How to completely remove the sidebar on Xiaomi Redmi Note: all working methods

Why the sidebar interferes – and whether it can be turned off without consequences

The side gesture bar on the Xiaomi Redmi Note (or "Edge Gestures") is a feature that was supposed to make navigation easier with one hand. But in practice, it often works by accident: when scrolling through a social media feed, while playing games, or even trying to swipe a notification, especially annoying owners of curved-screen models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Note 11 Pro+), where the touch sensor responds to the slightest touch to the side edges.

Unfortunately, Xiaomi has not added a separate switch to disable the sidebar in standard MIUI settings. But that doesn’t mean the problem is unsolvable. Depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14) and the smartphone model, up to 5 different methods can be used – from hidden menus to commands via ADB. Important: some methods require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights, which can affect the warranty.

In this article, we provide 2026-relevant instructions for all Redmi Note generations (from Note 4 to Note 12), including workarounds for Chinese firmware. If you are unsure of your model, check it in Settings → About Phone → Model.

Method 1: Disconnect via gesture settings (MIUI 12–14)

The simplest method, which works on most devices without any additional manipulations, is suitable for Redmi Note 8/9/10/11 with global and European firmware. In Chinese versions of MIUI, this item may not be available - then move to Method 2.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings → Display.
2. Select Additional Display Settings → Sidebar (or Edge Gestures in English versions).
3. Turn off the slider Enable the sidebar.
4. Restart your phone (required!) to make the changes effective.

If the Sidebar is not on the menu, your firmware is hiding it.

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Gesture management.
• 📱 Check the section System gestures → Side swipes.
• ⚙️ In some versions MIUI 13 option hidden in Settings → System system → Movements and gestures.

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If the sidebar still works after turning off, clear the Launcher app cache (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache).

Method 2: Using a Hidden Menu of Engineering Settings

This method is suitable for Redmi Note 7/8/9 with Chinese firmware, where standard gesture settings are blocked.Watch out: wrong actions in the engineering menu can disrupt the sensor or display.

Steps:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##6484###
2. Select Touch Panel Test → Edge Test.
3. Click Disable Edge Gestures (or similar item in Chinese: ).
4. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

If the combination does not work, try the alternative codes:

• 📱 For the Redmi Note 10/11: ##36446337## (Menu Engineering Mode).
• 🔧 For older models (Note) 4/5): ##4636## → Testing → Touch Screen.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (without root)

If previous methods didn’t work, you can block the sidebar via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which doesn’t require superuser rights, but requires a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and USB debugging enabled.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on the MIUI Version until the notification “You are a developer” appears.

USB debugging

Settings → Additional → For Developers

adb shell settings put secure sysui_edge_gestures_enabled 0

Reset the device.

To return the sidebar, use the same command, replacing 0 by 1.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable debugging over USB on your phone | Download ADB Tools (platform-tools) | Connect your phone with the original cable-->

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ADB-teams temporarily turn off gestures until the next reset. MIUI It may be necessary to repeat the procedure.

Method 4: Editing system files (requires root)

For advanced users who are ready to get root rights, there is a radical method - editing the systemui configuration file. This is the most reliable way, since it blocks gestures at the system level, but the risk of "bricking" the device is higher.

Instructions:

1. Install Root Explorer or Solid Explorer with root support.
2. Cross the path: /system/usr/idc/ Find the file. synaptics_dsx_edge.idc (or similar to edge).
3. Open the file in the text editor and replace the line: touch.deviceType = touchScreen on touch.deviceType = touchPad
4. Save the changes, set the 644 license and restart the phone.

If the file is not found, check the other directories:

• 📁 /system/etc/permissions/ — Look for files with gesture in the title.
• 📁 /vendor/usr/idc/ — alternative location for new models.

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Before editing system files, back up your phone via TWRP or Titanium Backup, which will allow you to recover your phone in case of an error.

Method 5: Install custom firmware (for experienced)

If none of these methods worked, the last resort is custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Xiaomi.eu, which often offer flexible gesture settings, including completely disabling the sidebar.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Complete control of the interface and gestures.
• 🚀 Lack of unnecessary software from Xiaomi (bloatver).
• 🔒 Regular security updates.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (requires unlocking the bootloader).
• 🔌 Risk of firmware errors (possible "brick»).
• 📱 Not all camera/sensor functions can work properly.

Instructions for firmware Xiaomi.eu:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (requires an account binding Mi).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model.
3. Download the firmware from the official website Xiaomi.eu.
4. Sweat through TWRP by running Wipe Dalvik/Cache before installation.

Comparison of methods: which to choose

To make the choice easier, we have collected the key parameters of each method in the table:

For most users, the best solution is Method 1 or 2. If you are not afraid of experimentation and want to get rid of the sidebar forever, consider Method 4 (with root) or Method 5 (castom firmware).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you turn off the sidebar, users often face typical problems, and here's how to prevent them:

⚠️ Note: If after use ADB-commands the phone stopped responding to touches on the edges of the screen, perform gesture reset via the command: adb shell settings delete secure sysui_edge_gestures_enabled This will bring back the standard settings.

Other common mistakes:

• 🔄 Gestures return after update MIUI: It's normal, system settings are reset. Repeat the shutdown procedure after the update.
• 📵 Sensor fails after file editing: Delete the modified file and restart the phone in Safe Mode (Power button) → Restarting in Safe Mode).
• 🔌 ADB Does not see the device: Check if debugging is enabled USB, And install the Mi drivers. PC Suite.

If none of the methods worked, your Redmi Note model may use hardware gesture control (like the Note 12 Pro+ with Dimensity chip).

• 🛠️ Contact the service center to disable the function at the firmware level.
• 📦 Use a case with high sides that block accidental touches.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions