If you are the owner of a Xiaomi smartphone on the basis MIUI You've probably noticed that sometimes the screen responds to touching edges -- even when you didn't plan on running anything -- it's not a fluke, but the edge gestures. It's designed to speed up access to applications, manage multitasking, and even covertly call system menus, but not everyone understands how to use it -- or why it sometimes works on its own.
In this article, we will discuss what the edge of the screen on Xiaomi is, how to customize it correctly, what gestures are supported in different versions of the firmware, and what to do if the feature malfunctions. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden features of the edge, which are not even written about in the official documentation - for example, how to use it to quickly switch between the latest applications or call a voice assistant without unlocking the screen.
The material will be useful for beginners who only learn the capabilities of their Redmi, POCO Xiaomi 13/14, We will also compare the implementation of the screen edge of Xiaomi with similar features in Samsung and Google Pixel – to give you an idea of how flexible (or limited) the gesture system is in the smartphone. MIUI.
What is the edge of the screen and why it is needed
Edge screen is a hardware-software feature that allows a smartphone to recognize touches or swipes on the edges of the display as special commands. Unlike standard gestures (such as swiping up to return to the main screen), the edge responds to point touches in strictly defined areas — usually on the left or right edge.
Main tasks of the function:
- 🔄 Quick switching between apps – Swipe on the edge can open menus of recent tasks or switch between the last two programs.
- 📱 Calling hidden panels – for example, a side curtain with app or tool shortcuts (as in the Samsung Edge Panel).
- ⚡ Accelerated access to features – Starting a camera, flashlight or voice assistant without unlocking.
- 🎮 Game chips – in some games, the edge is used for additional controls (for example, in the game). PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).
Xiaomi has a different edge than its competitors, and while Samsung is focusing on visual panels with widgets, it's not that different. MIUI/HyperOS They're focused on gestures and hidden commands, which means that you can look at the function and not notice it until you customize it to suit you.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi budget models (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M5) The screen edge can be turned off by default or support a limited set of gestures. Check if the feature is in the settings before trying it.
How to turn on and configure the screen edge on Xiaomi
Activation of the function depends on the firmware version. MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS are different, but the logic is the same:
- Open the Settings. → Additional settings → Buttons and gestures (in HyperOS the path can be Settings) → System system → Gestures).
- Find the section "Side gestures" or "Side gestures" (in English firmware - Edge gestures).
- Activate the slider "Enable the screen edge."
- Select the trigger zone (left, right, or both edges) and sensitivity (low/medium/high).
- Assign actions for swipes up/down or short/long touches.
Here is an example of the available actions (may vary depending on the model):
| Gesture. | Default action | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Short swipe down the right edge | Opening of the notification panel | Calling voice assistant, starting the camera, turning on the flashlight |
| Long touch of the left edge | Opening the menu of recent apps | Google Assistant Launch, Screen Lock, Screenshot |
| Double swipe down the bottom edge | Return to the main screen | Launching the latest application, opening multitasking |
| Swipe up both edges | Screen splitting (multi-window) | Quickly switch to the previous application |
On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) You can now customize two-tier gestures, where the same touch causes different actions depending on the duration or force of the press, for example, a short swipe can open the notification bar, and a long one can start the camera.
Is the function activated in the settings?
Is the correct zone of operation (left/right) selected?
Are there any actions for all gestures supported?
Sensitivity tested (whether it is too high/low)?-->
Hidden screen edge features you didn’t know about
Xiaomi’s official documentation only describes the basic edge features, but there are a few undocumented chips hidden in the firmware that can be activated through developer settings or third-party utilities like Activity Launcher.
Here are the most useful ones:
- 🔍 Hidden Application Launch: Double-touch the left edge to open any application (even one that is not in the standard action list). → Annexes → By default. → Additional settings.
- 🎵 Music management: Swipe on the bottom edge right/left can switch tracks in the player (works with Spotify, YouTube Music and YouTube Music) MIUI Music).
- 📸 Quick video shooting: Long right-handed touch in locked state triggers video recording (similar to Quick Video on iPhone).
- 🔋 Energy saving: On some models, a swipe down the top edge activates ultra-low consumption mode (if enabled in the battery settings).
Another little-known feature is the use of edges for game controls. MIUI Game Turbo (like Call of Duty Mobile or Free Fire) can be assigned to the edge of action:
- 🎯 Aiming (touching the left edge).
- 💥 Shooting (swipe on the right edge up).
- 🛡️ Opening of inventory (double touch of the lower edge).
To activate these functions, go to Settings → Memory and productivity → Game Turbo → Gesture settings.
How to Incorporate Hidden Gestures Through ADB
Screen edge problems and their solutions
Despite the convenience, the edge of the screen is often a source of irritation, especially if it is triggered by accident, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
1. False positives
If the smartphone reacts to the edge when holding the phone or playing games:
- 🔧 Reduce sensitivity in edge settings.
- 📱 Turn off the edge for specific applications (in Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Special rights → Ignore the edge).
- 🛠️ Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI/HyperOS Improved algorithm for recognition of intentional touches.
2. The cut is not working.
If the gestures don't work at all:
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes the function “hangs” after the update.
- 📋 Check if the edge is in conflict with other gestures (e.g., navigation buttons). → Gestures).
- 🛠️ Reset the edge settings to standard (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting gesture settings).
3. Hanging and lags
If after activation of the edge of the smartphone began to slow down:
- 🗑️ Clear the system cache (Settings) → Memory. → Cleanup).
- 🔋 Turn off the edge for resource-intensive applications (games, video players).
- 📉 Reduce the number of assigned actions – the more of them, the higher the load on the processor.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) The screen edge conflicts with the Lift to wake function. If your smartphone turns on the screen spontaneously, turn off one of these options.
Not using.
Only for quick access to applications
To manage multitasking
In games.
Other-->
Comparison of the screen edge of Xiaomi with Samsung and Google Pixel
Most top-end smartphones have edge features, but they are implemented differently. Let's compare the approaches of Xiaomi, Samsung and Google:
| Characteristics | Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS) | Samsung (One UI) | Google Pixel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main emphasis | Gestures and hidden commands | Visual panels (Edge Panels) | Minimalism (only basic swipes) |
| Customizability | High (any action can be ordered) | Medium (limited set of widgets) | Low (standard gestures only) |
| Support for games | Yes (via Game Turbo) | No. | No. |
| False positives | Frequent (due to high sensitivity) | Rare (the zone of operation is already) | Very rare (minimalistic implementation) |
| Unique chips | Two-level gestures, hidden application launch | Panels with widgets, Edge Lighting | Integration with Google Assistant |
Samsung is betting on visuals: their Edge Panels allow you to quickly open contacts, tools, or even mini-applications (like a calculator or compass), but it requires a dedicated bar on the screen, which is not popular with everyone. Xiaomi, on the contrary, hides the functionality behind gestures, without taking up space on the display.
The Google Pixel offers the most minimalistic implementation: the edge is only used for swipes back/forward in navigation, but it works as stably as possible and without false positives.
💡
If you want customizability, go to Xiaomi. If you want widgets and visuals, go to Samsung. For stability without bells and whistles, go to Google Pixel.
How to Use Screen Edge to Increase Productivity
If properly set up, the edge of the screen can significantly speed up the work with a smartphone. Here are some practical scenarios:
1. Quick switching between tasks
Swipe down the left edge and swipe up the recent app menu, and swipe up the previous app, and this allows you to switch between tasks in one gesture without clicking on the navigation buttons.
2. Instantly launch frequently used applications
For example:
- 📷 Long right-hand touch – camera launch.
- 💬 Double-touch left-handed edge – opening Telegram or WhatsApp.
- 🎵 Swipe on the lower edge to the right - launch the player.
3. Control in one hand
If you have a large smartphone (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro, the edge will help you reach the interface elements without the second hand:
- 📲 Swipe on the right edge down - opening the notification panel.
- 🔙 Swipe on the left edge to the left - back.
- 🏠 Double-Tap the Lower Edge – Return to the Main Screen.
4. Hidden commands for power users
With Activity Launcher or Tasker, you can assign the launch to the edge:
- 🔧 Hidden menus (e.g. com.android.settings.Settings)$DevelopmentSettingsActivity for quick access to developer settings).
- 📊 System utilities (CPU usage monitor, display test).
- 🔒 Incognito mode in the browser or gallery.
💡
To avoid the edge in the games, add them to the exceptions: → Annexes → Permits → Special rights → Ignore the edge.
The future of the screen edge: what to expect in new versions MIUI hyperos
According to leaks and official announcements, in future versions of firmware Xiaomi plans to develop the edge function in several directions:
1. Contextual gestures
In HyperOS 2.0 (expected in 2026), the edge will be able to change actions depending on the context.
- 📞 On the main screen, the swipe on the edge will open the notification panel.
- 🎮 In the game, call the Game Turbo menu.
- 📷 In the camera – fast switching between shooting modes.
2.Integration with AI Xiaomi is testing the function “Smart Edge” (Smart Edge), where gestures will be analyzed by the neural network.
- 🤖 Offer to run apps based on your habits (if you always open Spotify in the evenings, a swipe on the edge will do so automatically).
- 📊 Adapt sensitivity to your phone’s handling style.
3. Advanced customizability for gaming
In collaboration with Tencent and NetEase, Xiaomi will add:
- 🎮 Gaming macros – recording a sequence of actions (for example, a combo in Mobile Legends) on the edge gesture.
- 🛡️ Anticheater mechanisms – the edge will block random touches during streams.
4. Compatibility with wearable devices
In the future, the edge of the smartphone screen will be able to control the Xiaomi Watch or Xiaomi Band.
- ⏱️ Run the stopwatch on the clock.
- 🏃 Send a team to start training.
⚠️ Note: Some of these features may only appear on flagship models (Xiaomi 15 series or more). MIX Fold 4 Budget smartphones will likely only get basic updates.