The touch assistant on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a handy tool that makes it easy to control the device with one hand, especially on models with large screens (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ or Redmi K60 Many users do not even know that this feature exists, although it is built into the firmware. MIUI Unlike standard navigation gestures, the assistant allows you to quickly open frequently used applications, go back or switch between tasks β all without having to reach for the top of the screen.
In this article, weβll look at all the ways you can call a touch assistant (including hidden ones), explain how to customize it to your needs, and reveal a few little-known features. For example, did you know that an assistant can work even on a locked screen? Or that it can be used to quickly launch Google Assistant? MIUI 12-14, this instruction will be useful for you.
What is the Xiaomi Redmi Touch Assistant and Why You Need It
Touch Assistant (or "Touch Assistant" in English) MIUI) β It's a floating button that appears on top of any screen, and it replaces the physical navigation buttons and adds additional features:
- π One-handed control is ideal for large smartphones (like Redmi). K50 Gaming with a diagonal of 6.67").
- β‘ Quick access to the latest apps, home, back and menu.
- π§ Customization β you can add your own shortcuts (for example, a screenshot or flashlight).
- π Working on a locked screen (on some models).
Compared to navigation gestures (swipes on the bottom), the assistant takes up a little space on the screen, but gives more features, for example, it can be dragged anywhere around the edges of the display so as not to interfere with watching videos or games.
How to turn on the touch assistant: step-by-step instructions
You can activate the assistant through the system settings. MIUI 12β14 (including the Redmi Note 11/12/13, Redmi 10/10A, Redmi K40/50/60 Follow the steps:
- Open the settings (cog icon).
- Go to Additional Settings (or Special Features on New Versions) MIUI).
- Choose a Touch Assistant (or Touch Assistant).
- Activate the switch at the top of the screen.
After turning on, a semi-transparent round button will appear on the screen (in the lower right corner by default). If the button does not appear, check if it is hidden under the open application, or restart the smartphone.
The button appeared on the screen.|Assistant responds to pushes|The settings menu opens on a long tapu|Application shortcuts are added correctly-->
It's important! On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or Redmi 8) the path to settings may be different. If you don't find a partition, search the settings for "Touch Assistant".
5 Ways to Call a Sensory Assistant (Including Hidden)
In addition to the standard settings, there are other ways to activate the assistant, some of which work even when the main menu is not available (for example, when the system freezes).
1. Standard call through settings
As described above, it's the most reliable way. It's good for all versions. MIUI.
2. Call gesture (only) MIUI 13β14)
On new firmware versions, you can assign a gesture to quickly call an assistant:
- Open the Settings. β Gestures.
- Choose Quick gestures.
- Activate the swipe option upwards from the bottom edge on both sides.
Now, swiping your two fingers from the bottom up on the edges of the screen, you will call an assistant.
3. Voice command (Google Assistant only) If you have a Google Assistant set up, you can say, OK, Google, open the Touch Assistant, which only works if the Assistant has already been manually enabled at least once.
4. Through the notification panel (hidden function)
On some models (Redmi) K50, Redmi Note 12 Pro has a hidden button in the notification panel:
- Swipe down to open the notification panel.
- Click on the icon. βοΈ (Settings) in upper right corner.
- Hold the icon. π (One-hand mode β a menu with the option to enable the assistant will appear.
5. With the help of ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)
If the touch assistant is disabled at the system level (for example, after a reset), it can be turned on via the system. ADB:
adb shell settings put secure assistive_touch 1To turn off:
adb shell settings put secure assistive_touch 0This method requires the included debugging on USB It only works on unlocked loaders.
What to do if the assistant does not turn on?
Setting up a touch assistant: personalization for yourself
The default assistant has a basic set of functions, but it can be completely redesigned to suit your needs.
| Parameter | Description | How to change |
|---|---|---|
| Position of the button | Moving around the edges of the screen | Hold the button and drag it. |
| Transparency | 10% to 100% | Assistant settings β Appearance |
| Size of the button | Small, medium, large | Assistant settings β Size |
| Application labels | Up to 5 custom icons | Assistant settings β Labels |
| Colour of the button | Support for dark/light topics | Assistant settings β Theme |
The most useful function is to add labels, for example, you can assign:
- πΈ Quick camera start (convenient for selfies).
- π¦ Lights (no need to unlock your phone).
- π Cleanup RAM (useful for Redmi with 4-6 GB of RAM).
- π Locking the screen (if the power button does not work).
Tip: If you use Google Translate or Screen Recording frequently, add them to shortcuts β it will save you time.
π‘
To ensure that the touch assistant doesnβt interfere with games, adjust its transparency to 30% and move it to a corner where there are no controls (for example, to the upper left corner for shooters).
Hidden chips of the sensory assistant, which few people know
Most users use the assistant only for navigation, but it has hidden features:
- Working on a locked screen (MIUI 14): In the assistant settings, activate the "Show on lock screen" option. Now you can quickly turn on the flashlight or camera without unlocking your phone.
- Quick switch between applications: Twice tap the assistant button β the menu of the latest tasks will open (analogue swipe up).
- Hidden Mode: If you hold the assistant button for 3 seconds, it will disappear (but remain active at the edge of the screen).
- Integration with Google Assistant: In shortcut settings, you can add a command to call the voice assistant (useful if the home button doesnβt work).
On the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ redmi K60 assistant supports gestures for media management: swipe left / right on the button switches tracks in the player.
π‘
Touch assistants consume minimal resources (about 1-2% CPU), So you can leave it on all the time without damaging the battery.
Problems with the sensory assistant and their solutions
Sometimes the assistant may not work properly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
β οΈ Attention, if after the update MIUI The assistant is gone, check if the settings are reset, often helps to re-enable the function through Settings. β Additional settings β Touch assistant.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The button doesn't appear. | Failure in settings | Restart your phone or reset the interface settings |
| Assistant lays | Lack of RAM | Close background applications or add a shortcut to clean up memory |
| Labels don't work. | Cache error | Clear the Settings app cache (Settings β Applications β Application Management β Settings β Clear the cache) |
| The button interferes with games | Wrong position | Move it to a corner or reduce transparency. |
If none of these methods worked, try rolling back the update. MIUI (if the problem has appeared after the update) or perform a reset to factory settings (donβt forget to make a backup copy!).
Alternatives to the touch assistant on Xiaomi Redmi
If the standard assistant does not suit you, you can use third-party solutions:
- π Navigation gestures (built-in in MIUI): Swipes from the bottom for returning home, back and switching tasks.
- π± EasyTouch app (from Google Play): analogue of the touch assistant with advanced settings.
- βοΈ Nova Launcher + TeslaUnread plugin: allows you to add floating buttons to the desktop.
- π€ Tasker + AutoInput plugin: for advanced users who want to automate gestures.
Comparison of standard assistant and easyTouch:
| Function | Touch assistant MIUI | EasyTouch |
|---|---|---|
| Customization of the button | Limited (size, transparency) | Full (color, shape, animation) |
| Application labels | Up to 5. | Unlimitedly. |
| Working on a locked screen | Yes (on MIUI 14) | No. |
| Battery consumption | Minimum | Average. |
If you want the most flexibility, EasyTouch is a good alternative, but for most tasks, a standard assistant will suffice.