How to completely remove the sidebar on Xiaomi: from MIUI 12 to HyperOS

Why to turn off the sidebar on Xiaomi and what it gives

The sidebar in MIUI and HyperOS is quick access to apps, contacts and tools, but for many users it becomes a source of random taps, especially for smartphone owners with curved screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro), where the panel is triggered by the slightest touch of the edge of the display. In some cases, the sidebar interferes with games, watching videos, or even during calls when the cheek accidentally activates it.

Disabling this feature not only eliminates false positives, but also saves battery power - background panel activity consumes up to 3-5% of energy per day (according to tests on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+). In addition, after deactivation, up to 150-200 MB of RAM is released, which is critical for budget models like the POCO M6 Pro or Redmi 12C. In this article, we will discuss all working methods of removing the sidebar, including hidden settings for HyperOS and bypassing restrictions on some firmware.

Method 1: Standard shutdown via MIUI/HyperOS settings

The simplest method, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark. Suitable for firmware from MIUI 11 to HyperOS 1.0. Importantly, on some models (such as Xiaomi 14 with HyperOS), the path to settings may differ.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Additional settings (or Special features on new versions).
2. Select the menu button or gestures (depending on the firmware version).
3. Find the Sidebar option (could be called Edge bar or Quick Tools).
4. Transfer the slider to the off position. or uncheck the tick from the Turn on the side panel.

If the Sidebar item is not on the menu, it means that on your model it is integrated into the MIUI launcher. In this case, try method 2 or 3. HyperOS for Xiaomi 13T and later may require additional confirmation via Password/fingerprint.

Check the version. MIUI/HyperOS In Settings → The phone.

Close all apps (especially games and instant messengers)

Connect the charger if the battery charge is below 20%

Backup settings through Settings → Memory → Backup

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Method 2: Disconnect via launcher settings (for MIUI 12-14)

On MIUI 12-14 firmware, the sidebar is often tied to the system launcher, which works even if the standard method didn’t work, and is suitable for Redmi Note 11 Pro, POCO X4 Pro, Xiaomi 12 Lite and others.

Step-by-step:

1. Press and hold the empty area on the main screen.
2. Select Home Screen Settings (or Launcher Settings).
3. Go to the section Additional → Sidebar.
4. Turn off the option to show the sidebar.
5. Save the changes and restart the device (required!).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware, after disabling the panel through the launcher, it may reappear after the system update. To avoid this, block the launcher's automatic update to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher MIUI.

Method 3: Using ADB to force shutdown

If the standard methods do not work, you will have to resort to ADB-This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Black Shark 5 Pro and Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, but requires a connection to a computer. The advantage of the method is the complete removal of the sidebar at the system level, without the possibility of accidental switching on.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 🔧 Included Debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press → For developers → Debugging by USB)
• 📦 Installed Xiaomi drivers USB Drivers and ADB Tools

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the adb folder.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Run the sidebar disable command: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.edge For HyperOS use: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.xiaomi.miui.edge
5. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: Once this command is executed, the sidebar will be completely removed from the system and can only be restored by resetting the settings or re-installing the com.miui.edge package via the system. ADB. On some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), this can cause a malfunction in the full screen mode in games.

MIUI 12 or older

MIUI 13/14

HyperOS 1.0

Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)

I don't know.

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Method 4: Disable through the system settings editor (for advanced)

This method is suitable for users with root rights or installed Magisk, it allows you not only to remove the sidebar, but also permanently block its appearance, even after updates. POCO F4 GT, Xiaomi 12S Ultra and other flagships where the sidebar is integrated deep into the system.

Steps:

1. Install a file manager with /system access (such as Mixplorer or Root Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiEdge/MiuiEdge.apk or to HyperOS: /system/priv-app/XiaomiEdge/XiaomiEdge.apk
3. Rename the file to MiuiEdge.apk.bak (or delete it).
4. Clear the cache and data of the com.miui.edge application through Settings → Apps.
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot).Before changes, back up the partition /system through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery. On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pro) this can only work after switching off AVB 2.0.

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If the sidebar still appears after renaming the file, check for a duplicate APK in the /vendor/overlay folder. Sometimes the manufacturer leaves backup copies of system applications there.

Method 5: Using third-party applications (without root)

If you don't want to dig into the settings or use ADB, you can use third-party utilities.

• 🔧 Edge Gestures -- blocks the sidebar and other gestures. MIUI 13/14 HyperOS.
• 🚫 App Blockade – allows you to disable any system applications, including com.miui.edge.
• 🎯 MacroDroid – Creates a rule that automatically closes the sidebar when it appears.

How to set up Edge Gestures:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Grant permission for Special Features (Settings → Special Features → Edge Gestures).
3. In the app settings, select Block Edge Swipes.
4. Specify the locking areas (left and right edges of the screen).
5. Activate the service and restart the phone.

The downside of this method is that it runs on a background process that consumes up to 5-10 MB of RAM, but it does not require root rights and is easily canceled.

Compatibility table with Xiaomi models

🔹 ✅ — The method works stably.

🔹 ❌ — The method does not work or requires additional action.

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On HyperOS, standard shutdown through settings only works on 60% of models, and the rest will require ADB or system file editing.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the shutdown, the sidebar can continue to appear, and let's look at typical situations and how to fix them:

• 🔄 The panel returns after the reboot Reason: Launcher cache or system application restores settings.Solution: Clear cache com.miui.home and com.miui.edge via Settings → Annexes.
• 🎮 Panel interferes with games Reason: Game mode does not block gestures Solution: Enable gesture lock in Settings → Special regimes → Game mode.
• 📱 It's not working. ADB-Command Reason: Device is unrecognised or no rights. Solution: Check if Debugging is enabled USB And whether Xiaomi drivers are installed ADB/Fastboot Tools.

If none of the methods worked, try resetting to factory settings (be sure to back up!). 95% of the time, this solves the problem, but only if it is not related to a hardware defect of the screen (for example, Xiaomi 11T Pro had cases of false positives due to a faulty sensor).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions