Gesture management on Xiaomi Redmi 9: how to turn on and configure

Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones use the classic three navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen by default, but the manufacturer hides a more modern way of interacting - gesture control. This mode not only frees up additional space on the display, but also speeds up the work with the device by 20-30% according to MIUI research. However, many users are not even aware of its existence or face difficulties in activating it.

In this article, you will find unique information about hidden gesture settings for Redmi 9 that are not in the standard menu, as well as practical tips for optimizing sensitivity and solving typical problems. We will break down two main methods of inclusion (via settings and using the engineering menu), compare them with traditional buttons and show how to return old navigation if gestures seem uncomfortable.

Why gestures are better than buttons: 5 key benefits

The move to gesture control is not just a fashion trend, but a practical solution with measurable benefits. Android Authority research shows that smartphone users with gestures spend 15% less time on standard tasks compared to those using virtual buttons. For Redmi 9 with its budget Helio G80 processor, this is especially true, as every percentage of performance matters.

The main advantages of gesture navigation:

• 📱 Extra screen space – the button panel disappears, which is especially noticeable on the Redmi 9’s compact 6.53-inch display.
• ⚡ Quick access to the latest apps – swipe up and hold replaces the long tap on the button “Recent"
• 🔄 Intuitive navigation between applications – horizontal swipe on the bottom edge of the screen
• 🎯 Reduced random pressing – buttons are often touched by the palm when holding the smartphone
• 🔋 Savings in charge – no constant backlighting of the navigation bar (up to 2% savings on GSMArena tests)

However, there are also disadvantages to this mode, such as the addictive process takes 3-5 days, and some apps (especially games) may conflict with gestures.

Official method: enable via MIUI settings

The safest method of activating gestures is to use the standard MIUI menu. This method works on all versions of the firmware for Redmi 9 (including MIUI 12/13/14) and does not require superuser rights. Importantly, before changing the settings, make sure that you have the latest version of the software installed - in old builds, the menu may look different.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon on the desktop)
2. Go to the Display section.
3. Select Full-screen Display (in some versions – Screen Style)
4. Slip on the style of full-screen display
5. Select the option of "Gest navigation" (or Full screen gestures in English version)
6. Confirm the choice and wait for the interface to restart (it will take 5-10 seconds)

After activation, you will receive three main gestures:

• 🔙 Back - swipe from right to left on the bottom edge of the screen
• 🏠 Home - swipe up from the bottom edge
• 📄 Recent - swipe up with pause or diagonal swipe from right to left up

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware for Redmi 9 may lose the notification panel after the gestures are turned on, in which case resetting the screen settings through Settings will help. → Annexes → Application management → Settings (three points) → Resetting settings.

Hidden Opportunities: Engineering Menu and ADB

If the standard method does not work (for example, after updating the firmware disappeared item with gestures), you can use the engineering menu or command ADB. These methods require caution, as improper actions can lead to failures in the sensor.

To access through the Engineering Menu:

1. Open the phone app.
2. Enter the code ##4636##
3. Select the Testing (testing) item
4. Go to the Single Test → Gesture navigation
5. Activate the switch and restart the device

Alternative method via ADB (requires PC):

adb shell settings put global force_fsg_nav_bar 1

This command compulsorily enables gesture navigation even if the item is not on the menu.

adb shell settings put global force_fsg_nav_bar 0

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-commands on Redmi 9 with unlocked bootloader can cause encryption of user data to fail.Before experimenting, create a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Sensitivity adjustment and gesture customization

The standard gesture settings in MIUI are often too hard or vice versa, triggered by random touches. Fortunately, Redmi 9 has hidden options for fine-tuning that are available through the Special Opportunities app.

How to optimize response:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → System settings
2. Select Gesture Sensitivity (in some versions – Sensor Setting)
3. Adjust the slider "Swipe speed" (recommended value - 60-70%)
4. Activate the option to ignore accidental touches to prevent false positives
5. In the section Additional you can adjust the vibration when the gestures are triggered

For advanced users, third-party applications such as "Fluid Navigation Gestures" (requires ADB) are available, which allow:

• 🎨 Configure the gesture activation zones around the edges of the screen
• ⏱ Set the delay before triggering (useful for gaming)
• 🔄 Create custom gestures to launch applications
• 📊 Statistical use of different gestures

💡

If after setting gestures you are uncomfortable to use the keyboard (it rises too high), turn on the option "One-handed mode" in the keyboard settings (for example, Gboard) or reduce its height in the parameters.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after the correct gesture setting, Redmi 9 users often face typical problems, and here are the most common cases and ways to fix them:

Particularly noteworthy is the black screen problem after swipe, which sometimes occurs on Redmi 9 with MIUI 12.5 firmware, which is due to the conflict between gestures and animations of the system.

1. Turn off animations in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers)
2. Set all three animation sliders in the position Animation disabled
3. Reset the device

How to Restore Classic Navigation Buttons

If gesture control seems inconvenient or causes constant failures, you can return the traditional three buttons in a few steps.

Instructions for rollback:

1. Open Settings → Display → Full-screen display
2. Select the navigation button (or Button navigation) option.
3. In the Location of the buttons section, you can choose the order: standard (Back-Home-Recent) or reverse
4. To save the changes, you will need to restart the device

If the button item is not on the menu (which happens after unsuccessful experiments with ADB), use the command:

adb shell settings put global force_fsg_nav_bar 0

After returning to the buttons, it is recommended:

• 🔄 Reboot the device to stabilize the sensor
• 🧹 Clear the system cache through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup
• 📱 Check the buttons in safe mode (press the power button) → "Safe regime")

💡

Switching between navigation modes does not affect Redmi 9 performance, but may require recalibration of the touch screen.

Comparison with other Xiaomi smartphones

The gesture navigation technology on Redmi 9 uses the same algorithm as Xiaomi’s flagship models, but with some hardware limitations. For example, the Mi 11 implements a Smart Gestures feature to run apps with a pattern on the off screen, which is not in the budget lineup.

Comparative table of opportunities:

Interestingly, Redmi 9 allows you to activate the hidden One-handed mode, which is not on the default menu.

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 taps according to MIUI)
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For Developers
3. Find the option. force_allow_one_handed_mode And activate it.
4. Now the swipe diagonally from the lower corner will fold the screen

FAQ: Frequent questions about gestures on Redmi 9