Xiaomi’s smartphones, particularly the Redmi 4X, are famous for their MIUI shell, which offers many ways to control the device. However, users who have switched from other platforms or are accustomed to classic navigation are often confused by the lack of the usual control buttons on the desktop by default. Instead, they often use gesture control or hidden interface elements, which can cause discomfort when using the gadget first. Understanding how to activate a standard navigation bar is a key skill for comfortable operation of the phone.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available methods to return or adjust the navigation buttons on the screen of your device. We will consider not only the standard system settings, but also the specific features of the theme that can affect the appearance of the interface. In addition, you will be asked about software failures that sometimes lead to the disappearance of control elements. MIUI under their personal preferences.
Activating control buttons is not just an aesthetic issue, but a functional necessity for many Android device owners. Getting the navigation right allows you to switch between apps, return to the desktop, and open a list of running tasks. Whether you use standard firmware or custom build, the setup principles often remain similar, although they may differ in menu names. Let's move on to a detailed review of the process.
The main ways to enable navigation buttons
The first and most obvious step to enable buttons on the Xiaomi Redmi 4X screen is to address system settings. In the MIUI shell, this process is as simplified and localized as possible in the corresponding section responsible for additional system functions. You need to find a item that in different versions of the firmware can be called “Buttons”, “Navigation” or “Button Management”, and this is where all the levers of control over the appearance of the bottom panel of the screen are concentrated.
Once you log into the settings menu, the system will prompt you to choose one of the navigation options available. The standard for most Android users is a mode with three virtual keys: Back, Home and Application Menu. The choice of this mode instantly displays the buttons on the screen, making the control familiar and predictable. It is important to note that changing this setting does not require a device reboot and takes effect immediately.
In some cases, especially on global firmware versions, the settings may be slightly different. If you can't find the right item in the main settings menu, use the built-in Settings Search. Type the word "buttons" or "navigation" into the search bar and the system will redirect you to the right section, especially for those who have recently updated the software and experienced a change in the menu structure.
- 📱 Go to the main menu Settings of your smartphone.
- ⚙️ Find and select the Additional Features or Advanced Settings section.
- 🔘 Click on the buttons to access navigation management.
- ✅ Choose the button option instead of gesture control.
⚠️ Warning: If they don’t appear after the buttons are turned on, try simply unlocking the screen or switching to another app to update the interface.
It's also worth mentioning that depending on the version of MIUI installed on your Redmi 4X, the settings interface may look different. In older versions of the shell, the option could be directly in the Screen section, whereas in newer versions it is placed in the additional functions subsection. Don't be afraid to explore adjacent sections if you didn't find the right switch right away. The flexibility of the system allows you to configure the device as conveniently as possible for each individual user.
Customization of order and appearance of buttons
Once you've managed to put buttons on the screen, many users find that their layout or appearance doesn't quite match their expectations. Fortunately, MIUI provides a lot of customization options. You can change the order of the buttons, for example, put the back button on the left or right, depending on which scheme you're used to, which is especially convenient for those who are switching from iOS or other Android shells, where the logic of the arrangement of elements is different.
In addition to ordering, the system allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the buttons and the duration of their display, if you choose the option of hiding. However, on the Redmi 4X model, the main emphasis is on the visual component. You can choose from several preset styles that change the icons of the buttons. Some styles make the buttons more minimalistic, others more contrasting, which can be useful when using the phone in bright sunlight.
To access these settings, you need to be in the same menu where you turned on the buttons. Usually, the navigation type you choose is the Location or Button Style button. When you click on it, you'll see the options available. The choices are instant, allowing you to see in real time how comfortable you'll be with the new control arrangement.
💡
If you have poor vision, choose a button style with maximum contrast and increased size so you don’t miss when you press.
It's important to understand that changing the style of the buttons affects the entire system, which means that the way navigation is going to change in all applications, including games and third-party launchers. If you use specific applications that block system navigation, the changes can only take effect once they are restarted. In rare cases, some themes can block the system settings of the buttons, imposing their own style.
| Setup parameter | Description of function | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|
| Order of buttons | Changes the location of "Back" and "Menu" | Global for all applications |
| Icon style | Changes the appearance of the symbols | Visual, does not affect the work |
| Duration of illumination | The burning time of the buttons after touching | Affects battery consumption |
| Vibrant response | Tactile recoil when pressed | Tactile sensation, energy expenditure |
Remember that every customization option has its pros and cons. For example, too bright button lighting can interfere with the dark, distracting from the content on the screen. In such cases, it is better to choose dark themes or reduce brightness. Balance between aesthetics and functionality is the key to comfortable use of the smartphone in the long run.
Use gestures instead of buttons
While the main issue is the inclusion of buttons, one cannot ignore the alternative management method that Xiaomi is actively promoting in its new firmware - gesture control. This feature allows you to completely remove buttons from the screen, freeing up precious space for content. On a screen with a diagonal of 5 inches, like the Redmi 4X, every millimeter of usable area matters, especially when watching videos or reading text.
The gestures are swipes from the edges of the screen, and swipes from the bottom up to the desktop, swipes from the bottom up with a delay open the multitasking menu, and swipes from the side faces function as a back button. For many users, especially with thumbs, this is even more convenient than pressing virtual keys, since it does not require reaching for the bottom of the screen.
To switch to gesture control or to go back to buttons, you'll need a navigation settings menu again, which will show you the choice between buttons and gestures. When switching, the system can offer a short training course that shows you the basic movements, and it's recommended that you don't skip it if you encounter gestures for the first time, as this will help you get used to the new interaction logic faster.
⚠️ Warning: When using gestures, make sure that there is no thick protective film with rounded edges on the screen, which can impair the sensitivity of the side areas of the screen.
But gestures have their drawbacks: They can conflict with some apps that also use edge swipes for their functions, and casual touching of the edges of the screen in your pocket or in an awkward grip can cause unwanted actions, so choosing between buttons and gestures remains a matter of personal preference and user habits.
The secret gesture trick
Problems with displaying buttons and their solution
Despite the ease of customization, users of Xiaomi Redmi 4X may find themselves in a situation where the buttons stop showing or work incorrectly even after the corresponding option is turned on. Most often, this behavior is caused by a malfunction of the system process responsible for the interface, or conflict with the installed themes.
The first step in diagnosing a problem is to check the theme. Third-party themes downloaded from MIUI Themes often have their own navigation bar rules. If you've recently installed a theme, try going back to the standard theme of Classic or Standard, which will eliminate visual conflict. If you change the theme, the buttons appear, then the problem was with the design of the third-party shell.
The second common cause is a cache overflow of system applications. The accumulated debris can cause various interface glitches, including buttons disappearing. Cache cleaning is a secure procedure that does not delete your personal data, but can restore the normal operation of the system.
- 🧹 Clear the cache through Settings → Memory. → Cleanup.
- 🎨 Change the topic to standard in the app Topics.
- 🔄 Restart the device in Safe Mode to check.
- 🛠 Check for system updates in Settings → The phone.
If none of the above methods worked, there may be a more serious software failure. In such a situation, resetting the settings to factory settings can help, but this is an extreme measure requiring prior saving of all important data. Before radical steps, make sure that the problem is not related to physical damage to the display, for example, to the "dead zones" at the bottom of the screen, which can block the display of buttons.
☑️ Diagnostics of button problem
The impact of third-party launchers on navigation
Many Redmi 4X owners install third-party launchers like Nova Launcher, Launcher 10 or others to change the look of the desktop.It is important to understand that the launcher only replaces the desktop and app menu, but not the system navigation bar. However, some launchers have their own button settings that can overlap the system or create the illusion of their absence.
If you are using a third-party launcher and you have lost the buttons, check the settings of the launcher itself. In the “Dock” or “Control Panel” section, the option to hide the system navigation or add your own floating buttons can be activated. Disabling these functions will return control of the standard system buttons MIUI. It is also worth checking the permissions issued to the launcher, since the lack of the right to “display on top of other windows” can lead to incorrect operation of the interface.
In addition, some “light” versions of launchers may not support full integration with the Android system buttons. In such cases, it is recommended to use full-featured versions of applications or return to the standard MIUI launcher for verification. Software compatibility is an important aspect of stable smartphone operation, which should not be forgotten when modifying the system.
⚠️ Note: Installing launchers from unknown sources can lead to system instability. Use only proven applications from the Google Play Store.
It's also worth noting that some launchers offer "immersive mode" features that hide the navigation bar to immerse yourself in content. If the buttons are only missing in a particular app or mode, check the settings of that particular app. Often users accidentally activate full-screen mode, thinking the buttons are gone forever.
Specificity of the buttons on different versions of MIUI
Xiaomi Redmi 4X has been around for a long time and has received several operating system updates, from Android 6.0 to Android 7.1, as well as various versions of the MIUI shell (from MIUI 8 to MIUI 10/11). Each firmware version has its own features in the implementation of navigation. For example, in MIUI 8, button management was more primitive, while in MIUI 10 there was support for gesture control, characteristic of the iPhone.
Older versions of the firmware may not have some functionality available, such as changing the order of buttons without using third-party applications. At the same time, newer versions of MIUI can run slower on the hardware platform Snapdragon 435 installed in Redmi 4X, which can cause delays in the response of buttons. So choosing a firmware version is always a compromise between functionality and performance.
If you upgrade to a new version of MIUI and your usual settings are gone, don’t rush to roll back.Look for information in the changelog updates, as Xiaomi often changes the location of settings or renames menu items. Adapting to new conditions takes time, but often new versions offer more sophisticated algorithms for the interface.
💡
The firmware version directly affects the available navigation features: the newer MIUI, the more customization options, but the higher the resource requirements of the device.
In conclusion, navigation management on Xiaomi Redmi 4X is a flexible tool that can be customized for yourself. Whether it is classic buttons, gestures or custom solutions, the system provides enough opportunities for comfortable work, the main thing is not to be afraid to experiment with settings and know where to look for the right switches.