Virtual navigation buttons on Android are three classic keys (Back, Home, Recent) that help control your smartphone without gestures. However, on many modern devices (for example Samsung Galaxy S23 or Xiaomi 14) they are hidden by default in favor of swipes. If you are used to buttons or they are more convenient for you, you can return them in several ways - both standard and using additional tools.

In this In this article we will look at all current methods for adding navigation buttons on Android 12–15including system settings, commands ADB, third-party utilities and even manual editing of configuration files for advanced users. You will also learn how to fix common errors (for example, when buttons do not appear after a reboot) and what restrictions manufacturers impose like Huawei or Oppo.

Before you begin, check the Android version: path Settings → About phone → Android version. The availability of some methods depends on this. Also note that on devices with shells (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS), the interface may differ - we will indicate features for popular brands.

📊 How do you usually manage Android?
Gestures
Navigation buttons
Hardware buttons
Depends on the situation

1. Standard method: through system settings

The easiest method is to enable navigation buttons in the settings menu. It works on most smartphones, but may not be available on devices with aggressively customized shells (for example, Realme UI or Flyme OS).

Instructions for pure Android (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia) and similar shells (OxygenOS on OnePlus):

  1. Open Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation.
  2. Select item 3-button navigation (or Navigation buttons).
  3. Confirm the change - the buttons will appear at the bottom of the screen.

For Samsung (One UI):

  • 📱 Go to Settings → Screen → Navigation bar.
  • 🔄 Select Buttons instead of Gestures.
  • 🎨 If desired, customize the order of the buttons (for example, swap Back and Recent places).

On Xiaomi (MIUI):

  • ⚙️ Open Settings → Screen → Full screen mode.
  • 🔘 Select Pushbutton instead of Gesture.
  • ⚠️ On some models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5), a reboot may be required.
⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei i Honor s EMUI/Magic UI there is often no standard method. In this case, use the methods from the following sections.

Check the battery charge (minimum 30%)

Close all applications

Back up important data

Make sure there is enough free memory on your device-->

2. Via ADB: force the inclusion of buttons

If there is no option to enable buttons in the settings, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method works on most devices, but requires connecting to a computer and enabling developer mode.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable Developer mode:
    • Go to Settings → About phone.
    • click on Build number 7 times (a notification "You have become developer").
  • Activate USB debugging in Settings → System → For developers.
  • Connect your smartphone to the PC and run the command: 
    adb shell settings put global policy_control immersive.full=*

    This command disables forced full-screen mode (gestures).

  • To return the buttons, enter: 
    adb shell settings put global policy_control null

    • If the buttons do not appear, try an alternative command:

    adb shell cmd overlay enable com.android.internal.systemui.navbar.tridental
    ⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Sony Xperia, Asus Zenfone), after using ADB, the sensor calibration may be lost. In this case, rebooting or resetting the screen settings will help. Settings → System → Reset.
    What to do if ADB does not recognize the device?

    Make sure that the drivers for your model are installed (download from the manufacturer's website).

    Try another USB cable (preferably the original one).

    Enable the option in the developer settings Cancel USB debugging authorization, then connect the device again.

    If you are using Windows, check if your antivirus is blocking the ADB connection.

    3. Third-party applications: an alternative to system buttons

    If system methods did not work, you can install applications for emulating navigation buttons. They work on top of the interface and do not require root access, but may conflict with gestures or some games.

    Top 3 tested applications:

    Application Features Cons
    NavStar Flexible configuration of the location and transparency of buttons, support for gestures. Paid version for advanced functions (~200 ₽).
    Floating Bar Floating panel with buttons, works in any applications. May interfere with games in full-screen mode.
    Gesture Navigation Bar Emulation of standard Android buttons, support for dark theme. Advertising in free version.

    How to set up NavStar:

    • 📲 Install the application from Google Play.
    • 🔧 Grant permission to Overlay on top of other applications (in Android settings).
    • 🎨 Select a button style (for example, Android 12 or iOS).
    • 🔄 Adjust the position and transparency of the panel.

    For Floating Bar you may additionally need permission to Accessibility (for working in banking applications). To enable it:

    1. Go to Settings → Accessibility → Installed services.
    2. Select Floating Bar and activate the switch.
    💡

    If the application buttons do not respond to presses, try disabling battery optimization for it in Settings → Applications → [Application name] → Battery.

    4. advanced)

    This method is suitable for users with root access or custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience). It allows you to forcefully enable navigation buttons, even if the manufacturer has disabled them at the system level.

    Instructions:

    1. Install a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
    2. Open the file /system/build.prop in a text editor.
    3. Add to the end of the file line: 
      qemu.hw.mainkeys=0

      This command tells the system that there are no hardware buttons, and you need to show virtual ones.

    4. Save the file, reboot the device.

    If after the changes the buttons do not appear, check for the presence of the line ro.build.type=userdebug in the same file. If it is not there, add:

    ro.build.type=userdebug
    ⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing build.prop can lead to bootloop (loop reboot). Before making changes, make a backup copy of the file or the entire partition /system via TWRP.
    💡

    Editing build.prop is the most powerful method, but requires root and is dangerous for beginners. Use it only if other methods have not worked.

    5. Gestures + buttons: hybrid mode

    Some manufacturers (for example, Samsung and OnePlus) allow you to combine gestures and navigation buttons. This is convenient if you want to use swipes in some applications and buttons in others.

    How to set up Samsung Galaxy:

    • 📱 Go to Settings → Display → Panel navigation.
    • 🔄 Select Gestures and buttons (or Swipe + buttons depending on the version of One UI).
    • 🎯 Set up swipe zones (for example, only from the side edges of the screen).

    On OnePlus s OxygenOS:

    • ⚙️ Open Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation.
    • 🔘 Select Combined mode.
    • 📱 In this mode, swiping up from the bottom edge opens Recent, and the buttons remain visible.

    Hybrid mode is useful for:

    • 🎮 Gamers (buttons do not interfere in games, but are available in the menu).
    • 📱 Users with large screens (for example, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold), where gestures are inconvenient.
    • 👨‍💼 Those who often switch between applications (button Recent faster than swipe).

    6. Solving problems: buttons do not work or disappear

    If after setting the navigation buttons are not displayed or malfunction, check the following points:

    Problem 1: Buttons disappear after reboot

    • 🔄 On devices with MIUI or ColorOS this may be due to the energy saving mode. Disable optimization for the navigation application in Settings → Battery → Battery optimization.
    • 📱 If you used ADB, repeat the command after reboot or add it to the autorun script (for example, through Tasker).

    Problem 2: Buttons do not respond to presses

    • 🛠️ Check whether the navigation application conflicts with other utilities (for example, Nova Launcher or Good Lock).
    • 🔧 In the accessibility settings (Settings → Accessibility → Installed services) disable unnecessary services.

    Problem 3: Buttons overlap the keyboard

    • 📱 In the navigation application settings (for example NavStar), reduce the height of the panel or enable option Auto-hide while typing.
    • 🔄 On pure Android, try the command: 
      adb shell settings put global policy_control immersive.full=*,-com.android.systemui

      It excludes the system interface from full-screen mode.

    ⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Huawei P60, Honor Magic 5), the manufacturer blocks changing navigation at the software level. In this case, only flashing to custom firmware will help (for example, LineageOS).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about navigation buttons on Android

    Is it possible to add navigation buttons on iPhone?

    No, iOS does not support virtual ones Android-style navigation buttons. An alternative is to use AssistiveTouch (in the accessibility settings), but this is not the same.

    Why don't the navigation buttons disappear in games on my Samsung?

    There is a separate setting for games: One UI There is a separate setting for games: Settings → Device care → Battery → Advanced → Optimization for games. Disable the option Hide navigation bar or add the game to exceptions.

    How to return the old buttons on Android 15?

    In Android 15, navigation buttons are still available through Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation. If they are not there, use the ADB command: 

    adb shell cmd overlay enable com.android.internal.systemui.navbar.threebutton

    Is it possible to change the order of the buttons (for example, change "Back" and "Recents")?

    Yes, on most devices this is done in the navigation settings. For example, on Samsung: Settings → Screen → Navigation bar → Button order. On Xiaomi the order changes. in Settings → Screen → Full screen mode → Button settings.

    Will the method work with ADB on custom firmware?

    Yes, but the effectiveness depends on the firmware. On LineageOS or Pixel Experience ADB commands work stably. On some custom builds (for example, Havoc OSit may be necessary to edit overlay-files manually.