I had no idea Android’s navigation buttons could do all this
I had no idea Android’s navigation buttons could do all this
https://www.makeuseof.com/i-had-no-idea-androids-navigation-buttons-could-do-all-this/
Publish Date: 2026-05-29 15:30:00
Source Domain: www.makeuseof.com
If you use an Android phone, you probably tap the same three icons at the bottom of the screen. The triangle takes you back; the square shows your open apps; and the circle takes you to the home screen. This is the mindless way you’re accustomed to. Those three buttons are far more functional than you’ve ever imagined.
The standard navigation only scratched the surface. I transformed them from the boring navigation options you know into a powerhouse command center.
I configured these on my Samsung Galaxy A72 running One UI, but the underlying mechanics are universally built into Android.
The instant app switcher
Double-tap the square
Afam Onyimadu / MUO
Typically, when I tap the Recents button, I wait for the animation to appear, then scroll through the cards to find the app I need. However, within that same button is a faster shortcut I had not noticed.
Double-tapping Android’s square button on the 3-button navigation bar toggles between the two most recently used apps. It’s very similar to the Windows Alt + Tab function.
In daily life, this is one of the most practical uses of the navigation buttons I’ve found. I no longer open the multitasking view when copying a tracking number from Gmail to Chrome. It’s also handy when I copy verification codes from Messages.
It feels very fast without the animation-heavy…
