Modern brand smartphones Realmeworking on the shell Realme UIby default offer users a classic control method using three on-screen buttons. However, mobile design trends have been dictating the fashion for frameless design and complete immersion in content for several years now, which makes physical or soft keys at the bottom of the display an unnecessary element. Many device owners are wondering how to remove these controls to free up valuable screen space and use modern gesture navigation methods.
The process of deactivating the standard navigation bar does not require obtaining root access or installing third-party software, as this feature is deeply integrated into the system settings of the shell. Manufacturers understand that ergonomic control with the thumb of one hand becomes critical, especially on models with screen sizes larger than 6.5 inches. In this material, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for switching to gesture control, and also consider the nuances that may arise on different versions of the operating system Android.
It is worth noting that abandoning buttons is not just an aesthetic decision, but also a way to increase the speed of interaction with the interface. Swiping is faster than tapping and allows you to hold your phone more steadily without having to shift your grip to access the bottom area of the screen. Below we will provide comprehensive instructions that will help you adapt the interface to your personal preferences.
Switching to gesture control through the standard menu
The most reliable and safest way to change the type of navigation is to use the built-in capabilities of the system. The interface Realme UI (whether version 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 or 5.0 based on Android 13-15) provides flexible tools for customization. You need to open the main device settings menu. Typically, the gear icon is located in the notification shade or on the desktop. After entering the menu, find the section responsible for system parameters.
Depending on the firmware version, the path may differ slightly, but the logic remains the same. You will need to find the item System settings or go directly to the section Convenient tools. It is here that the parameters responsible for the way you interact with the screen are hidden. The system will offer you a choice between two main modes: classic buttons and modern gesture controls.
When you select gesture mode, the system will automatically hide the bottom panel with the Back, Home and Application Menu buttons. Instead, thin indicators or swipe zones will appear along the edges of the screen. This change takes effect instantly, without the need to restart your device. If the new controls seem inconvenient to you, you can always return to the buttons the same way in a few seconds.
⚠️ Attention: On some custom firmware builds or in early beta versions Realme UI the menu item may be renamed to “Navigation and gestures”. If you don't find it using the standard path, use the search inside the settings.
Search for the navigation section in different versions of Realme UI
The shell Realme is regularly updated, and developers sometimes change the menu structure to improve usability. Users of older models, such as Realme C-series or Narzomay encounter a slightly different arrangement of items compared to the flagship series GT or Number series. Understanding these differences will help save time when searching for the desired option.
In versions Realme UI 2.0 and 3.0 (based on Android 11 and 12), the path most often looks like this: you need to go to Settings, select Convenient tools, and then click on Button navigation. Here you will see a switch. In more recent versions, such as Realme UI 4.0 and 5.0, the logic has been simplified: the section is often placed directly in System settings or combined with display parameters for quick access.
If you are using a device with a simplified interface (Simple Mode for seniors), some menu items may be hidden. In this case, you must first disable Easy Mode in Display Settings to access the full list of system options. Only after this the navigation type setting will be available.
- 📱 For Realme UI 2.0/3.0: Settings → Convenient tools → Button navigation.
- 🚀 For Realme UI 4.0/5.0: Settings → System settings → Navigation by buttons.
- ⚙️ For Realme UI Go Edition: Settings → System → Gestures.
Use the search bar at the very top of the settings menu. Enter the word “navigation” or “gestures”, and the system will immediately redirect you to the desired section, bypassing long searches through folders.
Setting swipe and sensitivity zones
After you have removed the buttons, it is important to correctly configure the gesture trigger zones so that control is comfortable. By default, the system offers basic settings, but these may not be suitable for all users, especially those with large hands or who use screen protectors with thick frames. In the navigation type selection menu, the “More” button or the gear icon next to the gesture mode is often available.
Here you can choose the direction of the swipe to go back. The standard option is to swipe from the left or right edge of the screen to the center. However, some users prefer to swipe up from the bottom of the screen, simulating pressing the back button in older versions of Android. The choice depends solely on your muscle memory and habits.
The sensitivity of the screen edges is also available. If you're accidentally backtracking when scrolling through your feed in a browser or social network, try reducing the sensitivity or changing the width of the trigger area. This is especially true for games where an accidental swipe can crash the application or lead to defeat in the match.
| Gesture type | Action | Activation zone |
|---|---|---|
| Swipe from the edge | Back | Left or right edge of the screen |
| Swipe from bottom to top | Home | Bottom of screen (center) |
| Swipe from bottom and hold | Applications menu | Bottom of the screen with pause |
| Swipe diagonally | Task switching | Bottom corner of the screen up |
⚠️ Warning: When using full-screen games, gestures may interfere with Gameplay. In game settings or in game mode Game Space you can temporarily disable gestures or reduce edge sensitivity to avoid accidental triggering.
Alternative methods through ADB and third-party launchers
In rare cases, the standard menu may be blocked by the manufacturer (for example, in some corporate firmware versions) or work incorrect due to software glitches. Then more advanced methods come to the rescue, such as using debugging by USB and command line ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and having the drivers installed.
To disable the navigation bar via ADB you must activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item Build number. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, return to the settings menu, find the section For developers and turn on the toggle switch USB debugging.
Having connected the phone to the PC, enter the following command in the terminal to completely replace navigation with gesture navigation (if the standard interface does not work):
adb shell settings put secure sysui_nav_bar"back,home,recent"However, a more effective solution for advanced users is to install third-party launchers, such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher. These applications completely replace the desktop and often have their own gesture settings that override the system ones. In the settings of such a launcher, you can find the item “Hide the navigation bar” or assign your actions to swipes.
Risks of using ADB commands
Incorrectly entering commands through ADB can lead to unstable operation of the SystemUI system interface. In the worst case, the navigation bar will disappear completely, and you can return back only by resetting the settings to factory settings (Hard Reset) or reconnecting to the PC with the correct recovery command.
Hide the panel when watching videos and playing games
Even if you decide to leave buttons for convenience in everyday use, there is a scenario when their presence is critically disruptive - watching video content. Modern video players and applications like YouTube, Netflix or VLC automatically hide controls when playing in full screen. However, sometimes this function fails, and the panel remains visible, blocking part of the image.
In the settings of the player application itself, there is often an option to “Hide the navigation bar” or “Full screen mode”. Activating this function forcibly removes the buttons while viewing. In addition, Realme UI there is an “Immersive Mode” function, which can be activated for specific applications through the engineering menu or special utilities.
For games the situation is similar. If the game does not support auto-hiding buttons, check the graphics settings inside the game menu. Also in Game Space (Realme gaming space) there is an "Edge Lock" setting that prevents accidental clicks and can visually hide UI elements for maximum immersion.
- 🎬 In YouTube: Tap on the full screen mode icon, the buttons will disappear after 2 seconds of inactivity.
- 🎮 V Game Space: activate the “Professional Player” mode to block unnecessary elements.
- 📺 V VLC Player: go to Settings → Video → and turn on “Full Screen Mode”.
⚠️ Attention: Application and game interfaces are constantly updated. The location of the full screen settings may change with each major software update. Always check the current menu items in the “Settings” section of a particular application.
☑️ Check before hiding buttons
Return to buttons: when necessary
Despite the popularity of gestures, there are categories of users for whom classic buttons are more suitable. This may be due to age, motor skills, or simply habit formed over years of using smartphones with a physical keyboard or older versions of Android. It is important to understand that choosing the type of navigation is a matter of personal comfort, and there is no “right” or “wrong” option.
You can return the buttons back the same way you removed them. Go to Settings → System settings → Navigation by buttons and select mode Buttons. The system will instantly restore the panel at the bottom of the screen. You can also choose the order of the buttons: many users prefer to swap the back and menu buttons if they switch from devices of other brands (for example, from Samsung to Realme or vice versa).
If after returning the buttons they do not appear, try rebooting the device. Sometimes the system process SystemUI requires a restart to apply the changes. Also make sure that you don't have any accessibility features enabled that might force you to use a certain type of navigation.
The flexibility of Realme UI allows you to change the navigation type an unlimited number of times. Don’t be afraid to experiment: if the gestures don’t suit you after a week, you can always return to the buttons without losing data.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why did the buttons return by themselves after a firmware update?
Sometimes with major system updates (for example, the transition from Android 13 to 14) A factory reset may return the settings to default. Go to navigation settings and select gesture mode again. This can also happen when resetting the settings to factory settings.
Is it possible to make the buttons translucent instead of completely removing them?
It is impossible to change the transparency of the buttons using standard means. Realme UI This will require third-party themes or modules if the device has access to advanced settings, but this is not recommended for regular users due to the risk of instability.
Does disabling buttons affect battery life?
No, the visual display of three small icons consumes a negligible amount of screen pixel power. The difference in battery life between button and gesture mode is invisible to the user.
How can I adjust the height of the button panel if I don’t want to remove them?
In the Navigation by buttons section there is often a slider or choice of button size (Small, Medium, Large). This allows you to adapt them to your vision without switching to gestures.
The bar at the bottom of the screen disappeared after enabling gestures, is this normal?
Yes, in some versions Realme UI the gesture indicator (thin strip at the bottom) can be additionally disabled in the same navigation settings for an even cleaner look of the screen, leaving only the swipe zones.