How to remove full-screen mode in games on Android: step-by-step guide

Full-screen mode in mobile games is often turned on automatically, hiding the navigation bar and status bar. This creates immersion, but may interfere with access to system buttons or notifications. It's especially annoying when the game freezes in this mode and standard gestures don't work. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods for exiting full-screen mode - from universal to specific for certain brands (Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme).

It is important to understand that the full-screen mode mechanism depends on three factors: versions of Android, manufacturer firmware and specific settings games. For example, in Android 12+ API is responsible for this. WindowInsetsController, and in older versions - legacy methods. We will consider solutions for all cases, including situations where the game blocks system elements intentionally (for example, in PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact).

If you got here due to a bug when the game “does not release” the screen even after closing, do not panic. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved without rebooting the device.

1. Standard Android gestures for exiting full-screen mode

Most modern smartphones support it. universal gestures for controlling full-screen applications. These combinations work at the system level and do not depend on the game.

• 👆 Swipe up and hold (to call the recent applications menu). In some games, this gesture works even if the navigation bar is hidden.
• 👆👇 Double swipe from bottom to top (quick swipe + pause + second swipe This gesture is forced to show). taskbar on Android 10+.
• ☝️ Touching and holding the edge of the screen (left or right) for 1-2 seconds. Works on devices with MIUI i ColorOS.
• 🔄 Triple touching the screen (if the function is enabled Accessibility → Touch & hold delay).Relevant for Samsung One UI.

If gestures do not work, check the screen sensitivity settings. On some devices (for example, POCO X3), full-screen applications block system swipes. In this case, it will help physical button (if it is available). on your smartphone):

• 📱 Press and hold Home button (if it is hardware) for 3 seconds.
• 🔙 Press Back button twice with an interval of less than 0.5 seconds.

Attention! On devices with Android 13+ and gesture controls (without buttons), you may need to first enable the option Settings → System → Gestures → Allow gestures in full-screen applications. Without this, the system will ignore swipes in games.

2. Using the notification panel and quick settings

Even in full-screen mode, the notification panel remains available - you just need to call it up correctly depending on the manufacturer:

After opening the notification panel:

1. Tap on the icon "Settings" (gear) or swipe down again to fully expand.
2. Find button "Exit full screen mode" (if there is one) or simply minimize the game by swiping down.
3. If the game has blocked minimizing, click "Forced stop" in the application information.

⚠️ Attention! In games with anti-cheat (for example, Call of Duty: Mobile), forced minimization through the notification panel can lead to account ban. In such cases, use only official exit methods (see section 4).

3. full screen mode

Many games have a built-in setting to control the display of the interface. Usually it is hidden in the graphics or control menu. Here is where to look for it in popular games:

• 🎮 PUBG Mobile: Settings → Graphics → Full screen mode (option "Hide interface elements").
• 🏹 Genshin Impact: Settings → Other → Display → Immersive mode.
• 🏀 NBA 2K Mobile: Options → Display → Fullscreen Mode.
• 🚗 Asphalt 9: Settings → Video → Hide Navigation Bar.
• 💎 Free Fire: Configurações → Controles → Esconder Barra de Navegação.

If the option is not in the menu, try:

1. Press with your finger any empty area of the screen for 3-5 seconds - in some games this brings up a context menu with display settings.
2. Tap two fingers on the screen (works with Mobile Legends and Arena of Valor).
3. Pull the screen to the sides (stretching gesture) - works in games on the Unityengine.

In games from Tencent (for example, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile) the full-screen mode option can be blocked on devices with root access or modified firmware. In this case, exit is only through the system settings (see section 5).

4. applications

If the game does not respond to gestures and does not have built-in settings, you can forcefully minimize it through the system menu. Methods differ depending on the Android version:

For Android 9 and below:

1. Press Recent applications button (square or three). line).
2. Swipe the game up or to the side to close.
3. If the button does not respond, hold it 5 seconds - this will bring up a forced menu.

For Android 10 and newer:

1. Swipe bottom up and hold your finger for 1 second.
2. In the recent applications menu, tap by game icon and select Application information.
3. Click "Forced stop" or "Stop".

⚠️ Attention! A forced stop can lead to the loss of unsaved progress in the game. In online games (for example, Clash Royale) before using this method, try saving your progress or exiting to the main menu of the game.

Make sure gestures are enabled in Android settings|Try swiping from different edges of the screen|Check the game settings for the "immersive mode" option|Use the notification panel to force close|Reboot the device if all else fails-->

5. full screen mode

If the game constantly turns on full screen mode every time you launch it, you can disable it at the system level. To do this:

Method 1: Disable immersive mode for a specific application

1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Game name] → Full screen mode.
2. Select "Show system panels" or "Do not hide navigation".
3. Save the changes and restart the game.

Method 2: Globally disable full screen mode (ADB required)

For advanced users:

adb shell settings put global policy_control immersive.full=*

This command disables full screen mode for all applications. To return the settings back, do:

adb shell settings put global policy_control null

⚠️ Attention! Using ADB commands may disrupt the operation of some applications, especially banking or DRM-protected ones (for example, Netflix or Disney+). Before executing the commands, make a backup copy of the settings via adb backup.

Method 3: Using developer mode

1. Activate mode 7 times Developer (tap on Settings → About phone → Build number).
2. Go to Settings → System → For developers.
3. Find the option "Disable full-screen applications" or "Force to show the navigation bar".
4. Turn it on and restart the device.

setprop persist.sys.meizu.feature.eng 1

6. Specific solutions for different brands

Smartphone manufacturers often add their own functions for managing full-screen applications. Here are the most effective methods for popular brands:

Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI)

• 🔧 Use Game Turbo: swipe from left to right. from right edge the screen to bring up the game control panel. There is a button to exit full-screen mode.
• 📱 Turn on "Floating windows" to Settings → Accessibility → Floating windowsThis will minimize the game. window.

Samsung (One UI)

• 🎯 Use Edge Panels: swipe from right edge the screen to the center, to open the side panel and minimize the game.
• 🔄 Activate "Game functions laboratory" in Settings → Device care → Battery → Game settings.

Honor/Huawei (EMUI/Magic UI)

• 🖱️ Enable "Game assistant" via swipe from left to right on the bottom edge of the screen.
• 📲 Use "Game button" (floating icon) that appears automatically when you start the game.

Realme/Oppo (ColorOS/Realme UI)

• 🎮 Activate "Game space" in the settings. It adds a floating panel with an exit button.
• 🔍 Turn on "Search for gestures" to Settings → Convenience → Gestures and movementsto trigger search even in full-screen games.

⚠️ Attention! On devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) these methods may not work. In this case, use the universal methods from sections 1-3 or install modules Magisk to control the immersive mode (for example, Full Screen Gestures).

7. Software solutions: applications for controlling full-screen mode

If system methods do not help, you can use third-party utilities. They are especially useful for devices with outdated versions of Android or non-standard firmware.

For installation and configuration:

1. Download the application from Google Play or APKMirror (purchase may be required for Tasker give).
2. Grant necessary permissions (for example, "Overlay on top of other applications" and "Accessibility").
3. Set up a rule for a specific game or globally for all applications.

Setting example in Tasker:

1. Create a new profile with a condition "Application" and select your game.
2. Add an action "Display system bar" (Display → Show Navigation Bar).
3. Save the task and activate it.

adb shell pm list packages | grep -i game