How to completely disable Switch Access on Xiaomi phones: 5 working methods

The Switch Access feature on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is designed for users with disabilities – it allows you to control the device using external switches, keys or gestures. However, many people find that this option is activated accidentally (for example, after updating MIUI or resetting settings) and begins to interfere with normal work: block gestures, intercept presses or display intrusive notifications.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can disable Switch Access, from standard settings to hidden commands for power users. We’ll focus on the nuances of different versions of MIUI (12-14) and smartphone models, where menu layouts may vary. If you can’t log in because of active Switch Access, you’ll find workarounds here.

Warning: Some methods require superuser rights (root) or PC connectivity. On Xiaomi models with a locked bootloader (for example, for the European region), ADB commands may not work without first unlocking.

1. disable Switch Access via standard MIUI settings

The easiest way is to deactivate the feature in the feature menu, which works on most Xiaomi devices unless access to the settings is blocked.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Settings app** (cog icon).
• 🔍 Scroll down and select Special Features (on some firmware – Additional Settings) → Special opportunities).
• 🔄 Find the subsection Physical actions or switches (in) MIUI 14 may be called Switch Access).
• ⚙️ Transfer the slider to the “Off” position or uncheck the tick next to the option.

If Switch Access is not on the list, try:

• 🔎 In the settings search bar (top of the screen), enter the switch or switch.
• 📋 In some models (POCO X3, Redmi Note 10 option hidden in Settings → System system → Additionally. → Special opportunities.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (e.g. Redmi) 12C) This section may be called Switch Management. If the function is activated again after the switch is disabled, check for firmware updates or use the methods below.

Charge your phone at least 30%|Make a backup copy of important data|Make sure you have access to your Mi Account.|Connect to stable Wi-Fi (to check for updates)-->

2. Resetting special features settings

If Switch Access is activated after an update or reset, sometimes resetting only special features settings helps - this does not affect personal data, but returns all availability parameters to factory ones.

How to do this:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Resetting Settings.
3. Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).

After the reboot, check if Switch Access has disappeared. If not, proceed to the next method.

⚠️ Note: Some of the scoring for POCO When you reset the special features, you may lose access to navigation gestures. → Display. → System navigation and select the desired mode.

Gestures (no buttons)|Touch buttons on the screen|Physical buttons|Voice assistant.|Other-->

3. Disconnection via ADB (for power users)

If Switch Access blocks access to settings, you can disable it using ADB-Android Debug Bridge, which requires you to connect your phone to your PC and enable debugging. USB.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools (includes adb).
2. On your phone, activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on the MIUI Version (you will be notified “You’ve become a developer”). Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

File transfer

adb

adb devices

(Your device should be displayed).

adb shell settings put secure enabled_accessibility_services com.android.switchaccess/.SwitchAccessService:0

adb reboot

If the function is active again after the reboot, try an alternative command:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.switchaccess

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) after execution ADB-commands may need to manually enable gestures in Settings → Display. → System navigation.

4. remove Switch Access via TWRP (root required)

For users with an unlocked bootloader and a TWRP installed, there is a radical way to remove the system application responsible for Switch Access, which is suitable if others have not worked, but requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Upload the phone to TWRP Recovery (usually by clamping Power + Volume up).
2. Select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Go to /system/priv-app/SwitchAccess or /system/app/SwitchAccess (the path may be different).
4. Delete the SwitchAccess folder (or rename it by adding.bak at the end).
5. Reset the device.

If errors occur after deleting (e.g., android.process.acore), restore the folder from the backup or reflash the phone.

💡

Before you delete your system files via TWRP, make sure to back up /system partitioning in the recovery itself, which will allow you to roll back changes if something goes wrong.

5. Resetting the phone to factory settings

If Switch Access is activated after a firmware failure or application conflict and it is not possible to turn it off by standard methods, it remains a complete reset. This method will remove all data from the device, so use it as a last resort.

How to perform the reset:

• 🔄 Through Settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → Reset settings. Choose to erase all data. Enter a password (if required) and confirm.

Through Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume up until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the recovery menu, select Wipe Data. → Wipe All Data.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the completion.

Once reset, the phone will boot in its original state. Switch Access will be disabled, but you will have to reconfigure the device.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi) 12T, POCO F4) After reset, you may need to re-assign your Mi Account. Make sure you remember your login and password!

💡

Factory reset is the most reliable way to remove all traces of Switch Access, but only use it if other methods have not worked. After reset, check for MIUI updates to avoid re-activating the feature.

6. Alternative methods: hidden menus and service codes

On some devices, Xiaomi Switch Access can be disabled through service menus or engineering codes. These methods are not officially documented, so use them at your own risk.

Ways:

• 📞 Engineering menu: Open the Phone app. Enter the code ##4636##. Go to Usage statistics → Accessibility. Find SwitchAccess and disable it (if the option is available).

Hidden MIUI menu:

1. Enter the code ##7378423# (Service Menu)
2. Select Accessibility → Switch Settings.
3. Deactivate all options related to switches.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions