Modern smartphones are rapidly evolving, and the interface of the Android operating system is becoming more and more intuitive. Device owners Xiaomi and Redmi are often faced with the desire to free up useful screen space by removing the usual but space-consuming navigation keys. The transition to full-screen gesture control not only makes the design cleaner, but also speeds up interaction with the gadget in everyday tasks.
The process of disabling the buttons at the bottom of the display on the shell MIUI or new HyperOS is extremely simple, however, the settings may be hidden in different sections depending on the firmware version. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the ways to switch navigation modes, explain the difference between them and help you adjust the sensitivity of gestures to suit your habits.
Don't worry if you accidentally change the settings differently than you planned - the system always allows you to return to the classic view in a couple of clicks. Let's look at how to make your screen Redmi truly borderless and convenient.
Why give up the classic navigation buttons
The traditional three-button panel (Back, Home, Menu) has been the industry standard for many years. However, with the increase in screen diagonals and the advent of cutouts for cameras, physical space for these elements has become a scarce resource. By removing the buttons, you free up up to 40-50 pixels of usable display height, which is especially noticeable when watching videos or reading long articles.
Gesture control, which replaced the buttons, offers a more ergonomic way of interaction. You no longer have to reach to the bottom of the screen to minimize an app or go back. A light swipe from the edge is enough, which reduces the load on the thumb and allows you to comfortably control the smartphone even with one hand.
In addition, the absence of static interface elements visually expands the application space. Many apps, especially games and video players, automatically expand to fill the available space when they detect that the system navigation bar is missing. This creates a completely immersive effect, which is so valued by users of multimedia content.
⚠️ Attention: When you first switch to gestures, you may feel unfamiliar. It will take 2 to 3 days for the brain to rebuild muscle memory and adapt to the new finger movements.
It is important to note that in some specific scenarios, such as using older banking apps or apps for people with disabilities, buttons may be preferable. The system Android allows you to instantly switch between modes, so you can always test both options and choose the optimal one.
The main way to switch through system settings
The most reliable and official method of changing the navigation type is located deep in the system settings of your device. The interface MIUI may differ slightly on different models, but the search logic remains the same for all smartphones in the line Redmi. You do not need third-party apps or obtaining root access.
To begin, open the main application menu and find the “Settings” icon, which usually looks like a gear. In the list that opens, scroll down to the section responsible for the appearance and operation of the system. In most current firmware versions, this item is called Advanced settings or simply Advanced.
Inside this menu, find the item Full screen mode. This is where the switch that controls the display of the bottom panel is hidden. By default, “Buttons” may be active there, but you need to select the “Gestures” option. The system will instantly apply the changes, and the three familiar icons will disappear from the screen, giving way to a thin indicator strip at the bottom.
☑️ Algorithm for disabling buttons
If you are using a completely recent version of the shell HyperOS, path maybe a little shorter. Sometimes the navigation control item is placed directly in the Desktop or Home screensection. This is done in order to simplify access to frequently used interface customization functions.
After enabling gestures, pay attention to the bottom of the screen. A thin horizontal line will appear there. It serves as a visual guide telling you where to start swiping to return to the desktop. This indicator can be hidden in the same settings if it bothers you, but then the navigation will become completely blind.
Alternative paths in different versions of MIUI and HyperOS
Developers Xiaomi are constantly changing the menu structure, so on some devices the path to the treasured setting may be different. If you don’t find the item you need in “Advanced Settings,” don’t panic. Try using the built-in settings search, which significantly speeds up the process.
At the top of the settings menu there is a search bar with a magnifying glass. Enter the word “navigation” or “gestures” there. The system will automatically highlight the desired section, and all you have to do is click on it. This method is universal and works even if the menu items were renamed or moved by the developers in the next update.
It is also worth checking the section dedicated to working with the desktop. In some software builds, navigation controls are logically tied to the launcher. Go to Settings → Desktop and look for the subsection there System navigation. Here you will find the same switches between buttons and gestures.
| Shell version | Path to settings | Interface features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12 / 13 | Settings → Advanced settings → Full screen mode | Classic layout, there is a choice of button order |
| MIUI 14 | Settings → Desktop → System navigation | Simplified menu, emphasis on swipes |
| HyperOS 1.0 | Settings → Additional settings → Gestures | New switch design, hiding the indicator |
| Android Go (budget Redmi) | Settings → System → Gestures | Lightweight interface, minimum options |
Please note that on devices with a lightweight version of Android (Go Edition), which are often installed on budget models of the series Redmi A, the menu can be simplified as much as possible. There, the switching option can be located right at the root of the section System.
Use the search in settings (magnifying glass at the top of the screen) if you cannot find the item manually. Enter the query “navigation” - this will save you time.
Setting the sensitivity and area for triggering gestures
Simply enabling gestures is not enough for comfortable use. Users often complain that swipes do not work the first time or, on the contrary, accidental clicks occur. To solve this problem, the system provides fine-tuning the sensitivity of the edges of the screen.
Go to the same section where you enabled gestures and find the item Gesture settings or Sensitivity. Here you will see a slider that adjusts the system's response to touches at the edges of the display. If you have a protective glass with thick frames, you may need to increase the sensitivity.
You can also configure the so-called “dead zones” in this menu. These are areas on the sides of the screen that ignore accidental palm touches when holding the smartphone. Correctly setting these zones will prevent you from unintentionally quitting applications while playing games or watching videos.
⚠️ Warning: Setting the sensitivity to maximum may cause the phone to react to touches from the case or accidental touches to the edge of the screen. Select the value individually.
Do not forget that different applications may interact with system gestures differently. In some games, swiping from the edge may be interpreted as a game action rather than a "Back" command. In such cases, temporarily disabling gestures or using a special mode for games that blocks accidental operations helps.
Comparison of navigation methods: Pros and cons
So that you can finally decide on your choice, let's compare the two main approaches to controlling a smartphone. Each of them has its own strengths and weaknesses, which depend on your personal habits and scenarios for using the device.
Button navigation wins in accuracy. You always see where you click, and tactile confirmation of the action is instantaneous. This is especially important for people with motor impairments or for those who are used to a certain rhythm of work. However, buttons take up space and can overlap content at the bottom of the screen.
Gesture controls, in turn, provide more space and look more modern. Swiping is faster when muscle memory is already trained. But this method has a downside: the lack of visual cues can be confusing for beginners, and accidental activations are more common than when using buttons.
- 🚀 Speed: Gestures allow you to quickly switch between applications with one continuous movement.
- 📏 Ergonomics: Buttons require precise placement of your finger in a small area, which more difficult on large screens.
- 🎨 Aesthetics: The absence of buttons makes the interface cleaner and allows the wallpaper to take up the entire screen.
- 🔄 Training: The buttons are intuitive right away, while gestures take a couple of hours to learn days.
It is important to understand that the choice is not final. You can use gestures at home, and temporarily return the buttons when traveling or using specific software. The flexibility of the system Android allows you to do this without rebooting the device.
The secret of quick navigation
Press the bar at the bottom of the screen and hold for a second - the Google voice assistant menu will open. If you drag your finger diagonally from the corner of the screen and hold it, the split screen mode (multi-window) is activated.
Solving common problems with the panel disappearing
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the buttons disappear by themselves, or gestures stop working correctly. This may be due to a launcher malfunction or a conflict with installed applications. Do not rush to reset the settings to factory defaults, try a few simple steps.
The first reason may lie in the activated “Full Immersion” mode in a specific application. Some games and video players automatically hide all interface elements. Check if the panel appears when you exit to the desktop. If yes, then the problem is localized within a specific application.
The second common reason is process failure SystemUI. Just try restarting your smartphone. In 90% of cases, this restores normal operation of the navigation bar. If rebooting does not help, check to see if you have third-party launchers installed that can intercept gesture controls.
⚠️ Attention: If the navigation bar disappeared after updating the firmware, check the “For Developers” section. There may be an option activated to force the panel to be hidden, which needs to be disabled.
You should also make sure that the screen does not have cracks or dirt at the bottom of the display that could interfere with the operation of the sensor. Dirt in the gesture indicator area often results in the system not recognizing the up swipe. Wipe the screen with a soft cloth before diagnostics.
Additional options for customizing the interface
In addition to simply switching between buttons and gestures, the system MIUI offers a number of additional settings for advanced users. You can change the order of the buttons if you still decide to keep the classic control method. This is relevant for those who switched from devices of other brands and are accustomed to the location of the “Back” key on the right.
In the navigation settings section, the function of hiding the gesture indicator is also available. If you have completely mastered the blind controls and the thin line at the bottom of the screen annoys you, you can remove it. The screen will become absolutely clear, but remember that it will become a little more difficult to navigate.
For those who like to experiment, there are options to change the size of the buttons or add an additional key for screenshots or lock the screen. These functions are located in the section Special features and allow you to create a unique control scenario to suit your personal needs.
The flexibility of navigation settings in Redmi allows you to adapt your smartphone to any habits: from conservative buttons to advanced swipes.
Is it possible return the buttons if you don’t like the gestures?
Yes, of course. The process is completely reversible. Go to Settings → Advanced settings → Full screen mode and select “Buttons”. The interface will instantly return to the classic look.
Why don't gestures work in some applications?
Some older applications are not optimized for full screen mode. Try to find the “Adapt to full screen” option in the application settings or temporarily switch to buttons in the system settings.
How to open the multitasking menu without a button?
To do this, you need to swipe up from the bottom bar and hold your finger at the top point of the screen for a split second. A list of running applications will open.
Does disabling buttons affect the performance of the smartphone?
No, visually changing the navigation method does not have any effect on processor performance or operating system speed. This is a purely cosmetic change.
Is it possible to configure different actions for the left and right swipe?
In the standard MIUI shell, swiping from any edge means the “Back” command. It is impossible to separate these zones, but in the “Accessibility” section you can add additional gestures for other actions.