Many Android users are faced with the inconvenience of the standard arrangement of navigation buttons: the "Back" button on the left, and "Home" - in the center. This is especially true for left-handers or those who are accustomed to an interface iOSwhere the return button is located on the right. Fortunately, on most devices running Android you can swap buttons without root access or complex manipulations.

In this article we will look at all possible ways to change the order of buttons - from built-in settings to using third-party applications and ADBcommands. You will learn how to adapt the interface to your needs on smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other popular brands, as well as what to do if standard methods do not work. It is important to consider that some decisions may depend on the version Android and shell of the manufacturer, so we will indicate the nuances for each situation.

If you have never changed system settings before, do not worry: most methods are safe and reversible. However, before making changes, we recommend that you read the warnings in the relevant sections - this will help to avoid accidental mistakes.

Why do users want to swap buttons?

There are several reasons for changing the location of the navigation buttons, and they depend on habits, physiology, and even the smartphone model. Here are the most common scenarios:

  • 🤲 Left-handedness. For left-handed people, it is more convenient when the "Back"** button is on the right - this makes it easier to press with your thumb without picking up the phone.
  • 📱 Large screen. On devices with a diagonal of 6.5 inches and above, it can be difficult to reach the left button with one hand.
  • 🍎 Moving from iPhone. Users accustomed to the interface iOS, where the return button is located on the left, are often confused by Android.
  • 🔄 Habit from the previous smartphone. If the buttons on the old device were rearranged, the new one may seem inconvenient.
  • 🎮 Gaming needs. In some games, the "Back"** button is used to exit, and its location can interfere with gameplay.

Interestingly, even among right-handers there are those who prefer a mirrored button arrangement. For example, owners of smartphones with cutout under the screen (like Google Pixel 6) sometimes rearrange the buttons so that they do not overlap with the camera. This is also true for devices with touch buttonswhere accidental touches can lead to unwanted actions.

According to surveys, about 15% of users Android at least once tried to change the order of the navigation buttons. However, most of them do not know that this can be done without root access or third-party applications.

📊 Have you ever changed the layout of buttons on Android?
Yes, through the settings
Yes, using the application
No, but I would like to
No, everything suits me

Method 1: Built-in Android settings (without root)

Starting with Android 9 Pie, Google added the ability to change the order of navigation buttons in system settings. However, this function is not available on all devices; its availability depends on the manufacturer’s shell. Below we will look at how to do this on the most popular brands.

For smartphones with pure Android (Google Pixel, Motorola, Nokia)

If your device runs on stock Android (without heavy shells), follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings → System.
  2. Select Gestures → System navigation.
  3. Tap by Three-button navigation (if used).
  4. Click on More (three dots in the upper right corner) → Button order.
  5. Select the desired option: "Back - Home - Recents" or "Home - Back - Recents".

On On some devices (for example, Google Pixel 4 and newer), this item may be called Button location or Customizing the navigation panel. If you do not find this section, it means that the manufacturer has removed this option from the firmware.

For Samsung smartphones (One UI)

On devices Samsung with shell One UI (starting from Android 10) the order of the buttons can be changed as follows:

  1. Go to Settings → Screen.
  2. Select Navigation panel.
  3. Tap on Button order.
  4. Select one of two options: "Back - Home - Recent" or "Home - Back - Recent".

On older models (for example, Samsung Galaxy S8 on Android 9) this item may be in Settings → Display → Navigation bar → Button position. If the option is not there, then your version One UI does not support it.

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For Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI)

In the shell MIUI (starting from version 12) you can change the order of the buttons as follows:

  1. Open Settings → Display.
  2. Select Full screen mode.
  3. Tap on Navigation button order.
  4. Select the desired option: "Back - Home - Recents" or "Home - Back - Recents".

On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10) this item can be called Customizing the navigation panel. If you use gesture controlthe option will not be available - first switch to button navigation in the same menu.

For other manufacturers (Huawei, Oppo, Realme, etc.)

On devices Huawei (shell EMUI), Oppo (ColorOS), Realme (Realme UI) and other brands, the built-in option to change the order of buttons is less common. However, it can be found in the following path:

  • 🔍 Settings → System → Gestures and buttons → Navigation panel (for EMUI).
  • 🔍 Settings → Usability → System navigation (for ColorOS/Realme UI).

If your firmware does not have such an option, proceed to the following methods.

💡

On some devices, after changing the order of the buttons, the transition animation may be lost. To get it back, reboot your smartphone.

Method 2: Using ADB commands (for experienced ones). users)

If your firmware does not have a built-in option for changing the order of buttons, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge). USB Android 9 and newer, but requires connecting to a computer and turning on USB debugging.

Step 1: Preparation

You will need:

  • 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
  • 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the smartphone.
  • 🛠 Utility ADB (can be downloaded from official website Android).

To enable USB debugging:

  1. Go to Settings → About phone.
  2. Tap 7 times on the item Build numberto activate Developer mode.
  3. Return to Settings → System → For developers.
  4. Activate the switch USB debugging.

Step 2: Connect and execute the command

After preparation, follow these steps:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and select the mode File transfer (optional, but recommended).
  2. Open a command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and go to the folder c ADB.
  3. Enter the command: 
    adb devices

    Make sure that your device is displayed in the list.

  4. Run the command to change the order of the buttons: 
    adb shell settings put secure sysui_nav_bar"space,back;home;recent,space"
    To reverse order (Back button on the right): 
    adb shell settings put secure sysui_nav_bar"space,recent;home;back,space"
  5. Reboot your smartphone.

If the command did not work, try an alternative option:

adb shell settings put global policy_control immersive.full=*

This command resets the navigation bar settings, after which you can reapply the desired order.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

1. Make sure that the drivers are installed (download them from the smartphone manufacturer’s website).

2. Try a different USB cable or port.

3. Restart your computer and smartphone.

4. Enable the option "Cancel USB debugging permission" in the developer settings.

Possible problems and solutions

When using ADB the following errors may occur:

Problem Cause Solution
device unauthorized Permission for debugging is not confirmed A request will appear on the smartphone screen - confirm access
no devices/emulators found The device is not connected or the drivers are not installed Check the connection, install drivers, restart the PC
The command was executed, but the buttons did not change The firmware blocks changes Try an alternative command or use the application
After rebooting the settings reset The system resets user settings Repeat the command or use Tasker to apply automatically

Important: on some devices (for example, Samsung s One UI 4.0+) ADB commands to change buttons may not work due to manufacturer restrictions. In this case, only a third-party application or custom firmware will help.

Method 3: Third-party applications for changing buttons

If the built-in settings did not help, you can use third-party applications. They offer more flexibility, but may require additional permissions or root access. App 1: (without root) is one of the most popular button remapping apps. It supports changing the order of navigation keys without root access on most devices with ADB did not help, you can use third-party applications. They offer more flexibility but may require additional permissions or root access.

Appendix 1: Button Mapper (no root)

Button Mapper is one of the most popular button remapping apps. It supports reordering navigation keys without root on most devices with Android 7.0+.

Instructions:

  1. Download Button Mapper from Google Play.
  2. Open the application and grant access to accessibility (in settings Android).
  3. Select Navigation Bar in the main menu.
  4. Tap on Edit Layout and drag the buttons in the desired order.
  5. Save the changes and restart your smartphone.

The application also allows you to:

  • 🎨 Change the color and transparency of the buttons.
  • 🔄 Add additional buttons (for example, to quickly launch applications).
  • 🔇 Disable vibration when pressed.
💡

Button Mapper works without root, but on some devices (for example, Xiaomi) it may require enabling the "Display on top of other windows" option in the accessibility settings.

Appendix 2: NavStar (for custom firmware)

NavStar —a more advanced solution for users with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience). It allows you not only to change the order of buttons, but also to customize their appearance, animations and even add gestures.

Features:

  • 🖼 Support for dark theme and customization of icons.
  • 🔄 Ability to replace buttons with gestures.
  • 📱 Compatible with Android 10+ and most AOSP firmware.

To use NavStar, download it from Google Play and follow the instructions in the application. For full functionality, you may need root access.

Appendix 3: Tasker (for automatic application of settings)

If you use ADB-commands, but the settings are reset after reboot Tasker will help automate the process. Create a task that will execute a command every time the device is turned on.

Steps:

  1. Download Tasker from Google Play.
  2. Create a new task (Task → New).
  3. Add an action Code → Run Shell.
  4. In the command field, enter: 
    settings put secure sysui_nav_bar"space,back;home;recent,space"
  5. Set a trigger for an event Device Boot.

Now the order of the buttons will be applied automatically every time you turn on the smartphone.

💡

If, after using third-party applications, the buttons begin to lag or disappear, clear the system cache in Recovery mode (press Power + Volume Up while loading).

Method 4: Changing buttons through custom firmware

If you use custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Paranoid Android), then the options for customizing the interface are much wider. In most AOSP firmware, the order of the buttons can be changed directly in. system settings.

How to change buttons in LineageOS

In the firmware LineageOS (starting from version 16):

  1. Go to Settings → System → Buttons.
  2. Select Navigation panel.
  3. Tap on Button order.
  4. Select the desired option: "Back - Home - Recent" or "Home - Back - Recent".

Also in LineageOS you can:

  • 🔄 Disable the navigation bar and use gestures.
  • 🎨 Change the transparency and color of the buttons.
  • ⚡ Add additional buttons (for example, to quickly launch the camera).

How to change buttons in other custom firmware

In firmware based on AOSP (for example, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS) the path to the settings may be different:

  • 🔧 Settings → Interface settings → Navigation panel.
  • ⚙️ Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation.

If you do not find the item you need, check the documentation for your firmware or contact the forum XDA Developers.

What is custom firmware?

Custom firmware is an alternative version of Android created by enthusiasts. It offers more customization options, but requires unlocking the bootloader and may void the warranty.

Advantages and risks of custom firmware

Using custom firmware gives maximum freedom of customization, but also has disadvantages:

Advantages Risks
🔧 Full control over the interface ⚠️ Loss of warranty
🆕 Updates take longer than from the manufacturer ⚠️ Possible bugs and unstable operation
🚀 Improved performance ⚠️ Risk of "bricking" the device
🛡 More security features ⚠️ Not all banking applications will work

If you decide to install custom firmware, be sure to:

  • 📌 Make a backup copy of all data.
  • 🔍 Check the compatibility of the firmware with your smartphone model.
  • 🔋 Charge your phone to at least 70%.

Method 5: Gesture controls as an alternative to buttons

If you don’t like the layout of the buttons, but don’t want to change them, consider switching to gesture controlsThis method is available on most modern devices and allows you to completely get rid of it. from the navigation bar.

How to enable gestures on pure Android

On devices with stock Android (for example, Google Pixel, Motorola):

  1. Go to Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation.
  2. Select Gesture controls.
  3. Select gesture style:
    • 👆 Swipe up** (as in iOS).
    • 👈👉 Swipe from the edges** (to go back).

After activation:

  • 🔙 To go back, swipe from the left or right edge of the screen.
  • 🏠 To return to the home screen, swipe up from the bottom.
  • 📑 To open the list of recent applications, swipe up and hold your finger.

How to enable gestures on Samsung (One UI)

On devices Samsung s One UI 2.0+:

  1. Go to Settings → Display → Navigation bar.
  2. Select Full screen gestures.
  3. Select style: "Swipe from the bottom edge" or "Swipe from the edges".

On One UI 4.0+ additional gesture sensitivity settings are also available.

Pros and cons of gesture controls

Gestures may seem inconvenient the first couple of days, but many users note that after a week they no longer want to return to buttons. Here are the main pros and cons:

Pros Cons
✅ More screen space ❌ It takes time to get used to it
✅ Less random clicks ❌ Not all applications are optimized
✅ Convenient for large screens ❌ Sometimes gestures conflict with swipes in applications

If you decide to try gestures, give yourself at least 3-5 days to adaptation. Many users first return to buttons, but then switch back to gestures and no longer want to give them up.

Common problems and their solutions

When changing the order of buttons or switching to gestures, various problems may arise. Let's look at the most common ones and ways to solve them.

Problem 1: Buttons do not change after applying the settings

If you changed the order of buttons through settings or ADB, but nothing happened:

  • ✅ Reboot your smartphone - sometimes the changes are applied only after reboot.
  • ✅ Check if the settings are reset after a reboot. If yes, use Tasker to apply automatically.
  • ✅ Make sure you do not have applications installed that block system settings (for example, Greenify or Battery Savers).
  • ✅ On some devices (for example, Huawei) changes buttons are blocked by the manufacturer. In this case, only a third-party application or custom firmware will help.

Problem 2: Buttons disappear or become invisible

If after changes the buttons disappear or become transparent:

  • ✅ Check if it is activated Immersive View mode (may hide the navigation bar) Turn it off in Settings → Display → Navigation Bar.
  • ✅ If you used Button Mapper, try resetting the settings applications.
  • ✅ On some devices (for example, Xiaomi), the buttons may be hidden in full-screen applications. Return to the main screen - they should appear.
  • ✅ Restart your smartphone in safe mode (hold the power button → Safe mode).If the buttons appear, the problem is in one of the installed applications.

Problem 3: Gestures do not work correctly

If you switched to Gesture control, but it works with glitches:

  • ✅ Check gesture sensitivity in the settings. On some devices it can be adjusted.
  • ✅ Make sure that swipes do not conflict in the application. For example, in YouTube or TikTok gestures may overlap the system ones.
  • ✅ Update the firmware - in new versions of Android, gestures work more stable.
  • ✅ If gestures do not work the first time, try starting the swipe a little higher than the bottom edge of the screen.

On devices Samsung s One UI sometimes resetting gesture settings helps: go to Settings → Device maintenance → Reset → Reset gesture settings.

Problem 4: The buttons return to the standard order after the update

After updating the firmware, the button settings may be reset. To avoid this:

  • ✅ Before updating remember or write down the current order of the buttons.
  • ✅ If you used ADB, reapply the command after the update.
  • ✅ Set Tasker to automatically apply the settings (as described above).
  • ✅ Check if the settings have been reset permissions for Button Mapper or other applications.
💡

If after updating the firmware the buttons are reset and the previous settings are not applied, the manufacturer may have removed support for changing the order. In this case, only a third-party application will help.

Security and warnings

Changing system settings, especially with using ADB or custom firmware requires caution. Below we have collected key warnings and tips that will help you avoid problems.

⚠️ Attention: Using ADB-commands can lead to unstable operation of the interface if you enter incorrect parameters. Always check the commands before executing and make a backup.