La gesture navigation It's on its way to replacing on-screen buttons on most Android phones. More and more users are opting for this system because it offers a smoother experience, allows for better use of the screen, and makes phone handling more natural. What many people don't know is that it's already possible. activate gesture navigation in MIUI in a very simple way, without installing third-party applications and with a complete integrated tutorial.
On Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO phones with MIUI, this feature has been available for some time and has been refined with each update. Although stock Android also offers gestures, the Xiaomi layer It has always been characterized by offering a very customizable which anticipates many of the features that later arrive in pure Android.
Gesture navigation in MIUI: getting ahead of stock Android
El iPhone X It started many trends in the world of mobile telephony, and one of the most influential was that of control the mobile phone using only gestures instead of physical or virtual buttons. Thanks to this system, the user can navigate the interface by sliding their finger across the screen, allowing gain usable space by removing the bottom navigation bar.
En Android, the gestures They have become increasingly popular as an alternative to on-screen buttons. Some brands have adopted them in their custom Android skins even before stock Android and have enhanced them with their own features. This is the case with OnePlus or MIUIXiaomi's layer, which offers a very complete system of gestures since versions like MIUI 9.5 and has been refining it in later versions.
With MIUI you can choose between continuing to use the classic virtual buttons or opting for a full screen navigation It's gesture-based. The advantage is that the system includes a visual assistant and short tutorials to learn how to use them, so any user, even if they've never tried gestures before, can adapt in just a few days.
Furthermore, MIUI's gesture navigation doesn't just replace the basic Home, Back, or Multitasking actions. It also allows moving between applications In a much more agile way, hide or show the bottom guide bar and optimize the screen to enjoy multimedia content or games without distractions.
Guide to enabling gesture navigation in MIUI (classic and current methods)
Depending on the MIUI version your phone has, the exact menu path may vary slightly, but the idea is always the same: go into system settings and choose full-screen gestures instead of buttons. Below you will see both the classic method (MIUI 9.5 and derivatives) and the more common paths in more recent versions.
Classic method in MIUI 9.5 and similar versions
On phones with MIUI 9.5, the process for activate gesture navigation is:
- Open the app Settings of your mobile with MIUI.
- Search the category System and device.
- Click on the option full-screen display.
Within this menu, two main options will appear: the classic system of buttons on screen and Full screen gestures. Choose Full screen gestures To switch to gesture navigation, the system will offer you the option to view a short tutorial. Tap on Learn to learn how to use gestures with a very visual step-by-step guide.
In this tutorial, you'll see on screen how to perform each movement and which areas of the screen you need to swipe in. It's recommended that you complete this initial guide so that, when the buttons disappear, you'll already have a clear understanding of the process. basic navigation actions.
Common methods in more recent versions of MIUI
In later versions of MIUI, Xiaomi has reorganized some menus, but activation is still done in few stepsThe most common routes are these:
- From the latest MIUI shortcuts:
- Opens Settings.
- Sign in Starting screen.
- Press on system navigation.
- Select option Gestures instead of Buttons.
- In other models and versions:
- Go to Settings.
- Accede to Additional adjustments.
- Sign in Play full screen.
- Choose Full screen gestures to activate them.
On many devices, selecting gestures will also allow you to hide the small bottom bar This indicates the starting point of the gesture. If you're just starting out, this bar can help you understand where to place your finger. Later, once you've mastered the gestures, you can turn it off to keep the screen completely clean.
How to use navigation gestures in MIUI step by step
Once gestures are activated, the navigation buttons disappear from the bottom of the screen, and all actions are performed with swipes. These are the basic gestures that MIUI integrates to replace the classic buttons:
- Go to home screen: swipe from the lower part Swipe up from the screen quickly and without pausing. This gesture replaces the Home button.
- Open multitasking or recent apps: performs the same gesture as to go to the start, but hold your finger for a moment When you reach the central area, you'll see all open applications appear, allowing you to switch between them or close them. open multitasking It's much more efficient with this system.
- Go back: swipe from the left or right side from the screen towards the center. It's a short movement, and you'll know it's happening because you'll see the edge stretch, showing a small arrow.
In more recent versions of MIUI, in addition to these basic gestures, very useful options have been added:
- Switching between apps without opening multitaskingFrom the bottom, slide your finger making a small semicircle From the center towards one of the corners. This way you'll jump directly between open apps without going through the recent apps view.
- Return to the previous application (if available in your version): swipe from the side to go back and hold the gesture a little longerThe arrow can transform into the icon of another open app, allowing you to easily switch between applications. For this to work, you usually need to first enable the "Return to previous app" option in the gesture settings.
- Display menus within applicationsIn some apps, swiping from the top left edge towards the center allows you to open side menus or quick actions without having to click on specific icons.
After completing the initial tutorial, the system will display a confirmation button like this: I'm done or similar to indicate that you're finished. From that point on, navigation will be done exclusively with gestures. If at any point you don't get used to it or need to lend your phone to someone who prefers buttons, you can always disable gestures following the same steps and choosing again the classic navigation system.
Advantages, disadvantages, and tips for mastering gestures in MIUI
The main reason for making the leap to gestures is that they allow make better use of the screenBy removing the navigation bar, the panel displays more content, which is very useful on phones with elongated screens or very narrow bezels. Furthermore, interaction becomes more intuitive. natural and immersiveespecially when consuming videos, social media, or games.
Another important advantage is the speed when switching between applicationsGestures like swiping up from the bottom and holding to open multitasking, or the semicircle to switch between apps, let you jump from one service to another much more quickly than pressing a button, something that's especially noticeable if your phone has a high refresh rate.
Conversely, there is a small initial learning curveDuring the first week, you might find yourself searching for buttons or making incomplete gestures out of habit. This is completely normal. After a few days of continuous use, the system becomes automatic, and most users won't want to go back to the traditional buttons.
If you're having trouble adapting, you can follow these steps. tips:
- Start by activating the lower guide bar to have a visual reference of the starting point of the gestures.
- Spend a few minutes repeating the three basic gestures (Home, Back, and Multitasking) several times until they come out without thinking.
- If you share your mobile phone with other people, remember that you can switch between gestures and buttons as many times as you want from the settings, without limit.
In general terms, this is the system that both have followed Android stock Like most manufacturers. If you have a phone with MIUI, it's worth giving gesture navigation a try: you'll gain screen space, improve fluidity when moving through the system, and have a more modern and comfortable experience for everyday use.
By mastering MIUI gestures, your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO It will feel faster, more up-to-date, and better utilized, and you'll be able to fully enjoy the content without the distraction of on-screen buttons.
