Many Samsung smartphone users are faced with the need to change their usual navigation. This often happens after purchasing a new device, where the arrangement of elements seems inconvenient, or after accidentally resetting the settings, returning the classic layout. The question of how to change the home button on a Samsung Android is one of the most common in technical support, since the ergonomics of control directly affects the ease of use of the gadget in everyday life.
Modern One UI shells provide flexible tools for personalizing the interface. You can not only move the button, but also abandon it completely in favor of gesture control, which frees up useful screen space. In this article, we'll take a closer look at all the available methods for changing the navigation bar, ranging from simple menu settings to advanced methods for advanced users.
Before you start making changes, it's important to understand the difference between a physical button, a touch key, and a software navigation bar. Modern models Samsung Galaxy use exclusively a software solution that can be flexibly configured. We will look at how to adapt the interface for the left or right hand, as well as how to return the familiar look if new gestures seem too difficult to master.
Main types of navigation in One UI
The shell interface One UI from the company Samsung evolved from three fixed ones buttons to more modern solutions. Understanding the available navigation types will help you choose the most appropriate option for your use case. At the moment, the system offers two main modes of operation of the lower control panel.
The first option is classic buttons. In this mode, the screen displays three touch areas: Back, Home, and Recent Apps. The location of these items may vary depending on regional settings or the user's previous experience. The second option is full-screen mode gestures, where there are no physical or on-screen buttons, and control is carried out by swiping from the edges of the display.
The choice between these modes depends on your habits. If you're switching from another brand of Android smartphone, you may be more familiar with a certain sequence of buttons. For those who value maximum screen area for content, the optimal solution is to switch to gestures. The system allows you to switch between these modes instantly without having to restart the device.
⚠️ Warning: When switching to gesture control, the backspace area may conflict with the side menus in some applications. If you notice any inconvenience, return to the button navigation in the settings.
It is worth noting that in some older models or specific firmware versions, the available options may differ slightly. However, the basic principle remains the same for the entire line Galaxy S, Galaxy A i Galaxy M. The system strives to provide the user with maximum control over exactly how he interacts with the operating system Android.
How to change the order of the navigation buttons
The easiest way to change the home button on Samsung Android is to use the built-in system settings. This method does not require the installation of third-party software and takes less than a minute. The algorithm of actions is unified for most current firmware versions, which makes the instructions universal.
First, you need to go to the main settings menu of your smartphone. Find the section responsible for the screen and its display. Depending on the version One UI, this item may be called simply “Screen” or be clarified in the form of a navigation subitem. This is where the keys to controlling the bottom panel are hidden.
Inside the navigation menu, you will see a toggle or list to select between “Buttons” and “Gestures”. Select button mode if it is not already activated. Immediately below this selection, a “Button Order” option will appear. By clicking on it, the system will offer two layout options: standard (Home button in the center) and alternative (Home button on the left or right, depending on regional standards).
- 📱 Open
Settingson the main screen. - 🖥️ Go to the section
Screenand find the itemNavigation panel. - 🔄 Select the desired order: “Back and recent buttons” or “Back and home."
- ✅ Confirm your choice by clicking “Done” or simply exiting the menu.
After changing the settings, the new scheme will be applied instantly. You will immediately notice how the button "Home" has moved to a new location. This is especially convenient for left-handers who find it difficult to reach the center of the screen on large diagonals. The system remembers this choice and saves it even after restarting the device.
☑️ Checking navigation settings
Switch to gesture control
If your goal is not just to move button, and completely remove it from the screen to increase the usable area, gesture mode will suit you. This is a modern trend in the world of mobile OS, which is actively promoted by Google i Samsung. Managing swipes takes a little getting used to, but then becomes more intuitive.
To activate this mode, return to the menu Navigation panelthat we talked about earlier. Select Gestures. The screen will instantly be cleared of unnecessary elements. Now, to return to the main screen, you need to swipe from bottom to top in the center of the display. The “Home” button in its classical sense disappears, giving way to a gesture zone.
To switch between running applications, you need to swipe up from the bottom and hold your finger for a split second, or slide your finger horizontally along the very bottom edge of the screen. To go back, swipe from the left or right edge of the screen to the center. This design allows you to hold the phone with one hand without trying to reach the bottom of the huge display.
⚠️ Attention: In gesture mode, the sensitivity of the edges of the screen may be reduced to prevent accidental presses. If swipes do not work, try sliding your finger a little further from the very edge of the case.
In the gesture settings, the “Gesture sensitivity” option is also available. If you have a protective glass attached or are using a case with high sides, the system may not recognize touches correctly. Increasing the sensitivity will solve this problem. You can also choose the swipe direction for the “Back” button, which is important for those who are accustomed to the specific logic of other manufacturers.
Try using gestures for 2-3 days. The brain quickly adapts to new motor skills, and you will appreciate the absence of unnecessary elements on the screen.
Adjusting sensitivity and additional parameters
Once you have decided how to change the home button on a Samsung Android, you should pay attention to fine-tuning the response. Not all users know that the area where virtual buttons can be pressed can be adjusted. This is useful if you often miss or accidentally click adjacent elements.
The same navigation menu often contains an item that allows you to hide the panel when watching videos or in full-screen applications. This prevents accidental clicks while playing games or watching movies. The feature is called “Hide navigation bar when swiping.” By activating it, you can remove the buttons with a light swipe when they are not needed, and return them with a reverse movement.
It is also worth checking the accessibility settings. In the Accessibility → Improved visibility → Element size section you can change the scale of not only the text, but also some interface elements. While this does not directly change the position of the Home button, it does affect the overall ergonomics and clickability.
| Option | Description | Impact on experience |
|---|---|---|
| Button order | Changes the location of the Back/Home keys | High (ergonomics) |
| Sensitivity | Enhances touchscreen response | Medium (if film is present) |
| Hide panel | Automatically hides buttons in applications | High (for media) |
| Button backlight | Turns on/off the backlight (for older models) | Low (aesthetics) |
Experimenting with these settings, you can achieve the perfect balance between functionality and comfort. Remember that interface settings are a subjective category, and what is convenient for one user may irritate another. The system Samsung allows you to test various configurations without the risk of data loss.
Use of third-party launchers for customization
If the standard capabilities of the system are not enough, and you want to radically change the appearance of the Home button or add new functions, third-party launchers will come to the rescue. These are applications that completely replace the standard desktop and control panel. Popular solutions include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher and Smart Launcher.
Installing such a launcher gives access to advanced gesture settings. You can assign the Home action to double-tapping the screen, swiping up from anywhere, or even to your fingerprint (if the hardware button supports this feature on older models). This allows you to completely remove the bottom panel, freeing up to 50 pixels of screen height.
However, using third-party skins has its own nuances. They can consume more RAM and sometimes conflict with standard gestures One UI. Before installation, it is recommended to read reviews about the compatibility of a specific version of the launcher with your version of Android. In addition, some banking applications may require additional permissions to work in a non-standard environment.
Risks of using third-party launchers
Using unverified launchers can lead to reduced device autonomy due to background activity. There may also be delays when opening applications compared to the standard shell. Always download software from the official Google Play store.
For advanced users, it is possible to configure via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to hide the system navigation bar at the system level, even if there is no such checkmark in the menu. The command looks like this:
adb shell settings put secure policy_control immersive.status=*Using such commands requires enabling developer mode and connecting to a computer. This is a powerful tool, but it is not recommended for regular users as typing errors can cause the interface to become unstable. Restoring the standard view in this case will require entering a reverse command or resetting the settings.
Return to factory navigation settings
There are situations when, after many experiments, the interface becomes inconvenient or the settings are lost due to software errors. In this case, it is useful to know how to quickly return everything to its original state. Resetting navigation settings does not affect your personal data, photos or contacts.
The fastest way is to use the reset access settings feature. Go to Settings → General settings → Reset → Reset access settings. Here you can select the item responsible for screen and navigation settings. This will return the button order and sensitivity to the factory defaults for your region.
If the problem is deeper in nature, for example, the “Home” button does not respond to presses at all or has disappeared; perhaps the system application has malfunctioned. SystemUI. In this case, clearing the cache of this application through the “Applications” menu in the settings will help. Find SystemUI in the list, select “Memory” and click “Clear cache”.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse “Clear cache” with “Clear data” for system applications. Clearing data may reset all interface settings, including wallpapers and widgets, although personal files will remain intact.
In extreme cases, when software methods do not help, it is worth checking for firmware updates. The company Samsung regularly releases patches that correct interface errors. Go to Settings → Software update and click “Download and Install”. The current version of the system often solves problems with the responsiveness of touch zones.
Most problems with navigation are solved by simply switching the “Buttons” ↔ “Gestures” mode or rebooting the device. A deep reset is rarely required.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why don't I have a Home button on the screen?
Most likely, you have Gesture Control mode activated. In this mode, the button is hidden, and its function is performed by swiping from bottom to top in the center of the screen. Check the settings in the menu Screen → Navigation bar and switch to “Buttons” if you want to return a visible key.
Can I change the size of the navigation buttons?
In standard settings One UI there is no provision for changing the size of the buttons themselves. However, you can change the overall scale of interface elements and font in the Screen → Font size and stylesection, which will visually enlarge the navigation bar.
The “Home” button works with a delay, what is the reason?
The delay may be caused by a lack of RAM or background processes. Try closing unnecessary applications. If the problem persists, check to see if the power saving mode is enabled, which limits processor performance.
How to enable the Home button on older Samsung models?
On older models with a mechanical button, it is a physical part of the case and is not configurable in software. If we are talking about touch buttons under the screen (like in the Galaxy S7 or J series), their order is often fixed by the firmware and does not change without obtaining root access or installing custom launchers.
Does changing the navigation affect the speed of the phone?
No, the choice between buttons and gestures does not affect the processor performance or the speed of applications. This is a purely visual and tactile change in the way you interact with the interface. The difference in battery consumption is also negligible.