Did you know that you can install a sidebar on your Xiaomi mobile? This is one of the brand's native tools designed to enhance productivity. It was available in the extinct MIUI and is still present in the new HyperOS, both on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones. In this entry we explain everything about it: What is it, what is it for and how can you activate and configure it? to your liking.
The popularity of Xiaomi phones
Xiaomi is one of the most recognized and best-selling mobile brands worldwide. To a large extent, its popularity is due to the fact that manufactures quality equipment for an affordable price. We have a clear example of this in its varied catalog of smartphones, under the names of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO.
At the software level, Xiaomi has also managed to stand out among its competitors. Although its operating system is based on Android, it is the layers of customization that give it its distinctive touch. With MIUI, the brand captivated and gained loyalty from millions of users around the world, and now HyperOS arrives to renew the user experience and add new functions.
In addition, Xiaomi phones incorporate native functions and features that allow us to make the most of them. One of them is the sidebar, present in both MIUI and HyperOS, and designed to take multitasking to the next level. What is the sidebar on mobile Xiaomi and what is it for?
What is the sidebar and what is it for?
In essence, the sidebar in Xiaomi is a feature that allows you to access your favorite applications from anywhere on the system. As its name indicates, it is a bar that appears on the side of the screen. This automatically hides and appears when you slide your finger on the indicator, which is almost imperceptible.
- In the side bar you will see a list with the icons of the applications installed on the mobile
- You can scroll through the list by swiping up and down to find the app you want to open.
- The bar first includes the applications you use the most, as well as others present in the system.
When you click on the applications in the sidebar, they open in a floating window. These windows are smaller and can be moved anywhere on the screen. Additionally, if you want to expand a floating window to its maximum size, simply slide your finger down on the bottom edge of the window. You can open as many apps as you want, since these will overlap one another so you can access them all just by touching them.
What is it for
As you can imagine, the sidebar is a tool designed to improve productivity in multitasking function. On the one hand, it gives you quick access to the apps you use most without having to go back to the home screen to search for it. Let's say you are in a WhatsApp chat and you want to open the Messages app. Without leaving WhatsApp, you just have to slide the bar indicator to open the messages.
It also has advantages that the applications you open from the sidebar are seen in a floating window. This allows you Open, view and use multiple apps on the same screen, without having to switch from one to another. It should be noted that Xiaomi phones are very comfortable for multitasking, and they allow applications to be arranged on the screen in different ways.
Finally, if you are one of those who prefers to have the home screen as clear as possible, the sidebar is ideal for you. Can Delete unnecessary icons from the home screen and access apps from the sidebar. In addition, its indicator takes up little space and is almost imperceptible, so it does not get in the way visually at all.
How to activate and configure the sidebar on your Xiaomi mobile?
Now let's see how you can activate and configure the sidebar on your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO mobile. Remember that this tool is available in both MIUI and HyperOS. If you want to access it immediately, just go to Settings and type Sidebar in the search field. But if you prefer to know the full path to the function to activate it, here it is:
- Open Settings
- Go to Additional settings
- Select Floating Windows
- Click on Sidebar
- Under Always on display, toggle the switch and you're done.
Once activated, you will see its indicator on the left side of the screen. At this point, we can configure it to customize it to our liking. it's possible move it, add applications or make it visible only when we watch videos or play games. Let's see how each of these configurations is done.
Change the location
To change the location of the sidebar, you just have to hold down the indicator and take it wherever you want. You can raise it or lower it, or change it to the right side. A useful tip is to place it somewhere in the lower half of the screen. Thus, with the same hand that you hold the mobile phone, you can comfortably display the sidebar using your thumb.
Add and remove applications
To add or remove applications, simply open the bar and slide the list to the end. There you will see a plus symbol (+). Press it and a window will open that allows you to add or remove applications from the sidebar. You can choose the order and applications you want to see in the first 10 places. From there, the system will add apps that you have installed on your mobile and that you use frequently.
Choose when to be visible
If you feel that the sidebar bothers you while using some applications, you can set it to appear only when you play videos or play games. Go to Settings > Additional settings > Floating windows > Sidebar, and there disable the Always on top option.
This is how the Xiaomi sidebar works
Now you know what the sidebar on Xiaomi phones is, how to activate and configure it. are you ready for get the most out of it and thus enhance your productivity. Without a doubt, it is an excellent tool to facilitate the use of different windows in multitasking.
Whether with MIUI or HyperOS, you can use this tool on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phones. As you get used to using it, you will see how you move faster between different applications. And if you feel that it is not a good option for you, you simply have to disable it and return to the traditional interface.