He Xiaomi software continues to hide some surprises from us in the form of hidden functions that we can take advantage of, whether we have the new HyperOS or MIUI 14. We have as an example the sidebar that improves multitasking or the “Second Space” that allows us to duplicate our accounts without risks. On other occasions you will need to install an additional application, like this one, which allows maximum fast charging.
There is no doubt about the potential of the system from this popular Chinese manufacturer, which also offers an alternative that convinced me with its practicality. This is an additional control method, capable of replacing the virtual buttons and gestures that most people use. I tell you How has the way I use my Xiaomi mobile changed?applicable of course, also on Redmi and POCO phones.
A ball to dominate your mobile… and look a little like the iPhone
I admit that since gestures came to Android – first even in MIUI – they have become my preferred method of navigation. THE virtual buttons They are very popular (also versatile for everything they offer), but they waste a good chunk of screen that is used a lot when we consume content from streaming platforms or play the latest trendy game.
To be honest, each has its pros and cons. Now since I moved to Xiaomi “floating ball”, I no longer touched the default modes. How active is he? I’ll show you in a few simple steps:
- You have to go to the “Settings” of our Xiaomi mobile. Whether they are HyperOS or MIUI.
- We go through the list of options and tap on “Additional settings”.
- On the next screen, under the heading “Accessibility”, you will need to click on “Floating Balloon”.
- Just flip the switch that activates the option.
Ready! We will see how a little one appears go down the right side from the screen. By pulling it to the opposite side we will get the aforementioned “floating ball”, which is very useful. This is obviously reminiscent of one of the iOS functions: AssistiveTouch, which I also use regularly.
The options allow us to make the most of it
Aside from the convenience it provides by hiding on one side of the screen, it’s its settings that drew me to using it as my primary navigation method. From the same place where it is activated, Xiaomi allows us customize it in detail.
Personally, I modified the shortcuts of the ball. “Select Shortcuts” expands your options: I love being able to take screenshots without touching the physical buttons. I also replaced the “Block” button with a shortcut to WhatsApp, allowing me to quickly access the messaging app at any time.
After a short period of use, I realized that it was somewhat awkward in some applications due to its proximity to the buttons. Faced with this problem, I simply resorted to move it
Later, I re-entered the options on my Xiaomi mobile to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the “Auto-Hide” setting. This makes the ball float hides when we don’t use it in some applications something very useful.
On the other hand, when I am going to use my smartphone for a long period of time, I go back to the settings section to deactivate “Go to the edge after 3 seconds of inactivity”. It therefore remains still deployed and ready to use, essential for browsing different apps, sending emails and replying to messages.
These are his weapons to convince me, and he undoubtedly did it. This may seem like a minor function and even one of little significance. In reality, at least for me, it came as a complete surprise and has become a “must” every time I use my brand new Xiaomi.
In Xataka Android | Will my phone be updated to HyperOS? The complete list of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones that receive the new operating system