The Android navigation system has undergone significant changes over the years, with the classic 3-button layout giving way to gesture-based navigation. While some users have adapted to the new system, others still prefer the familiarity of the traditional 3-button layout. If you’re one of them, you’re in luck because we’ll show you how to get the 3-button navigation back on your Android device.
Understanding the Evolution of Android Navigation
Before we dive into the process of restoring the 3-button navigation, it’s essential to understand the evolution of Android navigation. The classic 3-button layout, which consisted of the Back, Home, and Recent Apps buttons, was the standard navigation system for Android devices until Android 9.0 Pie. With the introduction of Android 10, Google replaced the traditional navigation system with a gesture-based system.
The gesture-based navigation system uses swipes and gestures to navigate between apps and screens. While this system is intuitive and easy to use, some users find it less convenient than the traditional 3-button layout. Fortunately, Android offers a way to switch back to the classic navigation system, and we’ll show you how to do it.
Enabling the 3-Button Navigation on Android 10 and Later
If you’re using an Android device running Android 10 or later, you can enable the 3-button navigation by following these steps:
Step 1: Open the Settings App
To start, open the Settings app on your Android device. You can find the Settings app in the app drawer or on the home screen.
Step 2: Navigate to the System Settings
In the Settings app, scroll down and select the “System” option. This will take you to the System settings page.
Step 3: Select the Gestures Option
On the System settings page, select the “Gestures” option. This will take you to the Gestures settings page.
Step 4: Enable the 3-Button Navigation
On the Gestures settings page, look for the “System navigation” option and select it. You’ll see three options: “Gesture navigation,” “2-button navigation,” and “3-button navigation.” Select the “3-button navigation” option to enable the classic navigation system.
Enabling the 3-Button Navigation on Android 9.0 Pie and Earlier
If you’re using an Android device running Android 9.0 Pie or earlier, you don’t need to enable the 3-button navigation because it’s already the default navigation system. However, if you’ve previously enabled the gesture-based navigation system, you can switch back to the classic navigation system by following these steps:
Step 1: Open the Settings App
To start, open the Settings app on your Android device. You can find the Settings app in the app drawer or on the home screen.
Step 2: Navigate to the System Settings
In the Settings app, scroll down and select the “System” option. This will take you to the System settings page.
Step 3: Select the Gestures Option
On the System settings page, select the “Gestures” option. This will take you to the Gestures settings page.
Step 4: Disable the Gesture-Based Navigation
On the Gestures settings page, look for the “Swipe up on home button” option and toggle it off. This will disable the gesture-based navigation system and restore the classic 3-button navigation.
Using Third-Party Launchers to Get the 3-Button Navigation
If you’re using a device with a custom skin, such as Samsung’s One UI or Huawei’s EMUI, you might not be able to enable the 3-button navigation using the steps above. In this case, you can use a third-party launcher to get the classic navigation system.
There are many third-party launchers available on the Google Play Store that offer the 3-button navigation system. Some popular options include:
- Google Now Launcher: This launcher offers the classic 3-button navigation system and is available for free on the Google Play Store.
- Pixel Launcher: This launcher offers the classic 3-button navigation system and is available for free on the Google Play Store.
- Nova Launcher: This launcher offers the classic 3-button navigation system and is available for free on the Google Play Store.
To use a third-party launcher, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and Install the Launcher
Download and install the third-party launcher of your choice from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Set the Launcher as the Default Launcher
To set the third-party launcher as the default launcher, go to the Settings app and select the “Home app” option. Select the third-party launcher from the list of available launchers.
Step 3: Enable the 3-Button Navigation
Once you’ve set the third-party launcher as the default launcher, you can enable the 3-button navigation system by following the launcher’s settings. The process may vary depending on the launcher you’re using.
Customizing the 3-Button Navigation
Once you’ve enabled the 3-button navigation system, you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few ways to customize the 3-button navigation:
- Change the Button Order: You can change the order of the buttons by going to the Settings app and selecting the “System” option. On the System settings page, select the “Gestures” option and look for the “Button order” option.
- Customize the Button Layout: You can customize the button layout by using a third-party launcher. Some launchers, such as Nova Launcher, offer customizable button layouts.
- Use Custom Icons: You can use custom icons for the navigation buttons by using a third-party launcher. Some launchers, such as Nova Launcher, offer customizable icons.
Conclusion
The 3-button navigation system is a classic navigation system that many Android users still prefer. While the gesture-based navigation system is intuitive and easy to use, some users find it less convenient than the traditional 3-button layout. Fortunately, Android offers a way to switch back to the classic navigation system, and we’ve shown you how to do it. Whether you’re using a device with a custom skin or a stock Android device, you can enable the 3-button navigation system and customize it to your liking.
What is 3-button navigation and why do I want it back?
The 3-button navigation refers to the traditional navigation system used in older Android versions, consisting of three buttons: Back, Home, and Recent Apps. This navigation system was widely used before the introduction of gesture navigation in newer Android versions. You may want to switch back to 3-button navigation if you find it more intuitive or easier to use, especially if you’re accustomed to the older navigation system.
Switching back to 3-button navigation can also be beneficial for users who prefer a more straightforward navigation experience. The 3-button navigation provides a clear and distinct way of navigating through your device, which can be more comfortable for some users. Additionally, some users may find that the 3-button navigation is more accessible, especially for those with motor impairments or other disabilities.
How do I enable 3-button navigation on my Android device?
To enable 3-button navigation on your Android device, go to the Settings app and select ‘System’ or ‘System Navigation.’ The exact steps may vary depending on your device model and Android version. Look for the ‘Navigation’ or ‘System Navigation’ option and select it. You will then see a list of available navigation options, including the 3-button navigation.
Select the 3-button navigation option to switch to the traditional navigation system. You may need to restart your device for the changes to take effect. Once you’ve enabled 3-button navigation, you’ll see the familiar Back, Home, and Recent Apps buttons at the bottom of your screen. You can then use these buttons to navigate through your device as you would with the older navigation system.
Will enabling 3-button navigation affect my device’s performance?
Enabling 3-button navigation on your Android device should not significantly affect its performance. The 3-button navigation system is a built-in feature in Android, and it’s designed to work seamlessly with your device’s hardware and software. However, you may notice a slight difference in performance if you’re switching from gesture navigation, as the 3-button navigation may require more screen real estate.
In general, the impact of 3-button navigation on device performance is minimal. You may notice a slight difference in battery life, but this is usually negligible. Additionally, the 3-button navigation system is optimized for most Android devices, so you shouldn’t experience any significant performance issues.
Can I customize the 3-button navigation on my Android device?
Yes, you can customize the 3-button navigation on your Android device to some extent. While the traditional 3-button navigation layout is fixed, you can customize the button layout and behavior in the Settings app. For example, you can swap the positions of the Back and Recent Apps buttons or change the button layout to a different configuration.
Additionally, some Android devices offer more advanced customization options for the 3-button navigation. For example, you can change the button colors, add custom buttons, or modify the navigation bar’s appearance. However, the availability of these customization options depends on your device model and Android version.
Will I lose any features by switching to 3-button navigation?
Switching to 3-button navigation on your Android device may cause you to lose some features that are exclusive to gesture navigation. For example, you won’t be able to use the gesture navigation’s swipe gestures to switch between apps or go back to the home screen. However, you’ll still have access to most of the features and functions that you use regularly.
You may also lose some customization options that are specific to gesture navigation. For example, you won’t be able to customize the gesture navigation’s swipe gestures or add custom gestures. However, the 3-button navigation system offers its own set of customization options, as mentioned earlier.
Can I switch back to gesture navigation if I don’t like 3-button navigation?
Yes, you can switch back to gesture navigation if you don’t like the 3-button navigation. To do this, go to the Settings app and select ‘System’ or ‘System Navigation.’ Look for the ‘Navigation’ or ‘System Navigation’ option and select it. You’ll see a list of available navigation options, including gesture navigation.
Select the gesture navigation option to switch back to the newer navigation system. You may need to restart your device for the changes to take effect. Once you’ve switched back to gesture navigation, you’ll be able to use the swipe gestures to navigate through your device as before.
Is 3-button navigation available on all Android devices?
The 3-button navigation is available on most Android devices, but its availability depends on the device model and Android version. Generally, devices running Android 10 or later offer both 3-button navigation and gesture navigation options. However, some devices may only offer gesture navigation, especially those with newer Android versions.
If you’re unsure whether your device supports 3-button navigation, you can check the Settings app for the ‘Navigation’ or ‘System Navigation’ option. If you don’t see this option, it’s likely that your device only supports gesture navigation.