How to hide or remove icons at the bottom of the screen on Android: a complete guide

The icons at the bottom of the screen on Android are a navigation bar with the “Back”, “Home” and “Recent” buttons, as well as system icons for notifications or gestures. For some users they are convenient, for others they take up precious display space, especially on smartphones with a small screen or non-standard aspect ratio. In this article, we will look at all the ways to hide them: from standard settings to hidden functions for experienced users.

It is important to understand that the methods differ depending on Android versions (from Android 9 Pie to Android 14), manufacturer (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, Huawei EMUI etc.) and even device models. For example, on Google Pixel with pure Android, setting gestures works differently than on Realme with shell Realme UI. We will look at universal solutions and nuances for popular brands.

If you want not just to hide icons, but to completely change the navigation method (for example, switch to gestures), the article has a separate section with step-by-step guide. You will also learn how to return the panel back if something goes wrong, and what hidden Android functions allow you to fine-tune the display of system elements without root access.

1. How to hide the navigation bar through Android settings

The easiest way to remove the buttons at the bottom of the screen is to use the built-in system options. This method works on most modern smartphones (from Android 10 and newer) and does not require additional apps. Here's how to do it:

1. Open "Settings" and go to the section System → Gestures → System navigation (on some devices the path may differ: Screen → Navigation panel).
2. Select navigation type:
   • 🔄 Gestures — complete hiding of the panel (buttons appear only when swiping from the bottom).
   • ⚙️ 2-button navigation —minimalistic option with “Back” and “Home”.
   • ⬛ 3-button navigation - classic view (cannot be hidden, but you can reduce the size).

Save changes and check the result On some devices (Samsung, Xiaomi) will be required. reboot.

On Samsung Galaxy with shell One UI another path: Settings → Display → Navigation bar → Navigation bar type. Here you can choose "Full screen gestures" or "Buttons" (with the ability to hide when scrolling).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Huawei, Honor), when selecting gestures, the ability to quickly call Google Assistant swipe from the corner may disappear. To return the function, go to Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation → Additional settings.

2. Hiding the panel through the developer (for advanced users)

If the standard settings do not give the desired result, you can use developer mode. This method allows you to fine-tune the display of the navigation panel, including its transparency and size:

1. Activate developer mode:
   • Go to Settings → About phone → Software version.
   • Tap 7 times on the item Build number (a notification “You have become a developer!” will appear).
2. Customize the panel:
   • Return to Settings → System → For developers (or Advanced settings → For developers to Xiaomi).
   • Find options:
     • 🔍 force_fullscreen_output — hides the panel in some applications.
     • 📏 min_width i min_height —changes the size of the panel (value 0 hides it completely).

To completely hide the panel, set the parameter force_fullscreen_output to value "On"However, please note that in this case the navigation buttons will disappear completely, and to return to the desktop. you will have to use gestures or a voice assistant.

Activate developer mode (7 taps by build number)

Make a backup copy of the settings (Settings → System → Backup)

Remember the current settings (take a photo of the screen)

Do not change other settings in the "For Developers" section unless necessary-->

⚠️ Attention: Some parameters in developer mode may lead to unstable system operation or loss of warranty (for example, changing the animation or disabling application signature verification). Change only those options that you are sure of.

3. Using applications to hide the panel (without root)

If built-in methods are not suitable, you can use third-party utilities. They do not require root access, but may require permission to Special features or Overlay on top of other applications. Here are the top 3 tested applications:

Application	Functions	Cons	Link (Play Market)
Nacho Notch	Hide the navigation bar and a notch in the screen. Works on Android 9+. Supports gestures.	Advertising in the free version.	com.uberspot.notchhider
Full Screen Immersive Mode	Full screen mode for games and videos. Auto-hide panel.	Does not work in some banking applications.	com.uberspot.immersive
Gesture Control	Replacing standard buttons with custom gestures. Setting sensitivity.	Complicated setup for beginners.	com.phoenixstudios.gesturecontrol

To hide the panel using Nacho Notch:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Enable the option «Hide Navigation Bar».
3. Grant permission to Accessibility (in Android settings).
4. Reboot the device.

Applications do not work on all devices. For example, on Samsung Galaxy S22 c One UI 5.1 Full Screen Immersive Mode may conflict with proprietary gestures SamsungIn this case, try disabling system gestures before use. utilities.

4. Hiding system icons (notifications, clock, battery)

Sometimes users confuse the navigation bar with system icons at the bottom of the screen (for example, clock, battery indicator or notification icons). are configured separately. Here's how to remove them: status bar and are configured separately. Here's how to remove them:

• 🕒 Clock and date:
  • On Xiaomi: Settings → Screen → Clock and date on the lock screen → disable display.
  • On Samsung: Settings → Lock screen → Widgets → Clock → select "No".
• 🔋 Battery indicator:
  • Enable Settings → Notifications → Status bar → Hide charge percentage.
  • On Huawei this is done through Settings → Battery → Display style.
• 📱 Notification icons:
  • Hold the notification → select "Disable notifications".
  • Or: Settings → Applications → [Select application] → Notifications → Disable.

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS on Oppo/Realme) can completely hide the status bar in full-screen applications. To do this:

1. Open Settings → Usability → Full screen mode.
2. Select "Hide status bar" for individual applications (for example, games or video players).

Why can’t you hide icons on some devices?

On smartphones with Android Go (for example, Nokia 1.4 or Samsung Galaxy M02) and some Chinese brands (for example, Tecno, Infinix) manufacturers block changes to system icons due to optimization for weak hardware. In this case, only flashing custom software will help (for example, LineageOS), but this requires unlocking the bootloader and may void the warranty.

5. Gestures instead of buttons: how to go and configure

If you want not just to hide the panel, but to completely change the navigation method, gestures is the best solution. They save screen space and speed up interaction with your smartphone. Let's look at how to enable them on different firmware:

• 📱 Stock Android (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia):
  1. Go to Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation.
  2. Select Gestures or Swipe up.
  3. Adjust the swipe sensitivity in Advanced settings.
• 🌐 Samsung One UI:
  1. Open Settings → Display → Navigation bar → Full screen gestures.
  2. Select style: "Swipe from bottom" edges" or "Swipe from the sides".
  3. T Advanced settings disable "Gesture prompts"to remove visual cues.

⚡ Xiaomi MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Full screen.
2. Select "MIUI Gestures" or "Android Gestures".
3. Advanced Advanced configure "Edge sensitivity" (useful for large screens).

On Huawei EMUI i Honor Magic UI gestures are configured via Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation. Here you can choose between "Standard gestures" (swipe from the bottom) and "Gestures from the sides" (like on iPhone).

6. Radical methods: ADB and custom firmware

If none of the above methods help, the only options left are advanced methods - using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or installing custom firmware. These methods are suitable for experienced users and require caution.

Method 1: Disabling the panel via ADB

To do this, you will need a computer with drivers installed ADB and USB debugging enabled on the phone. Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and open the command line (cmd).
2. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   (the device serial number should appear).

3. Run the command to hide the panel:

   adb shell settings put global policy_control immersive.full=*

4. Reboot the device.

To return the panel back, use the command:

adb shell settings put global policy_control null

Method 2: Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

Installing alternative firmware gives full control over the interface, but requires:

• Unlocking the bootloader (OEM Unlock in the developer settings).
• Installing custom recovery (TWRP).
• Data backup (the process erases all files!).

After installing the firmware (for example, LineageOS) you can:

• 🔧 Adjust the transparency and size of the navigation bar.
• 🎨 Change the location of the buttons (for example, swap “Back” and “Recents”).
• ⚡ Disable the panel completely while maintaining functionality through gestures.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader and installing custom software resets all data may void the warrantyOn some devices (Xiaomi, Samsung) unlocking requires waiting 7-30 days after. linking the account.

7. Common problems and their solutions

When hiding the navigation bar, users encounter common errors:

Problem	Cause	Solution
The panel has disappeared, but gestures do not work	Conflict with the application to hide the panel	Disable everything utilities in Settings → Accessibility
Buttons appear again after reboot	Reset developer settings	Reactivate force_fullscreen_output
Swipes do not work in games	Gestures conflict with game controls	Add the game to exceptions in the gesture settings
Notification icons remain	System icons do not belong to the navigation bar	Hide them separately (see section 4)

If, after manipulating the panel, Google Assistant (call by swiping from the corner), return it like this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Google.
2. Select Assistant and voice input → Settings → Gestures.
3. Enable the option "Swipe from corner".

What should I do if some applications do not work after hiding the panel?

Some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) block operation on devices with changed security settings (USB debugging enabled, unlocked bootloader or hidden navigation bar). To fix it. this is:

1. Return the standard navigation panel.

2. Disable USB debugging (Settings → For developers).

3. Restart the device.

4. Try opening the application again.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to remove the panel on Android 8 and below?

On Android 8 Oreo and older versions there are no standard options for hiding the panel. Options:

• Use applications like Nacho Notch (does not work on all devices).
• Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS 15+).
• Enable «Immersive Mode» via ADB (command: adb shell settings put global policy_control immersive.full=*).

On Android 7 Nougat and older, there is a high probability that the panel will return after a reboot.

Why did the panel return after updating Android?

System updates often reset user settings, including:

• Developer mode settings (force_fullscreen_output).
• Gesture settings (for example, Samsung One UI after the update, 3-button navigation may be enabled).
• Permissions for third-party applications (for example, Nacho Notch will stop working).

Solution: repeat setting up the panel again. If you are using ADB, run the command again.

How to return the panel if it disappeared after experiments?

Methods return:

• If used developer mode: return the parameter force_fullscreen_output to the state "Off".
• If used ADB: run the command adb shell settings put global policy_control null.
• If the problem is after custom firmware: reflash the device to the stock version via Odin (Samsung) or Fastboot (for other brands).
• If all else fails: do reset to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset).

Is it possible to hide the panel only in certain applications?

Yes, this is possible using:

• Built-in functions:
  • On Samsung: Settings → Usability → Full screen applications → add the desired application.
  • On Xiaomi: Settings → Accessibility → Full screen mode.
• Third-party applications:
  • Full Screen Immersive Mode allows you to set exceptions for individual apps.
  • Game Tools (on Xiaomi) automatically hides the panel in games.

Limitation: in banking applications and some instant messengers (for example, WhatsApp), full-screen mode may not be available work due to security policy.

Is it safe to use ADB to hide the panel?

Use ADB is safe if:

• You follow proven instructions (for example, from this article).
• Do not change other system parameters without understanding their purpose.
• Use official drivers from the manufacturer (for example, Samsung USB Driver for Galaxy).

Risks:

• An incorrect command can lead to cyclic reboot (bootloop).
• On some devices (Huawei, Xiaomi), changes via ADB are reset after the update.

Recommendation: before using ADB, make a backup copy of your data and remember the command to roll back changes.