How to Hide or Remove Screen buttons on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

The screen buttons on Xiaomi smartphones are a convenient alternative to physical keys, but not everyone likes them. Some prefer gesture control, some interfere with the space on the display, and some just want to return the usual look of the interface. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to remove the on-screen buttons on Redmi devices, POCO and other Xiaomi lines – from standard settings to hidden functions and commands for experienced users.

It is important to understand that the process may vary depending on the version of the MIUI firmware (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS) and the smartphone model. We will look at generic methods, and also point out the features for specific devices. If you are not sure about your model, check it in Settings → About Phone → Model. Also note that some methods require developer rights or a PC connection.

Before you start, we recommend backing up important data – especially if you plan to use it. ADB-In most cases, disabling virtual buttons is reversible, but it is better to be safe.

1. Standard method: disabling through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in interface options, which is suitable for most modern Xiaomi smartphones on MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Display section.
3. Select Full-screen mode (or Full-screen display in some versions).
4. Slip on the Full Screen Style.
5. Choose the No buttons (gestures) or Gesture control option.
6. Confirm the change if a warning appears.

After that, the on-screen buttons will disappear, and the smartphone will be controlled using swipes (gestures), for example, a swipe from the bottom up will return to the main screen, and a late swipe will open the listing applications.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) after switching to gestures, the home button indicator may disappear. To return it, go to Settings → Display. → Full screen mode → Showing the navigation lane.

If your version of MIUI does not have Full Screen Mode, try an alternative path:

• 🔍 Settings → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures → select Gestures.
• 📱 Settings → System system → Gestures → Turn off the screen buttons.

2. Hidden settings: mode for developers

If the standard method didn't work or you need additional options, you can use the developer mode, which is suitable for devices where the manufacturer has restricted access to the interface settings.

First, activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7-10 times in a row until you become a developer!

Now, follow the following steps:

• 🔧 Return to Settings and open a new Developer section (usually at the bottom of the list).
• 📱 Find the Minimum width option and set a value of 480 dp or higher, which will cause the system to consider your smartphone as a tablet, which sometimes unlocks additional interface settings.
• 🔄 Restart the device and check if Full-screen mode appears in the main settings.

If this method didn’t help, try another option in developer mode:

1. In the For Developers section, find USB Debugging and turn it on.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and use it ADB-The teams (we will tell you below).

⚠️ Warning: Change the minimum width setting may cause some applications to display incorrectly. After experiments, return the value to 360 dp (standard for smartphones).

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If the interface becomes too sparse after changing the Minimum Width, try 411 dp, which is the optimal balance for most applications.

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

If previous methods have failed, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and installing special drivers, but gives you more options for customization.

First, prepare everything you need:

• 💻 Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on PC (or download only adb.exe).
• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB on a smartphone (see previous section).
• 🔌 Connect the device to the PC through USB-cable (preferably original).

Now run the following commands in Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux):

adb devices

(This command checks the connection. If the device doesn't show up, confirm access to debugging on your smartphone screen.)

adb shell settings put global force_fsg_nav_bar 0

(Stops the forced display of screen buttons.)

adb shell settings put global policy_control immersive.full=*

(Activates full screen mode for all applications.)

After you've done the commands, restart your smartphone. The screen buttons should disappear. If they're back after the reboot, repeat the last command.

To return the buttons, use:

adb shell settings put global force_fsg_nav_bar 1

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) team ADB In this case, try to get root rights first or use alternative methods.

4. Use of third-party applications

If you don't want to mess with ADB or system settings, you can use third-party utilities. They don't always work 100%, but they often help hide on-screen buttons without complex manipulation.

The most popular applications for this task:

• 📱 Nacho Notch – allows you to hide the cutouts and navigation bar.Works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires root for full functionality.
• 🔧 Full Screen Gestures emulates gesture control and hides buttons. Supports swipe zone configuration.
• 🎨 Edge Gestures – adds custom gestures and can hide a standard navigation bar.

Example of settings via Nacho Notch:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Run it and provide all the necessary permissions (including Overlay on top of other applications).
3. Go to the Navigation Bar section.
4. Enable the Hide Navigation Bar option.
5. Set up exceptions for applications where buttons should stay (e.g. in games).

Note that some applications may conflict with MIUI, especially if you have custom firmware installed. Also note that after the system update, the settings may reset.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Nacho Notch can cause bugs in some games or banking programs.

5. editing system files (root only)

If you have root rights, you can turn off screen buttons by editing system files, which is a method that is suitable for advanced users and requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to system failure.

You'll need:

• 📱 Smartphone with unlocked bootloader and root rights (for example, through Magisk).
• 💻 PC fitted ADB and Fastboot.
• 📝 System file editor (e.g. Root Explorer or Mixplorer).

Instructions:

1. Open Root Explorer and go to /system/usr/keylayout.
2. Find the Generic.kl file (or qwerty.kl, depending on the model).
3. Make a backup copy of the file (copy it on the SD-card).
4. Open the file in the text editor and find lines with key 158 BACK, key 172 HOME, key 139 MENU.
5. Comment on them by adding the # symbol at the beginning of the line.
6. Save the file and restart the smartphone.

If the buttons are gone after the reboot but the gestures don’t work, return the changes back or configure alternative controls through apps like Fluid Navigation Gestures.

⚠️ Note: Editing system files can lead to loss of warranty and unstable operation of the device.If after the changes the smartphone stopped booting, try to restore the backup file through the TWRP.

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Editing system files is the most radical method, and only use it if other methods have failed and you are prepared for the consequences.

6. Features for specific Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique nuances when turning off the screen buttons.

For HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the process may be different. In the new shell, the manufacturer has removed some options from standard settings, so you often have to use ADB or edit system files.

If your model is not listed in the table, try the generic methods from the previous sections, and you can also look for instructions on forums like 4PDA or Xiaomi.eu, where users share experiences for specific devices.

7. What to do if nothing works?

If none of the methods helped remove the on-screen buttons, here are a few alternative solutions:

• 🔄 Update the firmware. Sometimes navigation bar bugs get fixed in newer versions. MIUI or hyperos.
• 📲 Install custom firmware. LineageOS or Pixel Experience, for example, offer flexible interface settings.
• 🛠️ In rare cases, the problem may be related to a hardware failure (for example, a sensor malfunction).
• 🎯 Use an alternative launcher. Some shells (like Nova Launcher) allow you to hide the navigation bar in your settings.

If you decide to reflash the device, keep in mind that it is:

• 🚫 Cancels the guarantee.
• ⚠️ It can lead to data loss.
• 🔧 Requires unlocking the bootloader (on some models it takes up to 7 days of waiting).

Before installing custom firmware, be sure to check its compatibility with your model on official resources, for example, XDA Developers.

FAQ: Frequent questions