Xiaomi’s current smartphones offer users far more control than the standard set of actions like taps and swipes. MIUI’s built-in shell (and its new version of HyperOS) hides a host of features that make it much faster to work with the device. Activating gestures is the first step to full control of the gadget without having to constantly look at the menu.
Many owners don't even realize that their phone can take screenshots of knuckles tapping or double tapping apps on a screen that's off. Gesture navigation frees up screen space by removing extra buttons and makes interface interactions more intuitive. In this article, we'll take a look at all the options available.
Before we get to specific settings, it’s worth noting that the menu layout may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. However, the logic of the Android system in conjunction with Xiaomi’s branded add-ons remains the same. You do not need root rights or install third-party software to activate most of the features described.
Basic gesture navigation in MIUI and HyperOS
To activate this mode, you need to go to Settings, then select the Home Screen and find System Navigation, and you will be asked to choose between buttons and gestures, and after switching, the usual triangle, circle and square will disappear, and their functions will take over swipes from the edges of the screen.
- 📱 Swipe from bottom up – returns to the desktop from any application.
- ⬅️ Swipe from left or right edge – performs the action “Back».
- ⏸️ Swipe from bottom up with a pause in the middle - opens the menu of running applications.
It's worth getting used to the new mechanics, because the sensitivity of the edges can require more confident finger movements. Unlike buttons that have a clear area of pressing, the trajectory is important here. The system learns your style of use, so after a couple of days you will not notice the control process.
⚠️ Warning: After full screen mode is enabled, the swipe behavior may change from the corner of the screen. If you use the side menu of applications often, make sure that it does not conflict with the system navigation "Back».
It's important to understand that switching to gestures changes the ergonomics of use. One-handed mode becomes more accessible, as you don't have to reach for the bottom buttons. For people using larger screens larger than 6.5 inches, this is a critical comfort setting.
Screen Gestures (Black Screen Gestures)
Xiaomi
To activate, go to Settings → Additional → Gestures on the screen off. Here you will see a list of available actions. Some of them can be hidden if you do not have the default apps set up (for example, a voice recorder or a camera).
| Action. | Description of the gesture | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Double tap. | Two quick hits to the centre | Screen activation (wake-up) |
| Drawing V | Put your finger on the letter V. | Running a flashlight |
| Drawing O | Draw a circle. | Camera launch |
| Drawing M | Hold the letter M. | Launching music or dictaphone |
These features require a touchscreen sensitivity, so if your phone is in a thick-sided case or has a poor quality safety glass, some gestures may not work the first time, so try to increase the force of the press or the speed of the movement.
Why can’t the gestures on the screen be working?
Using the letter V for a flashlight is a lifesaver in the dark. You don't have to look for an on button, wait for the system to boot, and unlock the phone. The instantaneous response of the system to the gesture makes the smartphone a really smart assistant. This is especially useful when your hands are wet or wearing gloves, although in the latter case, the capacitive screen may not react.
One-handed control and screen scaling
Redmi
Poco
To enable this option, go to Settings → Additional → One-Hand Mode. Here you can choose the activation method: swipe down the navigation bar (if buttons are enabled) or swipe away from the bottom-central part of the screen (when you control gestures).
- 🖐️ Swipe activation is the most convenient way for full-screen mode.
- 📉 Area size – you can choose 70%, 75% or 80% of the original size.
- 🔙 Out of mode – tap on an empty area or repeat swipe.
This feature is not only useful for owners of shovels; it can be useful in situations where the second hand is occupied (for example, you hold on to a handrail in a transport or carry a bag), the interface is scaled up instantly and does not affect the operation of applications, they are simply displayed in a smaller window.
⚠️ Note: In one-hand mode, some interface elements may not display correctly, especially in applications that are not optimized for different resolutions. If you notice bugs in a particular application, temporarily disable the function.
Interestingly, in the HyperOS shell, the compression algorithm has become smoother. Screen shrink animation now looks like a natural motion rather than a sharp jump. It's a trifle, but it significantly affects the subjective sense of system quality. Users often forget about this feature, even though it's built into every smartphone of the brand.
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To quickly exit one hand mode without excessive movements, you can adjust the swipe up from the bottom edge of the reduced window. This is standard behavior, but it can be changed in advanced gesture settings.
Screenshots and Screen Recording with Gestures
You'll find a setting at Settings → Additional → Screenshot. You'll need to activate the Triple Touch Toggle Toggle. The system will ask you to perform a test action to remember the rhythm and force of your beats, so that the phone doesn't react to random touches when you flip through the tape.
Also, the menu of running apps (dispatch menu) often features a Scissors or Screenshot button under the app window, which is not a gesture, but part of the quick access ecosystem, and for more advanced users, you can record the screen through the control panel, which can also be called by swipe.
The path to sensitivity settings:
Settings → Additional → Screenshot → Triple touch sensitivityTriple tap works even in games and applications with protection against accidental clicks, because the system processes this signal at a deeper level. However, be careful when watching videos: triple tap can be perceived as an attempt to take a screenshot, not as part of the interaction with content.
Special features and gestures for people with disabilities
Advanced settings
Special opportunities
The gaze control or voice control feature allows you to do basic things, but the most interesting thing is Switch Access, which allows you to plug in an external button or use volume to navigate through interface elements, and gestures are replaced by sequential taps.
- 👁️ Eye control – screen scanning and eye selection (requires a front-facing camera).
- 🗣️ Voice access – full control of the phone with voice commands.
- 🔘 Switch – Navigation with external buttons or volume swing.
TalkBack is available for visually impaired users, and in this mode, gestures change dramatically: a single tap highlights an element, a double tap activates it, and three-finger swipes allow you to scroll through the page, a complex but vital interface adaptation system.
☑️ Availability check
Don't ignore these settings, even if you don't have health problems, for example, the triple tap feature on the screen is useful for anyone who likes to look at small details in photos or read small text on websites without glasses.
Advanced gestures in applications and launchers
Nova Launcher
Microsoft Launcher
For example, a swipe down the desktop can open the notification curtain, and a swipe up the app menu. A double tap on the icon can run a specific function inside the app, not an app, like a selfie camera, which takes time to set up, but it's worth it.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party launchers may consume more power and sometimes conflict with navigation system gestures MIUI. If you notice lags or battery discharge, check the battery optimization settings for your launcher.
Xiaomi’s built-in launcher also supports some hidden gestures, such as compressing the screen with two fingers (plugs) opens up the editing mode of the desktop and widgets. This is similar to the behavior in iOS and greatly speeds up the addition of new elements to the screen.
Game Turbo mode is useful for gamers, and you can set gestures to call the game menu, block brightness and turn off notifications. A swipe from the corner in game mode calls up a toolbar where you can take a screenshot, record a video or clear the memory without turning the game down.
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The combination of MIUI system gestures and third-party launchers allows you to create a unique management environment, tailored to your personal habits and speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why isn't the triple tap for screenshots working?
Chances are you've tapped too slowly, or too quickly for your current sensitivity settings. Go to the screenshot settings and recalibrate the gesture. Also make sure the feature isn't locked in Game or Do Not Disturb mode.