How to remove “Swipe Up to Unlock” on Xiaomi with MIUI 12: All working methods

The “Swipe Up to Unlock” unlock gesture appeared in MIUI 12 as part of the updated control interface. For many Xiaomi users, this element has become annoying — especially if you were used to the home button or side swipes. The problem is compounded by the fact that standard MIUI 12 settings do not have a direct switch to disable this gesture.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to remove or replace swipe up, from simple settings to technical solutions using ADB. It’s important to understand that some methods require superuser rights (root) or can reset personal data – so make a backup before experimenting.

If you are using the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro, Poco X3, Mi 10 or another model on MIUI 12/12.5, the instructions below will fit with minor differences in the menu. For MIUI 13/14, some methods may not work - check the firmware version in Settings → About the phone.

1. Method: Replacement of the standard launcher with a third-party

The safest and fastest method is to install an alternative launcher that supports classic navigation, which does not require root rights and is reversible: you can always go back to the standard MIUI interface.

Suitable launchers to replace swipe up:

• 🔹 Nova Launcher – allows you to customize gestures, including turning off swipe up to open the app menu.
• 🔹 Microsoft Launcher – has built-in support for the classic navigation bar with buttons.
• 🔹 Lawnchair – open launcher with flexible gesture settings (requires manual settings in Settings) → Gestures).
• 🔹 Hyperion Launcher – Optimized for Xiaomi devices and offers advanced navigation options.

Installation instructions:

1. Download the selected launcher from Google Play or APKMirror.
2. After installation, click the Home button and select the new launcher as the main one.
3. In the launcher settings, find the “Gesturies” or “Navigation” section and turn off the swipe up (in Nova Launcher it is Settings → Gestures and controls → “Swipe up” gesture).

⚠️ Note: Some launchers may conflict with system services MIUI, For example, with the function "Second space." Before installing, check the reviews for your smartphone model.

2. Method: Configure the navigation bar in MIUI 12

MIUI 12 has a full-screen gesture mode with a home button that partially solves the problem, which does not remove the swipe up completely, but replaces it with a more familiar button.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Full-screen display.
2. Select the option “Full screen gestures with the Home button”** (some firmware called “Hint gestures”).
3. After application, a small strip will appear at the bottom of the screen - a swipe on it up will simulate the click "Home", and a swipe up and hold will open the application menu.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔧 Does not require the installation of third-party applications.
• 🔄 It's easy to roll back change.
• 📱 Keeps all functions. MIUI, including gestures for quick camera launch or Google Assistant.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) This mode may not work well – check reviews for your device.

Make a backup copy of the data|Check the version. MIUI (Settings → The phone)|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Shut down. VPN (It can block system settings)-->

Method: Disconnect via ADB (without root)

If you need to completely remove the swipe up, but you don’t want to install a launcher or get root, you can use the ADB command. This method works on most devices with MIUI 12, but requires a connection to a computer.

Step-by-step:

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm access to debugging.

ADB Tools

adb

adb shell settings put secure sysui_nav_bar "space,back;home;recent,space"

This command will replace swipe up with classic navigation buttons.

Reset the device.

To return the swipe up, execute the command:

adb shell settings put secure sysui_nav_bar "default"

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 12 For Poco or Redmi, the command may not work due to manufacturer limitations. --user 0: adb shell settings --user 0 put secure sysui_nav_bar "space,back;home;recent,space"

Method: Using the Magisk module (root required)

If your device has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, you can use the MIUI Extra Settings* module to fine-tune gestures. This method is suitable for power users, as it requires:

Instructions:

Note: On devices with MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition, the module may conflict with system services, causing reboots. Before installing, check compatibility on the 4PDA or XDA forum for your model.

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If after installing the module, the phone began to slow down, try to turn off the option “Transition animation” in the developer settings (Settings → Additional → For developers → The scale of the animation window = Off).

5. Method: Resetting settings to factory

The last method is a complete reset that will bring the phone back out of the box, which will delete all data, including apps, photos and accounts, but also reset the gesture settings to factory (in some MIUI 12 firmware, this allows you to choose classic navigation when you first set up).

How to reset:

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 with) MIUI 12.5) After a reset, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account to unlock the bootloader!

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To determine the best way, assess your needs and risks:

Selection recommendations:

• 🔹 If you want a quick and safe way – use a third-party launcher or panel setting in the MIUI.
• 🔹 If you are ready to connect your phone to a PC, try it. ADB.
• 🔹 For full control of gestures and root, install the Magisk module.
• 🔹 If the phone is severely slowing or glitching, consider resetting settings, but only after backing up.

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On devices with MIUI 12.5 or later, some methods (e.g. ADB) may be blocked by the manufacturer. Before experimenting, check whether the instructions for your firmware version are up to date.

FAQ: Frequent questions