Managing a smartphone is a daily routine on which the comfort of using the gadget depends. Many users are wondering how to change the layout of buttons on Android in order to adapt the interface to their ergonomics or habits developed on other devices. The standard layout is not always convenient: some are more accustomed to the “Back” button on the right, while others want to completely abandon buttons in favor of gestures.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible ways to change navigation in the Android system. We will consider both standard settings for different versions of the operating system, as well as specific solutions for shells from manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi i Huawei. You will learn how to switch to gesture controls or change the order of buttons without the need to obtain root access.
The evolution of navigation in Android: from buttons to gestures
The history of the Android interface has come a long way. In early versions of the system, control was carried out exclusively through three physical or capacitive keys under the screen. It was a standard that everyone could understand: “Menu” on the left, “Home” in the center and “Back” on the right. However, with the increase in screen diagonals, space for buttons has become a precious resource.
Starting with the version of Android 9 Pie, Google began active implementation gesture navigation. This system allows you to control the device with swipes, freeing up the lower part of the display for content. Despite the convenience of gestures, many users still prefer the classic three-button layout due to its tactile certainty and habit.
Modern versions of Android, including 12, 13 and 14, give the user freedom of choice. You can keep the classic buttons, change their order, or use hybrid methods. It is important to understand that in pure Android (as on Google Pixel), customization options are limited, while custom shells offer advanced options.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices in the budget segment, manufacturers may block the ability to change the navigation type, leaving only one available option.
Standard settings in pure Android
If you have a smartphone with a “clean” system or minimal modifications (for example, Motorola, Nokia, Google Pixel), the process of changing settings is quite simple. The menu logic is the same for most devices running stock software. First, you need to go to the section System.
Go to the phone settings and find the "System" item. Inside this section, select the "Gestures" option. This is where the switches responsible for the behavior of the bottom navigation bar are hidden. In older versions, this item could be called “Buttons” or “Navigation.”
In the menu that opens, you will see the “Navigation using buttons” switch. If you activate it, three familiar icons will appear on the screen. If you turn it off, the system will suggest using swipes. Also often available here is the option of gesture sensitivity, which can be adjusted to suit you.
If you are switching from buttons to gestures, give yourself a couple of days to adapt. The brain needs time to rebuild the muscle memory of the fingers.
Setting up navigation on Samsung smartphones
Owners of devices from the Korean giant have access to one of the most flexible interfaces - One UI. Samsung allows you not only to choose between buttons and gestures, but also to change their positions. This is especially true for those who are switching from an iPhone or older Android smartphones with a different button order.
To change settings, go to the menu Settings → Display → Navigation bar. Here you will be asked to choose one of three types: buttons, gestures or gestures with prompts. Hints are small bars at the bottom of the screen that help you understand where to swipe from.
The most interesting feature for many is the “Button Order” button. By activating this switch, you will swap the Back and Application Drawer functions. Now the "Back" button will be on the right, which is familiar to many users switching from iOS.
☑️ Checking Samsung settings
| Navigation type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons (3 pcs) | Familiar, clearly visible functions | Take up space on the screen |
| Gestures | Maximum space for content | You need to get used to swiping |
| Gestures + Hints | Compromise option | Visual noise at the bottom screen |
| Buttons (swapped) | Convenient for right-handed/left-handed people | Can be confusing when changing phones |
Features of the MIUI interface on Xiaomi and Redmi
Shell MIUI (and its new version HyperOS) from Xiaomi is famous for its depth of customization. Here the navigation settings are placed in a separate, easily accessible section. Users can not only change the type of control, but also adjust the sensitivity of swipes, which is critical for smooth operation.
To access the settings, use the path Settings → Additional settings → Full screen mode. In this menu you will find a toggle between "Buttons" and "Gestures". If gestures are selected, a "Sensitivity" slider will appear below, allowing you to adjust the system's response to the speed of finger movement.
An interesting feature is the ability to hide the gesture indicator bar. This is done through a hidden menu or special themes, but using standard tools you can only adjust its transparency. Also, a bug is often encountered in MIUI when, after an update, the settings are reset to gestures.
⚠️ Attention: In some regions of the Xiaomi firmware, the option to change buttons may not be available without changing the region in the settings.
How to change the region on Xiaomi?
Go to Settings → Advanced settings → Region. Select a country where the feature is known to work (for example, India or Singapore) and check for the option to change buttons. After setting up, you can return your region.
Specifics of Huawei and Honor devices
Smartphones of brands Huawei and Honor run on the EMUI or MagicOS shell. The approach to navigation here is similar to Samsung, but with some differences in terminology. The developers rely on simplicity and intuitiveness, so the settings menu is usually not overloaded with unnecessary options.
To change the navigation method, follow the path Settings → System → System navigation. Here you will be asked to choose one of three options: navigation bar (buttons), gestures with prompts, or gestures without prompts. The choice depends solely on your personal preferences.
It is worth noting that on older Huawei models with a physical Home button, a software change of navigation is not possible, since one of the buttons is hardware. However, on all modern models with frameless screens, full software configuration is available system navigation.
Advanced setup via ADB
For users who want full control over their device and are not afraid of technical terms, there is a setup method via USB debugging (ADB). This method allows you to change navigation options even in cases where the manufacturer has hidden this option in the menu.
First, you need to activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on the build number 7 times. Then, in the developer menu, enable "USB Debugging". Connect your phone to your computer and enter the following command:
adb shell settings put secure system_navigation_mode 2In this command, the number "2" indicates the type of navigation (usually 0 - buttons, 1 - gestures, 2 - alternative mode). Values may vary depending on the Android version and specific device model. Using ADB requires caution, as incorrect commands can lead to unstable operation of the interface.
Using ADB gives maximum flexibility, but requires a PC and basic command line knowledge. Be careful when entering commands.
Possible problems and solutions
Sometimes after changing settings, users are faced with the fact that the buttons have disappeared, but the gestures do not work, or the navigation bar behaves incorrectly. Most often this is due to a conflict with third-party launchers or errors in system updates. First of all, try simply rebooting the device.
If the problem persists, check to see if you have an application installed that changes the interface (custom launcher). Some launchers intercept navigation control. Try disabling them temporarily and check the operation of the standard panel. It is also worth clearing the cache of the "System Interface UI" application.
- 🔄 Reboot: The simplest and often effective solution to any interface glitches.
- 🧹 Clearing the cache: Go to application settings, find the system UI and clear the cache (not data!).
- 🛡️ Checking launchers: Make sure that third-party shells do not conflict with system gestures.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu names may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and the model of your smartphone. If you do not find the item you need, use the search inside the settings.
What to do if the navigation bar disappears completely?
This may be a system process failure. Try entering Safe Mode (by holding down the power button on the screen) to see if a third-party app is to blame. If buttons appear in safe mode, remove recently installed apps.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to return physical buttons on screens without frames?
Physical buttons cannot be returned, since they are a hardware part. However, you can enable emulation of three buttons on the screen in the navigation settings, which will visually and functionally replace the physical keys.
Why is there no button for changing the order of buttons on my Xiaomi?
In the MIUI/HyperOS shell, the standard function for changing the order of buttons (like on Samsung) is often missing. To do this, you will have to use third-party applications from the Play Market or configure via ADB.
Does changing buttons affect the speed of the phone?
No, the choice between gestures and buttons only affects ergonomics and visual perception. This does not affect the performance of the processor or the speed of opening applications.
How to disable vibration when you press the navigation buttons?
This is configured in the section Settings → Sound and vibration → Vibration on touch (or a similar item in your model). There you can disable tactile feedback for system buttons.
Is it safe to use ADB commands to change navigation?
Yes, if you enter proven commands. However, changing system settings via ADB always carries minimal risk. It is recommended to make a backup copy of important data before the experiment.