How to change the icons at the bottom of the screen on Android: complete guide

Modern smartphone users spend a huge amount of time in the operating system interface, so personalizing the appearance of the device has ceased to be just pampering, but has become a necessity for comfortable work. One of the first steps to personalizing a gadget is often the desire to change the standard navigation buttons, which are located at the bottom of the display. Navigation bar is a key control element that allows you to move between applications, return to the menu or close running processes. However, a standard set of three buttons or one strip may not correspond to the owner’s personal preferences or his habits of using the device.

Fortunately, the Android ecosystem provides ample opportunities for customization, allowing you not only to change the order of the buttons, but also to completely transform their visual appearance. You can replace boring geometric shapes with stylish symbols, change their color, or even add new features not available out of the box. In this article we will analyze in detail how to change the icons at the bottom of the screen on Androidusing both built-in system tools and third-party software solutions. Changing system navigation files without root access can lead to unstable operation of the interface, so always make a backup copy of the data before making deep changes changes.

Before taking active steps, you need to understand what type of navigation is used on your device, since the further algorithm of actions depends on this. Modern versions of Android, from Android 10 and later, are dominated by gesture controls, which hide buttons but allow you to return to them when needed. If you prefer the classic three-button layout or want to replace the standard triangle, circle and square with more aesthetic options, you will need to take a closer look at the settings of your launcher or system interface.

Built-in navigation bar settings

The first place to go worth a look for a user who wants to make changes - this is the standard operating system settings menu. Smartphone manufacturers often hide navigation options deep in the menus to avoid overloading the interface, but basic functions are usually available without installing additional software. First you need to open Settings → System → Navigation or Settings → Display → Navigation, although the exact path may vary depending on the model of your gadget. Here you can switch between gesture controls and buttons, and in some cases, choose the button layout.

If your smartphone is running a shell MIUI, One UI or ColorOS, the functionality can be expanded. For example, in devices Samsung the "Navigation Panel" function is available, where you can not only change the order of buttons, but also enable long-press sensitivity. Some firmwares have a "Button Style" option that allows you to choose between classic geometric shapes and more modern, minimalist icons. However, it is worth understanding that using built-in tools you can only change the order and basic style, but not the graphics of the icons.

⚠️ Attention: In the latest versions of Android (12, 13, 14), manufacturers are increasingly refusing the ability to change the order or style of buttons through the standard menu, redirecting users to gesture controls. If you do not find the corresponding items in the settings, this means that your shell does not support such customization out of the box.

For those who want to simply change the sequence of actions, for example, put the “Back” button on the right rather than on the left, just find the corresponding switch in the menu. This doesn't change the icons themselves, but it does radically change the ergonomics of using a smartphone with one hand. If your goal is visual uniqueness, you will have to move on to more advanced methods, which we will consider below.

Using third-party applications for navigation

When standard functionality is not enough, specialized applications from the store come to the rescue Google Play, which completely replace the system navigation bar. Such apps, for example Simple Control, Navigation Bar or Fluid Navigation Gestures, create their own control layer on top of the system interface. This allows you not only to change the appearance of the buttons, but also to add new ones, such as taking a screenshot, switching tracks, or launching specific applications with one touch.

The installation process for such software is usually simple: you download the application, grant it the necessary permissions (often requiring access over other windows and permission to use accessibility features) and customize the appearance. In the settings of these apps, you can choose a design theme, button size, their transparency, and even click animation. Some apps allow you to upload your own button images, giving you complete creative freedom. However, using such utilities may consume additional battery power, since they work in the background constantly.

Here is a list of popular features that advanced navigation applications offer:

• 🎨 Ability to set custom PNG images for each navigation button.
• ⚙️ Customize actions for long pressing or double pressing tap on a button.
• 📱 Automatically hide the panel in full-screen applications and games.
• 🔄 Change the location of buttons on the fly without rebooting the device.

It is worth noting that for such applications to fully work on new versions of Android, it is often necessary to execute certain commands via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or having root access. Without this, the system may block the replacement of system interface elements for security reasons. If you are not ready to bother with USB debugging, choose applications marked "No Root", but be prepared for the fact that the functionality may be limited.

Customization by changing the launcher

Another effective way to change the bottom of the screen is to install an alternative launcher. Although launchers are primarily responsible for the desktop and application menu, many of them, such as Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Lawnchairhave their own dock bars (bottom panels with application icons). By replacing the system navigation buttons with the launcher's dock bar, you can achieve a unique visual style that will be in harmony with other widgets and icons on the desktop.

The dock bars of modern launchers can hide the standard Android navigation bar, occupying the bottom of the screen with their controls. This is especially true for devices with a screen cutout or notch, where standard buttons may look out of place. You can customize the number of icons displayed, their size, the background of the dock bar, and even add weather or search widgets to it. This approach does not require root access and is completely safe for the system.

However, there is a caveat: the launcher only changes application icons in the bottom panel, but not the system Home or Back buttons if you use standard Android navigation. To completely get rid of system buttons, you need to enable the “Full-screen display” or “Hide the navigation bar” mode in the Android settings (in the “Accessibility” or “Navigation” section), if the phone manufacturer has provided such an option. In this case, control will be carried out exclusively through gestures or elements of the launcher interface

Name of the launcher	Ability to customize the dock bar	Hide system navigation	Presence of widgets in the dock
Nova Launcher	High	Only with plugins	Yes
Microsoft Launcher	Medium	No	Yes
Lawnchair	High	Partially	Yes
Smart Launcher	Automatic	Yes (in the pro version)	Yes

Using a third-party launcher is a compromise between functionality and system integrity. You get a beautiful interface, but you may lose some features that are characteristic of your smartphone’s native shell, for example, specific gestures or integration with the brand’s ecosystem. However, for those who want to radically change the appearance of the bottom of the screen, this method is one of the most stable

Advanced configuration via ADB and Root

For users who are not looking for easy ways and want to gain full control over their device, there is a method for modifying system files via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or with root access. This method allows you to replace graphic files of navigation buttons directly in the system partition. This will require superuser rights (Root) and a file manager with access to system folders, for example Root Explorer or Solid Explorer.

The process is as follows: first you need to find the folder where the system interface resources are stored (usually /system/framework/framework-res.apk or similar files depending on the firmware). Then the APK file is decompiled, in the folder res/drawable or res/drawable-hdpi there are images of buttons (for example, ic_nav_back.png, ic_nav_home.png). You replace them with your own images of the same name and resolution, then compile the file back and replace the original on the system.

⚠️ Warning: Editing system files is a high-risk operation. One error in the file name or its resolution can lead to a “bootlap” (cyclic reboot) of the phone. Before starting any actions, be sure to make a full backup via TWRP or a similar recovery.

If you do not want to go into files manually, there are modules for Magisk (root access manager) that automate this process. Modules like Navigation Bar Customizer allow you to apply ready-made navigation themes, changing icons, their color and size. This is a safer method since modules can be easily removed via Safe Mode if something goes wrong. However, having root access in itself can block the operation of banking applications and some games with anti-cheat protection.

What to do if the phone went into a bootlap after replacing the icons?

If after replacing the system files the phone stops booting, you need to go into Recovery mode (usually by holding down the volume and power buttons). From there you need to either restore the backup, or, if you have access to the file system via ADB in recovery mode, put the original framework-res.apk file back in place. As a last resort, only flashing the device will help.

Solving common problems

During the setup process, users often encounter situations where new icons are not displayed, are pressed with a delay, or are overlapped by other interface elements. One common cause is a conflict between multiple applications trying to control navigation. If you installed a new launcher and button app, they may conflict with each other. In this case, you need to leave only one active management tool.

Another problem is the incompatibility of Android versions. Methods that work on Android 9may be useless on Android 13 due to increased security and changes in the structure of system resources. If the Home button stops responding after installing a custom theme, try clearing the cache in the Settings or System UI app. Sometimes a simple restart of the device helps, which resets temporary graphic bugs.

It is also worth mentioning the problem of screen burn-in on AMOLED displays. If you use static, brightly lit custom buttons for a long time, their outlines may become imprinted on the matrix. To avoid this, it is recommended to use themes with a black background around the buttons or enable the option to automatically hide the panel when inactive. Dynamically changing the position of the buttons can also help extend the life of the display.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to change navigation icons without root access?

Yes, this is possible using overlay applications that draw their buttons on top of the system ones, or by changing the launcher, which hides the standard panel. However, you cannot change the system files themselves without root access.

Is it safe to use applications to replace buttons?

Applications from the official Google Play store are usually safe. However, they require broad permissions, which could theoretically be used for data collection. Use only proven apps with a high rating.

Why did navigation settings disappear after updating Android?

Google is constantly changing its interface policy. In new versions of Android, priority is given to gesture control, so the ability to customize buttons may be reduced or completely removed by manufacturers.

How to get everything back if the buttons stop working?

Try rebooting the phone into safe mode (usually long pressing the power button, then long pressing "Disable" on the screen). This will disable all third party applications. If the problem disappears, remove the last installed interface modifiers.

Does changing icons affect the operation of the sensor?

The graphics themselves do not affect the sensor. However, if you use heavy animated themes or overlay applications, this can create additional CPU load, which in theory can lead to micro-delays in response (input lag).