How to completely remove the sidebar on Xiaomi Redmi: from simple settings to ADB

The MIUI sidebar is one of the most controversial elements of the Xiaomi Redmi interface. For some users, it is a convenient tool for quick access to applications and functions, for others, an annoying element that eats up useful screen space and is accidentally activated by gestures. If you fall into the second category, this article will help completely remove the sidebar without root rights and complex manipulations.

Depending on the MIUI version (12, 13 or 14) and the Redmi model (such as the Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10 or Redmi K50), the ways to disable may vary. We will look at all current methods, from standard settings to hidden developer and ADB commands. It is important to consider that some solutions may require a device reboot or temporarily limit gesture functionality.

Before you start, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi has the latest firmware installed.This minimizes the risk of bugs after you turn off the panel. Check the MIUI version in the Settings menu → About Phone → MIUI version.

1. Standard shutdown via MIUI settings

The easiest way to remove the sidebar is available in most versions of MIUI through the settings menu, which requires no additional tools and is suitable for Redmi based on Android 10-14.

Open Settings → Additional settings → Sidebar. Here you will see the switch Turn on the sidebar. Turn it off - the panel will disappear immediately, without rebooting. However, in some firmware (for example, the global versions for Redmi Note 11), this item may not be available.

If you don’t have a “Sidebar” section on your menu, try an alternative path:

• 🔍 Go to Settings. → Screen and scroll down.
• 📱 On some models (Redmi) 9A, Redmi 8) option hidden in Settings → Special facilities → Convenience.
• ⚙️ V MIUI 14 for Redmi K60 and look for the item Gestures and movements → Sidebar.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (e.g. Redmi) 12C) When you turn off the panel, you may lose access to Google Assistant via a swipe from the corner of the screen. To return the feature, set it separately in the gesture settings.

2. Disconnection through "Developer Mode"

If the standard method didn’t work, try deactivating the panel through the developer’s hidden settings.This method is effective for Redmi on MIUI 13/14, where the sidebar is integrated into the gesture system.

First, activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version (you will be notified "You became a developer").
3. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.

Now find the parameters associated with the sidebar:

• 🔧 Enter the search by settings request side panel (in English firmware) or side panel (in Russian).
• 📵 Turn off the Enable side panel or Show the sidebar when swiping.
• 🔄 Restart the device to apply changes.

3.Use of ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If previous methods didn’t work, the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a universal way, working even on locked firmware, but requiring a connection to a PC.

You'll need:

• 💻 A computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and ADB Tools (you can download from the official Android website).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB Type C C Cable (original or certified).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Redmi to your PC and confirm the debugging permission on your smartphone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices (should display the serial number of your device).
4. Execute the sidebar deactivation command: adb shell settings put secure sysui_side_panel_enabled 0
5. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi) K30) post-execution ADB-The sensor sensitivity may be reset, and to return it, go to Settings. → Screen. → Touch sensitivity and recalibrate the screen.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Download Platform Tools from Android|Enable debugging on USB smartphone|Connect the original cable|Check the connection of the adb device team-->

4. Remove through the system settings editor (requires root)

For users with unlocked bootloader and root rights, a radical method is available - editing system files, which is suitable for Redmi on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer) and follow these steps:

1. Cross the path. /data/data/com.miui.home/shared_prefs/.
2. Find the file. device_preferences.xml Open it in the text editor.
3. Add or change the line: <boolean name="side_panel_enabled" value="false" />
4. Save the file and restart the device.

Alternatively, use the AppOps app to block the sidebar resolution:

• 🛡️ Install AppOps from Google Play.
• 🔍 Find the System application in the list UI (or com.miui.home).
• 🚫 Turn off the permission. DISPLAY_OVER_OTHER_APPS side-panel.

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If after editing system files, the smartphone began to slow down, clear the cache through TWRP or return the standard settings to Settings → Applications → Application Management → System UI → Storage → Clear the cache.

5. Alternative solutions: replacement of the launcher

If none of the methods worked, consider installing a third-party launcher.This will drastically change the Xiaomi Redmi interface by removing the sidebar along with other MIUI elements.

Popular launchers without sidebar:

• 🌐 Nova Launcher – supports gestures, but without an intrusive panel.
• 📱 Lawnchair – Pixel-style launcher with minimalist design.
• ⚡ Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for gaming smartphones (Redmi) K50 Gaming).
• 🔄 Microsoft Launcher – Windows integration and no sidebars.

To set up the launcher:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Click "Home" and select the new launcher as the main one.
3. In the launcher settings, turn off all options related to side gestures.

6.Sidebar restoration (if something went wrong)

If you have problems after manipulating settings or ADB (for example, the notification panel is missing or gestures are not working), return everything to the original state:

For standard recovery:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Additional settings → Sidebar and turn it on again.
• 📱 If the panel does not appear, reset the launcher settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data.

For correction after ADB:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put secure sysui_side_panel_enabled 1
2. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi with MIUI 14 After resetting the launcher settings, wallpaper and icon location may reset. To avoid this, make a backup copy through Settings before resetting. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

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If the sidebar is missing along with the notification panel, this is a sign of a failure in System UI. In this case, only flashing through Fastboot or resetting to factory settings will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off the sidebar