In the modern world of smartphones, the operating system interface Android has become the de facto standard for billions of users. However, when faced with a new device or system update, many people wonder about the purpose of the controls. This is especially true at the bottom of the display, where the main controls are traditionally located. These elements allow you to navigate between applications, return to the main screen and manage running tasks.
The three buttons at the bottom of the screen are the so-called navigation panel. Despite the fact that in the latest versions of Android, manufacturers are increasingly switching to gesture control, the classic three-icon scheme remains the most popular and understandable for most users. Understanding their functions and names is critical for comfortable use of your smartphone.
In this article we will look in detail at what exactly these buttons are called, what function each of them performs, and why their location may change depending on the settings or model of your gadget. We will also look at alternative control methods that the modern mobile ecosystem offers.
Official names and basic functions
The three standard navigation buttons have strict names, enshrined in Google documentation for developers and device manufacturers. The first button on the left (in the standard configuration) is called “Back” (Back). Its main task is to undo the last action or return to the previous screen in the current application. If you are in the settings menu, pressing this button will take you back a step. If you opened the application from the main screen, the “Back” button will close it.
The central button is called "Home" (Home). This is perhaps the most important element of navigation. No matter how deep in the menu or what application you're in, pressing Home will instantly minimize all active windows and return you to the main desktop. A long press on this button in some shells can call up the voice assistant. Sometimes it is also called the “Menu” button, although this is not entirely correct from a technical point of view of modern versions of Android. It opens a list of running apps, allowing you to switch between them or close unnecessary processes with a swipe. It is this button that is responsible for multitasking your device. Google Assistant.
The third button located on the right is called "Review" (Overview) or “Recent Apps”. Sometimes it is also called the “Menu” button, although this is not entirely correct from a technical point of view of modern versions of Android. It opens a list of running apps, allowing you to switch between them or close unnecessary processes with a swipe. This button is responsible for multitasking your device.
⚠️ Attention: In some older smartphone models or specific shells (for example, early versions of MIUI or EMUI), the icons may differ from the standard triangle, circle and square. The functions remain the same, but the visual perception can be confusing.
Differences in icons and visual style
Although the functions of the buttons are standardized, their graphical display depends on the version of the operating system and the manufacturer's proprietary shell. “Pure” Android, which can be found on smartphones Google Pixel or Motorola, uses a minimalistic style. The Back button looks like a left-facing arrow, the Home button looks like a circle or oval, and the Review button looks like a square or three horizontal lines.
Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivooften use their own icon sets. For example, in the MIUI shell, the Back button may look like a triangle, but be located on the right rather than on the left. This causes confusion among users accustomed to the European layout. It is important to understand that button location you can change in the system settings, adjusting them to your motor memory.
There is also the concept of “touch buttons” and “hardware buttons”. In modern smartphones, the buttons are part of the screen (touch) and are illuminated when you touch or activate the screen. In devices released before 2016-2017, there were often physical or capacitive keys under the screen, which did not take up useful display space, but limited customization options.
- 🔺 The triangle is a universal symbol for the “Back” or “Cancel” action.
- 🔵 The circle is a symbol of returning to the original dot, to “Home”.
- 🔲 Square is a symbol of a list, window or overview of all open tasks.
⚠️ Attention: If you bought a smartphone imported from China, the default button layout may be mirrored (the “Back” button on the right). This is not a breakdown, but a regional feature of the settings.
How to change the location and style of buttons
Many users do not know that the appearance and order of the navigation buttons can be customized. This is especially true for left-handers or those who switched from iPhone to Android and are accustomed to a certain control logic. To change parameters, you need to go to the system settings menu.
Usually the path to the desired section looks like this: go to Settings → System → Gestures → Control with buttons. In some shells, this item may be located in the Advanced settings → Full screensection. Here you will find a switch that allows you to choose between gestures and buttons, as well as an option to change the order of the buttons.
☑️ Settings navigation
After enabling the change order option, the “Back” and “Browse” buttons will change places. The Home button always remains centered and cannot be moved as this would disrupt the ergonomics of the thumb control. Changing the icon style (for example, from geometric shapes to more modern outline icons) is also available in this menu on most modern devices.
What to do if the buttons are missing?
If the navigation buttons have disappeared completely, you may have accidentally activated full screen mode with gestures. Try swiping up from the bottom edge of the screen and holding your finger down for a second - this will often bring up a hidden settings panel or mode switch. If this doesn't help, check to see if One Handed Mode or Immersive mode is enabled in your specific app. As a last resort, rebooting the device resets temporary interface glitches.
Switching to gesture control
Starting with version Android 10, Google began to actively promote gesture control as the main interaction scheme. In this mode, the three buttons at the bottom of the screen disappear, freeing up useful display space for content. Instead of clicking, the user uses swipes (swipes) along the edges of the screen.
The logic of gestures directly repeats the functions of the buttons. Swiping from the left or right edge of the screen to the center replaces the button "Back". Swiping up from the very bottom of the screen acts as a button "Home". If you swipe from bottom to top and hold your finger at the top point (or in the middle of the screen), a menu "Review" with running applications will open. This allows you to control your smartphone with one hand without reaching for the bottom frame.
| Action | Button navigation | Gesture navigation |
|---|---|---|
| Go back | Click on the arrow | Swipe from the left/right edge |
| Home screen | Click on the circle | Swipe from bottom to top |
| Apps menu | Click on square | Swipe from bottom to top with hold |
| Switch applications | Swipe to square button | Swipe on the bottom bar left/right |
The transition to gestures requires an adaptation period, usually from 2 to 5 days. After this, many users note that control becomes smoother and more natural. However, on budget devices with slow processors, the response to gestures may be less accurate than pressing a static button.
To quickly get used to gestures, turn off the visual cue (the bar at the bottom of the screen) in the settings. This will force you to remember the amplitude of your finger movement, rather than looking for a visual reference.
Problems with the navigation bar and their solutions
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the navigation buttons stop responding to clicks, disappear or work incorrectly. Most often this is a software failure of the system interface SystemUI. If the buttons are gone, but the screen sensor works, try restarting your smartphone. This simple action restores the operation of most system processes.
Another common problem is “ghost clicks” or sticky buttons. This may be due to contamination of the screen, moisture accumulation, or the use of low-quality protective glass that blocks the touch area at the bottom of the display. Wipe the screen with a soft cloth and check the navigation without the protective covering.
In rare cases, the problem lies in a conflict with third-party applications. Launchers (desktop shells) installed from the store Google Playcan intercept navigation control. If the problem appeared after installing such an application, uninstall it or reset the launcher settings to default through the menu Applications → Default → Home Screen.
⚠️ Attention: If the buttons do not work only in one specific application (for example, in a game or video player), this is normal behavior. Many apps automatically hide the navigation bar to immerse the user in the content (Immersive mode). Exit the application to return the buttons.
Hidden features and sensitivity settings
The navigation bar hides several functions that not everyone knows about. For example, on many smartphones you can set how long you press the Home button to trigger additional actions. In some shells, double-clicking the “Browse” button minimizes all applications at once, saving time on clearing RAM.
It is also worth mentioning the sensitivity of the edges of the screen when using gestures. In the settings System → Gestures there is often a slider that regulates the trigger zone of the “Back” swipe. If you have a wide case or often accidentally minimize apps, make this area larger. If swipes do not work, reduce it.
For advanced users, it is possible to completely customize buttons through superuser rights (Root) and special modules, but for an ordinary user, standard system settings are quite enough for comfortable work. The main thing is to choose the option (buttons or gestures) that suits your ergonomics.
The choice between buttons and gestures is a matter of personal convenience. Buttons are more reliable on older devices, and gestures give more screen real estate and look more modern.
Why are there only two buttons on my phone?
This is possible if you are using a very old version of Android (below 4.0) where the Menu button was separate, or if a specific accessibility mode is enabled. However, most often the third button (“Browse”) is simply hidden by the theme or launcher settings. Check your navigation settings.
Is it possible to add a fourth button, for example, for a screenshot?
You cannot add a fourth button to the bottom panel using standard Android tools. However, many manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi) allow you to assign a screenshot call to a long press of the Home button or a combination of volume buttons. There are also applications from Google Play that create floating buttons on the screen.
The buttons glow at night, how can I turn this off?
The brightness of the button illumination is usually synchronized with the overall brightness of the screen. If you have an AMOLED screen, use a dark theme. In some models, in the “Accessibility” or “Display” section there is a checkbox “Turn off the backlight of the buttons” or the ability to configure the time of their illumination.
What to do if the “Back” button works the other way around (on the right)?
This is a region setting. Go to Settings → System → Language and input → Navigation (path may vary). Find the “Button Order” item and change it from “Back button first” to standard. This is a common situation on devices imported from Asia.