One-handed management on Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure the mode for large screens

Xiaomi’s smartphone screens are getting bigger: even budget models like the Redmi Note 12 or more. POCO X5 They're equipped with 6.67 inches of displays, and it's not easy to hold them with one hand, because fingers don't reach the top of the interface, and constant interceptions lead to fatigue. MIUI There is a built-in one-hand control mode that reduces the screen workspace to a comfortable size.

In this article, you will find not only step-by-step instructions for turning on the feature, but also hidden settings that will help you fine-tune the mode to your needs. We will discuss how to add exceptions to applications, change the position of the mini-screen, and what to do if the option suddenly disappears after the update. MIUI. Alternative methods for devices without official function support.

What is the one-handed mode on Xiaomi and why is it necessary?

One-handed Mode physically reduces the active area of the screen, shifting it to one of the edges. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with a diagonal of 6.73 inches after activation of the mode, the workspace is reduced to one of the edges. ~4.5-5 inches – like the compact smartphones of the early 2010s:

• 👆 Reach the top panels (notifications, quick settings) without the risk of dropping the phone.
• 📱 It is convenient to type on the keyboard with one hand, especially in messengers like Telegram or WhatsApp.
• 🎮 Play side-controlled mobile games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty).
• 🔧 Quickly access settings in deep-interface applications (e.g. Mi Fit or Xiaomi Home).

It's important to understand that the mode doesn't just zoom in on the image, it redistributes interface elements to keep them readable. For example, the Gboard keyboard narrows in one-handed mode, but the buttons don't get smaller. And on Instagram, the feed shifts left or right, but Stories remain available by swipe.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4 GT Black Shark 5: One-handed mode may conflict with game triggers. Before activating, check if the physical buttons in the Game Space settings are disabled.

What Xiaomi models support with one hand mode

The feature is available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO steerable MIUI 10 and newer. There are nuances, though:

• 📱 Flagships and Sub-Flagships (Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Redmi K50/K60, POCO F5 Pro: Out of the box support with flexible settings.
• 💰 Budget models (Redmi Note) 11/12, POCO M5/M6): function is present, but there may be no choice of side of the shift.
• ❌ Outdated devices (Redmi) 5A, Mi A2): mode is not available at the firmware level.
• 🔄 Custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS): Manual activation via adb or Magisk modules is required.

To find out exactly if your smartphone supports the feature, check the version. MIUI in settings (On the phone) → Version. MIUI). If version is below 10.0, update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

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

Activation of the function takes less than a minute. Follow the instructions for your version MIUI:

Method 1: Through basic settings (MIUI 12–14)

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Additional settings (in older versions - Special features).
3. Select One-Handed Mode (or One-Handed Mode on global firmware).
4. Activate the switch at the top of the screen.
5. Set up the parameters: 🔘 Activation method: swipe on the Home button or double press on the Back button. 📏 Screen size: Select Small (4.5′′), Medium (5′′) or Large (5.5″). 🔄 The left or right side of the shift (for left/right).

Method 2: Through the notification panel (MIUI 13–14)

If you use the mode frequently, add it to quick settings:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Click on the pencil icon (✏️) tiler-editing.
3. Find the one-handed control tiles and drag them to the active area.
4. Now the mode can be turned on / off with one tap on the tile.

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If the one-handed control tile is not on the list, update MIUI until the latest version or reset the notification panel settings (Settings) → Notification panel → Drop it).

Method 3: For older versions MIUI (9–11)

On firmware older MIUI 12 Ways to Settings May Be Different:

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Select One-Handed Mode (Can be called One-Handed Mode).
3. Activate the function and set up the start gesture (usually it is a swipe left/right on the Home button).

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Nana POCO Black Shark and the path to settings may be hidden in the Settings section → System system → If you don't find an option, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top).

Additional settings: how to make the mode more convenient

Basic activation of a function is often not enough, so for one-handed mode to be really useful, it needs to be fine-tuned.

1. Selecting the side of the screen shift

By default, the mode is activated on the right side, but left-handers can reconfigure it:

1. Open the Settings. → Additional settings → One-handed control.
2. Slip on the item Side of the shift (or Position).
3. Choose left or right depending on your preference.

2.Setting the size of the mini screen

On flagships (Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K60) 3 pre-sizes available:

• 📱 Small (4.5) for the smallest hands.
• 📱 Average (5′) – optimal balance.
• 📱 5.5′′ – if you want to see more content.

Nana POCO F4 GT Black Shark Mini-screen size is fixed and unregulated.

3. Annex exemptions

Some programs (such as games or banking applications) may not work properly in one hand mode to disable the function for them:

1. In the one-hand settings, find the Exceptions (or App Exceptions) section.
2. Tap Add the app and select the ones you need from the list.
3. Save the changes – now the mode will not be activated in these applications.

4.Adjusting the launch gesture

By default, the mode is switched on by swipe on the Home button, but this can be changed:

• 👉 Swipe left on the back button - convenient for right-handers.
• 👈 Swipe to the right on the back button - for left-handers.
• 🔄 Double-click on the back button – if swipes conflict with other gestures.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with full-screen gestures (no virtual buttons), the one-hand mode can only be activated through the notification panel or the Xiao voice assistant AI. To return virtual buttons, go to Settings → Display. → Full-screen display → Virtual buttons.

Problems and Mistakes: Why One Hand Mode Doesn’t Work

Sometimes the function fails to turn on or fails, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

What to do if the mode disappears after the update MIUI

After major updates (e.g., with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) settings can be reset. To return the function:

1. Check if the option is hidden in another section (use a search by settings).
2. Reset the settings. MIUI before the factory (Settings) → The phone. → Reset settings), but do not delete data.
3. If nothing helps, install a third-party application (e.g., One Hand Operation). +).

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Before resetting settings, make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup. This will save your data, but it will bring all system settings back to factory.

Alternative ways to control one hand

If your Xiaomi doesn’t support built-in mode or it’s not stable, try these methods:

Third-party annexes

Google Play has several utilities for one-handed control:

• 📱 One Hand Operation + — gesture-play MIUI, It works on all models.

Some applications will require overlay permission (Settings) → Special facilities → Overlay authorization) and access to special facilities.

2.Tunes of gestures in MIUI

Even if one-hand mode is not available, you can optimize control through standard gestures:

• 👆 Swipe down the center of the screen – opens the notification panel (works in any part of the display).
• 👈 Swipe left/right on the lower edge – transition between applications.
• 🏠 Swipe up and hold – Google Assistant call (you can reassign to another action).

3.Use of voice assistant

Xiao voice commands AI Google Assistant to help you control your phone without hands:

• 🎤 «Open WhatsApp – Launch the app.
• 🎤 «Turn on Bluetooth – Managing Settings.
• 🎤 «Take a Screenshot – Quick Actions.

To set up Xiao AI, Go to Settings. → Annexes → Xiao AI → Voice assistant.

4. Physical accessories

If software methods don’t help, consider:

• 📱 Ring cases (like Spigen Ring Grip) – allow you to hold your phone with one finger.
• 📱 Touch screen fingernails – increase the accuracy of touches.
• 📱 Stylus – useful for drawing or working with the interface accurately.

Comparison of one-handed mode on Xiaomi and other brands

Xiaomi doesn't have a one-handed control feature, but let's compare it to competitors.

Xiaomi has the ability to customize exceptions for applications and flexible choice of size of the mini-screen. However, Samsung implementation is smoother — screen shift animation works faster, and on the iPhone the function is integrated with system gestures (AssistiveTouch).

FAQ: Frequent questions about one-handed mode on Xiaomi