Xiaomi Redmi 4A: how to turn on the buttons and configure the display

Xiaomi smartphone owners often experience MIUI features that can be confusing when first introduced, one of which is the lack of touch buttons on the Redmi 4A. This budget device, which has gained huge popularity due to its price-performance balance, has its own design features. Many users mistakenly believe that the backlight has broken, when in fact it is simply not provided for by the design of this device.

However, if you’re looking for a way to turn on button lights, it may be about adjusting the screen’s glow duration after touching or software-based navigation emulation. In this article, we’ll detail how to adjust the display’s behavior to keep it from going out too quickly, and explain the physical limitations of the Redmi 4A. You’ll also learn about the hidden features of the system that can replace the lack of physical display.

It is important to understand the difference between software settings and hardware capabilities. Xiaomi Redmi 4A smartphone is equipped with capacitive buttons that do not have their own LED backlight, unlike some other models of the Redmi series. Therefore, standard methods to activate the glow under glass is impossible, but there are alternative solutions for comfortable use in the dark.

The physical features of the Redmi 4A navigation

The Redmi 4A is a start-up model that has a direct impact on the choice of components and build technologies. Unlike flagship or mid-range models, it uses a simplified front panel design, with the Menu and Back touch buttons located on the sides of the central Home button, but they are devoid of separate LEDs.

The decision is driven by the manufacturer’s desire to reduce the cost of the device. the lack of button highlighting on the Xiaomi Redmi 4A is not a defect, but a planned engineering characteristic. When working in the dark, the user relies on the backlight of the main display, which briefly lights up when touched.

⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to disassemble your smartphone or put voltage on the contacts of the display plume in the hope of activating non-existent LEDs. This will lead to irreversible damage to the matrix and loss of warranty.

Although there is no physical backlight, the system provides flexible tools to adjust the interface response, so you can change the time the screen stays active after the last touch, which is especially useful if you have difficulty hitting small buttons in the dark.

• 📱 Touch buttons do not have physical lighting in this model.
• 💡 Actions are indicated by short-term screen inclusion.
• ⚙️ Software settings allow you to adapt the display behavior to your needs.

Understanding these features helps avoid unnecessary trips to the service center. If your Redmi 4A responds to touch, but does not glow under the buttons, this is the normal state of the device, then we will consider how to adjust the existing brightness and timeout parameters as efficiently as possible.

Setting the duration of the screen illumination

Since there is no physical backlighting of the buttons, the main emphasis should be on adjusting the display's burning time, which will help you navigate the menu calmly even in low light. MIUI This allows you to flexibly manage this parameter.

To change the waiting time for the transition to sleep mode, go to the settings menu. Find the Settings section → Screen and Lock → Sleep mode. Here is a list of available time intervals, from 15 seconds to 10 minutes. Selecting a longer interval will create the illusion of constant backlighting when used actively.

Increasing the screen time without action leads to faster battery discharge, which is an important trade-off to keep in mind: If you use your phone often in the dark, it may make sense to set an average of 1-2 minutes to find a balance between convenience and autonomy.

Also worth noting is the “Raise to Power” feature, which features an option in some versions of the Redmi 4A’s MIUI firmware that activates the screen when the device is lifted, which partly compensates for the lack of constant button lighting, as the screen lights up exactly when you pick up the phone.

• 🔋 Long-term screen illumination increases battery consumption.
• ⏱️ The optimal waiting time is from 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• 📲 The “Lift to Turn” feature saves charge and is convenient in the dark.

Keep in mind that the display can burn out pixels over time, and it is recommended to use automatic brightness adjustment to extend the life of your Xiaomi matrix.

Software navigation as an alternative

Modern versions of Android and the MIUI shell offer a shift to software navigation, which means moving away from physical or capacitive buttons in favor of virtual controls displayed directly on the screen. For Redmi 4A, this could be a great solution to the problem of visibility of buttons in the dark.

To activate the program buttons, go to Settings → Additional settings → Button Mode. Here you can choose the option with virtual buttons, they will be illuminated by the brightness set for the interface, and they will be perfectly visible even in complete darkness.

⚠️ Switching to program buttons reduces the usable screen area, as the lower navigation bar will be constantly occupied by the interface.

Using virtual navigation on the Xiaomi Redmi 4A has its advantages: buttons become part of the image, so they are guaranteed to be visible if you see the screen, and you can change their order or hide them when watching videos, which adds flexibility in use.

However, it is worth considering that the constant rendering of interface elements also consumes the processor and battery. On the budget Snapdragon 425 processor, which is installed in the Redmi 4A, the difference can be small, but noticeable with active multitasking.

If you choose software buttons, the system will suggest customizing their appearance. In some MIUI themes, you can change the transparency and color of the buttons, making them more contrasting or less noticeable so that they do not distract from the content.

Use of themes and third-party applications

MIUI is famous for its customization capabilities. If standard customization methods don't work, you can turn to the theme store. Some themes for Redmi 4A include modified system icons and interface elements that can be read better in low light.

To access the theme store, search for the Themes app on your desktop, and search for queries like “Dark,” “Night,” or “Black.” Dark themes are not only aesthetic, but also help reduce the overall brightness of the device, making use in the dark more comfortable for the eyes.

There are also third-party apps from the Google Play store that allow you to create your own navigation button sets, and programs like Virtual Button or Assistive Touch can add a floating button to the screen that will always be brightly lit.

• 🎨 The shop that MIUI offers thousands of options for interface design.
• 📥 Third-party applications can add floating control buttons.
• 🌙 Dark topics reduce eye strain at night.

When installing third-party launchers or navigation apps, be mindful of permissions. They require access to a display system that could theoretically be used to collect data. Only choose high-ranking, proven applications.

Solving proximity sensor and brightness problems

Users often confuse the lack of button lighting with a malfunctioning light sensor. If your Redmi 4A doesn't adjust brightness automatically or the screen goes out during a conversation, the problem may be calibrating the sensors rather than the buttons.

To check and calibrate the sensors in MIUI, there is an engineering menu. To get into it, open the Phone app and dial the code ##6484##. In the menu that appears, select Sensor or Proximiti to check the proximity and light sensor.

Code for logging into the engineering menu: ##6484##

In the testing menu, you can see the current readings of the sensors. Cover the top of the smartphone with your hand - the readings should change. If the sensor does not respond, you may need to clean the area around the speaker of dust and grease, or replace the module.

A malfunctioning light sensor can cause the screen to go out too quickly or, conversely, to shine too brightly in the dark, creating discomfort that users often mistake for a problem with the backlight of buttons.

Table of comparison of methods of setting

To organize information about how to improve the visibility of the interface on Xiaomi Redmi 4A, consider the comparative table of available methods, which will help you choose the best option depending on your priorities.

You can see from the table that switching to the program buttons is the most efficient way to ensure visibility of navigation without significant time consumption, but if you are critical to the maximum screen area, it is better to experiment with themes and timeout.

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Use desktop widgets for frequently used features to lessen access to system navigation buttons in the dark.

Combining these methods, you can make the Redmi 4A comfortable in all lighting conditions. Don’t be afraid to experiment with settings, as most of them are easy to return to their original state.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The main conclusion: Redmi 4A does not have physical button lighting by design, but the use of software navigation and the correct setting of the screen timeout completely solves the problem of visibility in the dark.