How to Remove “Pull Down to Close” on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Why does the “pull down to close” sign appear and how to remove it?

The words “pull down to close” (or “swipe down to close” in English firmware) are a standard MIUI feature that appears when you open full-screen apps, games or videos. This gesture was introduced in Android 10+ as part of the buttonless navigation, but it interferes with many users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO: random swipes close applications, interrupt browsing or knock down settings.

To make matters worse, newer versions of MIUI 14/15 have hidden the direct settings of the gesture, and depending on the smartphone model and firmware version, the way to turn off can vary from standard system settings to editing configuration files, and in this article, we’ll look at all the working methods, including hidden features and workarounds for non-root-right devices.

Before proceeding to the instructions, check:

  • 📱 Version MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Ways to do this MIUI 12 and MIUI 15 may be very different.
  • 🔄 Navigation type: gesture only works in No button mode (full-screen gestures).
  • 🎮 Exceptions for games: some applications (e.g. Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile: Blocking system gestures automatically.

If the message appears only in one app, the problem may be in its settings, not in the system. For example, in YouTube or TikTok, the swipe down sometimes conflicts with the player's internal gestures.

Method 1: Disconnection through system settings (MIUI 14/15)

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI options, which works on most Xiaomi Android 12+ devices and does not require superuser rights, but in some regional firmware (for example, for India or Europe), this item may be hidden.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings → Display.
  2. Select Full Screen Mode (or Full Screen Display).
  3. Slip on Full-screen gestures.
  4. Find the Swipe down option to close (or Swipe down to close) and turn off the slider.
  5. Reboot your smartphone to apply the changes.

If the Swipe down to close is not in the menu:

  • 🔍 Try to search for it through Settings. → Search for settings (the magnifying glass icon at the top).
  • 🌐 Check if it is hidden under additional gesture settings.
  • 📱 On some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), the option is only available when you select Standard Navigation (with buttons).

☑️ Preparation for deactivation of the gesture

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI Global for Europe, after disabling this gesture, the swipe down to call the notification bar in some applications (for example, in Google Chrome) may disappear).

Method 2: Use of the ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If standard settings don’t work, you can turn off the gesture via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on any version of MIUI, but requires connecting the smartphone to your computer.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Enter the Mi Account password if needed.

USB debugging

  • Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
  • Turn on the debugging slider over USB.
  • Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global swipe_down_to_close_enabled 0
  • Reset the device.

Alternative path (for MIUI 13+):

/data/system/users/0/settings_global.xml

Look for the line:

<setting id="swipe_down_to_close_enabled" value="0" />

What if the smartphone does not start after editing files?
If the device is stuck on the MI logo after the changes in settings.db, try: 1. Log in Recovery Mode (press Power + Volume up). 2. Select Mount → System and return the original file from the backup. 3. If there is no backup, reset via Wipe Data (data will be lost!).

Advantages of this method:

  • 🔧 It works on all versions. MIUI, custom-made.
  • 🔒 Changes are applied at the system level, they will not be reset by the update.
  • 🛠️ You can also turn off other annoying gestures (for example, double_tap_to_wake).

Risks:

  • ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is warranty, unlocking the bootloader will cancel it).
  • ⚠️ Possible disruptions MIUI (For example, the notification panel is missing).
  • ⚠️ In case of incorrect file editing - device brick (requires flashing via Fastboot).

📊 Which way would you prefer to use it?
Through MIUI settings
ADB-team
File editing (root)
Another option

Method 4: Disconnection through third-party applications

If you don't want to dig through system files, you can use third-party utilities, some of which mimic clicks or block gestures at the Accessibility Service level.

Top.-3 applications to turn off swipe down:

  • 🛡️ Fluid Navigation Gestures – Replaces standard gestures MIUI It allows you to turn the swipe down completely or reassign it to another action.
  • 🔄 Edge Gestures creates “dead zones” around the edges of the screen where system gestures do not work.
  • 🎛️ MacroDroid automates actions. You can set up a rule, "If X is open, you can set it up." → swipe down».