Owners of Android smartphones often envy the convenience of the interface iPhone, especially when it comes to the button "Home" —a universal tool for returning to the main page screen, call AssistiveTouch or quick access to multitasking. Unlike iOSwhere this button is built into the system, on Android it has to be configured manually. But the good news: you can do this literally in 5-10 minutes, and in several ways - from standard functions to third-party applications.

In this article we will look all working methodshow to add a "Home" button to the screen Android, including virtual buttons, gestures and even hardware solutions for devices with physical keys. You'll learn which apps are safe, how to avoid conflicts with system settings, and what to do if the button doesn't work. We will also compare the pros and cons of each method so that you can choose the best option for your smartphone model.

Why is there no Home button on Android like on the iPhone?

The reason lies in the philosophy of the two operating systems. Apple traditionally follows a single approach to the interface: the button "Home" (or its software equivalent on frameless models) is always located in the same place and performs the same functions. On Android manufacturers have the right to change the location and behavior of navigation elements - therefore on Samsung these can be three classic buttons, on Xiaomi - gestures, and on Google Pixel - a combination of both.

In addition, Android was originally designed as a more flexible system where the user can customize the interface to suit himself. This means that:

  • 📱 Manufacturers often removing the physical Home button in favor of touch gestures (for example, swiping from below on OnePlus or Oppo).
  • ⚙️ Google does not impose a single navigation standard, allowing brands to experiment with the interface.
  • 🔧 Users can install alternative launchers (for example, Nova Launcher), which change the control logic.

However, such freedom also has a downside: many lack the usual “Home” button, especially those who switched from iPhone on Android. Fortunately, there is a solution - and there are even several of them.

📊 What smartphone do you have?
Samsung
Xiaomi
Google Pixel
OnePlus
Huawei
Other

Method 1: Virtual Home button through Android settings (without root)

Many modern smartphones allow you to add a virtual Home button directly in the system settings. This method does not require installing third-party applications and works on most devices from Android 10+ allow you to add a virtual Home button directly in system settings. This method does not require installation of third-party applications and works on most devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme and other brands. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open Settings → Accessibility (on some models the path. may differ: Settings → Additional features).
  2. Find the section Universal access or Physical buttons.
  3. Select option Floating button, Assistive Touch or Navigation button (the name depends on the firmware).
  4. Activate the slider and customize the appearance of the button (size, transparency, position on the screen).
  5. In the button action menu, add the function Home (Home) or Return to home screen.

For example, on smartphones Xiaomi (MIUI) this tool is called Assistive Ball, and on Samsung (One UI) — Universal access button. The main advantage of the method is no need to install third-party software, and the button works even in games and full-screen applications.

Is developer mode enabled (if required)|

Is there an "Accessibility" section in the settings|

Does your firmware support floating buttons|

Has a backup of important data been made? (in case of failure)-->

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Google Pixel or Motorola), the system floating button may conflict with navigation gestures. If, after activating the button, swipes stop working, disable it or use an alternative method.

Method 2: Applications for the Home button (Assistive Touch for Android)

If your firmware does not have a built-in floating button function, third-party applications will come to the rescue. The most popular ones imitate AssistiveTouch With iPhone, adding a virtual button with customizable actions to the screen. We tested the top 5 applications and compiled a comparative table:

Application Rating (Google Play) Features Cons
Assistive Touch 4.6 ⭐ Full analogue of iPhone buttons, support for gestures, customization of appearance Advertising in the free version, sometimes slows down
Floating Touch 4.4 ⭐ Lightweight, works on older Androids, there are quick actions (screenshot, lock) Limited button design settings
EasyTouch 4.5 ⭐ Multi-touch support, you can add up to 5 buttons, work in games Paid functions (for example, changing transparency)
NavBar Apps 4.3 ⭐ Allows you to create your own navigation bar with Home button Complicated interface for beginners
One Hand Operation + 4.7 ⭐ Optimized for large screens, supports gestures (like iPhone X) Requires permission to access accessibility features

We recommend starting with Assistive Touch or EasyTouch —they are the most universal. After installation:

  1. Run the application and grant it permissions (including Accessibility and Overlay on top of others applications).
  2. Customize the appearance of the button (size, color, transparency).
  3. Add an action Home (or To the home screen) to the list of commands.
  4. Position the button on the screen (usually it is placed on the side so that it does not interfere).
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If the button does not appear after setting, restart the smartphone. Sometimes system services block the overlay of elements until you restart.

Important: some applications (for example, One Hand Operation +) require activation in menu Settings → Accessibility → Accessibility Services. Without this, the button will not work.

Method 3: Gestures instead of the Home button (setting up system navigation)

If it’s not important to you exactly the button, but you need it functionality to return to the main screen in one motion - you can configure navigation gestures. This method is suitable for smartphones with Android 9+ and allows you to completely abandon virtual buttons in favor of swipes.

Instructions for most firmware:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation.
  2. Select an option Swipe gestures (or Full screen gestures on MIUI).
  3. Activate the option where swiping from bottom to top returns to the main screen (analogous to the Home button).
  4. If necessary, adjust the sensitivity of the gesture.

For example, on Google Pixel a swipe from below and holding opens Google Assistant, and a short swipe returns to the main screen On Samsung the logic may be different: here a swipe from the center from the bottom. works as “Home”, and swiping from the edge - as “Back”.

How to roll back to the classic buttons?

If you don’t like the gestures, return the standard navigation in the same menu (Settings → System → GesturesSelect). option 3 navigation buttons or 2 buttons (depending on the firmware).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example Xiaomi Redmi Note 10), gestures may conflict with floating buttons. If, after enabling gestures, the virtual Home button stops working, disable one of the solutions.

Method 4: Physical Home button (for devices with hardware keys)

If your smartphone is still equipped physical button (for example Samsung Galaxy S8 or older models), it can be reassigned to the “Home” function. To do this:

  1. Install the application Button Mapper (available in Google Play).
  2. Grant it rights Accessibility.
  3. Select physical the button you want to reassign (for example, the button Bixby to Samsung).
  4. In the list of actions, find Home or To the main screen.
  5. Save the settings and test the button.

This method is especially relevant for owners of devices with Bixby button (which many do not use) or smartphones with double click on the power button to call an assistant. Reassignment allows you to use “dead” keys for useful functions.

Method limitations:

  • 🚫 Does not work on devices without hardware buttons (for example, Google Pixel 6 or OnePlus 10 Pro).
  • ⚠️ On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo) button reassignment is blocked by the system.
  • 🔧 Requires ADB permissions for full access (on Android 10+).
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Reassigning physical buttons is the most reliable method, since it does not depend on screen overlays and works even in safe mode.

Method 5: Home button via ADB (for advanced users)

If you need it deep reassignment of buttons or system gestures, you can use the tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires working with the command line. Advantage - maximum customization without third-party ones. applications.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Install ADB Tools on PC (you can download from the official website Android Developers).
  2. Activate Developer mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap on it 7 times.
  3. Enable USB Debugging in the menu For Developers.
  4. Connect your phone to the PC and run the command in ADB: 
    adb shell settings put secure sysui_nav_bar "space,home,back"

    This command adds the Home button to the system navigation bar.

  5. To reassign gestures, use: 
    adb shell cmd overlay enable com.android.internal.systemui.navbar.gestural

List of useful ADB-commands for setting up navigation:

  • 📱 adb shell settings put secure swipe_up_to_switch_apps_enabled 1 - enable swipe for multitasking.
  • 🔄 adb shell cmd overlay disable com.android.internal.systemui.navbar.threebutton - disable 3 navigation buttons.
  • 🚀 adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings - quick access to the developer menu.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use ADB can lead to interface malfunctions. Before experiments, create a backup copy of your settings via Settings → System → Backup.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make it easier for you to decide, we have compiled a comparative table of all methods, taking into account their pros, cons and complexity of setup:

Method Complexity Pros Cons Suitable for
System floating button ⭐ (simple) No need to install applications, it works stable Not on all firmware, limited customization Beginner users
Third-party applications (Assistive Touch) ⭐⭐ (average) Flexible settings, imitation of an iPhone button Advertising, possible lags Those who want a button like on an iPhone
Navigation gestures ⭐ (simple) No buttons on screen, modern interface Addictive, not convenient for everyone Owners of new smartphones
Reassigning physical buttons ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) Reliable, works without overlap Only for devices with hardware keys Experienced users
ADB commands ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (very difficult) Maximum customization, no third-party applications Risk of failures, requires a PC Geeks and developers

Our advice:

  • 📲 If you need one simple button without unnecessary settings - use system floating button (Method 1).
  • 🍎 If you want complete analogue iPhone - install Assistive Touch or EasyTouch (Method 2).
  • 👆 If you like gestures and a modern interface - set up system navigation (Method 3).
  • ⚙️ If you are ready to experiment, try ADB or reassigning buttons (Methods 4–5).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after correct settings, the Home button may not work correctly. We have collected top 5 problems and ways to fix them:

  1. The button does not appear on the screen:
    • Check whether it is enabled resolution Overlay on top of other applications for the application.
    • Restart your smartphone - sometimes system services block the display of elements.
    • Update the application to the latest version.
  2. The button works, but not returns to the main screen:
    • Make sure that the action is selected in the button settings Homeand not Back or Recent Apps.
    • If you use a launcher (for example, Nova), check its settings - some launchers block system commands.
  3. The button interferes with games or videos:
    • Adjust the transparency of the button or move it to the corner of the screen.
    • In some applications (for example, PUBG Mobileyou can disable overlays in their own settings.
  4. Gestures stopped working after installing the button:
    • Disable the floating button and check if the gestures are restored.
    • If so, use either the button or the gestures (they can conflict at the same time).
  • The application for the button constantly crashes:
    • Clear the application cache in Settings → Applications.
    • Try an alternative application (for example, instead of Assistive Touch install Floating Touch).
    ⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ some Applications for floating buttons may require additional permissions due to stricter security policies. If the button does not work, check your settings. data-i="313">Is it possible to make a Home button like on an iPhone without root access? Privacy → Accessibility Permissions.
    Is it possible to make the Home button like the iPhone without root access?

    Yes, all the methods from this article (except for deep customization via ADB) work without root accessFor most methods, standard resolutions are sufficient (Accessibility And Overlay on top of other applications).

    Will the Home button work in games and full-screen applications?

    It depends on the application:

    • 🎮 Games: In most cases the button will be visible, but in some games (for example Genshin Impactthe overlays are blocked. Try changing the position of the button or using gestures.
    • 📺 Video players: B YouTube or Netflix the button usually works, but may be hidden in full-screen mode. Adjust the auto-hide delay in the application settings.
    How can I remove the standard navigation buttons if I use a floating button?

    To hide the system navigation bar:

    1. Go to Settings → System → Gestures → System navigation.
    2. Select option Full screen gestures (or Swipes, depending on the firmware).
    3. If there is no such option, use the ADBcommand: 
      adb shell cmd overlay enable com.android.internal.systemui.navbar.gestural

    After this, the standard buttons will disappear, and only your floating button will remain.

    Is it possible to configure a double click on the button “Home” (like on the iPhone)?

    Yes, but you will need a supported application for this multi-level actions. For example, in EasyTouch:

    1. Open the application settings.
    2. Select a button and add an action for Single click (for example, Home).
    3. Add another action for Double tap (for example, Multitasking or Quick Settings).

    An alternative is to use Button Mapper to reassign the double tap to a physical button (if there is one).

    Why did the Home button stop working after updating Android?

    This is a typical problem after major updates (for example, from Android 12 to Android 13). Reasons and solutions:

    • 🔄 Permissions reset: Go to Settings → Applications, find your application for the button and re-grant it all permissions.
    • 🛠️ The firmware has changed: Some manufacturers remove support for floating buttons in new versions. Try another application (for example, NavBar Apps).
    • 📱 Conflict with gestures: After the update, system gestures may have been enabled. Disable them in Settings → System → Gestures.