Ever wished your classic Mi 3, Redmi 1S, or Redmi Note could get a bit of a modern makeover, especially with those handy on-screen navigation buttons? Well, you’re in luck, because enabling them is surprisingly straightforward. You just need to pop into your phone’s settings, find the display or additional settings section, and then switch from using the physical buttons to the virtual, on-screen ones. It’s like giving your phone a little digital facelift, and it can really change how you interact with your device. This simple tweak can make your phone feel more responsive and align with how many newer smartphones operate.
Getting those convenient on-screen buttons to show up on your Mi 3, Redmi 1S, or Redmi Note involves a few quick taps in your phone’s settings. This process will effectively shift your device’s navigation from its physical buttons to a digital bar displayed directly on your screen, offering a fresh way to interact with your phone.
Step 1: Open your phone’s Settings application.
First things first, you’ll want to dive into your phone’s brain, which we all know as the “Settings” app. This is your command center for customizing just about everything on your device, so it’s always the starting point for changes like this.
Step 2: Navigate to “Additional settings” or “System settings.”
Once you are in the main Settings menu, look for an option labeled “Additional settings” or “System settings.” Sometimes, the more advanced or less frequently accessed options are tucked away in these sub-menus, keeping the main settings screen from getting too cluttered.
Step 3: Find “Buttons and gesture shortcuts” or “Full screen display.”
Within the “Additional settings” area, you’ll need to pinpoint the section that controls how you navigate your phone. This might be labeled “Buttons and gesture shortcuts,” “Full screen display,” or something similar, as these older MIUI versions can vary a little. This is where your phone decides whether it wants physical buttons or software ones to run the show.
Step 4: Select either “On-screen navigation buttons” or “Software buttons.”
Now you should see an option to choose between using your physical buttons or activating on-screen, software-based navigation. Tap the option that enables “On-screen navigation buttons” or “Software buttons” to let your phone know you’re ready for the digital shift.
Step 5: Confirm your selection if prompted.
Sometimes, your phone might ask you to confirm your decision, just to make sure you really want to make the switch. A quick tap on “OK” or “Apply” will seal the deal, and your device will begin to implement the change.
After you complete these steps, you will immediately notice the familiar navigation bar, usually with “Back,” “Home,” and “Recents” buttons, appear at the bottom of your screen. Your physical navigation buttons may then become inactive, letting the new on-screen set take over completely.
Tips for Enabling On-Screen Buttons on Mi 3, Redmi 1S, and Redmi Note
- Battery Impact: Be aware that having on-screen buttons might slightly increase battery consumption, as that portion of the screen is always active.
- Customization Options: After enabling, check whether your MIUI version allows you to reorder the buttons (Back, Home, Recents) or temporarily hide the navigation bar.
- Screen Real Estate: Remember that on-screen buttons take up a small portion of your screen, reducing the available display area for apps and content.
- Troubleshooting: If the buttons don’t appear immediately, try restarting your phone; sometimes a quick reboot helps apply new system settings.
- Reverting Back: Don’t worry, you can always go back to using your physical buttons by following the same steps and selecting the “Hardware buttons” or “Physical buttons” option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I want to enable on-screen buttons?
Many users prefer on-screen buttons because they can offer a more consistent user experience, especially if physical buttons start to wear out or become less responsive. They also bring a modern feel to older devices, aligning with current smartphone design trends.
Will enabling on-screen buttons make my phone slower?
No, enabling on-screen buttons should not make your Mi 3, Redmi 1S, or Redmi Note noticeably slower. This feature is a native part of the MIUI system, and it’s designed to run efficiently without impacting overall performance.
Can I customize the look or order of the on-screen buttons?
Depending on the specific MIUI version running on your device, you might have some basic customization options, like reversing the order of the “Back” and “Recents” buttons. Dive into the “Buttons and gesture shortcuts” menu to see what choices are available for you.
What if I enable them, but they don’t show up?
If you’ve followed all the steps and the on-screen buttons aren’t appearing, a simple restart of your phone often resolves the issue. Sometimes the system needs a fresh start to fully apply new display settings and configuration changes.
Can I switch back to using my physical navigation buttons after enabling the on-screen ones?
Absolutely, you can switch back any time you like. Just go through the exact same steps in your phone’s settings, and instead of selecting “On-screen navigation buttons,” choose the option that enables your physical or hardware buttons.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Additional settings.
- Find Buttons and gesture shortcuts.
- Select On-screen navigation buttons.
- Confirm your choice.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, folks. Giving your trusty Mi 3, Redmi 1S, or Redmi Note a fresh lease on life with on-screen navigation buttons isn’t some complex wizardry, but a simple set of steps you can accomplish in just a few moments. It’s a fantastic way to modernize your interaction with these classic devices, especially if your physical buttons are starting to show their age or if you simply prefer the sleek, integrated look of a digital navigation bar. Think of it as upgrading your car’s dashboard without having to buy a whole new car, a small change that makes a big difference in daily usability.
This seemingly minor adjustment can truly transform your experience, making your phone feel more current and responsive. Plus, it brings your device more in line with the design philosophy of many newer smartphones, which have largely moved away from physical navigation keys. It’s a great example of how a software tweak can extend the life and enhance the functionality of hardware that might otherwise feel outdated. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your phone’s settings; after all, they’re there to let you customize your device to your heart’s content. If you’ve been on the fence about trying this, I encourage you to give it a shot. You might just find that you prefer the digital touch. And remember, if you ever change your mind, reverting to the old physical buttons is just as easy as enabling the new ones. It is a simple way to enable on-screen buttons on Mi 3, Redmi 1S, and Redmi Note, empowering you to tailor your device to your personal preferences.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.