Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which run on MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, offer users a wide range of options for personalizing the interface. One of the most popular requests among owners is to move from classic control buttons to a gesture system. It is not just an aesthetic change, but a way to increase the usable screen area by getting rid of static elements at the bottom of the display.
Many users, when they first pick up a device, wonder how to activate this mode if it is not on by default, or how to return the usual buttons if gestures are uncomfortable. The setup process is quite simple, but in recent firmware versions, developers sometimes hide these options or change the logic of their work, which can cause confusion.
In this article, we will take a look at how to make gestures on Xiaomi, how to adjust the sensitivity of swipes, and what to do if navigation is not working correctly. You will learn about the hidden features that allow you to adapt control to the size of the palm and the habits of using a gadget with one hand.
Enable gesture navigation through the standard menu
Settings
You'll need to find the option or go straight to the desktop section, and that's where the basic visual and interface management options are concentrated. If you're using HyperOS, the path can look like Settings → Desktop, whereas older versions of MIUI often required you to click on Additional settings before finding the right switch.
In the list that opens, look for Navigation or System Navigation. By default, there may be a tick next to Buttons. You need to switch the token to Full Screen Mode or Gestures. After that, the three usual buttons (Back, Home, Menu) will disappear, giving way to a thin bar at the bottom of the screen or fully transparent control.
- 📱 Open the smartphone settings.
- 📍 Go to the Desktop section or additionally.
- 🔄 Select the item System Navigation.
- ✅ Activate Gesture Mode.
It's worth noting that once you turn on the gestures, the system can offer a short tutorial, and don't ignore it if you're a beginner, because it shows basic swipes that may be different from the standard ones on Android. In some cases, when you first turn on, you notice that some apps may not display properly in full screen mode, which is normal, and most modern programs are already adapted.
Sensitivity setting and strip hiding
After activating a new type of control, many users notice that swipes are not performed the first time or, conversely, they work too sharply. Xiaomi has provided the ability to fine-tune this feature. In the same menu where you turned on gestures, the option of Additional or a gear next to the mode switch is often available.
You can adjust the sensitivity of the edge of the screen here, and if swiping from the bottom up is difficult, try to increase the value of the slider, which is especially true for models with curved edges of the screen, where random touches can interfere, or for users who have put on a thick protective glass.
And there's a switch in this section that makes the bottom bar visible, which prevents some users from enjoying content in apps or games, and you can completely hide the strip, leaving only an invisible swipe area, but remember that without a visual guide, it can be difficult for beginners to get used to new navigation.
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If you have hidden the navigation bar but forgot how to swipe, just swipe from the bottom edge of the screen upwards – it will bring you back to your desktop.
For those who prefer the classic button layout but want to use gestures, there is a hybrid mode. It is not always available by default, but in some builds MIUI allows you to leave buttons, adding the ability to swipe around the edges of the screen.
Comparison of buttons and gestures: what to choose?
Choosing between buttons and gestures is a matter of personal preference and habits. Buttons provide tactile and visual confidence: you always see where the Back button is, and you don't have to guess if swipe will work. This is especially useful in games or applications where accuracy and speed of reaction are important without unnecessary movements.
On the other hand, gestures free up to 15-20% of the usable screen area at the bottom. On compact models like the Xiaomi Mi 9 or Xiaomi 13, this gives a noticeable increase in space for content. In addition, one-handed control becomes more ergonomic, as the thumb makes a more natural arc-like movement, rather than reaching for static corners.
Below is a comparative table that will help you decide on the choice:
| Characteristics | Buttons | Gestures |
|---|---|---|
| Screen area | Busy with a button stripe | Maximum (full screen) |
| Adjustment rate | Instant. | 3-7 days |
| Comfort in games | High (no false swipes) | Medium (you need to hide the strip) |
| Navigation on the menu | Requires a precise hit. | Smooth transitions (swipes) |
The final decision depends on how you use your smartphone, and if you switch between a lot of apps, gestures make it faster just by swiping the edges, and if you value predictability, buttons will be your choice.
Features of management in HyperOS and MIUI 14
With the release of the HyperOS shell and the upgrade to MIUI 14, Xiaomi has made changes to the logic of gestures, bringing them closer to the standards of “pure” Android, but retaining its branded chips. Now the swipe from the bottom up with a delay opens the menu of recent applications, and a fast swipe returns to the desktop.
An important feature was the ability to adjust the direction of the back buttons. In standard Android, the back swipe is done from right to left, but in MIUI, many users have historically been used to swipe from left to right. In newer versions of the firmware, you can change this in the navigation menu by choosing the desired order of the buttons or the direction of the swipe.
⚠️ Warning: When you change the order of the buttons or swipe directions in the settings, you may need to reboot the interface. Don't be afraid if the screen goes out for a second - the system just applies new settings.
The new versions also improve screen cutouts (bangs and camera holes). Gestures are now properly handled even in the bang area, allowing you to swipe the notification curtain from above without touching the system elements. If you have a side-facing camera model, make sure that Full-screen mode is activated for all applications in the settings to avoid black bars on the sides.
Solving problems with sticking and incorrect work
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the gestures stop working: swipes are not recognized, the menu does not open or the phone sticks in one application, most often due to a software failure or a conflict of running processes. First of all, try to perform a forced reboot by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds.
If the problem persists, it could be a system file corruption or conflict with the installed theme of the design. Third-party themes downloaded from unofficial sources often break the system launcher responsible for navigation, in which case you need to return the standard theme in the Topic application.
Another reason could be activated "Guy" or "One Hand" mode, which reduces the screen workspace. Check the settings Additional → Mode with one hand and turn it off if it interferes with the full use of swipes. Also make sure that the screen is free of severe dirt or moisture that can shield touch.
☑️ Diagnostics of gesture problems
In rare cases, resetting navigation settings helps, by switching to buttons in the navigation menu, restarting the phone, and then turning on gestures again, which restarts the relevant system services without losing personal data.
Hidden opportunities and useful advice
Few people know that gestures on Xiaomi can be combined with other features to improve productivity, such as swiping two fingers down the desktop (if enabled in the desktop settings) allows you to quickly roll out all open windows or turn on the Do Not Disturb mode.
There is also Quick Apps, which is activated by swiping upwards with a delay in a certain corner of the screen (usually left or bottom right), where you can add frequently used contacts or apps to open them instantly, bypassing the desktop. This is set up in the Settings section. → Additionally. → Quick applications.
How to speed up text typing with gestures?
For owners of large smartphones series Redmi Note or Mi Max will be useful to learn about the gesture "shake". If the settings Additional → Shake activated function "Cancel action", then a sharp shake of the phone will quickly return a step back in the browser or menu, which is very convenient when filling out forms.
⚠️ Attention: Activation of too many gesture commands (shaking, knocking on the body, swipes when turned off) can lead to increased battery consumption, since the accelerometer works in the background constantly.
Use these tools intelligently to turn your smartphone into a truly smart device that responds to the slightest hand movement.
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Optimal gesture settings increase the speed of your smartphone by 20-30%, but require a habituation period of about one week.