Users who first encounter the Xiaomi ecosystem after other brands are often lost in search of the familiar “Menu” button on the home screen or in the interface of running applications. The physical key on the case has long been a thing of the past, giving way to touch screens, and software navigation has undergone dramatic changes with the release of new versions of the shells MIUI and HyperOS. Instead of one universal button, a complex system of gestures, hidden context menus and program keys, the location of which depends on the region and settings.
The lack of a clear interface element with the words “Menu” is puzzling, especially for those who are used to the classic three navigation keys of Android. In fact, the functionality has not gone anywhere, it has simply been redistributed to different areas of the screen or replaced by more intuitive swipes. Understanding the logic of the navigation system allows you to control the smartphone much faster than before.
In this article, we will look at where to look for the analogue of the menu button in different use cases, how to return classic buttons to the screen and what hidden opportunities are opened when you use the interface correctly. You will learn to distinguish between the system menu, the context menu of applications and the control panel, which is the key to comfortable operation of the device.
The evolution of navigation: from buttons to gestures
Xiaomi
gesture
Modern versions of MIUI and HyperOS have defaulted gesture control, where the usual menu button has been transformed into a swipe from the bottom up, which opens the list of running applications. If by "menu button" you mean calling additional options inside the application (three dots), then this element is now often hidden in the top corner of the screen or called long press.
The switch to a new control system takes time to get used to, but it gives you a gain in space. The functional analogue of the menu button is now available via a swipe up latency or through a sidebar, which allows you to hold the phone with one hand even on large screens. System developers found that the hidden interface elements are less noticeable and do not distract from the content.
⚠️ Warning: When switching from buttons to gestures, the old habit of looking for the bottom bar can play a cruel joke. In the early days of use, you may accidentally swipe in the wrong place, calling system menus instead of closing apps.
It's worth noting that gesture navigation doesn't just copy buttons, it expands their functionality. For example, swiping from bottom to bottom with a stop in the middle of the screen opens up editing mode running windows, which used to require a separate button, which makes the interface more flexible, although less obvious to beginners.
How to bring back classic buttons on the screen Xiaomi
Xiaomi
The path to setup may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the overall algorithm is the same. You need to go to Settings, then select Additional or immediately find full-screen Navigation. In some versions of HyperOS, this item is placed in the main settings menu for convenience.
☑️ Checking the navigation settings
Once you turn on the button mode, you will see three controls. The Menu button (often labeled as "Recent" or "Multi-tasking") will be responsible for viewing running applications. In some launchers and versions of the system, the third button can call Google Assistant or Mi AI at a long press, which is an important detail for those who are accustomed to classic behavior.
Using buttons also allows you to activate additional features, such as hiding the panel when watching a video or changing the order of the buttons (for example, put “Back” on the right, as in iOS), which makes navigation more personalized to your habits.
Hidden context menu in applications
Android
MIUI
However, if the app developer didn't provide a visual button, the system menu can still be called. On devices with gestures enabled, this is done by swiping from the bottom up with a slight delay or swipe from the corner of the screen (depending on the settings). On devices with buttons, sometimes a long press on the home button or a special combination works.
Some Xiaomi system applications use a long-pressed window header or empty area to access hidden features, such as a gallery long-click on a photo that opens the action menu, replacing the need for a separate button, part of the buttonless interface philosophy where content and management mix.
Secret codes for the menu
It is important to distinguish between the system menu of multitasking and the context menu of a particular application. The first manages windows, the second manages actions within the program. If there are no visible buttons in the application, try swiping down to reveal an additional menu or swiping sideways to switch tabs.
Setting up the sidebar and floating window
Xiaomi
To activate this feature, go to Settings → Additional → Floating Windows (or Sidebar). Here you can configure the screen area from where the menu will be called and fill it with the right shortcuts. This is especially convenient on tablets and large smartphones of the Redmi Note series.
| Function | Location. | Action. |
|---|---|---|
| Multitasking | Swipe from bottom up (centre) | Opens the list of running applications |
| Sidebar. | Swipe from the edge of the screen | Quick access to tools and appliances |
| Contextual menu | Three points / Long press | Actions with an object or application |
| Google search | Swipe from bottom up (left/right) | Global search and widgets |
Using a sidebar makes it much faster to use floating windows, so you can run a calculator or translator on top of another application without folding it, and it implements the idea of a menu button as a place where you store assistive tools, always at hand.
💡
Configure the Sidebar so that it always has Screenshot, Screen Recording and Notepad, which will save you a lot of time, as access to these features will be instantaneous without searching in the depth of the menu.
Handless control and voice commands
Xiaomi
Xiiao AI
Voice control can completely replace menu button search, just say "Open settings" or "Show running apps," and the system will execute the command. To activate this feature, make sure that Google or MIUI settings include "Ok Google" and voice model training.
In addition, in the special features settings (Settings → Advanced Settings → Special Options), you can turn on gaze control or voice access, which allows you to dictate button numbers on the screen or item names, making searching the menu unnecessary.
Using voice commands is particularly effective when paired with Xiaomi’s smart home: You can control not only your phone, but also lamps, sockets and robot vacuum cleaners just by uttering a command, eliminating the need to search for appropriate buttons in apps.
Response problems and screen calibration
touchscreen
To check the responsiveness of the screen in Xiaomi there is an engineering menu. type in the code ##6484## on the phone (or go through the settings to check mode). Select the test "Touch" and swipe the finger on the grid. If in some area the lines do not light up, then the problem is in the hardware or calibration.
If the screen reacts but not where you press, you may need to calibrate. In most cases, it helps to simply restart the device or remove the protective film. It is also worth checking the sensitivity settings in the Screen section, especially if you use gloves.
⚠️ Warning: If you notice that the swipe buttons or areas have stopped responding in certain places on the screen, don't rush to carry the phone for repair. Often the problem is solved by replacing a cheap protective glass that disrupts the electrostatics of the finger.
In rare cases, the problem lies in a software launcher failure. Clearing the cache of the Security or System Launcher application through the application settings can return sensitivity to navigation zones. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All Applications, find the system launcher and select Clear Cache.