How to turn on the pointer on the Xiaomi phone: 3 proven ways

The pointer on the screen of Xiaomi smartphone is a virtual mouse that allows you to control the interface using a touchpad, a connected Bluetooth mouse or even a joystick. The feature is especially useful for gamers, developers or users connecting the phone to the monitor in DeX-analogue mode (via a DeX-analogue mode). MIUI Desktop Mode. However, by default, the pointer is disabled, and how to activate it depends on the version. MIUI device models.

In this article, we will analyze all working methods for including a pointer on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO And Black Shark, from standard settings to hidden features for advanced users, you'll learn how to connect a Bluetooth mouse, activate a touchpad in Second Space mode, and what to do if the pointer doesn't appear after all the manipulations. We will pay special attention to the nuances for devices on MIUI 14/15 Smartphones with MediaTek processors.

Why do you need a pointer on a Xiaomi phone?

Many users mistakenly believe that the virtual mouse on a smartphone is a useless function, but it actually solves a few practical problems:

🎮 Gaming: control in shooters (for example, Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG) It's more accurate than a touch screen, some emulators, for example, PPSSPP) require a pointer to set up controls.
🖥️ Connect to the monitor: Desktop Mode (available on Xiaomi flagships) 13/14) without a pointer to work inconvenient – you have to point your finger at the screen.
🔧 Debugging and development: when connecting through ADB Scrcpy pointer allows you to interact with the interface accurately.
🦽 Special features: for people with disabilities, mouse control can be easier than gestures.

On some models (such as the Black Shark 5 Pro), the pointer is activated automatically when you connect the Xiaomi Game Controller, but on most devices it must be manually enabled.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MIUI Global (European firmware) pointer function can be blocked, in which case you will need to unlock the bootloader or install custom firmware.

Method 1: Enabling the pointer through settings MIUI (most models)

The easiest way is to activate the pointer in the standard settings. It works on most devices with a computer. MIUI 12–15, including Xiaomi 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12 and POCO F3/F4/F5. Instructions:

Open the Settings. → Connected devices (or Bluetooth and devices on newer versions).
Select Additional Settings (some firmwares call it Special Opportunities).
Find the option Mouse Pointer or Virtual Mouse and move the slider to the position on.
Connect a Bluetooth mouse or touchpad – a cursor should appear on the screen.

If the Mouse Pointer item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → Special features → Physical control → Mouse pointer

On certain devices (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) the option is hidden behind the extra parameters:

Activate Developer Mode (7 times press "Version" MIUI" on the telephone")

Return to "Settings" → "Additionally" → "For developers"

Find the item "Include mouse pointer" or "Simulate secondary pointer"

Reboot the phone after activation-->

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 12 and later, the pointer feature may conflict with navigation gestures. If the cursor twitches, turn off gestures in Settings → Display. → Navigation panel.

Method 2: Activate the pointer through the developer mode (for advanced users)

If the standard method didn't work, try turning on the pointer through the developer's settings. MIUI 13/14, where the function can be hidden by default:

Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on the MIUI Version (you will be notified "You became a developer").

Settings

Additional → For Developers

Enable the mouse pointer (or Pointer Location in English firmware).
Simulate secondary pointer (for touchpad).
Activate both settings and restart the phone.

After restarting, connect your Bluetooth mouse. If the cursor doesn't show up, check the following:

🔄 Make sure your mouse is compatible with Android (like Logitech) MX Master or Xiaomi Bluetooth Mouse).
📱 Try connecting the mouse before activating the pointer in the settings.
🔧 In some cases, you need to reset your Bluetooth settings: Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth → ⚙️ → Reset the settings.

💡

If the pointer is not working correctly (hangs, jumps), disable the option "Improving pointer accuracy" in the settings for developers.

Method 3: Use ADB-commands (for devices without option in the MIUI)

On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) The pointer function is not present in the interface, but it can be activated via ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method requires a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

Install. ADB-PC drivers.
Enable USB debugging on your phone: Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging over USB
Connect the phone to your computer and execute the command in the terminal (or cmd): adb shell settings put global. pointer_location 1
To activate a mouse simulation, type: adb shell settings put global show_touches 1
Reset the device.

If the pointer does not appear after the reboot, try alternative commands:

adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/system --bind name:s:pointer_speed --bind value:i:1000


adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/system --bind name:s:show_touches --bind value:i:1

On devices with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi Note) 11) You may need an additional command to unlock hidden features: adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-commands can cause system failures. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Standard settings MIUI|Developer mode|ADB-team|Nothing helped.-->

Compatibility table: index on popular Xiaomi models

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support virtual pointer out of the box. The table below shows the compatibility information for popular models. If your device is not on the list, try the method with the help of the device. ADB.

Model	Support for the pointer	Activation method	Notes
Xiaomi 13/13 Pro	✅ Yes.	Settings → Special Opportunities	It works with Desktop Mode.
Redmi Note 12 Pro+	✅ Yes.	Developer mode	Requires to turn off navigation gestures
POCO F5	✅ Yes.	ADB or MIUI settings	Supports the connection of the gamepad
Black Shark 5 Pro	✅ Yes.	Automatically when connecting the gamepad	Optimized for gaming
Redmi 10A	❌ No.	Only through ADB (unstablely)	Cursor lags possible

If your model does not support pointer, consider alternative solutions:

🖱️ Use mouse emulator apps (such as Mouse Toggle or EasyTouch).
🎮 Connect a gamepad with a touchpad (e.g., Xiaomi Game Controller).
💻 Use Scrcpy to Manage Your Phone with a PC.

What to do if the signage does not work?

Even when activated correctly, the cursor may not appear or malfunction.

Problem 1: The pointer does not appear after connecting the mouse

Possible causes and solutions:

🔌 Mouse incompatible: Try another device (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Bluetooth Mouse).
📱 Firmware conflict: Update MIUI Up to the latest version or roll back to a stable assembly.
🔧 Failure in settings: Perform reset Bluetooth settings: Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth → ⚙️ → Reset the settings

Problem 2: The cursor is twitching or late

This is a typical problem on MediaTek devices (like the Redmi Note 11).

🛠️ Turn off the option Improved pointer accuracy in the developer settings.
📶 Switch from Bluetooth 5.0 to Bluetooth 4.2 (if the mouse supports).
🔄 Restart your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → "Safe mode") and check the pointer.

Problem 3: The pointer disappears after the screen is locked

Some firmwares reset the cursor when blocked.

⚙️ Enable the option to Save the pointer when blocked in the developer settings (if any).
🔒 Use the Keep Screen On app to keep the screen from getting blocked.

How to check the compatibility of the mouse with Xiaomi?

Before buying, check if your mouse supports Bluetooth. HID (Human Interface Device: Most modern mice (e.g., from Logitech, Microsoft or Xiaomi) are compatible with Android. DPI (For the test, connect your mouse to another Android device (tablet or smartphone on pure Android).

Alternative ways to control the cursor

If the standard pointer is not satisfied, consider alternative solutions:

1. Mouse emulator applications

There are programs that add a virtual cursor to the screen:

🖱️ Mouse Toggle – allows you to control the cursor with gestures or a connected mouse.
👆 EasyTouch – Adds a floating touchpad to the screen.
🎮 Octopus – Emulates a mouse for games (requires root rights).

For installation:

Download. APK from the official website (for example, Mouse Toggle).
Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
Launch the app and follow the instructions on the screen.

2. Connection through OTG

If the Bluetooth mouse is not suitable, use a wired mouse with OTG-adapter:

🔌 Buy an adapter. USB-C to USB-A (or micro-USB OTG old-model).
🖱️ Connect the mouse to the adapter and the adapter to the phone.
📱 The sign must appear automatically (on the MIUI 14 may require activation in settings).

Advantages OTG: Lower latency compared to Bluetooth, no need to charge the mouse.

Disadvantages: occupies the port USB-C, uncomfortable for permanent use.

3. Control with PC via Scrcpy

If you need a pointer to work with your phone through your computer, use Scrcpy:

Download Scrcpy from GitHub.
Put the phone on. USB and turn on the debugging. USB.
Run Scrcpy on PC – a mirror of the phone with mouse control will appear on the computer screen.

This solution is ideal for developers or those who often work with a phone over a large screen.

💡

For stable operation of the pointer on Xiaomi, it is recommended to use mice with Bluetooth Low Energy support (BLE). They consume less energy and lose connection less often.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the pointer on Xiaomi

Can I turn on the Xiaomi pointer without a mouse?

Yes, but only for gesture control, install the Mouse Toggle app or EasyTouch, and they add a virtual cursor that you can control your finger, but you still need a physical device to work properly. OTG).

Why does the pointer only work in some applications?

That's a limitation. MIUI. The cursor may not appear in games or applications where mouse use is prohibited (such as some banking programs).Solution: Try enabling the option to Simulate Touch in the developer settings. Use Scrcpy to manage with a PC - in this case, the restrictions bypass.

How do I calibrate the sign if it moves out?

Cursor congress is typical for MediaTek devices. To fix: Open Settings → Additionally. → For developers, find the pointer calibration option. Follow the on-screen instructions (usually click on multiple dots). If you don't have the option, try resetting the settings. MIUI before the factory (don’t forget to make a backup copy!).

Can I use the pointer in Desktop Mode?

Yes, but only on flagship models (Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Mix Fold. To activate: Connect your phone to the monitor via USB-C → HDMI. Enable Desktop Mode in the notification curtain. Activate the pointer via settings (as described in Method) 1). On Redmi and POCO Desktop Mode is not available, but you can use Scrcpy to emulate.

Will the index work after the update? MIUI?

Depends on the firmware version. MIUI (For example, 13 to 14) pointer settings may reset. To avoid problems: Before updating, back up the settings through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup. After the update, check if the options in the Developer Settings are reset. If the pointer is gone, re-activate through ADB.