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Samsung: Switch Between Navigation Buttons and Swipe Gestures

If your Samsung phone shows three buttons at the bottom instead of a slim gesture bar - or the other way round - you can switch the layout yourself. Some people find the thin gesture bar too easy to trigger by accident, while others miss the dedicated Back button once gestures are active. The right setup depends on how confidently you swipe versus tap.

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Step 1 of 4: Tap on **Settings**

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Tap on Settings

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Android 11 · One UI 3
Switch Navigation Bar Between Buttons and Gestures – One UI 3: step 1 – Tap on Settings
Tap on Settings
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Samsung

Switch Navigation Bar Between Buttons and Gestures auf Samsung

Samsung phones running One UI let you pick between two navigation styles. The classic layout shows three buttons - Recent apps, Home and Back - permanently at the bottom of the screen. The gesture layout replaces them with a slim bar: you swipe up from the bottom to go Home, swipe up and hold to see recent apps, and swipe in from the edge to go back.

Both methods control the same actions, so switching does not remove any function. It only changes how much space the navigation takes on screen and how precise your taps or swipes need to be. Gesture navigation frees up screen space, which some apps and games use for extra content. Button navigation is easier to hit accurately, especially with larger fingers or when using the phone with one hand.

To switch between the two, open Tap on SettingsTap on DisplayTap on Navigation barChoose Buttons or Swipe gestures. The change applies immediately, so you can test both styles right away and switch back if the new one feels unfamiliar.

If an app misbehaves after switching - for example a game that reacts to edge swipes - switching back to buttons for that session usually solves it.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. On the same Navigation bar screen, look for a button order option once Buttons is selected. It lets you swap Back and Recent apps positions.

Compatible devices

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Android 11 · One UI 3

No compatible devices are listed for this version.