Modern Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI shells or the new HyperOS offer users by default gesture control. This interface, which replaced the classic three buttons, allows you to use the screen area more efficiently, removing the bottom navigation bar. However, not all gadget owners are willing to put up with changes in the usual algorithm of actions, especially when switching from other brands or after updating the system.
The need to turn off gestures on Xiaomi often arises from random clicks, difficulties with getting used to swipes, or simply from a personal preference for tactile response of physical (albeit on-screen) buttons. The process of returning to the classic navigation scheme is quite simple, but in recent firmware versions, developers sometimes hide these settings deeper or change their location, which causes difficulties for users.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways to turn off full-screen mode, return the usual buttons and consider the nuances associated with the sensitivity of the touch layer. It is important to understand that proper interface management directly affects the speed and comfort of the device as a whole, so choosing the right navigation method is a priority.
The main reasons for refusing full-screen mode
Many users are wondering why they should change anything when the system offers a modern interface. The answer lies in the individual ergonomics and specifics of smartphone use. Full-screen gestures require a certain muscle memory and habit that is not developed in everyone equally quickly. For those who have used home, back and menu buttons for years, switching to swipes can be a source of constant irritation and productivity decline.
And then there's the problem of what's called "accidental touching." When you hold your phone with one hand, your palm can touch the bottom corners of the screen, which in gesture mode is perceived by the system as a swipe command, which leads to unplanned exits from applications or switching between windows. Classic navigation is free of this drawback, because the active areas of the buttons are clearly limited and do not respond to touching the edges of the display.
Another factor is performance on budget models. While this is rarely discussed, transition animation when using gestures requires slightly more GPU resources to render smooth window movements. On older or low-cost Redmi and Poco smartphones, returning to buttons can visually make the interface a little more responsive by removing micro-latency when swiping.
- 📱 Ergonomics: Buttons are more convenient for users with large palms or when using the phone with one hand.
- 🚫 Error Protection: Eliminates random swipes from the edge of the screen, which often occur in cases or when flowing.
- ⚡ Speed: For some tasks (such as fast switching between apps), double-clicking the menu button is faster than swiping and holding.
⚠️ Note: After turning off gestures and buttons, the bottom of the screen will be occupied by the navigation bar.
How to turn off gestures through the standard settings menu
The most reliable and safe way to change the type of navigation is to use the built-in system tools. This method does not require root rights, install third-party software or connect to a computer. The algorithm of actions is the same for most current versions of MIUI (12, 13, 14) and HyperOS, although the names of the items may vary slightly depending on the regional firmware (Global, China, EEA).
To start, you need to get to the main settings menu of your device, usually through the gear icon on your desktop or in the notification curtain. In the list that opens, look for a section called Additional Settings or Advanced Settings, and that's where the settings that affect how the system and the interface behave are hidden.
Inside this section, look for Full-screen Mode. In some localizations, it may simply be called "Manage" or "Navigation." When you click on it, you'll see two or three options for displaying the bottom panel. You'll need to select the button option. The system will instantly apply the changes, and at the bottom of the screen will appear three familiar buttons.
☑️ Checking the navigation settings
After switching, it is recommended to check the buttons immediately. Click Home to return to desktop and Back to test the response in applications. If the buttons appear but are not working correctly (for example, they are late), it may be that the problem lies not in the navigation settings, but in the general state of the system or a particular application.
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If you can't find "Fullscreen mode," search by settings. Click on the magnifying glass at the top of the settings list and type in the word "gestures" or "navigation" and the system will open the menu itself.
Setting the location and sensitivity of buttons
When you return the classic buttons, many users find that their standard layout is not satisfactory. Fortunately, the system allows you to configure the navigation bar flexibly. Immediately under the choice of control type (gestures or buttons) is usually the item "Order of buttons" or "Button Location".
You can choose between two options here: the home button on the left or the right. Right-handers are often more comfortable with the return button on the left and the home button on the right, but it's a matter of taste. Changes are instantaneous, allowing you to see in real time the convenience of a new configuration.
Sensitivity settings deserve special attention, especially if you do decide to experiment with gestures or use a protective glass. The Additional Settings menu → Full-screen mode often features Sensitivity slider, which increases the sensitivity slider, which helps those who use dense protective glasses, but can lead to false positives.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons | Classical navigation with three elements | For those who are used to Android 9 and below |
| Gestures | Managing swipes without buttons | To maximize the use of the screen |
| Hide the clues | Removes the strip from the bottom when gestures | Insert for clean interface |
| Sensitivity | Touchscreen response to touch | Increase with protective glass |
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Optimal navigation settings are a balance between user habits and the ergonomics of a specific screen size. Don't be afraid to experiment with button layouts for a couple of days.
Specificity of disabling gestures in HyperOS
With the release of the HyperOS shell, which is gradually replacing MIUI on Xiaomi’s new smartphones, the menu structure has undergone some changes. Logic has remained the same, but the visual design and titles of some items have been adapted to the new design code. If you own a fresh flagship or device that received an update, look for settings in the Additional section.
HyperOS has focused on minimalism, and navigation can be taken into a separate submenu of System Navigation, and there may be a third option, in addition to the standard buttons and gestures, which is to manage a single button (similar to iOS or older versions of Android), but on Xiaomi’s global firmware, this feature is often hidden or absent.
It's worth noting that HyperOS has made switching animations smoother. If you notice artifacts or twitching on the interface after you turn on the buttons, try rebooting the device, which is standard for using system fonts and graphic libraries that render navigation elements.
- 🔄 Adaptability: HyperOS dynamically changes the size of the buttons depending on the orientation of the screen (portrait or landscape).
- 🎨 Design: button icons in the new shell have become more rounded and correspond to the general style of widgets.
- ⚙️ Menu depth: The path to settings can be longer: Settings → Additional settings → System navigation.
⚠️ Note: Some HyperOS devices may reset their navigation choices to the region standard after the update.
If the standard path in HyperOS doesn't work or if the item is missing, you can search by settings by typing "navigation" -- a universal method that works even when menu items are renamed or hidden in the depths of the submenu.
Problems with sticking gestures and sensor
Sometimes users want to turn off gestures not because they don't like them, but because the smartphone has begun to behave inappropriately, a situation where the screen "lives its life," opens a menu or folds apps without touching is called a phantom tap or "ghost touch," often confused with a software graft failure.
The first thing to do when you suspect a stick is to check the screen's cleanliness. Fat spots, moisture, or cracks on the glass can create a false electrical capacity that the touchscreen controller perceives as a touch. Wipe the screen with a microfiber and remove the protective glass if it is damaged.
If the screen is physically clean, the problem may be calibration. On Xiaomi smartphones, there is a hidden engineering menu to check and calibrate the sensor. To get there, open the Phone app and enter the code ##6484##. The CIT menu will open.
Instructions for entering the CIT:
1. Open the phone app.
2.Type ##6484###
3. Select "Touchpanel" or "Sensor".
4. Follow the instructions on the screen for calibration.You can test for dead zones, or permanent activation zones, in this menu, and if the test shows a malfunction, the software-based gesture switch won't help, you'll need to replace the touchscreen at the service center, but if the test is successful, resetting the navigation settings should solve the problem of software conflicts.
What to do if the CIT code does not work?
Use of third-party applications for navigation
In rare cases, standard system settings don't meet the user's requirements, such as if you need buttons of a certain size, color or shape that MIUI doesn't have. For those cases, there are apps from Google Play that override your standard navigation.
One popular solution is the Navigation Bar app, which allows you to create a custom button bar on top of the system, but using such programs requires broad permissions, including access to special features (Accessibility), which theoretically reduces data security.
Installing third-party navigation only makes sense if the system buttons are damaged (pixels in the button area have burned out) or if you want to implement a unique control scheme that is not available in stock firmware. For most users, the functionality built into Xiaomi is enough.
- 🛡️ Security: Third-party navigators require permanent permissions, which can affect autonomy.
- 🎨 Customization: The ability to change the transparency, size and icons of buttons is limitless.
- 📉 Resources: Additional processes can consume RAM, which is critical for budget models.
⚠️ Note: When installing apps to replace navigation, the system may alert you to potential hazards.Be careful and only download software from trusted sources, such as the Google Play Store.