How to increase the size of buttons on Xiaomi: from standard settings to hidden features

Small buttons on Xiaomi’s screen can be uncomfortable, especially for users with big fingers or vision problems. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to scale the interface, including resizing the system controls. In this article, we will examine all available methods, from basic MIUI settings to advanced solutions using ADB and third-party utilities.

It’s important to understand that the customization options vary with the shell version. For example, MIUI 14 has a separate button scaling slider that was not available in MIUI 12. We’ll show you the current limitations for each version and model, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Before making any changes, we recommend backing up your settings through Settings → About Phone → Backup, which will help you quickly restore your original settings if the new button size is inconvenient.

1. Standard scaling settings in MIUI

The easiest way to increase buttons is to use built-in accessibility options. Most versions of MIUI (starting with the 11th) have a separate section to adjust the size of the interface elements.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Special Features (some firmwares call Additional Features).
3. Select the display size or the text and display scale.
4. Move the slider Size of elements to the right to enlarge.

MIUI 14/15 has a separate button size option, which allows you to change only the controls without affecting text and icons, and if you have an older version, you have to scale the entire interface.

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If after changing the size of the buttons are superimposed on the text, try to reduce the font in the Settings → Screen → Font size.

• ✅ Pros: does not require administrator rights, works on all models.
• ❌ Cons: limited scaling range (maximum) +20-30%).
• ⚠️ Nuance: on some devices (POCO F3, Redmi 9A) This section may not be available – then use the methods in the following sections.

2. “Small text” regime for visually impaired

If standard zooming doesn't work, activate Big Text, which not only increases buttons, but also all interface elements, including system notifications and keyboards, which is particularly useful for visually impaired users.

Incorporation algorithm:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Usability.
2. Select Large Text (or Screen Size in Older Versions).
3. Activate the switch and adjust the magnification level (available up to 200%).
4. Restart the device to apply the changes.

Note that in this mode, some apps (such as Google Maps or Instagram) may not display correctly — elements will be cropped or superimposed on each other. To return the standard look, turn off the mode in the same settings.

3.Using ADB for deep customization

If built-in options are not enough, you can resize the buttons via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer connection, but allows you to more accurately scale individual elements. Importantly, you need USB debugging enabled and Xiaomi drivers on the PC.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell settings put global display_size_forced 500

The 500 is the zoom factor (standard value is 480). To zoom in the buttons, try the 520 to 600 values. Once you enter the command, restart the device.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC

Enable debugging over USB on your phone

Download ADB Tools (e.g. Google Platform Tools)

Connect your phone to the original cable

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⚠️ Attention: Incorrect values in ADB If the screen becomes unreadable after the change, reset the settings with the command: adb shell settings delete global settings display_size_forced

To fine-tune the buttons without changing the rest of the interface, use the command:

adb shell settings put secure accessibility_display_daltonizer_enabled 1


adb shell settings put secure accessibility_display_daltonizer 0.2

Here 0.2 is the increase coefficient (can vary from 0.1 to 0.5).

4. Third-party applications for customization

If system methods don't work, try specialized utilities that allow you to resize the buttons selectively, for example, only in the notification bar or on the lock screen.

• 🔧 Button Mapper – changes the size of virtual navigation buttons (Back, Home, Recent Apps) Supports the setting of transparency and position.
• 📱 Nova Launcher – allows you to scale icons and widgets on the home screen (in the launcher settings, select the icon size).
• 🎨 Tasker is for advanced users. With the AutoInput plugin, you can programmatically resize buttons in specific applications.

Example of settings in Button Mapper:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Grant permission for Special Features (in your phone settings).
3. Select the Customize Navigation Bar.
4. Configure the Button Size and Button Spacing options.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Button Mapper) may conflict with gestures MIUI. If after installation, swipes for returning back are missing, disable the overlay of buttons in the utility settings.

Standard settings of MIUI

Large text mode

Setup via ADB

Third-party annexes

I haven't tried it yet.-->

5. Change the size of buttons in specific applications

Some programs (like WhatsApp or Telegram) have their own zoom settings. Here's how to find them:

• 💬 WhatsApp: ⋮ → Settings → chat → Font size (affects the input buttons).
• 📘 Telegram: ☰ → Settings → Appearance → Size of text.
• 🎵 YouTube: In the profile settings there is an option Text size, but it does not affect the player buttons. ADB Tasker.

For system applications (Calls, Messages, Camera) there is no universal solution - you will have to use ADB or install alternative launchers. For example, in Google Messages, the button size is tied to the system scale, and in the standard MIUI Dialer, they can only be changed through modification of the framework-res.apk files (requires root).

If you need to increase the buttons only in the browser, use the read mode:

1. In Google Chrome, open the menu. ⋮ → Settings → Special facilities.
2. Activate the Simplified view, and it will increase all the elements on the page.

6 Problems and solutions after the change in size

Increasing the buttons can lead to unexpected bugs, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If after the changes the phone began to brake, clean the cache of the system:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press Volume Up + Power to Enter Recovery.
3. Select Wipe Cache (use volume buttons for navigation).
4. Reboot the phone.

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Before experimenting with ADB or third-party apps, always check compatibility with your Xiaomi model. For example, on the POCO X3 Pro, some ADB commands work differently than on the Mi 11 Lite.

7. Alternative solutions for older models

On devices with MIUI 10 and below (such as the Redmi 5A or Mi A1), standard zooming techniques are often absent.

• 🔄 Factory reset: sometimes hidden availability options appear after reset.Warning: this will delete all data!
• 📲 Custom firmware installation: LineageOS or Pixel Experience, for example, have more flexible interface settings.
• 🖥️ Using the phone in the mode "Screen on PC": through Mi PC Suite can be controlled from a computer where the button size is not critical.

To install custom firmware, you will need to unlock the bootloader. Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Apply for unblocking through the official website (you need a Mi Account).
2. Download the Mi Unlock Tool and connect your phone in Fastboot mode.
3. Follow the instructions of the program (the waiting time for unlocking is up to 720 hours).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data and may take away warranties. On some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro) Widevine will stop working after unlocking. L1 (no HD Netflix).

FAQ: Frequent questions about buttons