Many users, when switching from iOS to the Android platform, in particular to brand smartphones Realme, are faced with the desire to maintain the usual control ergonomics. The signature “bar” at the bottom of the screen, which has become the hallmark of iPhones, is in fact a standard element of gesture navigation in the modern mobile environment. Implementing this interface on your device is not only possible, but is often recommended for more comfortable use of a large screen with one hand.
Unlike outdated control buttons, which take up useful display area, a thin line allows content to occupy the entire space of the matrix. On smartphones Realme UI this function is built deep into the system and does not require installing third-party launchers or obtaining root access. However, in order to achieve complete visual identity with iOS, you will need to perform a number of specific settings, which many users are not aware of.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of activating gesture controls, learn how to hide unnecessary interface elements and adjust the sensitivity of swipes to suit you. You will learn how to adapt the behavior of the system to suit your habits, making the transition from another platform as painless and intuitive as possible.
Activating full-screen mode and gestures
The first step towards the desired interface is to disable the classic navigation buttons. By default, many models Realme may come with a three-button setup at the bottom of the screen, a holdover from earlier versions of Android. To change this paradigm, you need to go to the main system settings.
Find the section responsible for ease of use and select a navigation method. In the interface Realme UI this item is often called “Navigation Method” or “Navigation Gestures”. The switch must be set to enable swipe controls. After this, the usual triangle, circle and square will disappear, giving way to a thin line at the bottom.
It is worth noting that on different firmware versions the menu layout may differ slightly. Typically the path looks like this: go to Settings → Convenient Tools → System Navigation. Here you will see two options: Navigation Buttons and Gestures. Selecting the second option instantly transforms the bottom of the screen.
⚠️ Attention: Once you enable gestures, the Home button will no longer function as a physical or capacitive element. Returning to the home screen is now only accomplished by a short swipe up from the very bottom edge of the display.
Activating this mode provides access to more advanced multitasking capabilities. You can switch between applications with a simple horizontal movement of your finger along the bottom border, which significantly speeds up work compared to pressing the menu button.
Fine-tuning the appearance of the indicator
Although the basic bar already appears after enabling gestures, it may look different than on devices Apple. In the stock version Realme UI the indicator is a fairly wide line. Users striving for minimalism often want to make it thinner or less noticeable so that it does not distract from viewing the content.
Unfortunately, in the standard interface settings there is no slider that adjusts the thickness of this line. However, there are workarounds that involve accessibility or theme settings. Some themes in the store Theme Store can change the visual style of system elements, making the strip more elegant and similar to the original iOS implementation.
It is also worth paying attention to the settings for displaying the camera cutout and the edges of the screen. In section Settings → Screen and brightness → Protection against accidental clicks you can find options that affect whether touches on the edges are ignored. Correct calibration of this zone helps make the use of the bottom strip more comfortable, eliminating false alarms when holding the smartphone.
For those who are ready to experiment, there is the possibility of using ADB commands to hide system indentation, but this requires connection to a computer. The average user just needs to get used to the standard view, which is optimized by engineers Realme for better visibility on any wallpaper.
If the strip is hard to see on light wallpapers, try turning on the dark theme in the screen settings - the system indicator will automatically invert its color for contrast.
Setting sensitivity and swipe zone
One of the frequent complaints of users is the insufficient responsiveness of gestures or, conversely, their accidental activation too often. The system Realme UI allows you to flexibly adjust the sensitivity of the lower area of the screen. This is critical for those who use thick protective glasses.
To get to the sensitivity settings menu, follow the path: Settings → Convenience Tools → Navigation Gestures → Sensitivity. There are usually two or three levels offered here: standard, high and sometimes low. For most usage scenarios, the “High” level provides the best response, bringing the experience closer to use iPhone.
It is also important to position your finger correctly when swiping. The gesture should start strictly from the very edge of the screen, in the area where the indicator is located. If you start moving higher, the system may perceive this as scrolling content within the application, and not as a navigation command.
| Gesture type | Touch start zone | Movement direction | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | Bottom edge (bar) | Top (short) | Collapse application |
| Applications menu | Bottom edge (bar) | Up (long with pause) | Open task list |
| Back | Left or right edge | Inside screen | Go back |
| Switch | Bottom edge (bar) | Left or right | Change application |
Experiment with the length of the swipe. A short swipe returns you to the desktop, and if you swipe up and hold it at the top for a split second, the multitasking menu will open. This mechanics completely copies the operating logic of iOS.
☑️ Checking the gesture settings
Hide the strip in applications and games
In some situations, especially when watching a video or playing a game, even a thin strip can interfere with immersion in the process or cover up interface elements. The developers Realme have provided a function for automatically hiding the indicator in full-screen applications.
Usually this setting is activated automatically when you start a video in YouTube or a movie theater. However, if the bar remains visible and distracting, you can force it to be hidden through the settings of a specific application or system. Go to Settings → Convenient tools → Full screen mode (or “Applications in full screen mode”).
In the list that opens you will see all installed apps. Find the application you want and make sure the switch next to it is active. This will force the system to stretch the content across the entire matrix area and hide the navigation elements until you swipe.
⚠️ Warning: In some games with virtual joysticks at the bottom of the screen, hiding the bar may lead to a control conflict. If the joystick stops responding, return the display of the bar for this application.
There is also a “Game Mode” or Game Spacefunction, which creates an isolated environment when launching games. In the settings of this space, you can set the behavior of the navigation bar: always hide it, always show it, or hide it with the ability to call it by swiping. For e-sports disciplines, it is recommended to leave the indicator visible to avoid accidental exits from the game.
Solving problems with incorrect operation of gestures
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the bar appears, but the gestures do not work or work with a delay. This may be due to a launcher software glitch or a conflict with third-party utilities. First of all, try rebooting the device - this is a trivial but effective solution that clears temporary system errors.
If rebooting does not help, check if the “Simplified Interface” mode or the mode for the elderly is enabled. In these modes, gesture navigation is often forcibly disabled in favor of simplicity and large buttons. Return to standard desktop mode through Settings.
Another reason could be the use of “floating windows” or applications running on top of other screens. Some widgets or screen recorders can intercept touches. Try temporarily disabling such utilities and checking the navigation.
Resetting navigation settings through the engineering menu
In rare cases, resetting the interface parameters helps. Enter the code *#899# in your phone, go to Manual Test → Common → UI Config. However, use this method only if you are confident in your actions, as incorrect settings can lead to unstable system operation.
As a last resort, if the problem is systemic in nature after a firmware update, you may need to clear the Settings application cache or reset the launcher settings. This is done in the menu Applications → Application management → Realme UI Home. Select "Storage" and click "Clear cache". Your icon data will not be lost.
Additional features and alternatives
In addition to the standard strip, Realme UI offers other navigation methods that you may like advanced users. For example, the Quick Ball feature creates a floating button on the screen that mimics AssistiveTouch from the iPhone. It allows you to perform the same actions as the strip, but in any convenient place on the screen.
To enable this function, go to Settings → Convenient tools → Quick ball. You can customize the ball menu by adding screenshots, locking the screen, or switching applications. This is an excellent alternative for those who find it physically difficult to reach the bottom edge of a large smartphone.
It is also worth mentioning the ability to configure a double tap to turn on the screen or launch applications. While this doesn't directly replace the bar, when combined with gestures it creates a seamless control experience without having to fumble around for physical buttons. The combination of these tools makes interaction with your smartphone as fast as possible.
Gesture navigation on Realme is fully functional and is not inferior to iOS, but requires short-term adaptation to the new motor skills of finger movements.
Do not forget that the interface is constantly updated. In the new versions Realme UI 4.0 and 5.0, additional animations and options for customizing the navigation area appear. Follow system updates to get access to the latest ergonomic functions.
Is it possible to change the color of the strip to another?
You cannot change the color of the strip to an arbitrary one (for example, red or blue) using standard system tools. It automatically adapts to the theme (dark/light) and wallpaper. Third-party applications may try to apply a filter, but this often leads to interface instability.
Why does the bar disappear in some applications?
This is normal behavior for applications that support full-screen mode. The system hides navigation elements so that the content takes up 100% of the screen. The bar will appear again if you swipe from the edge or if the application is not optimized for modern display standards.
Does enabling gestures affect the performance of the smartphone?
No, using gesture navigation does not have a negative impact on performance or battery life. On the contrary, refusing to draw three buttons can theoretically save a microscopic amount of resources, although in practice this is not noticeable.
How to return the buttons back if you don’t like the gestures?
Returning to classic controls is very simple. Go to Settings → Convenient tools → System navigation and select “Navigation buttons”. You can also customize their order (Back button on the left or right) to suit your habits.