Why Xiaomi Asks You to Press the Back Button Twice β and How to Fix It
The dual-click back feature for exiting apps is one of the most annoying features of the MIUI shell. It appeared in early firmware as βcasual-tap protection,β but in practice only interferes: delays app closure, confuses new users, and disrupts the usual workflow. This is especially noticeable on devices with gesture navigation, where the βbackβ button is virtual, and double-tap works with a delay of 1-2 seconds.
In this article, weβll look at all the current ways to disable double-clicking on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark smartphones, from standard MIUI settings to manually edit configuration files. The methods are tested on MIUI 12β14 firmware versions (including global and Chinese builds) and work on most models released after 2018. If your phone is older, check the alternatives section.
Before you start, note that some methods require superuser rights (root) or installing third-party applications. We marked such methods with special warnings - read the instructions carefully so as not to disrupt the system.
Method 1: Disconnect via MIUI settings (without root)
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI options. Unfortunately, it doesn't work on all devices: in some regional firmware (for example, in India or Europe), this setting can be hidden.
- Open Settings β System β Gestures (on some models, the path may differ: Settings β Additional β Buttons and gestures).
- Find the βBack buttonβ or βBack button actionβ section.
- Check for the "Confirmation of exit" switch. Turn it off.
If you don't have one, move on to the next way, and on gesture-based devices (without physical buttons), this is often not available.
β οΈ Note: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi Note 10 Pro) after disabling this option, a bug may appear with the interface hanging when switching between applications quickly.
Checklist before changing settings
βοΈ Preparation for disabling double pressing
Method 2: Use of the ADB-commands (without root, but with PC)
If you donβt have a standard setting, you can disable double taping via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).
- π₯οΈ Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and package ADB.
- π± Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β 7 times press "Version" MIUIΒ», Then go back to Settings. β Additionally. β For developers β Debugging by USB).
- π USB-Type C Cable (preferably original).
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with adb.exe.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Execute the command to disable double-pressing: adb shell settings put global force_double_tap_to_exit 0
- Reboot the phone.
If the function remained active after the reboot, try an alternative command:
adb shell settings put secure double_tap_to_exit 0π‘
If ADB Does not recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers via Mi PC Suite or use another suite USB-port.
Table: ADB teams for different MIUI versions
| MIUI version | Working team | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12β12.5 | settings put global force_double_tap_to_exit 0 | It works on 90% of devices. |
| MIUI 13β14 | settings put secure double_tap_to_exit 0 | Re-entry may be required |
| POCO Launcher | settings put global pocophone_double_tap_exit 0 | Only for devices with POCO Launcher |
| Black Shark | settings put global shark_double_exit 0 | Requires a reboot. |
β οΈ Note: Some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu) after use ADB-commands may reset the theme of the design. Save it in advance in Settings β Topics.
Method 3: Edit the build.prop file (root required)
If you have root rights, you can disable double-clicking by editing the system file build.prop. This method is universal and works on all versions of MIUI, but requires caution: an incorrect file change can lead to bootloop (locked phone on).
Step-by-step:
- Install any file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/build.prop.
- Find a line: ro.miui.double_tap_to_exit=true persist.sys.double_tap_to_exit=1
- Replace true with false or 1 with 0.
- Save the file and restart the device.
If you donβt have that line, add it to the end of the file:
ro.miui.double_tap_to_exit=falseWhat if the phone is not turned on after building.prop editing?
Alternative Method for Root Users
If the build.prop editing didn't work, try uninstalling the system application that handles the clicks.
- Install Titanium Backup or Luck Patch.
- Find the app list com.miui.home (Launcher) or com.miui.securitycenter (Security).
- Freeze or remove the Double Tap Service module (if it is on the list).
π‘
Editing system files is a last resort. Always back up build.prop before making changes!
Method 4: Installation of a third-party launcher
If previous methods have failed or you donβt want to take risks, install an alternative launcher.Most third-party shells (like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Hyperion Launcher) donβt have a dual-press function to exit.
- π± They donβt want to get root rights.
- π§ Ready to sacrifice branded chips MIUI (For example, with built-in gestures or theme).
- π¨ They want additional customization of the interface.
Installation instructions:
- Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
- Open the application and select it as the default launcher (when you request the system).
- In the launcher settings (Nova Settings β Gestures & Inputs), disable all options associated with double-pressing.
Cons of this method:
- β Some system applications (Settings, Camera) will still use double-pressing.
- β Possible bugs with widget display MIUI.
- β Features like Game Turbo or Second Space may not work properly.
Method 5: Resetting settings (extreme case)
If neither method worked and double pressing is critically intrusive, it is a factory reset, a radical solution, but in some cases it helps (e.g., if the problem is caused by a system failure after an update).
How to reset your settings without losing data:
- Back up via Settings β About Phone β Backup or Mi Cloud.
- Go to Settings β System β Resetting settings.
- Select Reset All Settings (not Reset to Factory!) This will only clear system settings without affecting files and applications.
- After the reboot, check if the double-press function is still there.
β οΈ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 After reset, you may need to re-activate your Mi Account. Make sure you remember your password!
Even if the reset didn't work, it could be at the firmware level, and it's worth considering:
- π Reflashing to another version MIUI (For example, with xiaomi.eu).
- π² Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
Alternative solutions for older Xiaomi models
On devices older than 2018 (e.g., Redmi Note 5, Mi A1, Mi 6), standard methods may not work due to an outdated version of MIUI.
1.Use of Activity Launcher Application
This utility allows you to run hidden system settings.
- Install Activity Launcher.
- Find it in the list of com.android.settings.
- Try opening activities with names like ButtonSettings, GestureSettings, or SystemNavigationSettings.
- In the menu that opens, look for options associated with the βBackβ button.
2. Firmware rollback
If you have double-clicked after the update, go back to the previous version of MIUI:
- Download the old firmware from the official website.
- Go to Settings β About Phone β System Update β Three Points β Select an Service Pack.
- Specify the downloaded file and wait for the rollback.
3. Configure via Xposed Framework (for advanced)
If you have Xposed installed on your device, you can use the MIUI Double Tap Disabler module, which blocks dual-pressing at the system level, but requires:
- π§ Root-right.
- π± Supported version MIUI (up to 12.5 inclusive).
- π Installed by Xposed Installer.