How to change navigation icons on Android: a complete guide

Navigation icons on Android are those three (or more) buttons at the bottom of the screen that you use every day: “Back”, “Home” and “Recents”. They can get boring over time, especially if you want to personalize your smartphone with a wallpaper style, theme, or just for the sake of novelty. Fortunately, Android offers several ways to change their appearance - from built-in settings to deep customization through third-party tools.

In this article we will look at all the current methods: from simple (changing through launcher settings) to advanced (editing system files via ADB). You will learn which methods work without root access, and where they are required, which brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel) support certain functions, and how to avoid common mistakes. If you dreamed of transparent buttons, animation when pressed, or even a complete replacement with gestures - here you will find a solution.

Before you begin, please note: some methods may differ depending on version Android (from Android 10 to Android 14) and the manufacturer's shell (One UI, MIUI, ColorOS). Where this is critical, we will clarify.

1. Standard Android settings: what can be changed without third-party tools

Many users do not know that even without installing additional applications, you can slightly adjust the appearance of the navigation buttons. The functionality depends on the version of the system and the shell, but here is what is usually available:

• 🔄 Button order: on most devices (except iPhone-like shells), you can swap “Back” and “Recents”. This is relevant for left-handers or those who are accustomed to a different arrangement.
• 🎨 Button color: some shells (for example, One UI na Samsung) allow you to select a color from the palette or make buttons are transparent.
• 👆 Hiding buttons: in Android 10+ you can completely remove the navigation bar in favor of gestures (but this will turn off the visual cue).
• ⚡ Animation: On Google Pixel and some other devices, smooth transitions are available when pressed.

To find these settings, go to:

Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation

On Xiaomi the path may look like this:

Settings → Advanced → Full screen mode → Navigation style

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android Go (for example, on budget smartphones Nokia or Alcatel) there are usually no customization options. Also, some brands (for example, Huawei s EMUI) block changing buttons without root.

2. Using launchers: an easy way to change the appearance

If the built-in settings are not enough, the safest and most universal method is to install alternative launcher. Many of them allow you to customize the navigation bar, even if the system does not. Best options:

• 📱 Nova Launcher: supports changing color, shape and even adding your own icons for buttons (via plugin Nova Launcher TeslaUnread).
• 🎭 Action Launcher: offers customization of button transparency and style, as well as integration with Android 12+.
• 🖌️ Lawnchair: free open source launcher where you can customize the color and size of the navigation bar.
• 🔧 Hyperion Launcher: suitable for deep customization, including button animation.

How it works with an example Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and make it the main one.
2. Go in Nova Settings → Navigation Bar.
3. Select button style (for example, Transparent or Colored).
4. For advanced changes install the plugin TeslaUnread and download custom icons.

The advantage of this method is no root or ADB required, changes are reversible in one clickHowever, launchers cannot change the system buttons at the level Android (they simply overlay their interface on top). buttons.

Make a backup of current settings|Check compatibility of the launcher with the Android version|Download APK from an official source (not third-party sites)|Disable battery optimization for the launcher-->

3. deep customization without root

If you are ready for more complex manipulations, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) allows you to change system parameters without obtaining root access. This method works on most devices with Android 9+, but requires a connection to a computer.

Here is what you can do via ADB:

• 🎛️ Change the color of the buttons (including transparency).
• 🔄 Change the order of buttons (even if it is blocked in the settings).
• ❌ Remove the navigation bar completely (leaving only gestures).
• ⚡ Customize animation when pressed.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Enable USB Debugging on your phone (Settings → About the phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm permission to debug.
3. Open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and enter:

adb shell settings put global policy_control immersive.full=*

This command hides the navigation bar. To bring it back:

adb shell settings put global policy_control null

To change the color of the buttons use:

adb shell settings put global navigationbar_color "FF0000" // red color
adb shell settings put global navigationbar_current_color "00FF00" // green (active state)

Colors are specified in HEX-format (for example, FFFFFFFF for white).

⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi) block ADB commands for changing navigation. If the command does not work, try adding --user 0 at the end or check if the settings are reset after a reboot.

4. Root access: full control over the navigation panel. data-i="138">If you are ready to get

If you are ready to receive root access, almost limitless customization possibilities will open up to you. With root you can:

• 🖼️ Replace button icons with any images (in format .png).
• 🎚️ Edit size and indents buttons.
• 🔄 Add additional buttons (for example, to quickly launch applications).
• 🎬 Customize own animations when pressed.

For this you will need:

1. Unlock bootloader and get root (for example, through Magisk).
2. Install a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. Edit system files in the folder /system/usr/keylayout or /vendor/usr/keylayout (depending on the device).

An example of changing the Home button icon:

1. Download .png-image with resolution 108x108 pixels (transparent background recommended).
2. Place it in a folder /system/media/theme/default (create it if it does not exist).
3. Change permissions to 644 (read for everyone, write only for owner).
4. Edit the file /system/usr/keylayout/Generic.klby adding the line:

key 172 HOME WAKE_DROPPED VIRTUAL
key 172 HOME WAKE_DROPPED VIRTUAL ICON="/system/media/theme/default/home_icon.png"

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop (boot loop). Always make a backup of the original files before making changes. Also note that after updating the firmware, all changes will be reset.

5. Customization apps: what Google Play offers

If ADB and root don't suit you, there are apps that promise to change the appearance of the navigation buttons. However, their capabilities are limited: Google Play There are apps that promise to change the appearance of your navigation buttons. However, their capabilities are limited:

The most popular application is NavBar Apps. It allows you to:

• 🎨 Change the color of the buttons and panel background.
• ➕ Add additional buttons (for example, to quickly launch a camera or flashlight).
• 🔄 Customize the order and size of the buttons.
• 📱 Hide the navigation bar in full-screen applications.

However, there are nuances:

• The Android 10+ application may require special permissions via ADB:

adb shell pm grant com.techylife.navbarapps android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

• On some devices (Huawei, Oppo), the application does not work due to manufacturer restrictions.

6. Gestures instead of buttons: a modern alternative

If you're tired of classic navigation buttons, consider switching to gesturescompletely. This method not only frees up screen space, but also makes controls more intuitive. In modern versions of Android there are several options for gestures:

• 👆 Swipe up (as on iPhone): available on Android 10+ in standard settings.
• ↩️ Swipe from the sides: returns the function of the "Back" button.
• 🔄 Double swipe: to quickly switch between applications.
• 🎯 Custom gestures: through applications like Fluid Navigation Gestures.

How to enable gestures on Stock Android (for example, Google Pixel):

Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation → Gesture navigation

On Samsung (One UI):

Settings → Screen → Navigation bar → Swipes

Advantages of gestures:

• ✅ More space on the screen (no permanent panel at the bottom).
• ✅ More natural controls (especially on large screens).
• ✅ Fewer accidental clicks.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ It may take time to get used to (1-2 weeks).
• ❌ Not all apps are optimized for gestures (e.g. games).
• ❌ On some devices, gestures are unstable.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi s MIUI gesture navigation may conflict with system gestures (for example, swipe down for the notification panel. In this case, try disabling “Full-screen gestures”). in the screen settings.

7. Typical errors and how to avoid them

When changing navigation buttons, users often encounter problems. Here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

A few more tips:

• 🔄 If after the changes the phone stops responding to touches, connect it to the PC and cancel the last commands via ADB.
• 📱 Before experimenting with root or ADB, check if there is one for your model custom recovery (for example, TWRP), so that you can restore the system in case of failure.
• 🔍 If the buttons become too small or uncomfortable, return to standard settings via Settings → Reset → Reset interface settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing navigation buttons

adb shell settings put global policy_control null

adb shell settings put global system_navigation_keys "space,back;home;recent,space"

adb shell pm grant APPLICATION_PACKAGE android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

key 172 HOME
key 139 MENU WAKE_DROPPED VIRTUAL
key 158 BACK WAKE_DROPPED VIRTUAL
key 247 APP_SWITCH WAKE_DROPPED VIRTUAL
key 248 ASSIST WAKE_DROPPED VIRTUAL // new button for the Assistant