The transition to buttonless controls has become one of the most noticeable changes in the ecosystem Android in recent years. Owners of devices with version 9.0 Pie of the operating system often wonder how to activate this mode in order to free up useful screen space and make using the smartphone more ergonomic. Unlike older versions, where navigation was based solely on three touch or physical buttons, the new system offers intuitive swipes.
Enabling gestures on Android 9 not only changes the appearance of the bottom panel, but also transforms the very approach to multitasking. Now switching between applications, calling up the recent apps menu and returning to the home screen are performed with one swipe of a finger. This is especially true for modern smartphones with elongated displays, where it becomes more difficult to reach the upper corners, and the lower area of the screen must remain free for a comfortable grip.
However, the activation process may vary depending on the manufacturer of your device. Shells from Xiaomi, Samsung or Huawei may have their own names for these functions or hide them in non-obvious menus. In this article, we will analyze in detail the standard activation path, consider the features of different brands and answer frequently asked questions that users have when switching to a new type of navigation.
Standard activation path in pure Android
If you are the proud owner of a smartphone from the line Google Pixel or a device with an almost stock operating system, the setup process will be as easy as possible transparent. Google developers tried to make the interface logical, so all the necessary switches are in the obvious sections of the system settings. You do not need to install third-party software or obtain root access.
First, you need to open the main settings menu of your gadget. Look for a section usually called "System" or "Display", depending on your specific firmware build. Inside this menu you should look for an item responsible for ways to navigate the interface. In the pure version of Android 9, this option is often placed in a separate subsection for user convenience.
After entering the corresponding menu, you will see a switch between two modes: classic buttons and new navigation. Activating the switch will instantly apply the changes, and the three familiar buttons at the bottom of the screen will disappear, giving way to a thin indicator bar. If you are not satisfied with the result, you can always go back and cancel the change within a few seconds until the system finally confirms the choice.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices with a small amount of RAM, switching to gestures may slightly increase the CPU load when animating transitions. If you notice stuttering, return to the button controls.
Before changing navigation settings, make sure that you have the latest version of the system launcher installed, as older versions may not display new gestures correctly.
Setting features in shells from different manufacturers
Large vendors often modify the standard Android interface by adding their own functions and changing the menu structure. This means that the path to enabling gestures on Mi UI, One UI or EMUI will be different from the stock version. Understanding these differences will help you quickly find the option you need without wandering through dozens of menu sub-items.
For example, in smartphones Xiaomi i Redmi navigation settings are moved to the “Advanced Settings” section, where it is adjacent to the date and time settings. At the same time, owners Samsung should look for this function in the “Display” section, since the Korean manufacturer classifies navigation as a screen parameter. Such fragmentation can confuse an inexperienced user accustomed to a single standard.
Below is a table that will help you navigate the paths to settings for popular brands running on Android 9:
| Brand / Shell | Path to settings | Function name |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi (Mi UI) | Settings → Advanced settings | Full screen mode |
| Samsung (One UI) | Settings → Display → Navigation bar | Swipe gestures |
| Huawei (EMUI) | Settings → System → Navigation | Gesture navigation |
| OnePlus (Oxygen OS) | Settings → Buttons and gestures | Hidden navigation bar |
It is worth noting that in some cases the manufacturer may block the ability to select the type of navigation on certain models of the budget segment. This is due to the optimization of the interface on less powerful hardware. If you do not find the corresponding item in the menu, it is likely that your model does not support this function at the firmware level.
Comparison of navigation with buttons and gestures
Many users are skeptical about innovations, preferring familiar buttons because of their predictability. Indeed, tactile feedback or a clear visual border of the buttons give a sense of control. However, gesture control on Android 9 offers a number of advantages that become obvious after a period of adaptation.
The main advantage of gestures is the freeing up of screen space. The absence of static elements at the bottom allows applications to use the entire display area for content. This is especially noticeable when watching videos, reading books or using maps, where every millimeter matters. In addition, swiping is often faster than pressing a small button in the corner of the screen.
- 📱 Ergonomics: Using the thumb of one hand is much more convenient to swipe from the edge than reaching for the back button located far from the center.
- 🚀 Speed: The transition between the latest applications is instantaneous with a wave, without waiting for the animation of pressing the menu button.
- 🎨 Aesthetics: The interface looks more modern and minimalistic, nothing distracts from the image on the screen.
However, button control has its supporters. The main argument in their favor is the ability to use the phone blindly. You always know where the Home button is and can press it without looking at the screen. With gestures, this opportunity is lost, since visual control over the beginning and end of the swipe is required.
Basic gestures and control principles
After turning on the new mode, it is important to remember the basic combinations of movements in order to effectively interact with the smartphone. The system Android 9 implemented intuitive logic, where the direction of the swipe often corresponds to a logical action. For example, moving up is associated with entering the main level, and moving away from the edge is associated with going back.
The central element of the new navigation is a thin horizontal strip at the very bottom of the screen. It serves as an indicator that the system is ready to accept the command. A short swipe up from this bar returns you to the desktop from any application. If you hold your finger at the top point of the swipe and release, the recent applications menu will open.
Swipe up from the bottom → HomeSwipe up with a delay → Application menu
Swipe from the left or right edge → Back
To switch between open apps, use a horizontal swipe across the bottom of the screen or across the recent applications area. This action is similar to flipping through cards in a deck. You can quickly scroll through the entire list of running tasks and select the one you need without closing the others. This mechanics significantly speeds up working with several apps at the same time.
The secret of fast scrolling
In the recent applications menu, you can not only flip through cards, but also quickly scroll through the list if you swipe your finger faster and with a larger pressure, which activates inertial scrolling of the task list.
Solving common problems and conflicts
When switching to gesture control, users may encounter a number of technical nuances. The most common problem is a conflict between system gestures and gestures within individual applications. For example, in some games or drawing apps, swiping from the edge of the screen, intended to go back, may accidentally work instead of a useful action within the app.
To minimize such situations, the Android system offers a sensitivity setting for the edges of the screen. In some shells, you can configure a “dead zone” in which swipes will not be read as a “Back” command. This is useful for users who actively use sidebars or specific controls in games.
⚠️ Attention: If the “Back” gesture does not work in a particular application, check whether the system navigation bar is blocking it or try updating the application itself to the latest version.
Another problem may be accidentally calling the Google Assistant. In Android 9, swiping up from the corner of the screen is often reserved for activating the voice assistant. If you often call it by accident, this function can be disabled in the settings of the assistant itself or in the navigation options, replacing the action with opening the recent tasks menu.
☑️ Diagnosing problems with gestures
Additional settings and customization
Interface control is not limited to simply turning a function on or off. Advanced users can customize the system's behavior to suit their needs by changing the order of the virtual panel buttons (if you decide to revert to buttons) or adjusting the speed of transition animations. These hidden features allow you to make your experience with your smartphone more personalized.
In the “For Developers” section, which can be activated by repeatedly tapping on the build number in the “About Phone” menu, animation speed options are available. Decreasing the value of the Window Animation, Transition Animation, and Animator Duration scales will make switching between gestures visually sharper and faster, which creates a feeling of increased device performance.
It is also worth paying attention to the Screen Pinning function. When using gestures, the pinning mechanism works differently. To pin an application, you need to swipe up to open the recent tasks menu, click on the application icon above the card and select the appropriate item. This is an important security mechanism if you are handing your phone to another person to perform one specific action.
⚠️ Note: The interface and available settings may change after a security update or upgrade to a new version of Android. Always check the current paths in the menu of your device if the described steps do not work.
Correctly setting the sensitivity of the screen edges solves 90% of problems with random backtracking in games and applications with a side menu.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to return the buttons back if gestures I won’t like it?
Yes, this is a reversible action. You can go to the navigation settings at any time and switch the mode back to “Buttons”. All your data and application settings will be saved.
Why doesn't swiping from the edge of the screen to go back work?
Most often this happens because you start swiping too far from the edge. Try to start moving your finger literally from the very edge of the screen. Also check if the “One-handed” mode is enabled, which narrows the working area.
Does enabling gestures affect battery life?
No, the effect on autonomy is minimal and is within the statistical error. Drawing a thin strip and processing swipes require negligible processor resources compared to the operation of the screen and radio modules.
How to call up the recent applications menu if there is no button?
To do this, you need to swipe up from the bottom bar of the indicator and hold your finger at the top point for a split second until a vibration or animation of the transition to the menu appears tasks.
Do gestures work on older smartphones with Android 9?
It depends on the manufacturer. Officially, the function is available on all devices with Android 9, but some brands may not have implemented it in their shells for older models due to optimization problems.