Modern Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS offer flexible interface personalization options. One of the basic tweaks that every user faces after buying a device is changing the way they navigate. Standard screen buttons can be uncomfortable on large screens, and many have developed a habit of gesture control over the years.
In this article, we will discuss how to change the type of navigation, move the back and menu buttons, and discuss the hidden features of the system that allow you to hide the control panel completely. Deep interface configuration allows you to make the use of the gadget more ergonomic and faster, adapting it to the individual preferences of the owner.
Whether you own a budget model of the Redmi series or the flagship Xiaomi 14, the settings remain similar, although the location of menu items may vary slightly depending on the version of the Android operating system.
Available navigation types in MIUI and HyperOS
Xiaomi’s system gives users a choice between two main ways to interact with the interface: the first option is the classic on-screen buttons located at the bottom of the display; the second is modern gesture control, which frees up useful screen space and speeds up access to functions.
The classic method includes three virtual keys: Back, Home, and App Menu. In some regions, an inversion may be enabled by default, where the Back button is on the right, which is common for iPhone users but unusual for most Android users.
⚠️ Warning: When switching to gestures, the system will automatically hide the bottom panel. If you're used to relying on visual cues, you may have difficulty remembering swipes at first.
Gesture control is based on swipes from the edges of the screen, and swipes from the bottom up to the desktop, and latency swipes open the multitasking menu, and side-facing swipes serve as a back button, which is considered more advanced because it allows you to use the entire screen without restrictions.
Instructions: How to change buttons to standard or gestures
The process of changing the navigation type takes literally a few seconds and does not require superuser rights or third-party software installation. All the necessary tools are built into the system settings menu. Below is a step-by-step guide for current firmware versions.
First, you need to get to the main menu of device settings. Find the gear icon on the desktop or in the notification curtain. Next, the path may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same for all models of Redmi Note and Xiaomi Mi.
☑️ Algorithm of Navigation Change
In the menu that opens, you'll see two big previews or switches, and you'll pick the right one, and the changes will be applied instantly, and if you select the buttons, you'll find additional options below to fine-tune them, such as ordering them.
For users who like order, it is important to know that changing navigation settings does not affect other system parameters, such as brightness or sound.
Setting up the order and location of buttons
If you prefer to use on-screen keys, the system allows you to flexibly manage their order, which is especially true for those who have switched from devices of other brands or want to optimize one-handed control. The standard set for Android is Back on the left and Menu on the right.
However, many users get confused when they pick up a friend's or colleague's phone, where the layout is inverted, and to avoid errors, the navigation settings have a button order or layout option, and you can swap the buttons in places by clicking on it.
- 🔄 Standard: Triangle (Back) on the left, Square (Menu) on the right, Circle (Home) in the center.
- 🔃 Inversion: Triangle (Back) on the right, Square (Menu) on the left, which corresponds to the logic of iOS.
- 🖱️ Two buttons: Mode where the Home button is removed and its function is performed by a short swipe up the navigation lane.
Choosing the right order of buttons is critical for muscle memory, and if you constantly press the wrong way, it's annoying and slows down the speed of the work, and it takes anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of days of active use.
💡
Try using Two-Button Mode if the usual three keys take up too much space on your smartphone screen.
Hiding the navigation lane and full screen mode
One of the common problems with using navigation buttons is the black bar at the bottom of the screen, which can interfere with viewing content in applications that do not support full-scale mode. MIUI and HyperOS have a way to minimize this element.
The navigation settings menu often has a slider that regulates transparency or the presence of a lower bar, and by moving it, you can make the panel completely transparent, leaving only functional areas to press. This visually expands the screen.
| Display mode | Visibility of the panel | Impact on the battery | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons (Standard) | Always visible | Minimum | High (visual clarity) |
| Buttons (Hidden) | Only when you touch. | Low. | Medium (you gotta get used to it) |
| Gestures | Absent. | Absent. | Maximum (ergonomics) |
| Full-screen applications | Hiding automatically. | Normal. | Depends on the app. |
It’s worth noting that in some Xiaomi system applications, such as Explorer or Gallery, the bandwidth can be hidden automatically when you scroll through content, a behavior that is part of optimizing the interface for immersion in content.
⚠️ Warning: Completely concealing the navigation bar can lead to accidental taps in games or while watching videos if you carelessly touch the edge of the screen.
Solving problems with broken navigation
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the navigation buttons disappear, stop responding to clicks or work incorrectly, this can be caused by a failure in the system process SystemUI or a conflict of third-party launchers.
The first step in diagnosis is simply restarting the device, often restoring all system services to normal, and if the problem persists, check to see if Do Not Disturb or Games are on, which can block navigation.
Hidden ADB commands for navigation
If the buttons are missing after installing a new app, try removing it or running your phone in safe mode. In rare cases, resetting the interface settings through the Settings menu → Apps → All Apps → System Processes → Clear the data helps.
It is important to distinguish between a software failure and a physical touchscreen problem, and if the bottom of the screen does not respond to any action, including typing, it may be necessary to diagnose the hardware part of the device at the service center.
Use of third-party applications for navigation
Standard tools are not always enough for advanced users. Google Play and GetApps have a variety of apps that allow you to create a fully custom navigation bar, and they can add new features, such as double-pressing to start a flashlight.
One popular solution is the Navigation Bar app, or analogues, which allows you to place buttons anywhere on the screen, change their transparency, size and icons, but using such programs requires special permissions through the ADB or the special features menu.
- 🎨 Personalization: The ability to put your pictures on buttons.
- ⚡ Macros: Assigning complex actions at one click.
- 📱 Compatibility: Works on most devices, but can conflict with system gestures.
When installing third-party navigators, remember that they consume additional battery power, as they are constantly active in the background, and they can slow down the device on weak processors.
💡
Third-party navigators are a great way to expand functionality, but MIUI/HyperOS tools are usually more stable and energy efficient.