of Xiaomi smartphone owners do not return to the buttons after switching to gestures, which confirms that the evolution of interfaces is moving towards minimalism and maximum efficiency of display space.

💡

Gesture control on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is not just a tribute to fashion, but a real way to improve the speed and ergonomics of the device, especially when using large diagonals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)