How to disable screen unlocking by swipe up on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Swipe up gesture to unlock the screen on Xiaomi smartphones has become a standard solution in the shell MIUI However, many users experience unintentional unlocks in their pocket, resulting in accidental taps, battery drains and even camera turn on. K60 Pro, where the sensor responds to the slightest touch.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can turn off swipe up, from standard MIUI settings to hidden features through ADB and third-party utilities. It’s important to understand that the manufacturer doesn’t always provide a direct option to deactivate this gesture, so some methods will require additional manipulation. We’ll also look at alternative unlock options (PIN, pattern lock, fingerprint) so you can choose the best balance between convenience and security.

Why can swipe upwards be uncomfortable?

At first glance, swipe up gestures seem intuitive: one motion unlocks the screen, but in practice, this mechanism has several critical drawbacks:

  • πŸ“± False positives: In a bag or pocket, the screen is often unlocked from random touches, leading to a snag of the screen:
  • πŸ”‹ Increased battery consumption: Each accidental exit from sleep mode reduces battery life by 5-15%.
  • πŸ”’ Security threat: if the lock screen displays notifications with confidential information (sMS from the bank, letters), they can be seen by an outsider.

According to a survey of Xiaomi users in 2023, 42% of respondents would like to turn off swipe up, but do not know how to do it without losing functionality. AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi) 12T, POCO F5), where the sensor is more sensitive to touch.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (For example, the global version for Redmi Note 11, the option to turn off the swipe upwards may be hidden. ADB third-party.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in shell options, but it doesn't work on all MIUI versions and models.

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to Lock Screen (or Lock and Protect on older versions).
  3. Select the Unlock Type or Unlock Gestures.
  4. If the swipe up switch is available to unlock - turn it off.

The screenshots below show the interface for MIUI 14 (left) and MIUI 12.5 (right):

MIUI versionThe path to adjustmentIs the option available?
MIUI 14 (global)Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ GesturesYes (on most models)
MIUI 13 (China)Settings β†’ Password and security β†’ Lock gesturesPartially (for some regions only)
MIUI 12.5 (Redmi)Settings β†’ Screen lock β†’ AdditionalNo (ADB required)
POCO LauncherSettings β†’ System β†’ GesturesYes (POCO F3/F4/F5) only

⚠️ Note: On Android One smartphones (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A3) This method will not work – it uses β€œpure” Android without options MIUI.

Check the version of MIUI (Settings β†’ About the phone)

Backup of data (Settings β†’ System β†’ Backup)

Make sure the PIN/pattern lock is configured (in case of a failure)

Charge your phone at least 30 times%-->

Method 2: Using ADB to disable gestures

If the standard method doesn’t work, you’ll have to debug through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your phone to your computer, but it works on all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 for the Xiaomi 13/13 Pro).

You'll need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux;
  • πŸ“± USB-cable (preferably original);
  • πŸ› οΈ Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB (You can download from the official Android website).

Step-by-step:

  1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone. Press 7 times on MIUI Version. Enter your password if needed.
  2. Turn on USB Debugging: Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Developer. Activate the USB Debugging Switch.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute commands in the terminal (command line):
adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_gesture_enabled 0


adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_gesture_up_enabled 0

Once you have completed the commands, restart the phone. The swipe up gesture will be disabled, but there will be alternative ways to unlock (PIN, fingerprint).

What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
If the adb device command doesn't show your phone: 1. Make sure Xiaomi drivers are installed (download Mi). PC Suite). 2. Try another one. USB-cable (some cables are only for charging). 3. Enable the debugging option in the developer settings USB (4. On Windows, try running the terminal on behalf of the administrator.

Method 3: Third-party applications for gesture management

If the first two methods don't work, you can use specialized tools that allow you to flexibly adjust gestures, including turning the swipe up.

  • πŸ“± Fluid Navigation Gestures: Complete replacement of standard gestures MIUI; β€” Support for Android 10+; β€” Setting up sensitivity zones.
  • πŸ”§ Xiaomi EU Tool (for Xiaomi.eu firmware only): – Includes hidden options MIUI; β€” Works without root; – Requires an unlocked bootloader.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Tasker + AutoInput (for advanced users): – Allows you to block swipe upwards according to conditions (for example, when the phone is in your pocket); – Requires scripting skills.

Example of settings in Fluid Navigation Gestures:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Grant permissions for Special Opportunities and Overlay over other windows.
  3. Go to Settings β†’ Gestures β†’ Lock screen.
  4. Turn off the swipe up option to unlock.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Fluid Navigation Gestures can conflict with system gestures MIUI. Before using, create a restore point in Settings β†’ System system β†’ Backup.

Swipe up.

Double-push

Fingerprint.

Facial recognition

PIN-code-->

Alternative Unlocking Methods on Xiaomi

If you have turned off the swipe up, you should configure alternative ways to unlock so as not to lose comfort. MIUI The following options are available:

MethodPlusesConsSupported models
Double-pushQuick, working in your pocket.Could be an accident.All models with MIUI 12+
Fingerprint.Safe, fast.Doesn't work with gloves.Models with sensors (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+)
Facial recognitionConvenient, no contact.Less security than a PINModels with front camera
PIN/pattern lockMaximum securityLonger to injectAll models.

To activate the double press:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Gestures.
  2. Turn on the option of Double touch to unlock.
  3. Set up sensitivity (if available).

πŸ’‘

If you wear gloves often, combine your fingerprint with your phone. PIN-In code. MIUI You can set up an automatic transition to PIN, If the scanner does not recognize the finger after 2 attempts.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you turn off the swipe up, users encounter common errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

  • πŸ”„ The gesture returns after the update MIUI: Solution: Re-apply the settings through ADB Check if the options are reset in Fluid Navigation Gestures.
  • πŸ”’ Phone's asking. PIN After Swipe Disabled: Solution: This is normal behavior β€” MIUI requires proof of identity when changing the unlock method. PIN Choose an alternative method (e.g. fingerprint).
  • πŸ“΅ Sensor stops responding to other gestures: Solution: Reset gesture settings in Settings β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting gestures.
  • πŸ”Œ ADB Device not recognizing: Solution: Install drivers manually through Device Manager (Windows) or use Mi PC Suite.

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • - Are there any system updates installed (sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions of MIUI);
  • Does the antivirus (e.g. Avast or 360 Security) conflict with the gesture settings?
  • Is the energy saving mode activated, which can block background processes?

πŸ’‘

If the phone is slower to respond to touch after switching off the swipe, try calibrating the screen through the engineering menu (##6484##).

Security: What to do if the screen is locked?

In rare cases, after gesture manipulation, MIUI can block a screen requiring you to enter a password, even if you didn't set it.

  1. Try the standard combinations: - 1234, 0000, 1111 (if you have not previously changed the PIN); - a pattern lock in the form of the letter Z or L.

Use the Mi Account.

  • On the lock screen, click Forgot your password?
  • Sign in to your Xiaomi account (if linked to your phone);
  • Follow the instructions for resetting the lock.
  • Fastboot reset (extreme): This method deletes all data from the phone! Suitable if other methods didn't work: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot
Why did the swipe up again switch on after the MIUI update?
This is standard MIUI behavior β€” after major updates (e.g., from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), some settings are reset to default values. To avoid this: Before updating, back up your settings via Settings β†’ System β†’ Backup; After updating, re-apply ADB commands; Use Fluid Navigation Gestures – it saves settings between updates.
Can you turn off the swipe up only on the lock screen, but leave it in apps?
Yes, but it will require separate gesture management. There is no such option in standard MIUI, but it can be implemented through: Tasker + AutoInput plugin (create the rule: "If the screen is blocked β†’ block swipe up"); Xposed Framework (only for firmware with root); Manual editing of the gestures.xml file in /system/usr/keylayout/ (requires root and knowledge of ADB commands). The easiest option is Tasker, but it is paid and requires configuration.
Which Xiaomi models don’t support swipe-up?
The following devices do not have a built-in option to disable the gesture, and you will need to use ADB or third-party utilities: Xiaomi Mi A1/A2/A3 (Android One); Redmi 9A/9C/9i (budget models with MIUI 12); POCO M3/M4 Pro (firmwarewareware for India); All devices on MIUI 11 and older. For these models, we recommend the method with ADB or custom firmware installation (for example, Xiaomi.eu).