Mastering Android Navigation: A Comprehensive Guide to Adding and Customizing On-Screen Buttons

Android’s navigation system is primarily based on gestures these days, but many users still prefer the familiar three-button navigation bar. This bar, typically found at the bottom of the screen, offers quick access to Back, Home, and Recent Apps functionalities. While gestures are designed for a more immersive experience, the three-button layout provides a sense of tactile control and predictability that some find invaluable. If you’ve switched to a phone without these buttons or want to revert back to them, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of adding and customizing the three-button navigation on your Android device.

Why Opt for On-Screen Buttons?

Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s explore why you might choose to use on-screen navigation buttons:

• Familiarity: If you’ve been using Android for a while, you’re likely accustomed to the three-button navigation. The muscle memory and intuitive nature of these buttons can be hard to shake.
• Accessibility: Some users, especially those with dexterity issues, may find it easier to press distinct buttons rather than rely on precise gesture movements.
• Personal Preference: Simply put, some people just prefer the look and feel of having the buttons visible at the bottom of the screen.
• Accidental Gestures Prevention: Gestures sometimes get triggered accidentally leading to unwanted actions. Physical buttons offer a more deliberate and controlled experience.

The Two Main Ways to Get On-Screen Buttons

There are primarily two ways to bring the three-button navigation bar back to your Android device:

1. Android Settings: Most Android devices offer a native setting to switch between gesture navigation and the three-button layout.
2. Third-Party Apps: If your device doesn’t have a native option or if you want more customization, you can utilize third-party apps to achieve the desired effect.

Let’s explore each method in detail.

Method 1: Using Android Settings

The most direct and recommended approach is using your device’s built-in settings. While the exact path might slightly vary depending on your device manufacturer (Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, OnePlus, etc.) and Android version, the general steps are quite similar. Here’s a general guide, along with specific examples for some popular brands:

General Steps:

1. Open Settings: Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification shade. Then, tap on the gear icon to access your device’s settings.
2. Navigate to System/Display/Navigation Settings: This is where the navigation options are usually found. The exact name and location may differ, but look for keywords such as:
   • System: Often found at the bottom of the settings menu.
   • Display: Usually deals with screen settings like brightness, dark mode and may include navigation.
   • Navigation Bar: The most direct name for these settings.
   • Navigation System: Another common name for navigation options.
   • Gestures: You may need to go through Gestures menu to find navigation settings.
3. Select Navigation Mode: Inside the navigation settings, you’ll likely see options to choose between gesture navigation and button navigation. Look for a radio button, a checkbox, or a dropdown menu to select “3-button navigation,” “Navigation bar,” or similar wording.
4. (Optional) Customize Button Order: Some devices allow you to customize the order of the Back and Recent Apps buttons. Look for an option to adjust the button layout.
5. Verify the Change: Once selected, you should immediately see the three-button navigation bar appear at the bottom of your screen.

Specific Examples for Different Brands:

Here’s how it might look on some specific brands and their Android versions:

Google Pixel (Android Stock)

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to System > Gestures.
3. Tap on System navigation.
4. Select 3-button navigation.

Samsung Galaxy (One UI)

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Display.
3. Tap on Navigation Bar.
4. Select Buttons.
5. You’ll also find options here to change the button order and customize the navigation bar’s look and feel.

Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco (MIUI)

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Additional Settings.
3. Tap on Full screen display.
4. Select Buttons.
5. You may find additional customization options within the Buttons section.

OnePlus (OxygenOS)

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Buttons & Gestures.
3. Tap on Navigation bar & Gestures.
4. Select Navigation Buttons.
5. You might find an option to customize the button order within this screen.

Note: If you’re using a different Android device or a custom ROM, the exact steps might vary. Refer to your device’s user manual or online support resources for specific instructions.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps

In cases where your device lacks the native option for on-screen buttons or if you crave more customization features, third-party apps can come to the rescue. These apps effectively emulate the functionality of the standard navigation bar. Here’s how to use them and some popular options:

How to Use Third-Party Navigation Apps:

1. Find the Right App: Go to the Google Play Store and search for “Navigation Bar,” “Navigation Buttons,” or similar keywords. Be sure to read reviews and check the ratings before selecting an app. Some popular options include:
   • Simple Control Navigation Bar
   • Navigation Bar by Fun Apps Studio
   • Fluid Navigation Gestures (offers buttons as an option)
   • Navbar Apps
2. Install the App: Once you’ve chosen an app, tap “Install” and wait for the app to be downloaded and installed on your device.
3. Grant Permissions: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions. Most of these apps will require accessibility permission to draw over other apps and manage navigation actions. You’ll be prompted to grant this permission. Be careful and only grant permissions to apps you trust and have checked reviews for.
4. Customize the Navigation Bar: After giving the needed permissions, you’ll usually be directed to a customization interface where you can configure the following:
   • Button Style: Choose different button icons and appearances.
   • Button Colors: Change the colors of the buttons and the background of the navigation bar.
   • Button Order: Rearrange the Back, Home, and Recent Apps buttons.
   • Size and Position: Adjust the size and placement of the navigation bar.
   • Additional Actions: Some apps offer extra features like the ability to assign secondary actions (like long presses) to the buttons, or custom shortcuts.
5. Verify the App Is Working: Once you’ve made your desired customizations, go back to your home screen. The navigation bar should appear at the bottom of the screen. Navigate your device using the new buttons to verify they are working correctly.

Considerations When Using Third-Party Apps:

• Battery Consumption: Third-party apps that constantly draw over your screen may use additional battery power. Monitor your battery usage and see if it’s significantly impacted.
• App Stability: Not all third-party apps are created equal. Some may be buggy or poorly optimized. Choosing a well-rated, established app is key.
• Permissions: Third-party apps need some permissions to function properly, particularly accessibility permissions. Ensure that you trust the app developer before giving these permissions.
• Potential Conflicts: Some third-party apps may clash with other apps or settings, leading to unexpected behavior. Test the navigation app to make sure it doesn’t interfere with the operation of the system or other apps.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the process of setting up the navigation bar is usually straightforward, you may occasionally run into issues. Here are a few common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

Buttons Not Appearing

• Double-Check Settings: Make sure you have the 3-button navigation mode selected in your device’s settings.
• Restart Your Device: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor software glitches.
• Update Your Device: Make sure your Android system is up to date. Older Android versions might have compatibility issues.
• Third-Party App Issues: If you’re using a third-party app, try uninstalling it and reinstalling it. Make sure that you granted the required accessibility permissions.

Buttons Not Responding

• Clean Your Screen: Smudges or dirt on the screen can sometimes interfere with touch input. Clean it with a microfiber cloth.
• Restart Your Device: A restart can resolve unresponsive system processes.
• Update Your Device: Make sure your Android system is up to date. Older Android versions might have compatibility issues.
• Third-Party App Issues: Try uninstalling the third-party app, and if needed reinstall it or choose another app.

Navigation Bar Overlapping Other Elements

• Check Third-Party App Settings: If using a third-party app, verify it has appropriate settings for size and position. Adjust accordingly.
• Adjust Screen Scaling: Sometimes, screen scaling settings (typically found in display settings) can affect how apps are drawn on the screen. Experiment to find the optimal settings.
• Check Developer Options: If you have Developer Options enabled, make sure you have not enabled any settings that alter the screen layout.

Disappearing Navigation Bar

• Third-Party App Conflicts: Check that the app doesn’t have conflict with other apps or settings that might hide the navigation bar.
• System Updates: Check and install any updates that may be available for your system.
• Background restrictions: Check battery saving settings and make sure that the battery saving settings do not cause issues with your navigation.

Tips for Customizing Your On-Screen Buttons

Once you have your navigation bar set up, here are some tips for customizing it to your liking:

• Experiment with Button Styles: If you’re using a third-party app, try out different button icons and designs to match your aesthetic preferences.
• Adjust Button Colors: Use custom colors to blend the navigation bar into your theme or to make it more easily visible.
• Enable Haptic Feedback: Most apps and settings allow you to enable haptic feedback. This will give you a tactile feedback when you press a button.
• Utilize Shortcuts: Some third-party apps allow the setup of shortcuts by adding actions to long press on buttons.
• Consider the Screen Burn-in Issue: Be aware that static images, like the navigation buttons, can lead to screen burn-in over long periods on OLED displays. Some apps have features to move the buttons slightly periodically to mitigate this.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer the familiarity of physical buttons, the precision of on-screen buttons, or the immersive experience of gestures, your Android device is built to provide flexibility and cater to your preferences. Adding and customizing the three-button navigation bar is relatively simple. By using the built-in settings or a reliable third-party app, you can easily bring back this familiar and convenient navigational layout. It’s about making the device truly yours and how you want to use it. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your workflow and preferences. Take time to explore your options, find the perfect navigation setup and enjoy a user experience that is efficient and enjoyable.