How to enable and configure navigation buttons on Xiaomi Redmi 7A

Modern smartphones, including the popular Xiaomi Redmi 7A, use gesture control by default to hide familiar interface elements. However, many users who have switched from older models or simply prefer tactile returns are looking for a way to return the classic look of the system. The inclusion of navigation buttons is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also a way to improve the usability of the device in everyday scenarios.

In this article, we will discuss the process of switching between control modes, consider the hidden options of customization and solve the typical problems faced by owners of budget devices. Understanding the MIUI interface will allow you to adapt your smartphone to your personal preferences, making it as comfortable as possible.

Don't think it's complicated or it requires a lot of knowledge, and you can use the standard menu that you can access right after you unpack, and we can help you quickly navigate your Android and MIUI settings.

Differences between gestures and classical buttons

The interface of modern smartphones has evolved, and Xiaomi is no exception: Full-screen gesture control frees up useful display area by removing the lower band with controls. This allows content to take up more space, which is especially true for devices with a diagonal of 5.45 inches, like the Redmi 7A.

But the classic method has its own advantages: three virtual buttons (Back, Home, Menu) provide a clear visualization of the available actions; the user does not need to remember complex swipes or wonder if a gesture will work in a particular application; the clicking mechanics are intuitive and do not require training.

Also, for people with certain motor skills or just for those who are used to a certain algorithm of actions, a return to the standard is a necessity. Changing the control mode does not require superuser rights (Root) and is completely safe for the device warranty. You can always return to gestures if the new format seems uncomfortable.

Note that when using buttons, the bottom of the screen is occupied by the navigation bar, which can visually reduce the workspace in some applications. However, stability and predictability of response often outweigh this minor disadvantage.

Step-by-step: Including navigation buttons

The process of activating classic navigation in the MIUI shell is standardized, but the location of the items may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. First, you need to unlock the screen and get to the main desktop.

Then follow the algorithm that will lead you to the right switch, and it is important to do things consistently so you don't get confused by the variety of settings in the system.

• 📱 Open the Settings app, the icon of which is usually located at the top of the screen or in the tool folder.
• 🔍 In the menu that opens, find Full-screen Mode. MIUI It can be located directly at the root of the menu or inside the tab.
• 🔄 There will be two previews on the screen, one showing gesture control, the other showing buttons. Click on the image corresponding to the navigation buttons.
• ✅ The system will automatically apply the changes, and at the bottom of the screen will appear a black bar with three controls.

Once you do this, the interface changes instantly. If you don't see any changes, try restarting the device, which is not required 99% of the time.

In some cases, especially after a firmware update, the settings may be reset to default (gestures), in which case you will have to repeat the procedure.

Setting the location and appearance of the buttons

Once you've managed to turn on the buttons, you may notice that they're not very good for you, and fortunately, Xiaomi allows you to flexibly adjust this aspect. Standard layouts in the CIS and Europe usually include the "Back" button on the left, the "Home" button on the center, and the "Menu" button on the right.

But users who come from other brands or are used to the old Android logic may want to switch back and me buttons, without having to go to the engineering menu.

In the same Full-screen mode section, just below the navigation type selection, there's often a button order switch, which can be called Menu and Back, or it can have a schematic image, and if you switch it, you'll instantly change the side key functionality.

⚠️ Note: In some regional versions of firmware (e.g. India or China), the order of the buttons may be inverted by default. Always check the functionality of each button after turning on.

Also worth mentioning is the hidden navigation bar, which you can enable in the settings an option that hides the buttons when they are not in use and shows them when you touch the edge of the screen, which is a trade-off between the aesthetics of gestures and the convenience of buttons.

To activate this function:

• 👁️ Find Hide Tips or Hidden Navigation Bar in the screen settings menu.
• 📉 Activate the switch so that the button bar disappears into a simple one.
• 👆 Touch the bottom edge of the screen to temporarily call the control panel.

This mode is useful for saving battery power on AMOLED-screens (although in Redmi) 7A worth IPS, This makes this effect less noticeable, but the habit remains, and to prevent accidental pressing.

Comparison of management methods: characteristics table

To make a final decision on how to control, it is useful to compare their key characteristics. Below is a table that will help you weigh the pros and cons for your Redmi 7A use case.

As you can see from the table, classic buttons win in predictability, gestures win in usable area, which is critical for small screens, and the choice depends on your personal priorities.

If you use your smartphone with one hand often, the buttons may be more convenient, as the thumb naturally falls on the bottom of the body, while gestures require a wider amplitude of movement.

Solution: buttons are missing or not working

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where after switching on the buttons disappear, stop responding to clicks or work incorrectly, this can be caused by a malfunction in the system process SystemUI or a conflict of running applications.

The first thing to do is to check if Do Not Disturb mode or specific game profiles are on, which can block navigation, and the problem may lie in a crowded cache of the system.

Try to do the following to troubleshoot:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone. It's a banal but effective way to reset temporary process errors.
• 🧹 Clear the app's cache Settings and Security through the app menu.
• 🛡️ Check if there are third-party launchers or customization programs installed that can intercept control.

If the buttons are missing after the system update, the theme settings may have gone wrong. Try applying a standard Classic or Default theme through the Themes app. Third-party themes often have their own sets of navigation icons that may conflict with system ones.

⚠️ Note: If the navigation buttons are gone completely and the screen does not respond to swipes, try pressing the power button on the screen. 10-15 seconds for forced reboot of the device.

In rare cases, resetting all settings to factory helps, but this is an extreme measure that requires prior data storage.

Additional features and hidden functions

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 7A may be surprised to learn that navigation buttons have additional features that not everyone is aware of.Long-term tapping or special combinations can open up access to useful tools.

For example, a long press on the central home button (if it is active in the chosen style) can trigger the Google Assistant voice assistant, which speeds up the search for information without having to unlock the phone and search for the application.

There is also the option of setting up a double-press. Although this feature is limited in stock MIUI, installing simple utilities from the Play Market allows you to double-press the home button to start a camera, flashlight or a specific application.

Another interesting feature is the ability to change the transparency of the navigation bar through an engineering menu or special applications, although this requires deeper intervention in the system. For most users, standard black or white (in light themes) color is quite enough.

Don't forget that using navigation buttons can slightly increase battery consumption compared to gestures, as the area of the screen under the buttons must be constantly on (if hidden is not enabled). 7A With its capacious battery, this effect is minimal, but it is worth knowing about it.

💡

Use the Menu button not only to switch tasks, but a long press on it often opens up a menu of quick access to screenshots or split screens, if this feature is supported by the running application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In this section, we have collected answers to the most popular questions that users have when setting up navigation.

💡

The right navigation is the foundation of a smartphone experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with settings to find the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics for yourself.