Modern smartphones are evolving not only in technical terms, but also in terms of user experience. One of the main trends in recent years has been the abandonment of physical and on-screen navigation buttons in favor of full screen gesture control. This method, popularized by Apple, makes using the device more intuitive and frees up valuable display space for content. This not only visually reduces the working area, but also often leads to accidental thumb presses. Switching to gestures solves these problems, making navigation smooth and fast.
Many owners of devices based on Android still use the outdated layout with three buttons at the bottom of the screen: Back, Home and Application Drawer. This not only visually reduces the working area, but also often leads to accidental thumb presses. Switching to gestures solves these problems, making navigation smooth and fast.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how to change the way you navigate on your smartphone. The setup process may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer of your gadget and the version of the operating system, so we will consider options for pure Android, as well as for shells One UI from Samsung and MIUI from Xiaomi.
Advantages of gesture control over buttons
Switching to a new navigation scheme provides a number of tangible advantages that become noticeable after just a couple of days of use. The main one is ergonomics. You no longer need to reach your finger to the very bottom of the screen, which is especially important for modern smartphones with a diagonal of more than 6 inches.
In addition, the absence of static interface elements allows applications and games to occupy the entire display area. This creates a completely immersive experience, which is especially appreciated when watching videos or reading e-books. The gesture system is also easier to learn for those who have previously used the product Apple.
It is worth noting the impact on the durability of the screen. When using the buttons, you are constantly touching the same area of the display, which could theoretically lead to uneven wear of the matrix (burn-in) in these points. Gestures distribute touches over the entire surface.
- 🚀 Increases the usable screen area for content and applications.
- 👆 More convenient one-handed control on large diagonals.
- 🎨 Modern appearance of the interface without unnecessary elements.
- 🔄 Quick access to switch applications by swiping.
Setting up gestures on pure Android (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia)
In smartphones with a stock operating system, the process of enabling gestures is as simplified and standardized as possible. Google is committed to making the interface consistent across all devices, so this is the easiest place to find the setting you need.
First, you need to open your device's main settings. This is usually done through the gear in the notification shade or through the app Settings in the application menu. Next, find the section responsible for the operation of the system as a whole.
In the settings menu, select the item System. Inside this section you need to find a subsection Gestures. This is where all the parameters related to swipe management are concentrated. If you do not see this item right away, use the search in the settings by entering the word “gestures”.
In the menu that opens, select the option Navigation in the system. By default, there may be an item “3 buttons”. You need to switch the toggle switch to option Gesture navigation. After this, the buttons at the bottom of the screen will disappear, and the system will offer a short training tour.
If you have just switched to gestures, do not rush to assess the inconvenience. It takes the brain from 2 to 5 days to rebuild muscle memory and start using swipes automatically.
How to enable gestures on Samsung smartphones (One UI)
Shell One UI from Samsung has its own specifics in the organization of the menu, but the function of enabling gestures is present in all current models. The settings interface here is more detailed and offers additional customization options.
Go to the menu Settings and scroll down the list to the section Display. In some firmware versions this item may be called “Screen”. Inside this section you need to find the line Navigation panel.
By clicking on this item, you will see two options: “Buttons” and “Swipe Gestures”. Choose the second option. Immediately after this, the bottom panel with buttons will disappear. However, there is an important feature in the Samsung menu that is worth knowing about.
A setting is available in the same menu Edge sensitivity. If you accidentally minimize apps or go back too often, try changing this setting to Medium or Low sensitivity. This will prevent false positives.
⚠️ Attention: On some older Samsung models or in specific regional firmware versions, the “Navigation Bar” item may be hidden or replaced with “Full Screen Applications”. In this case, gesture control is enabled automatically when you launch certain games or videos.
Activation of full screen mode on Xiaomi and Redmi (MIUI/HyperOS)
Device users Xiaomi, Redmi i POCO face slightly different menu logic. The company often changes the location of items in its updates, but the basic principle remains the same.
Open the application Settings and find the section Advanced (sometimes called “Advanced Settings”). In this list, look for item Full screen mode. This is where you switch between classic buttons and gestures.
In the window that opens, you will be asked to choose one of two control options. Select the icon representing swipes (usually these are arrows coming from the edges of the screen). The system will immediately apply the changes. You can also customize the order of the Back and Menu buttons if you decide to return to the buttons.
An interesting feature in MIUI is the ability to hide the gesture indicator (the thin strip at the bottom of the screen). To do this, in the same menu you need to activate the item Hide the indicator. This makes the screen even cleaner, but requires better memorization of the swipe area.
☑️ Checking the gesture settings
Basic gestures and their descriptions
After turning on the new control mode, it is important to remember the basic combinations of movements. They are intuitive, but have their own nuances depending on the context of use of the application.
| Action | Description of the gesture | Analogue of a button |
|---|---|---|
| Home | Swipe from bottom to top in the center screen | Round button |
| Back | Swipe from the left or right edge to the center | Triangle |
| Application menu | Swipe from bottom to top with finger held | Square |
| Switching applications | Horizontal swipe along the bottom edge of the screen | No analogue |
| Google Assistant | Swipe from the bottom corner diagonally | Long press |
Swipe to go back is the most commonly used. You can perform it from either the left or right edge of the screen. This is especially convenient if you hold the phone in your right hand - then swipe with your thumb from the right edge.
To call the multitasking menu (list of open applications), you need to swipe from the bottom up and hold your finger at the top point for a split second. If you just swipe quickly, you'll be taken to your desktop. Practice this movement several times to feel the difference.
The secret to fast navigation
If you hold the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen and drag left or right, you can quickly switch between the last two open applications without bringing up the full multitasking menu.
Solving problems and conflicts with applications
Despite its convenience, gesture controls may conflict with some applications, especially games or apps that use swipes from the edge of the screen for their internal functions. For example, in shooters, swiping from the edge can accidentally minimize the game.
In such cases, the operating system offers an exception function. You can configure specific apps to automatically include navigation buttons. This is a hybrid approach that allows you to enjoy gestures in the system, but have buttons in specific software.
To add an application to exceptions, go to the navigation settings (as described above for your model) and find the item Exceptions for full screen mode or Individual application settings. Select the desired app from the list and activate the classic buttons for it.
⚠️ Attention: Some banking applications and secure instant messengers may block screenshots or screen recording when using certain security gestures. If the function does not work, check the security settings of the specific application.
It is also worth considering that on screens with a high refresh rate (90 Hz, 120 Hz), gesture animation may look smoother, but require more precise timing when performing swipes. If gestures do not work the first time, try performing them a little slower and more confidently.
Hybrid setup (gestures in the system + buttons in games) is the ideal balance for users who actively play mobile shooters or strategies.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to return the buttons back? if you don’t like the gestures?
Yes, this is a reversible process. You can go to the same navigation settings at any time and switch the toggle switch back to the “3 buttons” mode. All your data and application settings will be preserved.
Why does the “Back” swipe not work in some applications?
Some application developers may block system gestures in order to use the edges of the screen for their controls. In this case, try swiping just above the very edge or add the application to exceptions.
Does enabling gestures affect battery consumption?
No, using gesture controls does not affect power consumption in any way. This is a software feature of the interface that does not require additional processor resources compared to drawing buttons.
How to call Google Assistant with a gesture?
In most versions of Android, this is done by swiping from the bottom left or right corner of the screen diagonally upward. If the gesture does not work, check in Google settings whether activation of the assistant through gestures is enabled.
The bar at the bottom of the screen has disappeared, how can you now understand where to swipe?
The bar can be hidden in the navigation settings for aesthetics. If it is hidden, the area for swiping “Home” is located in the lower central part of the screen (about the bottom 15-20% of the display), even if visually there is nothing there.