To change from navigation buttons to swipe gestures on a Samsung Galaxy, open Settings > Display > Navigation bar, then select Swipe gestures. To switch back, choose Buttons on the same screen. The gestures available—and what a swipe from the bottom does—depend on your One UI version and device.
Switch between buttons and swipe gestures
- Open Settings.
- Tap Display.
- Tap Navigation bar.
- Select Swipe gestures to navigate with swipes, or select Buttons to restore the three-button navigation bar.
Samsung notes that menu names and available options can vary by device model, software version, and wireless provider. If you do not see the labels above, look for Navigation bar under Display and check the options shown on your device. Samsung Support: navigation bar settings.
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What does the swipe-up gesture do?
The answer depends on the gesture layout your Galaxy offers. On One UI 6.1 or later, a short swipe up from the bottom goes Home, while swiping up and holding opens Recent apps. To go Back, swipe inward from either side of the screen. Samsung Support states, “You cannot change the swipe direction on devices with One UI 6.1 or later.” Samsung Support’s One UI 6.1 instructions.
On devices using One UI 6.0 or older, Samsung says a three-zone “Swipe from bottom” layout may be available. In that layout, swipe up from the left zone for Recents, the center for Home, or the right zone for Back. The setting screen on your device determines which layouts you can select. Samsung Canada: navigation bar and gesture options.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Compare the navigation options
| Option | How you navigate | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons | Tap the visible Back, Home, and Recents buttons. | Samsung lists this alongside Swipe gestures; check Navigation bar on your device. Samsung Support. |
| Side-and-bottom gestures | Swipe inward from either side for Back; swipe up from the bottom for Home; swipe up and hold for Recents. | Samsung documents this layout for One UI 6.1 and later. Samsung Support. |
| Three bottom swipe zones | Swipe up from the left for Recents, center for Home, or right for Back. | May be offered on devices using One UI 6.0 or older. Samsung Canada. |
Review More options and gesture settings
After choosing Swipe gestures, tap More options if it appears. Depending on your model and software, you may find controls such as gesture hints, the keyboard-hide button, gesture sensitivity, or an option to block gestures with the S Pen. These controls are not guaranteed to appear on every Galaxy device. Samsung describes the additional settings in its navigation bar guidance.
If your preferred gesture layout is missing
First check the Navigation bar screen again: the available choices vary with device and software release. Samsung’s New Zealand support page says its Good Lock app may offer further options through the NavStar module, including Swipe from bottom and gesture hints. The route Samsung gives is Galaxy Store > Good Lock > Make up tab > NavStar. This is an optional route, and its availability depends on device and region; it is not a guaranteed setting for every Galaxy. Samsung New Zealand: Navigation bar and NavStar.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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