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How to change to Navigation Buttons or Gestures on Android: These days, a good number of Android phones come equipped with slick full-screen navigation gestures. It’s possible that you don’t enjoy them, or maybe you just want to explore the other available choices. On this page, we will demonstrate how simple it is to customise the navigation buttons on an Android device. Google’s operating system, Android, started shifting more towards gesture navigation with the release of Android 10 in 2018.
But there is no correct or incorrect strategy; you should employ the one with which you are most at ease. Having an understanding of the various possibilities and how they operate can assist you in determining which one is most suitable for you: You have the option of reverting to the three-button navigation mode, or you can even get an option that combines button navigation with gesture controls.
As always, how you find these options will vary depending on the make and model of your phone, but they shouldn’t be too difficult to find. For instance, on Pixel phones, go to the Settings menu, then select System, and finally select Gestures. If you get stuck, a quick web search for your particular handset should tell you where the relevant options are. Unfortuitously, the settings for the navigation buttons on Android phones are not standardized across all of them. In this tutorial, we’ll demonstrate how to change to Navigation Buttons or Gestures on Android.
The process of planning, monitoring, and controlling the movement of a person, vehicle, or craft from one location to another is referred to as navigation. Navigation can be used in a variety of contexts. It is a complex task that requires knowledge of a variety of factors, including the environment, the destination, and the available resources. Ever since touchscreen phones have been available, users have had the option to navigate using a standard set of three buttons. These buttons are typically laid out in a row along the bottom of your screen in a typical layout.
When you press the back button, you will be taken to the previous screen, and when you press the home button, you will be taken to the home screen. The recent apps button displays all the recently opened apps, allowing you to switch between them quickly. The ability to navigate is an essential one that can be put to use in a great many different contexts. Navigation is becoming more precise and effective as a result of the development of new technologies; as a result, it is now possible to travel to and discover new locations with a greater degree of ease.
- Screen Real Estate: Navigation buttons or gestures free up valuable screen space. Without on-screen buttons, you can make better use of your display, providing more room for content.
- Intuitive and Fluid Navigation: Gestures, in particular, can offer a more intuitive and fluid way to navigate your device. Swiping or tapping gestures can be faster and feel more natural than tapping physical or on-screen buttons.
- Simplified User Interface: Navigation gestures or buttons can simplify the user interface, making it cleaner and more minimalistic. This can be especially beneficial for users who prefer a less cluttered look.
- Quick Access: Gestures often allow for quick access to certain features or actions. For example, a swipe up from the bottom of the screen can take you to the home screen, while a swipe from the side might open recent apps.
- Modern Design: Many users appreciate the modern and sleek appearance that navigation gestures provide. It can give your device a more contemporary look.
- Customization: Depending on your device and operating system, you might have the option to customize navigation gestures to suit your preferences. This can enhance the user experience by allowing you to set up gestures that work best for you.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap System.
- Tap Gestures.
- Tap System navigation.
- Choose the navigation mode you want to use:
- Gesture navigation: No buttons.
- 3-button navigation: Three buttons for Home, Back, and Recent.
- 2-button navigation: Two buttons for Home and Back.
- If you choose gesture navigation, you can tap the Settings button next to Gesture navigation to customize the sensitivity of the screen to the Back swipe gesture.
- To switch back to the navigation buttons, repeat steps 1-4 and select 3-button navigation or 2-button navigation.
| Aspect | Three-Button Navigation | Gesture Navigation |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation Style | Traditional with three buttons at the bottom of the screen (Back, Home, Recent Apps) | Modern, relies on swipe gestures without visible buttons |
| Screen Real Estate | Takes up a portion of the screen for the buttons | Maximizes screen space by removing visible buttons |
| Learning Curve | Easier for users familiar with traditional Android navigation | May require some adjustment and learning for users new to gestures |
| Multitasking | Accessing recent apps is straightforward with a dedicated button | Requires a swipe gesture to access recent apps, which can be less intuitive |
| Back Functionality | Dedicated back button for easy navigation | Gestural back function may not be as intuitive for some users |
| Home Functionality | Quick access to the home screen with a dedicated button | Home gesture is quick but may require a learning curve |
| Customization | Limited customization options | Gestures may be more customizable with additional gestures and shortcuts |
Conclusion
As Google released more and more betas of Android Q, it became clear that the company was copying Apple’s user interface. This is especially interesting when it comes to Android Q’s new navigation system. If you were already on the fence about the two-button system that came with Android Pie, the iOS-style gestures that are coming with Android Q are likely to make you even more angry. We don’t understand why Apple hasn’t already sued Google over the new gestures since they work so much like the ones on the iPhone. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to get to the home screen. If you swipe up and hold the screen for a moment, you can see app that you just used.
Questions and Answers
Buttes let us use a lot more shortcuts, and pressing the centre button to say “OK Google” is sometimes useful. One plus can use gestures to make the animations better. I mostly use gestures because of the screen gain, but they could be a lot better. I use gestures or the Android p buttons most of the time.
With Android 12, users can go ahead and back through apps and websites in a number of different ways. You can use modern gestures to move around, like swipes to go back, home, or between apps. You can also use the old-fashioned three-button system, which has buttons for Back, Home, and Switching Apps.
You can fully use gestures to navigate the Android system starting with Android 10 (API level 29). To make sure their apps work with this feature, app developers need to do two things: Add content to the edges of the app. Face app gestures that don’t work together.