How to turn on touch buttons on the Xiaomi screen: from MIUI 12 to HyperOS

Are you used to physical navigation buttons, but after upgrading or buying a new Xiaomi, they disappeared from the screen? Or want to bring back the classic “back”, “home” and “recent” instead of gestures? This problem is familiar to many owners of Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones – especially after moving to MIUI 14 or HyperOS, where the manufacturer is actively promoting gesture management. Fortunately, you can return virtual buttons to the screen in several ways, from standard settings to hidden commands for developers.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods of output touch buttons, including:

  • 🔧 Official settings MIUI/HyperOS (work 80% model)
  • 🖥️ Use of the ADB For forced inclusion (for advanced users)
  • 📱 Hidden button combinations for older firmware versions
  • 🔄 Bypassing restrictions through Nova Launcher or other launchers
  • ⚙️ Editing system files (for experienced ones only!

Importantly, not all methods are universal. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with HyperOS, only ADB can work, and on the Redmi Note 10 there are enough standard settings. We will specify compatibility for each instruction.

📊 What is your Xiaomi model?
Redmi Note (any)
POCO F/X/M
Mi 11/12/13
Another model
I don't know.

1. Standard method via MIUI/HyperOS settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system options. It works on most devices, except for some flagships (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, where the buttons are completely removed at the firmware level).

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings → Display.
  2. Select Full-screen mode (in HyperOS, it can be called Navigation Style).
  3. Slip the navigation button (or 3-button navigation) option.
  4. Confirm the choice – the buttons will appear at the bottom of the screen in 1-2 seconds.

If there is no Full Screen Mode:

  • 🔍 Try searching by settings (the magnifier icon at the top) – enter “navigation buttons».
  • 📱 In some models (POCO F5, Redmi K60) The other way: Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → System navigation.
  • ⚠️ On HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) You may need to turn off gestures first: Settings → Screen. → Gestures → Off..

Make sure your smartphone is 30%+ charged.

Disable VPN (can block system settings)

Check out the MIUI/HyperOS version in About Phone

Restart the device if the buttons don’t appear-->

⚠️ Attention: On devices with AMOLED-With screens (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro), long-term use of virtual buttons can cause pixels to burn out at the bottom of the display. We recommend periodically changing the location of the navigation bar or using dark themes.

2. Enabling buttons via ADB (for all models)

If the standard method didn’t work, Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a debugging tool that allows you to change system settings, will help, even on HyperOS and new flagships, where the manufacturer hid the options.

What you need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
  • 📋 USB-TypeC Cable (Original!).
  • 🔧 Installed Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website).
  • 📲 Included debugging by USB phone-on.

Step-by-step:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will be notified "You are a developer").

USB-debugging

  • Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
  • Activate the debugging switch over USB.
  • Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer (a pop-up on your smartphone screen).
  • Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack the archive.
  • Open Command Prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and type: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
  • Use the command to turn on the buttons: adb shell settings put global force_fsg_nav_bar 1
  • Restart the phone and the buttons will appear.

Alternative combinations (try if the first one doesn’t work):

  • 📱 ##64663## - menu MTK Engineer Mode (for MediaTek processors).
  • 🔧 ##4636## → Testing → Force navigation bar.
  • ⚙️ ##7780## - Reset settings (use only if you are sure!).

⚠️ Note: Test menus can reset network settings or cause errors in the camera. Do not change settings if you do not know their purpose! MTK Engineer Mode if incorrectly configured will lead to loss of communication.

💡

If nothing happens after you enter the code, try using the Hidden Menu app from Google Play.It automatically finds hidden menus on Xiaomi and other brands.

4.Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Lawnchair)

If system methods didn't work, you can get around the limitations with alternative launchers, which doesn't change the system settings, but adds a virtual navigation bar on top of the interface.

Best options:

  • 🌟 Nova Launcher - supports gestures and button customization.
  • 📱 Lawnchair is a lightweight open source launcher.
  • ⚡ Microsoft Launcher - Windows integration and customizable bottom panel.