The Xiaomi Mi5, despite its age, remains a popular device thanks to its compact 5.15-inch screen, which is ideal for one-handed control. However, standard Android operating system settings and MIUI shells do not always immediately offer convenient tools for (one-handed control). Users often look for ways to reduce the screen workspace to reach the top elements of the interface with the thumb. In this article, we will discuss all available methods for activating this mode, including system settings and third-party solutions.
Activating one-handed control on the Xiaomi Mi5 can dramatically change the experience of interacting with the gadget, especially when moving or when there is a lack of free space. Modern interfaces are full of content, and reaching the top corner of the 5-inch screen can be difficult. We will consider not only standard paths in the menu, but also specific gestures that often go unnoticed. Understanding these mechanisms will allow you to customize the device to your individual physical characteristics.
It is worth noting that different versions of MIUI firmware (Global, China, Stable, Developer) may have different menu locations. If you don't find the switch you're describing right away, it doesn't mean that the feature isn't available. You often need to activate additional settings or use special combinations of actions. Below is a detailed instruction covering most use cases.
Standard settings of the MIUI interface
The first and most obvious way to enable one-hand mode is to use the built-in capabilities of the MIUI shell. In newer firmware versions, this functionality has been significantly redesigned and integrated into the general system settings. First, you need to go to the main settings menu of your Xiaomi Mi5. Find the section responsible for additional options or special features.
Depending on the Android and MIUI versions, the path might be as follows: go to Settings, then select Additional or Advanced Settings. Here you should look for One-Hand Mode. If this is not on the main list, check the Special Features section. In some builds, the feature is hidden in the Full-screen Mode menu or similar sections related to interface scaling.
⚠️ Note: Some global versions of the firmware MIUI Xiaomi Mi5 A standard one-hand switch can be software-hidden by developers despite having hardware support.
If you find the appropriate item, the system will suggest choosing the activation method, usually swiping on the bottom navigation bar (where the "Back", "Home", "Menu" buttons are located), or using a special button in the corner of the screen, after turning on the smartphone screen will visually shrink, moving to the bottom corner, which will allow you to comfortably control the top of the display.
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If the standard switch doesn’t work, try changing the theme to a standard MIUI Classic – this will often unlock hidden system menus.
Activation through engineering menu and hidden codes
When standard settings fail, hidden system codes come to the rescue. Xiaomi Mi5 is based on the Snapdragon 820 processor, which has a wide range of diagnostic tools. Entering special combinations in the Phone application allows you to access hidden tests and settings that are not available through the usual interface.
To access advanced control functions, enter ##6484## in the dialer. This will open the CIT (Cit Test) engineering menu. Although direct one-hand switching is rare here, this menu can check the sensor and display calibration, which is important for proper gestures. More specific is the ##4636## code that opens the test menu.
- 📱 Enter the code ##6484## to enter the full hardware testing engineering menu.
- 🔧 Use the code ##4636## to access phone and battery information, where the interface settings are sometimes hidden.
- ⚙️ Search the testing menu for the Single Hand Mode or One Hand Operation section if it is not blocked by the operator.
- 📞 Make sure that SIM-The card is active because some codes may not work in "Emergency Calls Only" mode".
There is also a lesser-known method of activation through the developer settings. To get there, you need to quickly click on the build number in the About Phone section 7 times. Once the "You're a developer" notification appears, go back and find a new Developer section. Scroll down for options related to scaling or minimum width.
The risks of the engineering menu
Use of gestures and navigation buttons
The most convenient way to activate one-handed mode on the Xiaomi Mi5 is to use gestures, which allows you to reduce the screen on the fly, without having to climb into the deep settings menus. The mechanism is simple: the system responds to the movement of a finger at the bottom of the screen, where the navigation bar is located.
To set up gestures, make sure that the settings are the classic three-button navigation style. Go to Settings → Additional → One-Hand Mode. Here you need to activate the "Swipe buttons." Once turned on, try to swipe from any of the three lower buttons ("Back", "Home" or "Menu") towards the center of the screen. The screen should shrink and shift to the appropriate angle.
| Action. | The result | Activation zone |
|---|---|---|
| Swipe from the back button to the right | Screen compression to the left | Lower left. |
| Swipe from the "Menu" button to the left | Screen compression to the right | Lower right side |
| Tap on the empty area | Getting out of the regime | Outside the compressed window |
| Swipe from the central button | Depends on the MIUI version. | Downtown |