Xiaomi smartphone users often face the problem of suddenly missing the navigation buttons — three classic “Back”, “Home” and “Recent” keys. This can happen after a system update, failed gesture settings or a failure in MIUI. In some cases, the buttons simply stop responding to touch, although visually remain on the screen.
The reasons for the disappearance of buttons are diverse, from trivial errors in settings to serious software failures. For example, in MIUI 12/13/14, a bug is common when, after activation of full-screen gestures, the navigation bar is hidden without the possibility of returning through the standard menu. Another common situation is the damage of system files after an incorrect update or manual intervention in the developer settings.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can bring navigation buttons back to Xiaomi, from the simplest (reboot, reset screen settings) to the most radical (fastboot flashing), each with step-by-step instructions and warnings about potential risks. If you’re not sure about your actions, start with the safest options.
1. Check the basic settings of MIUI
Before you resort to radical measures, make sure that the problem is not in the standard settings of the system. In MIUI, navigation buttons can be hidden due to activation of gestures or changes in display parameters.
Open the Settings menu → Display. → Full screen mode. Check here for the navigation type you've chosen: Navigation buttons (classic three keys) or gestures. If you have gestures, switch to the buttons and restart the device. In some versions, switch to the buttons. MIUI This parameter may be in the settings → Additionally. → Full-screen display.
- 🔍 Check the visibility of the panel: sometimes the buttons just become transparent. Try swiping your finger at the bottom of the screen — if there is a vibration or reaction, then the panel is active, but not displayed.
- 📱 Test on another launcher: install a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher) and check if buttons appear. MIUI.
- 🔄 Reboot: trivial but effective -- turn off your smartphone for 30 seconds and turn it on again.
⚠️ Warning: If the screen starts to twitch or artifacts appear after switching to the navigation buttons, this is a sign of conflict with the shell. Return gestures and use alternative methods (section 3).
2. Reset screen and interface settings
If the buttons don't come back through the standard menu, the next step is to reset the display settings, which doesn't affect user data, but returns all interface settings to factory settings, including navigation.
Go to Settings → About Phone → All specs and tap 7 times on the MIUI Version line to activate Developer Mode. Then go back to the main settings menu, open Additional → For Developers and find the Reset UI option. Confirm the action and restart the device.
Turn off the lock screen password (if any)
Make a backup copy of important data
Battery charge of at least 30%
Connect to Wi-Fi for possible synchronization-->
After you reboot, check for navigation buttons. If they don't show up, try manually turning them on through Settings → Display → Full-screen mode. Sometimes a reset will reset that setting.
| Method | Implementation time | Risk of data loss | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reboot. | 1 minute | No. | Low (20%) |
| Resetting interface settings | 5 minutes. | No. | Average (50%) |
| Removal of system updates | 10 minutes. | No. | High (70%) |
| Reset to factory settings | 15-30 minute | Yes. | High (85%) |
3. Alternative control methods without buttons
If you can't get back the standard buttons, you can use alternative navigation methods temporarily, which is true when the problem is caused by a software failure, but the smartphone remains functional.
- 🖱️ USB-Mouse: connect through OTG-Mouse adapter – cursor will emulate touches, including clicking on virtual buttons.
- 🤖 ADB-Commands: If the Debugging is enabled USB, You can force the navigation bar to activate via the command: adb shell settings put global policy_control immersive.full=* (Cancel action: adb shell settings put global policy_control null)
- 📲 Third-party applications: utility like Navigation Bar or FNG (Floating Navigation Gestures add a floating panel with buttons on top of any interface.
Critical information: if the buttons are missing after upgrading to HyperOS, the standard ADB-The teams may not work because of changes in security policy, and only a firmware rollback or a reset will help.
How to enable debugging over USB if you do not have access to settings?
4. Removal of latest system updates
A common cause of buttons disappearing is bugs in the latest versions of MIUI or HyperOS. If the problem appears immediately after the update, try rolling back to the previous version of the firmware.
Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three dots (menu) → Show system. Find the Updater app and select Remove Updates. After the restart, the system will return to the factory version of the update (not firmware!), which can restore navigation.
⚠️ Note: This method only works if the update is installed as APK-package, not full firmware. HyperOS devices may not have the option.
If the buttons don't come back, the next step is to manually remove the update cache.
- Open Settings → Memory → Files.
- Find the file. Downloaded_rom and remove its contents.
- Reset the device.
5. Reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)
When all the soft methods are exhausted, the radical solution is a complete reset. This will delete all data from the device, so pre-backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset or Mi Cloud.
There are two ways to perform the reset:
- Settings menu: Settings → About phone → Settings reset → Delete all data. Password and confirmation will be required.
- With Recovery: Turn off your smartphone → Press Volume Up + Power → in the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data → Wipe All Data.
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If you still don't have navigation buttons after reset, check the firmware version. Your Xiaomi model may have officially switched to gesture control (e.g., Redmi Note 12 on HyperOS) and the buttons are removed at the system level.
Once reset, the device will reboot to its original state. Go through the initial setup and check for buttons. If they appear, the problem was a software conflict. If not, it's just a flash.
6. Flashing through Fastboot (for advanced)
This technique requires technical skills and is used when other methods have failed. Fastboot flashing completely replaces system files, including those responsible for displaying the navigation bar.
You will need: a PC with installed Xiaomi drivers, a USB cable, firmware for your model (download from the official Xiaomi website or 4PDA forum), and the Mi Flash Tool utility.
Download the correct version of the firmware (for example, fastboot_vayu_global_images_... POCO X3 Pro)
Make sure that the battery charge is > 50%
Disable the antivirus on your PC (can block drivers)
Save it. IMEI and serial number (in case of loss after firmware)-->
Step-by-step:
- Unpack the firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\Xiaomi\rom).
- Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
- Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
- Select a firmware folder and press Refresh – the program must determine the device.
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (10-15 minutes).
⚠️ Attention: Continuous power is critical, if the process is interrupted, the smartphone can turn into a brick. USB-port on the back of the PC (not via the hub!).
Once the firmware is in place, the device will automatically restart. It'll take longer than usual to set up, that's OK. Check the navigation buttons. If they're still missing, there may be a problem with hardware damage to the display or the plume.
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Fastboot flashing is the last resort. On 90% of Xiaomi devices, buttons return after resetting or removing updates. Only use firmware if you are confident in your actions or under the guidance of a specialist.