Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where, after updating the operating system or resetting the settings, the usual control interface changes. In particular, the Redmi 6 model, which is based on the MIUI shell, can activate gesture control by default, which for many users is an unusual and uncomfortable solution. The return of the classic interface with three buttons at the bottom of the screen greatly simplifies interaction with the device, especially for those who move from other brands or simply prefer tactile response.
The switching process takes only a few minutes and does not require root rights or complex software. All the necessary options are built into the standard system settings menu, but their location may not be obvious to beginners. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to quickly return the Back, Home and Menu buttons to the screen of your smartphone.
It's worth noting that the choice of navigation is a matter of personal comfort and ergonomics. Some users find gestures faster, but most Redmi 6 owners with a screen diagonal of 5.45 inches prefer the button control, since it takes up less space and does not overlap the content in the applications. Let's look at how to activate this mode.
Differences between gestures and navigation buttons
Modern versions of Android and the MIUI shell offer two basic ways to manage the interface: the first is the classic virtual buttons located at the bottom of the display; the second is full-screen gesture control, where the buttons are swiped along the edges of the screen, understanding the difference between them will help you make an informed choice.
Button navigation provides a visual clue as to what actions are available at the moment. You can always see where the return button or app menu is located. At the same time, gesture control frees up the useful area of the screen, which may be relevant for multimedia content, but requires remembering certain finger movements.
For the compact Redmi 6, gestures often lead to random taps, where the user simply holds the phone in his hand, but the buttons have clear boundaries and eliminate erroneous commands, and when using buttons, it is easier to quickly switch between running applications through a long press or swipe on the lower bar.
Here are the main advantages of button control for this model:
- 🔘 Clear visualization of available actions without having to remember hidden gestures.
- 🖐 Reducing the likelihood of accidental pressing when holding a smartphone with one hand.
- ⚡ Quick access to the multitasking menu via the standard button.
⚠️ Note: When switching to gestures, the swipe area may conflict with game control in some applications, so buttons are often preferred for gamers.
Step-by-step instructions for switching on buttons
To activate the classic interface, you have to go to the hidden navigation settings menu. In the latest versions of MIUI for Redmi 6, this item has been moved, and finding it the first time can be difficult. Follow the algorithm below to successfully change the settings.
First, unlock your device screen and find the Settings app icon on your desktop, which usually looks like a gray gear. After you log in, scroll down to the section that handles the system as a whole, depending on the firmware version, it can be simply called System or Advanced Settings.
Then the actions may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same. You need to find a navigation item. In the MIUI shell, it is often hidden inside the Full Screen Mode menu. When you click on it, you will see a switch that allows you to choose between gestures and buttons.
☑️ Checking the navigation settings
After doing this, three buttons will appear at the bottom of the screen instantly. If that doesn't happen, try restarting the device. In most cases, the changes are applied immediately, without the need to restart the system, but in rare cases, you may need to re-enter the menu.
Customization of order and appearance of buttons
Once you've managed to turn on the navigation buttons on Xiaomi Redmi 6, you can personalize their location. The standard Android order is the Back button on the left, Home on the center and Menu on the right, but many users who have switched from iOS or older versions of Android have become accustomed to the reverse order.
MIUI navigation settings often allow you to change buttons in places, this is done in the same menu where you chose the navigation type, look for the option "Order of buttons" or "Location", and you can choose which side of the screen will be the return button.
You should also pay attention to additional features that may be available in this section, for example, the firmware versions can be set to long-press the home button or activate the hidden fourth button for quick access to screenshots or voice assistant.
The table below shows the basic functions of buttons and their standard purpose:
| Button | Location (standard) | Main action | Additional action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu (Tasks) | Left. | Opening a list of running applications | Double press – switch to the last application |
| Home. | Centre | Return to the main screen | Long press – Google Assistant call |
| Back up. | Right. | Return to the previous screen or exit | Long pressing – copying text (in some launchers) |
⚠️ Warning: Changing the order of the buttons may take time to get used to muscle memory, so don’t change the settings too often without the need to.
Hidden possibilities of the Home button
Solving navigation problems
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the buttons disappeared on their own or stopped responding to clicks, this can be caused by a failure in the system process System UI or conflict with the installed launcher. If standard switching did not help, try deeper solutions.
First, check whether Full Screen mode is enabled for a particular application. MIUI has a setting that forcibly hides the navigation bar in certain games or video players to expand the viewing area. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Full-screen applications and make sure that the software you need is not added as an exception.
If the buttons are gone in all apps and menus, try clearing the system interface cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, search the System Interface (or System UI) list, and select Clear Cache. This action is secure and will not delete your personal data.
In rare cases, the problem may be that a design theme has been activated that does not support standard navigation elements. Try temporarily switching to a standard Classic or Default theme through the Themes app.
- 🔄 Check for system updates in the About Phone menu.
- 🧹 Clear the cache of the Security and System Interface app».
- 🎨 Reset the themes of design to factory values.
The Impact of Navigation on Redmi 6’s Autonomy
Many users wonder if the choice of navigation method affects battery life. AMOLED-The screens could consume more power, but in the case of the Redmi 6, the power is not limited to the power of the screen. IPS-Display, the difference is minimal and almost invisible in everyday use.
However, there is a nuance related to the frequency of the touchscreen survey: When using gestures, the system can differently calibrate the sensitivity of the edges of the screen, which in theory can lead to micro-slowdowns or, conversely, to more active use of the processor to recognize swipes.
For Redmi 6 owners with a 3,000mAh battery, each percentage of charge is counted. Although there is no direct correlation, a stable interface without unnecessary gesture recognition computation can have a positive impact on the overall smoothness of the device, which indirectly affects power consumption.
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For maximum energy savings on Redmi 6, it is also recommended to turn off the transition animation in the Developer Menu, which will make the work with the buttons even more responsive.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the buttons disappear after the firmware update?
Can I change the size of the navigation buttons?
The buttons cover the text in the applications, what to do?
How to return the hidden button for screenshots?
Does the change in navigation affect the game?
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Returning to button control on Redmi 6 is a matter of personal convenience that doesn’t affect warranty, but greatly improves ergonomics for users with small palms.
In conclusion, customizing the interface is the first step to making your smartphone comfortable. Xiaomi Redmi 6 provides flexible tools to do this, allowing each user to choose the best experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with settings to find the perfect balance between functionality and convenience.