Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a situation where the usual interface suddenly changes and access to familiar management functions is blocked. Users begin to search the settings or the Internet for the “Mine menu”, believing that it is a separate application or system partition that disappeared or was removed after the update. In fact, this query often hides the confusion between the context menu button (three dots), virtual navigation buttons or the system launcher that stopped responding.
The situation when the menu is missing or control buttons are no longer displayed can occur for various reasons: from accidentally switching the navigation type to gestures to a failure of the System UI system process. In the Android operating system, on which the MIUI or HyperOS shell runs, there is no separate application "Main Menu", so finding it in the list of installed programs will not give results. It is important to understand that restoring functionality does not require finding a remote file, but correctly configuring the interface display parameters.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithms for returning control buttons, setting up virtual keys and solving problems with the freeze of the interface. Finding out the exact cause of the loss of controls is the first step to solving the problem, because recovery methods for different scenarios will differ. Don’t panic if the screen looks unusual: in 90% of cases it is a software glitch or setting that can be changed in a few minutes.
What is the “Mine Menu” in Android and MIUI
Before you start troubleshooting, you need to clearly identify which interface element is missing. In user terminology, "Mine menu" can mean three different things. First, it's a three-point button that opens up additional options in applications (for example, in a gallery or browser); Second, it's the bottom navigation bar with the back, home and app menu buttons. Third, it can mean the desktop itself (launcher).
In modern versions of MIUI and HyperOS, Xiaomi is actively implementing gesture control, which completely removes the bottom bar with buttons. If you upgraded your smartphone or bought a new model, the system could automatically switch the navigation type. In this case, the buttons were not “missing” in the sense of error, but were hidden by design settings. To call the application menu, you now need to swipe from the bottom up in the center of the screen, rather than pressing the square.
It is also worth considering that some system applications may not have an optional menu (three dots) button if the developer did not provide such functions for a particular screen. However, if the lower navigation bar is lost in all applications and on the desktop, it is a global change in the type of control.
- 🔘 Context menu button: usually three dots, opens the settings of a particular application.
- 🏠 Navigation panel: lower bar with return and exit buttons to the desktop.
- 🖥️ Desktop (Launcher): main screen with widgets and application icons.
⚠️ Note: If you have lost not only the menu button, but also the status bar (time, battery) or notification bar, this may indicate a critical failure of the SystemUI process or hit Full Screen mode for a particular application.
Why the menu button and navigation on the screen are missing
The main reason for the disappearance of familiar controls is an update of the operating system. When you move to new versions of Android (for example, from 10 to 11 or 12) or update the MIUI shell, navigation settings can be reset to factory values, which in modern Xiaomi smartphones by default involve the use of gestures, this is part of a global trend in the mobile industry aimed at increasing the usable screen area.
Another common cause is system cache errors: temporary files accumulated during operation can be corrupted, leading to incorrect display of graphical interface elements. In this case, the menu button may disappear intermittently (periodically) or not appear in certain applications.
Mechanical or hardware problems can't be ruled out, although they're less common. If the screen doesn't respond to touches at the bottom (called a dead touch), you can't physically press an invisible or visible button. However, if swipes work and the buttons just don't work visually, the problem is software-based. Navigation failure is a routine situation, solved by software.
How to turn on navigation buttons instead of gestures on Xiaomi
If you prefer classic three-button management over swipes, you need to change the system settings, a process that is unified for most Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi models, although the item names may vary slightly between different versions of the firmware. You can return the buttons through the main settings menu without requiring root rights or a computer connection.
To start, go to the smartphone settings section. You need to find the screen control section. In current versions of MIUI, the path often looks like: Settings → Additional settings → Full-screen mode. In some regions or versions of HyperOS, this item may be simply called Navigation or located inside the Screen section. Here you will see a switch between Full-screen mode (gestures) and Buttons.
Select the Button option. Immediately after that, three buttons will appear at the bottom of the screen: a triangle (Back), a circle or a house (Home), and a square or three lines (Menu/Tasks), and you can also adjust their order if you are used to Android logic, where the Back button is on the right, not the left, as in the standard Xiaomi implementation. The navigation type change takes effect instantly, without the need to reboot the device.
☑️ The button-including algorithm
It is worth noting that using navigation buttons consumes a little more power than gestures, since the bottom bar of the screen is constantly active and illuminated. However, for many users, this is the price for convenience and habit. If after switching, the buttons appear but work incorrectly (for example, stick), try clearing the cache of the Navigation system application or rebooting the device.
Configure virtual buttons and additional menu
After switching on the buttons, many users notice that the functionality of the third button (Menu) does not work as expected. In Android, this button is responsible for viewing running applications (Multitasking). However, in Xiaomi settings, you can fine-tune the behavior of the navigation bar. Going to the same Full-screen mode, you will often find the Settings button or gear next to the selected navigation type.
There are options available to hide buttons when watching videos or games to save space, as well as adjust the sensitivity. If you are talking about the Menu button (three dots) inside the applications that have disappeared, its display depends on the application itself. In some Xiaomi system applications, this button can be returned by activating the Advanced Mode in the theme or launcher settings.
For advanced users, it is possible to configure the hidden menu through engineering codes, but this requires caution. Standard tools can only switch navigation types. If you lack functionality, it is recommended to use third-party navigation apps from Google Play, such as Navigation Bar or analogues, which allow you to create a floating menu button at any point on the screen.
| Type of navigation | Description of action | Where to find out. | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gestures (Full Screen) | Swipes from the bottom and from the edges | Settings → Screen | Minimum |
| Buttons (Classic) | Three fixed buttons | Supplemental settings → Navigation | Average. |
| Floating button | Virtual Sphere on Screen | Special opportunities → Sensor | Low. |
| With one hand | Shifting the interface down | Supplemental settings → One-handed mode. | It doesn't. |
⚠️ Note: Installing third-party navigation apps may conflict with the system shell MIUI/HyperOS, causing desynchronization of presses or the appearance of “double” buttons.
What to do if the menu is lost due to a launcher failure
If the navigation buttons are on, but the desktop (launcher) behaves strangely: the icons are gone, the menu does not open with a swipe, or the screen freezes - a problem in the system application com.miui.home (for MIUI) or com.android.launcher. This often happens after a failed update or cache overflow. First of all, try just to restart the smartphone. If this does not work, you will need to clean the launcher data.
To do this, go along the path: Settings → Apps → All apps. Find the list “Desktop” or “Launcher.” Click on it and select “Clean” → “Clear all data.” Importantly, this action will reset the layout of the icons on the desktops to the factory look, but will not delete your personal photos or contacts. After this procedure, the phone can freeze for a few seconds when the screen is turned on, restoring the interface.
If the settings menu is also not open due to a crash, you can use the hidden test menu: dial the code ##64663## (CIT) in the “calling room” to check the sensor, or try to enter Safe Mode by pressing the off button and selecting the appropriate option (if the interface allows). If the problem is caused by a third-party launcher, delete it via Safe Mode or ADB.
How to reset the interface settings without losing data?
Solving Sensor and Full Screen Problems
Sometimes users think they have a "missing menu" when they actually activate Do Not Disturb" or "Full Screen" mode for a particular application that hides controls. Check if In-Pack mode is on or if the protective film doesn't override the bottom of the display. Dirt or moisture at the bottom of the screen (where the touchpad is located on some models) can also block response.
If the sensor at the bottom of the screen is no longer fully responsive, try calibrating. The engineering menu (CIT) has a Touchpanel test. Run a test to see if the clicks are recorded in the problem area. If the sensor is dead hardware, software methods like turning on the buttons won't help - you'll need to replace the display or the plume.
For a temporary solution, if you fail at the bottom of the screen, you can use the One-Hand Control or Assistive Touch function, which takes the navigation buttons to the top of the screen or to a floating window where you can reach with your finger, and they are activated in the Settings section. → Advanced settings → Special facilities.
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If the bottom of the screen is not working, connect. USB-mouse-wise OTG-Adapter. The mouse cursor will allow you to get to the settings and enable voice or ball control to fully use your smartphone.