Most Android users navigate using three buttons: back, home screen, and app overview. For ease of navigation, some users prefer to change the position of the navigation buttons or reassign the functions performed. In this article you will learn how to reassign the buttons on Android, as well as configure the functions of the navigation buttons.
What are the navigation methods in Android?
There are 2 main ways to navigate in Android:
- Navigation using the three buttons.
- Navigation with gestures.
Three-button navigation is available in Android 4+ to replace the physical buttons below the phone screen. This control is often referred to as the “navigation menu”. There are 3 main buttons used for navigation:
- Back. Goes back one screen. Denoted by an arrow.
- Home Screen. Goes to the main screen of the desktop. Signified by a circle.
- Application Overview. Switches between running applications. Denoted by a square, and in early Android versions by two rectangles.
- Calling the voice assistant. A long press on the Home button.
Some phone manufacturers optionally add an additional button to the navigation menu: getting a screenshot, launching floating widgets, etc.
Gesture navigation is available in Android 9+. Instead of tapping on-screen buttons, the appropriate gesture is used:
- Back. Slide your finger from the left or right edge to the middle of the screen.
- Home screen. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen.
- Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen. Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen and hold.
- Switch between running apps. Swipe left or right on the navigation bar.
- Call the voice assistant. Swipe up diagonally from one of the bottom corners of the screen.
How do I reassign the navigation buttons?
To reassign the navigation buttons in Android 12 and 13 as standard, follow these steps:
1. Hold your finger in a free area of the desktop until a menu appears.
2. Select Widgets.
3. Select the settings widget.
4. Assign the “Navigation with Three Buttons” action.
5. Click on the created shortcut.
6. In the new menu, select your preferred button position.
How do I reassign the navigation buttons in a third-party app?
Third-party apps have more options for reassigning buttons. You can reassign the navigation buttons or add an additional button to the navigation menu. You can also reassign physical volume buttons. Let’s take the Button Mapper app as an example.
Procedure:
1. Install and run the Button Mapper app.
2. The first time you run the application, it will ask for permission to access the special settings menu. Grant permission for the app to work.
3. In the Button Mapper app, tap “Add Buttons” to add buttons.
4. In the new menu, tap the Add Button button in the lower right corner. Add your preferred button.
5. Optional physical volume buttons can be configured.
6. To assign additional functions, open the volume button and turn on the “Customize” option.
7. Assign an action to a single or double tap.
How do I change the navigation method?
To change the navigation method on your system, follow these steps:
1. Open your phone settings.
2. Scroll to the page and select the “[Accessibility]” menu.
3. From the new menu, scroll to the page and select System Control.
4. Next, select System Navigation.
5. Select whether you want to navigate using gestures or buttons.
6. If you select gesture navigation, optionally press the options button to adjust the sensitivity on the edges of the screen.
Conclusion
This article describes in detail how to reassign buttons on Android. The standard settings allow you to change the position of the navigation buttons or switch to navigation using gestures. More options for customizing and customizing the navigation buttons are available in third-party apps. For example, Button Mapper and Remap buttons and gestures applications can customize the operation of the navigation buttons or add new functions. You can assign an action to a single or double click on the navigation buttons. You can also reassign and customize the volume buttons.
FAQ
Is Button Mapper free?
The application is free to download. However, in the free version there are some restrictions on functionality.
How do I disable hardware buttons on Android?
You can disable or reassign the volume buttons in third-party apps. For example, you can use Button Mapper or Remap buttons and gestures.
How do I remap the Google Assistant button?
You can remap the Google Assistant hardware button using root access. Some hardware remapper applications may also change the button’s function.
How do I make the volume button a power button?
You can assign the lock screen to a single action of the volume button in the Remap buttons and gestures app.
Can the power button be disabled?
Without root access it is not possible to disable the power button.
How do I customize my Google button?
You can try a button reassignment app. In most cases you will not be able to customize the Google Button without root access.
How do I customize my volume button?
In the Remap buttons and gestures app and Button Mapper you can select an action for each volume button. You can set the single press action on the volume button as well as a separate action for a double press on the button.
How do I change the volume button?
In the app to reassign the buttons, you need to select the volume button. Then assign an action for a single press and a double press on the button.
What is the alternative for power button?
You can use the fingerprint scanner to lock and unlock the screen. You can also use an extra button for the TRS connector on your phone, such as the Xiaomi MiKey.
How do I use without power button?
You can assign the screen lock action to the volume button. You can also use the fingerprint scanner to lock and unlock the screen. Another option is to use an additional button that plugs into the TRS jack.
How to turn on Android phone without power button and volume button?
If your phone has wireless charging, then it will turn on when you connect it to a charger. Or you can connect your phone to your computer with a USB data cable. When connected to a PC, the phone will turn on automatically.
How do I lock my screen with double tap?
In the Remap buttons and gestures app, you can set the screen to lock by double tapping the volume button.
Is there an app for power button and volume button?
Most button reassignment apps only allow you to customize the volume button. It is not possible to customize the power button.
How do I change my 3 button navigation?
You can reassign the navigation buttons in the phone menu. Or you can change the way you operate and use gestures to navigate in the system. You can also customize the navigation buttons in the apps to reassign the buttons.
Is button remapper safe?
The button remapper app is safe.
Which is better gestures or buttons?
Buttons are easier to use because buttons are displayed on the screen. This method of navigation is suitable for all users, including inexperienced users. Gesture navigation is also a convenient way to navigate. However, it will take some time to learn the commands for the controls.
How do I create a custom action button?
You can add a custom button in the Button Mapper app. The app allows you to add a button or assign a specific action to the volume buttons.
What are the 3 Android buttons called?
The back button, the return to home screen button, and the running apps button.
Does gestures drain battery?
Using gestures does not significantly affect battery power. It is the sensors that track users’ actions that consume more power.
Why do people use gestures?
Gestures make it easier and more convenient to use your phone. Many complex actions or extra functions are easier and faster to perform using gestures.
