How to Hide the Buttons on Xiaomi: A Step-by-Step Guide for All Models

Why users want to hide buttons on Xiaomi and when they really need to

Buttons on Xiaomi smartphones, whether physical or virtual, are often a source of annoyance for users: some want to free the screen from unnecessary navigation elements, some want to protect themselves from accidental taps during games or watching videos, and some simply strive for minimalist interface design. In MIUI 14/15, the manufacturer offers several built-in ways to hide or disable buttons, but not all of them are obvious to the average user.

This is especially relevant for owners of devices with in-screen cutouts (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5), where virtual buttons take up precious space. Another category of users is gamers who want to avoid random touch keystrokes during intense battles in PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact. Finally, hiding buttons can be useful when using gesture control when classic three-button navigation becomes redundant.

It is important to understand that not all buttons can be hidden equally effectively. For example, the physical power and volume buttons on most Xiaomi models cannot be completely deactivated without root rights, whereas virtual navigation keys can be customized through standard menus. Next, we will discuss all available methods, from simple to advanced, and also talk about the pitfalls of each.

Method 1: Disable virtual navigation buttons through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI options, which is suitable for all modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 12-15.

1. Open the Settings → Display.
2. Select Full-screen mode (on some firmwares it may be called Full-screen display).
3. Slip it on the navigation style.
4. Choose Gesture Control (or Full Screen gestures on newer versions).

After that, the virtual Back, Home and Recent buttons will disappear and their functions will be available via swipes from the bottom edge of the screen. Note that on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), this mode is activated automatically when you first turn on the smartphone.

Check the MIUI version (must be at least 12)

Make a backup copy of the screen settings

Charge your phone at least 50%

Make sure that the settings "Blocking navigation" are disabled in the games"-->

⚠️ Note: On devices with AMOLED screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro or Redmi K60) Long-term gesture use can cause the matrix to wear unevenly at the bottom of the display. To minimize the risk of burnout, periodically return to classic navigation or use dark wallpaper.

Method 2: Hiding buttons with Game Turbo mode

If you only need to temporarily hide navigation buttons while playing games or watching videos, the best solution is the built-in Game Turbo mode, which not only removes virtual keys, but also blocks notifications, optimizes performance and even allows you to adjust the tactile return.

It can be activated in two ways:

• 🎮 Through the notification panel: swipe down from the top edge of the screen and tap the Game Turbo icon (if not, add manually in the panel settings).
• 🔧 Through Settings: Go to Settings → Special functions → Play turbo and turn on the option.

In this mode, the navigation buttons will be hidden automatically when you start supported applications (game and video players lists can be edited manually).

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If the game is not recognized as “game” by the system, add it manually through Game Turbo Settings → Add an app. This works even to run emulators (e.g., PPSSPP or Dolphin).

Method 3: Using ADB to hide system buttons (for advanced ones)

For users who want more flexible customization, there is a method using Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to disable system buttons at the OS level, but requires a connection to the computer and basic command line knowledge, the advantage of this method is the ability to hide the buttons selectively (for example, only “Recent” or only “Back”).

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your phone: Settings → About Phone → tap 7 times on the MIUI version.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB Tools, and execute the command:

adb shell settings put global policy_control immersive.full=*

To return the buttons, use:

adb shell settings put global policy_control null*

⚠️ Note: This method may conflict with some applications (e.g., bank clients or Google Pay) that check system integrity. If payment services stop working after completing commands, return settings to the original settings or reset via Settings → Annexes → Resetting application settings.

Method 4: Hiding physical buttons (without root)

The physical buttons (power, volume) on Xiaomi smartphones cannot be completely turned off without root rights, but their response can be modified or blocked in certain scenarios.

• 🔕 Turning off buttons in your pocket: activate the button lock function in Settings → Display. → Screen lock and password → Now, when you're in your pocket, the volume and power buttons won't work.
• 🎵 Reassignment of volume buttons: in Settings → Sound and vibration → Volume buttons can be selected to adjust media sound or call. This doesn't hide them, but makes them less intrusive.
• 🛡️ Use of lock cases: Some cases (such as the official ones for Xiaomi 13 Lite) have cutouts that physically block access to the buttons.

Disabling physical buttons completely will require unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).However, this voids the warranty and may lead to problems with Widevine L1 (loss of HD support in streaming services).

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Physical buttons on Xiaomi cannot be completely deactivated without root, but their reaction can be limited through system settings or accessories (cases, films).

Method 5: Applications for hiding buttons (the utility side)

If the built-in methods don't work, you can use third-party applications.

• 📱 Nacho Notch — hides the notch in the screen and allows you to customize the display of virtual buttons. MIUI 14/15, but requires permission to overlay over other applications.
• 🎛️ Button Mapper – Reassigns or disables software and hardware buttons (works without root, but with limitations).
• 🖥️ Full Screen Immersive Mode – Forced full screen activation in all applications, hiding the navigation bar.

Before installing, check reviews on 4PDA or XDA Developers – some utilities may conflict with MIUI Optimization (Xiaomi Optimization service), leading to lags or sudden reboots. Also avoid apps that request Accessibility Service rights for no obvious reason – this could be a sign of malware.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Button Mapper can break Google Assistant when you reassign the power button. If the voice assistant stops running after setting up, reset the app or delete it.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When hiding buttons on Xiaomi, users often encounter common mistakes, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If neither method worked, check if your device has Second Space or Child Mode activated – these modes may reset navigation settings. Also make sure that the phone does not have firmware from third-party developers (such as Xiaomi.eu) that sometimes block changes to system settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions