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How to customize the Galaxy side key, navigation bar, and Quick Settings

A version-aware guide to changing the Galaxy Side button, navigation bar buttons or gestures, and Quick settings, with separate instructions for One UI 7 and earlier software.
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You can change the Galaxy Side button (also called the Side key), switch between navigation buttons and gestures, reorder the navigation buttons, and redesign the Quick settings panel without installing anything. The exact labels and available actions depend on your Galaxy model, carrier, region, and One UI release.

First check Settings > About phone (or About tablet) > Software information. Note the One UI version before following the relevant steps below. Samsung explicitly warns that screens and settings can vary by wireless service provider, software version, and device model.

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Check your One UI version before changing settings

Samsung moves controls between One UI releases and may offer different choices on phones, foldables, and tablets. To identify the software instructions that match your device:

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  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap About phone or About tablet.
  3. Tap Software information.
  4. Read the One UI version, Android version, and build number.

The version is especially important for Quick settings. One UI 7 uses separate edge zones for notifications and Quick settings, while One UI 6.1.1 and earlier normally use successive downward swipes. Navigation gestures also changed between One UI 6.0 and One UI 6.1.

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If a label or option in this guide is missing, do not assume the setting is broken. Samsung’s support instructions are regional examples, and a carrier firmware build or model-specific interface may expose a different menu. Use your own Settings screen as the final authority.

Change what the Galaxy Side button does

On recent Galaxy software, Samsung calls the control the Side button. Older menus may say Side key. The current path documented by Samsung’s Ireland support guide, updated 19 August 2025, is:

Settings > Advanced features > Side button

The page normally contains separate controls for a double press and a long press. Your device may show fewer choices or different app actions. Changing one assignment does not automatically change the other.

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Set a double-press action

  1. Open Settings > Advanced features > Side button.
  2. Tap Double press.
  3. Choose an app or another action listed on your device.
  4. If an app has a small gear or settings icon beside it, open that icon to select a supported in-app function.

Samsung examples of available destinations include Camera, Samsung Wallet, Flashlight, Magnifier, Voice Recorder, Samsung Notes, Samsung Capture, and Modes and Routines. These are examples rather than a universal list. An app must expose a compatible shortcut for an in-app action to appear, and the feature can vary by model, region, software, or carrier.

Double press is useful for an action you need from the lock screen or while another app is open. Test it from the screen where you expect to use it. If your preferred app is not listed, the firmware does not provide a Side-button shortcut for it; installing a different launcher or buying an accessory will not add the missing system option.

Make the two presses distinct rather than holding the button after the second press. A hold is interpreted as the separate Long press command, so an overly slow double press can appear to launch the wrong action.

Set a long-press action

  1. Remain on Settings > Advanced features > Side button.
  2. Tap Long press.
  3. Select one of the assistant or other actions shown by your Galaxy.
  4. Press and hold the Side button to test the assignment.

Defaults are not universal. Samsung’s Ireland instructions from August 2025 say a long press defaults to Gemini, or Google Assistant where Gemini is unavailable. A Samsung Philippines guide updated in April 2021 described Bixby as the default choice and offered a power-menu option. Treat the menu on your device as authoritative rather than applying either historical default to every Galaxy model.

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When a long press is assigned to an assistant, the Side button no longer opens the power menu. Samsung describes two alternatives: open the Quick panel and tap the power icon, or press Side button + Volume Down together. If you prefer a traditional power menu, choose the power-related option when it is available in your Long press list.

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Understand why your Side-button choices differ

  • One UI and Android release: Samsung has renamed the control and changed assistant defaults over time.
  • Model: Foldables, tablets, and lower-cost phones may expose different shortcuts.
  • Region and carrier: Preinstalled assistants and app integrations can differ.
  • App support: In-app actions appear only for apps that publish supported shortcuts.
  • Button timing: A double press must be two distinct presses; a long press must be held long enough for the selected command to appear.

If the Side button page is absent, search Settings for Side button or Side key. If neither term appears, your firmware may place the control elsewhere or may not support remapping beyond the actions shown on the lock-screen and power controls. Do not assume that a setting shown in a guide for another Galaxy generation can be added manually.

Choose navigation buttons or swipe gestures

Navigation controls are under:

Settings > Display > Navigation bar

Samsung presents two primary modes: Buttons and Swipe gestures. The available options underneath either mode vary by device. Change the mode, then try Back, Home, and Recents in several apps before deciding whether the new layout suits you.

Use three navigation buttons

  1. Open Settings > Display > Navigation bar.
  2. Select Buttons.
  3. Tap More options or Button arrangement.
  4. Choose the order you want, then leave Settings.

The order controls where Back, Home, and Recents appear. Samsung notes that changing the arrangement can also change where gesture interactions begin on some layouts, so test the lower edges after applying a new order.

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Buttons are usually the least disruptive choice if you regularly use apps with edge swipes, rely on an S Pen, or switch between Galaxy devices with different gesture behavior. They also provide a visible target for Back and Recents instead of requiring a precise swipe. This can make the transition easier if side swipes repeatedly conflict with an app’s own horizontal controls.

Switch to swipe gestures

  1. Go to Settings > Display > Navigation bar.
  2. Tap Swipe gestures.
  3. Review any options such as gesture sensitivity or gesture hints, if your model provides them.
  4. Swipe from the bottom and sides to confirm that each command works before closing Settings.

Samsung’s US guidance distinguishes the gesture behavior by One UI release:

One UI release Back Home Recent apps Other notes
One UI 6.0 Swipe up from the designated bottom Back zone Swipe up from the designated bottom Home zone Swipe up from the designated bottom Recents zone Separate bottom zones are used.
One UI 6.1 and later Swipe inward from either side edge Swipe up from the bottom edge Swipe up from the bottom edge and hold Gesture hints are unavailable in Samsung’s documented One UI 6.1-or-later layout; sensitivity and S Pen blocking may vary.

Samsung may present additional controls, including gesture sensitivity or an option to block navigation gestures while using an S Pen. A higher sensitivity can make edge Back gestures easier to start, while a lower setting may reduce accidental triggers; choose only among the levels your device displays. If you cannot find a setting mentioned in another Galaxy guide, your model or software build may not include it.

One UI 6.1-or-later gestures are not simply a renamed version of the One UI 6.0 layout. The Back command moves from a dedicated bottom zone to either side edge, and Recents requires a hold after the bottom swipe. Give yourself a short test period after switching so muscle memory can adjust.

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Adjust navigation on Galaxy Z Fold phones and Galaxy Tabs

Samsung documents a Button position setting for the main screen on Galaxy Z Fold phones and Galaxy Tabs. Where provided, it can move the navigation buttons left, right, or center. When the Taskbar is enabled, Samsung’s US instructions say only left and right positions are available.

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Regional instructions do not describe this behavior identically when the navigation bar is enabled or disabled. Therefore, open the Button position choices on your own device rather than assuming that center placement or every position will remain available in every screen mode.

On a foldable, check both the cover and main screens after changing navigation. A layout that feels natural on the narrow cover display may be less comfortable when the phone is unfolded. On a tablet, also test split-screen and the Taskbar, since those features can change the space available for navigation controls. If a position disappears when Taskbar is turned on, that is consistent with Samsung’s documented restriction rather than evidence that the setting failed.

Edit Quick settings on One UI 7

One UI 7 separates notifications and Quick settings by default. The swipe location matters:

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  • Upper-right swipe: opens Quick settings.
  • Upper-left swipe: opens notifications.

To combine them into one panel, use the following path when the option is present:

  1. Swipe down from the upper-right to open Quick settings.
  2. Tap Edit (the pencil icon).
  3. Tap Panel settings.
  4. Tap Notification and quick settings view.
  5. Select Together.

Samsung notes that an intermediate settings screen may not appear on some devices. If you do not see Panel settings or Notification and quick settings view, your firmware may use a fixed layout or a different editing path. Do not keep swiping at the corner expecting a hidden menu; first confirm the One UI version and inspect the Edit screen.

Reorder or add Quick settings buttons in One UI 7

  1. Open Quick settings with a swipe from the upper-right.
  2. Tap Edit.
  3. Tap Edit again if your layout shows a second editing command.
  4. Drag controls into the positions you want.
  5. Swipe across the available-button area to reveal controls that are not currently visible.
  6. Tap Done.

Touch and hold a control to open detailed settings when that tile supports a long-press shortcut. For example, a tile may open its related Settings page instead of merely switching on or off. Tiles and details are limited to the functions installed and enabled on your device.

Place the controls you use most often in the first visible area, then check the panel after tapping Done. A control that is available but not active may remain in the available-button area until you drag it into the active panel. If a control is not shown in either area, that function is not exposed by your current device or software configuration.

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Edit Quick settings on One UI 6.1.1 or earlier

Earlier software normally shows notifications first and Quick settings after another swipe:

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  • Swipe down once from the top for notifications.
  • Swipe down a second time to expand Quick settings.
  • Alternatively, swipe down with two fingers to open the expanded Quick settings panel directly.

To change the buttons:

  1. Open the expanded Quick settings panel.
  2. Tap More options (three dots).
  3. Tap Edit buttons.
  4. Drag controls to reorder them or move controls into the active panel.
  5. Tap Done.

This older route is different from One UI 7’s pencil-and-Panel-settings workflow. Do not use the One UI 7 upper-right and upper-left swipe assumption on a phone that still runs One UI 6.1.1 or earlier. If a two-finger swipe is awkward while holding the device, the two successive one-finger swipes reach the same expanded panel.

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Pick the setup that fits your routine

Your priority Recommended setting to try What to check afterward
Fast access to one app Side button > Double press > choose the app Confirm the app or supported in-app action appears.
Voice assistant from any screen Side button > Long press > choose the listed assistant Remember that the long press may stop opening the power menu.
Visible Back, Home, and Recents controls Navigation bar > Buttons Use More options or Button arrangement to select the order.
More screen space and edge navigation Navigation bar > Swipe gestures Test the correct One UI 6.0 or 6.1-and-later gesture pattern.
One combined shade One UI 7: Panel settings > Notification and quick settings view > Together The option may not be present on every model.
Separate notification and Quick settings access One UI 7 default separated view Swipe from the upper-left for notifications and upper-right for Quick settings.

There is no single best arrangement. Buttons favor discoverability and predictable tap targets. Gestures favor edge-to-edge space but require learning the correct One UI pattern. A long press is convenient for an assistant but changes how you reach the power menu. One UI 7’s separated panels make each shade faster to reach from its corner, while Together restores a single downward workflow. Compare those tradeoffs with the actions you perform most frequently rather than copying a layout from another model.

Troubleshoot common problems

The Side button still opens the wrong function

Return to Settings > Advanced features > Side button and inspect both Double press and Long press. They are independent assignments, so changing one does not change the other. If an app is missing, check whether it offers an in-app action through the gear icon and confirm that the app is installed and enabled. Test the timing again: two quick presses should not become a press-and-hold.

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The power menu disappeared

A long press assigned to an assistant can replace the power menu. Open the Quick panel and use its power icon, or press Side button + Volume Down. If your firmware lists a power-menu choice under Long press, select it to restore the previous behavior.

Back gestures trigger inside an app

Side swipes are the Back command on One UI 6.1 and later. Increase or decrease gesture sensitivity if that option exists, and try starting nearer to the display edge. Apps with their own horizontal swipe controls can compete with the system gesture; switching temporarily to Buttons can confirm whether navigation settings are the cause. On One UI 6.0, verify that you are starting in the correct bottom zone instead of a side edge.

Quick settings opens from an unexpected corner

Check your One UI version. On One UI 7, upper-right opens Quick settings and upper-left opens notifications unless you choose the Together view. On One UI 6.1.1 or earlier, swipe down twice or use a two-finger swipe instead.

A tile or editing command is missing

Open the full panel and look through the available-button area before concluding that a control is unavailable. In One UI 7, swipe across that area to reveal more controls. In earlier software, use More options > Edit buttons. Some tiles and detailed settings exist only when the relevant function is installed and enabled, so another Galaxy model may legitimately show a different list.

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An instruction does not match the menus

Samsung’s support pages are regional and updated at different times. The documented Side-button examples come from Ireland in 2025 and the Philippines in 2021; navigation examples come from US and Gulf support pages; Quick settings instructions come from a Canada page updated in January 2026. These pages verify the described workflows but do not establish that every Galaxy model, region, or carrier has identical screens. Use the options actually displayed under your device’s Settings.

Do you need to buy anything?

No. The Side button, navigation bar, gestures, and Quick settings are built-in software controls. A Galaxy phone or tablet is required, but no case, repair tool, printed manual, or other physical product enables the changes described here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my Galaxy One UI version?

Open Settings, tap About phone or About tablet, then Software information. The screen lists the One UI version, Android version, and build number. Use that version to choose the One UI 7 or earlier Quick settings instructions.

Can I assign any app to a double press of the Side button?

Only apps and actions shown in Settings > Advanced features > Side button > Double press can be assigned. Supported apps may show a gear icon for an in-app action, but availability varies by model, region, software, and carrier.

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Why does a long press no longer open the power menu?

If Long press is assigned to Gemini, Google Assistant, Bixby, or another assistant, the Side button performs that action instead. Open the Quick panel and tap the power icon, press Side button + Volume Down, or choose a power-menu option under Long press if your device offers one.

How do I switch from Galaxy navigation buttons to gestures?

Go to Settings > Display > Navigation bar and select Swipe gestures. One UI 6.0 uses separate bottom zones; One UI 6.1 and later use side swipes for Back, a bottom swipe for Home, and a bottom swipe-and-hold for Recents.

Can I change the order of Back, Home, and Recents?

Yes, when your device uses Buttons. Open Settings > Display > Navigation bar, select Buttons, then open More options or Button arrangement. Samsung notes that the order can also affect gesture starting locations on some layouts.

How do I combine notifications and Quick settings on One UI 7?

Swipe down from the upper-right, tap Edit, choose Panel settings, open Notification and quick settings view, and select Together. Some devices omit an intermediate screen or do not provide this choice.

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How do I edit Quick settings on an older Galaxy?

On One UI 6.1.1 or earlier, swipe down twice or use a two-finger swipe to open the expanded panel. Tap More options (three dots), choose Edit buttons, drag the controls, and tap Done.

Do I need an accessory or app to make these changes?

No. These are built-in Galaxy software settings. A case, repair tool, printed manual, launcher, or other physical product is not required and cannot add a Side-button action that your firmware does not list.

The Bottom Line

Check your One UI version first, then use Advanced features > Side button for double-press and long-press actions, Display > Navigation bar for buttons or gestures, and the version-specific Quick settings editor. Because Samsung varies screens and choices by model, carrier, region, and software release, the options shown on your Galaxy are the ones to trust.

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