How to enable one-handed control on Xiaomi through gestures: full instruction

Xiaomi's modern smartphones are getting bigger every year, and one-handed management is a real challenge for many users. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided special gestures for one-time control that allow you to "squeeze" the screen to a convenient size or move interface elements into the reach of the thumb. But where to find these settings and how to set them up correctly?

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate the function “One-handed management” on different versions. MIUI (from 12 before 14), including hidden options for Redmi models, POCO and flagship lines Xiaomi 13/14. You'll learn which gestures are supported, how to customize them, what to do if the function doesn't work, and you'll also learn the secrets of optimizing the interface for maximum convenience.

What is “One Hand Management” and Why You Need It

One-handed mode is a special mode that temporarily reduces the size of the screen active area by shifting it to the bottom left or right corner, allowing you to reach the top elements of the interface (for example, notification panels or buttons in applications) without having to intercept the smartphone with the second hand.

On Xiaomi smartphones, this option is implemented in two ways:

• 👉 Swipe gesture – fast swipe diagonally from the bottom edge of the screen (configurable in the gesture menu).
• 🔄 Automatic compression – the screen shrinks when you press the Home or Back button (not available on all models).
• ⚙️ Manual mode – activation through the Quick Settings Panel (requires inclusion in the system settings).

According to a study by Counterpoint Research, more than 60% of smartphone users with a screen diagonal of more than 6.5 inches regularly experience discomfort when you control a single device. MIUI 14 One-handed control reduces the strain on the wrist by 40% by optimizing touch zones, and many owners are unaware of its existence – an option often hidden in the depths of the menu.

What Xiaomi models support one-handed control

The feature is available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, Released after 2019, but its implementation depends on the version MIUI And the hardware platform. Here are the key points:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi) K50 Pro) the screen compression function may not work smoothly due to the characteristics of the display drivers, in which case it is recommended to use only the swipe gesture.

If your model is not listed in the table, check the support for the function experimentally: try swiping diagonally from the bottom edge of the screen to the left or right. On some firmware, the gesture is activated by default, but does not appear in the settings.

Step-by-step: how to turn on one-hand control

The activation algorithm of the function depends on the version MIUI. Below are instructions for the most common cases.

For MIUI 14 (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 newer)

1. Open the Settings. → Additional functions.
2. Select the one-handed control option.
3. Activate the switch to turn on one-handed control.
4. Set up a trigger gesture (swipe left or right of the lower edge).
5. Optionally: Enable Screen Compression and select a size (small/medium/large).

For MIUI 12.5–13 (Redmi Note 11, POCO F4, Xiaomi 12)

1. Go to Settings → System → Gestures.
2. Put one hand on the Control.
3. Turn on the option and select the swipe side (left or right).
4. If you have the option of screen size, set a comfortable value (recommended 4.5-5 inches).

For older versions. MIUI (up to 12.5)

On the firmware MIUI 10-12 paths may be different:

1. Open the Settings → Screen.
2. Find the One-Handed Mode (or One-Handed Mode) section.
3. Turn on the function and set up a gesture or start button.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) the function may conflict with full-screen gestures. If swipes to return back stop working after activating one-handed control, turn off full-screen navigation in Settings → Display. → Full screen mode.

Gesture setting and customization

Standard gestures for one hand control in MIUI They're not always convenient. Fortunately, they can be reconfigured or supplemented with alternatives.

Changing the launch gesture

By default, the function is activated by swipe diagonally from the bottom of the screen to change it:

1. Go to Settings. → Additional functions → One-handed control.
2. Slip on the launch gesture.
3. Choose one of the options: 👆 Swipe up and left/right (standard). 👇 Double touch on the "back" button». 🔘 Holding the Home button (only for the MIUI 14).

Setting the size of the compressed screen

If the screen compression is enabled, you can set its size:

• 📱 Small (4.0-4.5 inches) – for very large smartphones (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
• 📲 Medium (4.5-5.0 inches) – the best option for most users.
• 📱 Large (5.0-5.5 inches) – if you need to see more content.

💡 Tip: To quickly return the screen to normal mode, just tap outside the compressed area or make a reverse gesture (swipe down).

Additional options (hidden settings)

Some firmware has advanced options that don't appear in the main menu, so you can activate them:

1. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap on Version) MIUI In Settings → The phone).
2. Go to Settings. → For developers.
3. Find the Force One-handed Mode option and turn it on.

💡

If after activating the function, the screen starts to twitch when scrolling, turn off the option of Windows Animation in the developer settings. This will eliminate the lags.

Problems and Solutions: Why One-Hand Control Doesn't Work

Even when you set it up properly, it can fail, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to fix them.

The gesture doesn't work.

If the swipe does not activate the one-hand mode:

• 🔄 Check for gesture conflicts: Turn off other swipes in Settings → Gestures (such as launching a camera or flashlight).
• 📱 Update the firmware: On some models (Redmi Note 10) the function was not correct before the release MIUI 13.0.4.
• 🛠️ Reset your gesture settings: In Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset your gesture settings.

The screen is compressed spontaneously

If the mode is activated without your participation:

• 👤 Check accessories: Cases with magnets or metal inserts can falsely activate sensors.
• 🔧 Calibrate the sensor: Enter the dial number ##6484## and follow the instructions.
• 📵 Turn off the “Smart Assistant”: In Settings → Annexes → Smart assistant. → Auto-start.

Function is not available in the settings

If the menu does not include “One-Hand Management”:

• 🔍 Check the firmware region: On some global versions MIUI The function is hidden. EU-firmware through Fastboot.
• 📦 Install the patch: In the store Theme MIUI Find the One Hand Mode Enabler module.
• 🛒 Update the device: On budget models (Redmi) 9A) The function may be missing due to hardware limitations.

Alternative ways to control one hand

If the standard function does not suit, you can use third-party solutions or hidden features. MIUI.

Apps from Google Play

Popular utilities for single-time management:

• 📱 One Hand Operation + — Adds a floating panel with frequently used actions.
• 🔄 EasyTouch is a virtual button that replaces gestures.
• 🎯 Swiftly Switch – Quick access to swipe settings on the edge of the screen.

⚠️ Note: One-handed applications require permission Special features, which may conflict with some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online may block the entrance).

Hidden functions of MIUI

In the firmware MIUI There are undocumented opportunities:

• 🔍 Mini Screen Mode: Hold the button Recent apps 2 seconds – the screen will shrink to 3.5 inches.
• 📱 Floating window: In some applications (e.g. Gallery) you can hold the top panel to go to window mode.
• ⚡ Fast commands: Set up the voice assistant Xiao AI to perform voice actions (for example, Open settings with one hand»).

Launcher setup

Change the location of icons and widgets for convenience:

1. Keep an empty space on the main screen → Screen settings.
2. Select the size of the grid and install 4×5 or 5×6 (less icons = more space for gestures).
3. Move frequently used applications to the dock panel (bottom line).

💡

On devices with MIUI 14 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) one-handed control function is 30% faster thanks to optimisation of sensor drivers.

Comparison with other brands: which is better?

Xiaomi doesn't have a one-handed function, but let's compare it to the competition.

💡 Xiaomi offers one of the most flexible one-hand control configurations, but loses Samsung in stability. MIUI — the ability to choose between a gesture and a button, as well as fine-tuning the size of the compressed screen.

FAQ: Frequent Questions on One-Hand Management on Xiaomi