Modern Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS offer users a high degree of customization. One of the most popular features for those who move from other platforms or are just used to a certain arrangement of controls is the ability to invert navigation buttons. The standard location in the Android environment often involves a back button on the left, but many users prefer to see it on the right for ease of control with one hand.
The layout change process does not require root access rights or complex flashing of the device. System settings allow you to change the order of the buttons in a few touches, making the procedure accessible even for inexperienced gadget owners. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions, examine the differences between the versions of the operating system and answer frequent questions that arise when setting up navigation.
It’s worth noting that the interface may vary slightly depending on the Android version and the specific model of your smartphone, whether it’s a budget Redmi or a flagship Xiaomi. However, the logic of the system menu remains the same for the entire ecosystem of the brand. Below are proven methods that are guaranteed to help you customize screen control to your preferences.
Standard configuration through the system menu
The easiest and safest way to change the order of the Back and Home buttons is to use the built-in functionality of the operating system. Xiaomi engineers have provided this option for all current models, starting with Android 9 and above. You do not need to download third-party launchers or use hidden engineering codes that can lead to unstable operation of the device.
You need to go to the main settings menu of your smartphone, find the section that provides additional system settings, and it may be called differently in different versions of the firmware, but most often the item you're looking for is hidden inside the Advanced Settings category or directly in the Additional menu, and that's where the interface management keys are concentrated.
When you enter the menu, look for "Button Navigation" or "Fullscreen Navigation." If you have gesture control enabled, you'll need to switch to button mode first. In the window that opens, you'll see a schematic image of the bottom of the smartphone, and the system will suggest you choose between two layout options: standard or mirror.
- 📱 Back to the left: the classic Android scheme, familiar to most users.
- 🔄 Back button on the right: iOS schema, convenient for controlling the thumb of the right hand.
- ⚙️ Hiding the panel: the ability to temporarily remove buttons to view content.
- 🖐️ Sensitivity: adjusting the response to touch in the navigation area.
You can choose the configuration you want, and the changes will be applied instantly. The system does not require rebooting or confirmation of actions. If the chosen scheme seems uncomfortable during operation, you can always go back to the same menu and return the original settings in a couple of seconds.
Setting up navigation in MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS
With the release of new versions of MIUI firmware and the transition to HyperOS, the settings menu underwent a redesign, but the functionality remained the same. In current builds, the path to adjusting the buttons became a little shorter, as many items were brought to a higher level of hierarchy for user convenience.
Owners of devices with the shell MIUI 13 and later should pay attention to the section "Additional features." In some regions this item may be called "Special capabilities", but navigation is usually in the general settings of the system, it is important not to confuse these menus, so as not to get confused in a huge number of parameters.
If you're using HyperOS, the algorithm is almost identical, but the visual design of the menu has become more minimalist, and when you switch between navigation modes, the system can show you a brief animation showing gestures or buttons, which helps you get used to the new way of controlling.
☑️ Check before changing navigation
Note that in some custom firmware builds or versions for the Chinese market, item names may differ, in which case it is recommended to use a search by settings. Simply type the word "navigation" or "buttons" in the search bar of the settings menu, and the system will redirect you to the desired section.
⚠️ Note: When you turn on full-screen gesture mode, the button navigation is completely turned off. If you want to just swap the buttons in places, don't activate gesture mode, but stay in button mode.
Use of the MIUI Extras application
For advanced users who want to access hidden interface features, there is an official, but not pre-installed, MIUI Extras app (also known as GetApps or system plugins), which allows not only to swap buttons in places, but also to adjust their transparency, size and behavior with long pressing.
To use this method, you will need to download the installation file of the system plugin Security or SystemUI from a reliable source, since these components are often stripped down in global firmware. Once installed and the necessary permissions are provided, a new section with advanced interface settings will appear in the menu.
Inside the app, you'll find the Navigation tab, and you'll find a more flexible editor that allows you to create your own profiles, for example, you can set up automatic button hiding in certain apps or change the color depending on the theme.
| Function | Standard settings | MIUI Extras / Plugins |
|---|---|---|
| Change the buttons in places | Yes. | Yes. |
| Change the size of the buttons | No. | Yes. |
| Background transparency | No. | Yes. |
| Long-press action | Limited. | Expanded. |
Using third-party system plugins carries certain risks. Incorrect modification of the system interface can lead to a cyclical reboot or disappearance of the navigation bar. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to create a full backup of data before installing any modified system applications.
Where to download secure plugins?
Alternative methods through ADB
For those who are not afraid of the command line, there is a method of changing the order of buttons through ADB debugging (Android Debug Bridge), which is universal and works even on those devices where the manufacturer has blocked the ability to change buttons in the regular menu.
First, you need to activate the developer mode. To do this, quickly click seven times on the build number in the About Phone section. Then in the Developer menu that appears, turn on the USB Debugging option. Connect the smartphone to your computer and open the command line.
Enter the following command to check the connection:
adb devicesIf the device is determined, you can enter a command to change navigation. However, in modern versions of Android, the direct command for swap buttons is often hidden or requires superuser rights. A more reliable option is to use the command to reset navigation settings to default if they were changed by third-party software:
adb shell settings put secure sysui_nav_bar"back,home,recent"The order of the words in the command determines the order of the buttons. Experimenting with sequence can get the desired result. But be careful: a syntax error can cause the navigation bar to disappear completely, and you have to restore access through safe mode.
⚠️ Attention: Use of teams ADB Incorrect settings can disrupt the SystemUI system interface, which will require resetting the phone to factory settings.
Solution: buttons are missing or not responding
Sometimes, after updating a firmware or installing a heavy app, users find that the navigation bar disappears or stops responding to touch, a common MIUI shell bug that is most often solved by software without going to a service center.
The first thing you should do is try to just reboot the device, and 80 percent of the time, it clears the temporary cache of the system processes that render the interface, and if the reboot didn't work, check if Do Not Disturb mode or special features for people with disabilities that might be blocking the bottom of the screen are on.
The problem can also be in the safety glass, where if the glass is curved or has thick edges, it can physically overlap the touch layer in the button area. Take the glass off and check the sensor. If that doesn't work, try resetting the special features in the settings menu.
- 🔄 Reboot: Turn off and turn on the phone again.
- 🧹 Cache Clearing: Go to the application settings, find System Navigation and clear the cache.
- 🛡️ Safe Mode: Boot in Safe Mode to Eliminate Third-Party Launchers.
- 🏗️ Resetting settings: a last resort - a complete reset to factory settings.
💡
If the buttons are missing after installing the launcher, try to remove it or disable it in the application settings. Often, third-party shells conflict with the system navigation of MIUI.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you change the color of the navigation buttons without root rights?
Why did the buttons fall into place after the firmware update?
Does changing buttons affect the way games work?
How to return all navigation settings by default?
💡
Changing the navigation buttons is a software-based interface setup that doesn’t affect processor performance or battery consumption, so you can experiment with the layout without worrying about hardware.
To sum up, changing the position of the buttons on Xiaomi smartphones is a simple but important ergonomics setup. Using the standard system tools, you can make the device as comfortable as possible for yourself. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment with the settings, as at any time you can return to the original state.