How to Enable and Master Android Gesture Navigation

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Access system navigation settings

   Open the Settings app on your device. Navigate to System, then select Gestures. Tap on System navigation to view your current configuration options.

2. 30 sec

   Enable gesture navigation

   Select the Gesture navigation radio button. Your device will immediately hide the bottom navigation bar and switch to a thin indicator line at the base of the screen.

3. 1 min

   Perform the Go Home gesture

   To return to the home screen from any application, swipe upward from the bottom edge of the display. Use a quick, short flick to trigger the action.

   Note: A slow swipe from the bottom will open the Recent Apps view instead.
4. 30 sec

   Execute the Back command

   To perform a back action, swipe inward from either the left or the right edge of the screen. A small arrow icon will appear briefly to confirm the gesture is registered.

   Note: Adjust the back sensitivity slider in System navigation settings if you encounter interference with app sidebars.
5. 30 sec

   Switch between active applications

   Swipe upward from the bottom of the screen and pause briefly before lifting your finger to reveal the Recents overview. Alternatively, swipe horizontally across the very bottom edge to toggle instantly between the last two used apps.

6. 30 sec

   Invoke the Google Assistant

   Trigger your voice assistant by swiping diagonally inward from either of the bottom corners of the display. Ensure your device settings allow for assistant invocation via gestures.