If you are a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO mobile user, you have surely wondered at some point how to get the most out of the software these devices have. One of the most interesting and lesser-known features is the possibility of customize sidebar, a truly useful tool for those looking to improve multitasking and productivity on their mobile phone.
The Xiaomi ecosystem has evolved significantly thanks to the transition from MIUI to HyperOS, maintaining and expanding features that make users' daily lives easier. Among these features is the sidebar, which may seem like a mere curiosity, but when properly configured, completely changes the user experience of the phone. In the following lines, I explain in detail. What it consists of, how you can activate it, take advantage of it and customize it to your liking to suit your needs.
What is the sidebar on Xiaomi and what is it for?
The sidebar on Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices is a visual component that appears on one side of the screen. Its main purpose is to offer shortcuts to the applications of your choice, allowing you to quickly open them at any time, without having to go through the home screen or recent apps.
This feature elevates the experience of multitask on Android, since you can launch applications in floating windows directly from the sidebar, managing and moving them as you see fit. It's a way to have a sort of "personal desktop" where your favorite or most-used apps are just a tap away.
The sidebar originally appeared with MIUI 13 and has continued to be present and improved in subsequent versions such as MIUI 14 and the recent HyperOS, being accessible on both Xiaomi phones and most updated Redmi and POCO models. Thus, No matter what specific model you have, you'll most likely be able to enjoy this feature. as long as you have a recent version of the system.
Advantages of using the sidebar on your Xiaomi
One of the great attractions of the sidebar is that optimize the time you spend using your mobileFor example, you can have your messaging, social media, or any other frequently used apps at your fingertips and open them without interrupting what you were doing.
Another important advantage is the customizationXiaomi allows you to customize the sidebar to your liking: you can decide which side of the screen it will appear on, which apps to include, and when it will be displayed (always visible, only in certain apps, or in specific situations). This makes it adaptable to any type of use, from users who want speed to those who prioritize screen discretion.
As if that were not enough, the sidebar includes special options for games and video applicationsIn games, for example, you can enable additional features like screen recording or blocking notifications while playing, and in video apps, it helps you get the most out of your video playback.
How to activate the sidebar on Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO
The process for enabling the sidebar varies slightly depending on your operating system version (MIUI 13, MIUI 14, or HyperOS), but it's generally quite straightforward. I'll summarize the main steps so you don't have any issues:
- Access your mobile's 'Settings' Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO.
- Use the search bar Go to Settings and enter "Sidebar" to go directly to the section. If you prefer to do it manually, follow the path:
- Look for the "Special Features" (in MIUI) or "Additional Settings" section. according to your version.
- Go to "Floating Windows" and then select "Sidebar." In some versions, this may be more accessible and visible when you access special functions.
- Activate the "Always show" option to keep the sidebar available at all times. If you prefer, you can set it to appear only under certain conditions.
These simple steps are enough to start enjoying the sidebar on your device. The system is very intuitive and doesn't require advanced knowledge.
Customize the sidebar to suit you
One of the key aspects that makes this feature so useful is the customizabilityXiaomi offers many options so that the sidebar isn't a fixed option, but rather a tool tailored to your needs. When you access the sidebar settings, you'll see several options:
- You can manually choose which apps appear as shortcutsThere are no limitations; you can install everything from games to work tools, including media players, social media apps, and more.
- In the configuration section you will find specific sections for gaming and video applications, where you can mark which ones you want to have advanced features via the sidebar.
- You also have the option of decide when you want the sidebar to be visible: Available always, only within certain games or multimedia apps, or you can disable it at specific times. This is perfect if, for example, you find it annoying in certain apps or tasks, but want it available in others.
- Move the sidebar position: On some devices and versions, you can change the side of the screen where it appears and its size or sensitivity to prevent it from obstructing other actions.
How the sidebar works once activated
Using the sidebar is simple and intuitive, yet very powerful. When you open it, you'll see a carousel of icons for the apps you've selected as favorites. From here, there are several ways to interact:
- Tap an app to open it in a floating windowThis allows you, for example, to have a chat app on your browser or a video stream while answering emails. You can open multiple windows simultaneously and manage them on screen. If you're someone who needs to do several things at once, this is an almost essential feature.
- Long press on an app icon in the sidebar to display additional options. These include opening the app in full screen, moving its position within the carousel, or removing it from the sidebar if you no longer need it.
- At the bottom of the sidebar You'll see a pencil or edit icon, from which you can quickly add or remove shortcuts. The entire process is visual and requires very few extra steps.
This way of using floating windows and overlapping apps makes the user experience much closer to that of a laptop, especially on Xiaomi devices with large screens or for those who connect their phone to a screen using Xiaomi Connect or similar options.
Advanced Sidebar Options and Tricks on Xiaomi
In addition to the basic options, Xiaomi has included Advanced sidebar features designed for different scenarios, especially for games and video:
- Game Mode: You can configure the sidebar to activate additional tools in certain games, such as recording your screen, blocking notifications while playing, or controlling brightness without leaving the game.
- Video mode: If you use streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, or similar, the sidebar offers visual enhancements and quick access to features like color and sound adjustments, making it easier to control your content without interrupting playback.
- Smart app selection: The system learns from your habits and can suggest the apps you use most to load directly into the sidebar, streamlining your daily routine.
- Temporarily disable sidebar: If you ever find the bar annoying, you can disable the "Always Show" feature and choose to have it appear only at specific times, such as when you open games or videos.
Is Xiaomi's sidebar worth using?
The answer is yes for most users looking for optimize your productivity and make your mobile experience more fluid. Whether you're someone who needs to have multiple apps open at once or just want faster access to your favorite tools, the sidebar is a feature that can make a difference in your daily life.
Thanks to customizationYou can use it only when you're interested and configure it to suit your needs. It's one of those features that, once you try it and get the hang of it, is hard to stop using.
If you don't get the most out of it or prefer a more classic experience, you can disable it at any time from the settings, leaving no trace or affecting the rest of the system.
The Xiaomi sidebar is a clear example of how devices with MIUI and now HyperOS offer Advanced tools to customize phone usage, adapting to the needs of each user. The ability to access shortcuts, use floating windows, and configure special functions in games or videos makes this feature one of the most useful and comprehensive for those looking to take full advantage of the full potential of Xiaomi's software. If you have a compatible model and haven't tried it yet, I invite you to explore it. It could make your daily interactions with your phone much easier and optimize your user experience.
