How to Enable One-Hand Mode on Xiaomi with Gestures: Hidden MIUI Function

Controlling a Xiaomi smartphone with one hand is a real challenge for owners of devices with screens from 6.5 inches. Even compact models like the Redmi Note 12 or Poco X5 require stretching your fingers to reach the top elements of the interface. Fortunately, MIUI has a hidden one-hand mode feature that can be activated not only through settings, but also with gestures – it is much faster and more convenient.

In this article, you'll find a unique way to turn on a one-hand mode without deep diving in a menu that works on all current firmware versions (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 15). We'll take a look at step-by-step instructions, nuances for different models, and alternative activation methods. If you're tired of uncomfortable big screen controls, this guide is for you.

Why gestures are more convenient than standard one-hand mode

The standard way to activate one-hand mode is through Settings → Special features → One-hand mode requires a minimum of 5 taps. Gestures solve this problem in 1-2 touches. Here are the key benefits:

• ⚡ Instant activation – you don’t have to open the settings every time.
• 🎯 Intuitiveness – a gesture is remembered the first time (as opposed to a path through a menu).
• 🔄 Flexibility: You can assign different gestures to your left and right hand.
• 📱 Works on all Xiaomis, from budget Redmis to flagship Xiaomi 14s.

And gestures also allow you to dynamically switch between modes, for example, you can narrow down the screen to type a message and then return it to normal form with a single movement, which is especially useful in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) or when surfing in the browser.

Preparation: Verification of MIUI version and compatibility

Before setting up gestures, make sure your device supports the function. One-hand gesture mode is available on all Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones with MIUI 12 firmware and later.

• 📵 Android Go devices (e.g., Redmi A1 or Poco C50).
• 🔄 Smartphones with custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🛠️ Sensor-damaged devices (gestures may not be recognized).

To check the MIUI version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have a version older than MIUI 12, update your firmware through Settings → System Update.

⚠️ Warning: On some models (e.g. Redmi 9A or Poco M3), gestures for one-hand mode may conflict with system swipes. In this case, turn off the "Swipe down for notification panels" gesture in Settings → Display → Gestures.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the mode of one hand gesture

Now, the key thing is, you can set up the gesture, and it takes about a minute to do this.

1. Open Settings and go to Additional Settings → Function Lab. If there is no Feature Lab, search for one-handed mode.
2. Find the option One-Hand Mode and activate it. In some versions of MIUI, this option is called Screen Slimming.
3. Select "Enable gesture" and assign a combination. We recommend: 👉 Swipe on the home button (left or right). 👈 Double tap on the "Back" button.

Adjust the size of the reduced screen (3.5", 4.0" or 4.5").

For Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Mix Fold 3, the Smooth Downsize mode is available.

The gesture does not conflict with other system gestures|

The screen size fits your hand |

The function was tested in 2-3 applications (for example, in the messenger and browser)|

The option "Show the prompt upon activation" (for the first days of use) is enabled)-->

After saving the settings, test the gesture in real-world conditions.

• 📱 On WhatsApp: Try reaching for the send button at the top of the screen.
• 🌐 In Chrome: Check the availability of the address bar.
• 🎮 In games: Activate the mode to reach for the controls.

⚠️ Warning: On Poco F4 GT and other gaming smartphones, one-hand gestures can be turned off in the Game Turbo. To fix this, add the game to exceptions in the Game Space settings → Settings → Gesture exclusions.

Alternative ways to turn on one-handed mode

If gestures for some reason do not fit, there are 3 more ways to activate the mode:

1. Through the notification panel

Add a one-hand mode shortcut to the Quick Settings panel:

1. Deploy the notification bar and click on the icon "⚙️" (edit).
2. Find the tiles One-hand Mode and drag them to the active area.

Now the mode is turned on with one tap on the tile.

2.Voice assistant

Activate Google Assistant or XiaoAI and say:

• 🎤 OK, Google, turn on one-hand mode.
• 🎤 "XiaoAI, shrink the screen."

3. Automation with MacroDroid

For advanced users:

1. Install the MacroDroid app from Google Play.
2. Create a macro with a trigger (like shaking your phone) and action to start one-handed mode.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after setting up correctly, users are confronted with bugs, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting MIUI to factory settings (don’t forget to back up!).

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset all settings (not "Reset to factory").
3. After restarting, reset the one-hand mode.

💡

On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Mix Fold 3, one-hand mode can be combined with the "Separate Screen" function. To do this, activate the one-hand mode, then swipe down from the top edge of the screen with two fingers.

Comparison with one-handed mode on other brands

Xiaomi isn't the only brand offering a one-handed mode, but the implementation in MIUI has its own peculiarities.

The main advantage of MIUI is customization.

• 🔧 Set up the size of the reduced screen (from 3.5" to 4.5").
• 🔄 Select the side of the decrease (left or right).
• ⚡ Assign any gesture (even double-tapping on the back of the Xiaomi 11T Pro).

💡

MIUI’s one-hand mode is the only one among top brands that allows you to assign activation through an arbitrary gesture rather than a fixed movement, making it the most flexible solution for large screens.

How to Optimize Your Work with One Hand Mode

To make the one-hand mode really convenient, use these tips:

1. Set the position of the screen down. If you're right-handed, select the right side in Settings → Additional settings → One-hand mode → Position. Left-handed, left-handed.
2. Use gestures with navigation. Turn off the navigation bar (Settings → Display → Full-screen mode) and use swipes to return to the home screen. This will make room for content.
3. Add a shortcut to the home screen. Create a shortcut for quick inclusion: pinch the empty space on the home screen → Widgets → Settings → One-hand mode.
4. Set up exceptions for games. In Settings → Special features → One-hand mode → Exceptions add games where the mode interferes with management.

There is a bonus for Poco F5 or Redmi K60 owners: in these models, one-hand mode can be combined with the game space. For example, you can narrow the screen to access chats without leaving the game.

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and other flagships with curved screens, one-handed mode can cause false touches at the edges. To avoid this, reduce the sensitivity of edges in Settings → Display → Sensitivity of screen edges.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions