The physical volume buttons on Xiaomi smartphones are a handy tool for quick audio adjustment, but they sometimes become a source of irritation: random taps in your pocket, children playing with your phone, or the need to block access to volume change in corporate devices are causes of mass. Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not provide an integrated feature to completely turn off these buttons through standard MIUI settings.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for deactivating the volume buttons on Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi devices, including hidden developer settings, ADB commands, third-party applications and even hardware solutions. It is important to understand that some methods require superuser rights (root) or can affect the warranty – we will note these cases separately.
Before you start, check your firmware version: Settings path → About phone → MIUI version. This depends on the availability of certain features. Also note that after switching off the buttons, volume control will only be available through the software slider in the notification panel or special applications.
1. Disabling volume buttons through developer settings
The safest way to do this is to use a hidden Developer Menu, which works on most devices with MIUI 12 and later, but has a limitation: the buttons do not turn off completely, but only block their response to short presses (long presses to turn on the voice assistant can remain active).
To activate the developer mode:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version (you will be notified "You became a developer!").
- Return to the main settings menu and open a new section for additional settings → For developers.
Next:
- 🔍 Find the option to Turn off volume buttons (on some firmware it is called Volume button locking).
- 📱 If you don’t have an option, try to turn on the debugging. USB and connect the phone to the PC - sometimes the item appears after.
- ⚙️ Activate the switch and restart the device.
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If you don’t have an option, try updating your firmware to the latest version – it appears more often in MIUI 14.
This method is suitable for temporary shutdown, as after resetting or updating the system, the function can be deactivated. Also note that in some regional firmware (for example, for Europe), the option may be hidden.
2.Use of ADB-commands without root)
A more reliable way to disable buttons via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not require superuser rights, but requires a computer and a computer. USB-Advantage: Changes will persist after rebooting until you manually cancel them.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
- Turn on the phone Debugging over USB (in the developer settings, see the previous section).
- Connect Xiaomi to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command prompt (or PowerShell) in the adb.exe folder and type:
adb shell settings put global volume_rockers_wake 0
adb shell settings put global volume_music_controls 0These commands are off:
- 🔕 Reaction of volume buttons to short presses.
- 🎵 Controlling music through buttons (if activated).
Download ADB Tools from the official website |Enable debugging over USB on your phone |Connect your phone with the original cable |Run the command line on behalf of the administrator-->
To return the buttons to working state, use the same commands, replacing 0 with 1. Note: on some models (for example, POCO F3) this method works partially - the buttons can continue to respond to retention.
Through the developer settings|ADB-team|Third-party annexes|Root methods|I don't know, I'll pick it later.-->
3. button blocking applications (without root)
If the previous methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities. Google Play apps don't require root rights, but their effectiveness depends on the version of MIUI and the device model. We tested the 3 most reliable options:
| Annex | Support for MIUI | Functional | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Button Mapper | 12–14 | Full button lock, reassignment of actions | Some models require ADB-permitting |
| Volume Button Controller | 11–14 | Disabling short/long presses | Advertising, time limit in the free version |
| MacroDroid | 10–14 | Creating macros to ignore pressing | A complex setup for beginners |
We recommend Button Mapper as the most versatile solution.
- Open the application and provide all the permissions requested (including Special Access).
- Select Volume Up and Volume Down from the button list.
- Press the Disable Key for each.
- Save the settings and restart the phone.
Why can applications not work?
Important: Some applications (such as MacroDroid) require you to create a developer account to unlock premium features, and also note that after the MIUI update, settings may reset.
4. Disabling buttons with root rights
If you are willing to take drastic measures, obtaining root permissions will open up access to system files where button settings are stored, a method suitable for advanced users and requires unlocking the bootloader, which will lead to loss of warranty and may disrupt some functions (for example, contactless payments).
Instructions for root owners:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/usr/keylayout.
- Find Generic.kl or {device model}.kl files (e.g., surya.kl for POCO X3).
- Open the file in the text editor and find the lines:
key 115 VOLUME_UP
key 114 VOLUME_DOWNReplace them with:
#key 115 VOLUME_UP
#key 114 VOLUME_DOWNSave the changes, set the rights 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the device. The buttons will be completely deactivated at the system level.
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Backing up a Generic.kl file is a must! editing error can lead to power buttons or other critical crashes.
An alternative way for root users to use a Magisk module called Disable Volume Keys, which can be found in the Magisk Module repository and installed through the module manager, with the advantage of not requiring manual editing of system files.
5. Hardware methods (for extreme cases)
If the software didn't work, or if you want to physically disable buttons (for example, for enterprise devices), you can resort to mechanical solutions. These methods are irreversible and require accuracy!
Options:
- 🔧 Button removal: Disassemble the phone and deactivate the volume button plume, suitable for models with a modular design (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro).
- 🛠️ Contact isolation: Applying insulating varnish or stickers to the contacts of the buttons under the body.
- 🔨 Replacement of the body: Installation of the case without cutouts under the buttons (suitable for POCO M3 and similar models).
⚠️ Warning: Disassembling your phone without experience can damage the plumes of the display or battery. If you are not sure about your skills, contact the service center. Also remember that after hardware switching off the buttons, they can not be returned to working condition without redisassembling them.
For a temporary solution, you can use button-lock cases, such as models with amplified bumpers that physically block access to volume controls, which is true for devices like the Xiaomi 13 Pro, where the buttons are located on the side edge.
6. Alternative solutions: reassignment of buttons
If turning off the volume buttons completely seems too radical, consider reassigning them to other activities, both through standard MIUI settings and with third-party utilities.
Built-in capabilities:
- 📸 Assign buttons to start the camera (even when the screen is locked). → Screen locking → Quick camera launch.
- 🔦 Reassign to the flashlight (required) MIUI 13+).
- 🎵 Use to control music playback (included in player settings).
For flexible settings, the Button Remapper application (requires root or ADB-It is a means of obtaining permission:
- 🔄 Change places Volume Up and Volume Down.
- 🖱️ Assign to buttons a simulated touch screen (for example, swipe down for the notification panel).
- 🔑 Block buttons only in certain applications (e.g., games).
Reassignment is a good compromise if you need to keep the functionality of the buttons, but avoid accidental clicks. For example, on Black Shark (game smartphones from Xiaomi), the default volume buttons are turned off in landscape mode so as not to interfere with games.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When turning off the volume buttons, users often face unexpected difficulties. Consider typical situations and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The buttons are off, but the sound is still changing. | Active gesture of volume control on the lock screen | Turn off in Settings → Screen Lock → Volume Control |
| ADB-commands are not applied | No permission to debug or an outdated version of ADB | Update ADB Tools and Repeat Adb Devices to Check Connection |
| The button locking application does not work | MIUI blocks access to system events | Use Button Mapper with ADB Permission enabled |
| After the MIUI update, the buttons are back on | Resetting user settings when updating | Repeat the shutdown procedure or use the root method |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 📱 Model of your device: some budget models (e.g. Redmi) A1) They have a simplified firmware without support ADB-team.
- 🔄 Version MIUI: into MIUI 14 Global features may be reduced compared to the Chinese version.
- 🔒 bootloader status: Many methods do not work on a locked bootloader.
⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new firmware from Xiaomi, which has replaced the new version) MIUI 14) Some methods may not work due to the changed system architecture. Before experimenting, check compatibility on forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers.