Navigation Gestures You Didn’t Know - SAMSUNG
Navigating through your Samsung smartphone can be intuitive, but there’s so much more you can do when you delve deeper into navigation gestures. These gestures allow you to interact with your device more efficiently, freeing up screen space, improving multitasking, and creating a smoother user experience. Whether you’re a seasoned Samsung user or new to the ecosystem, mastering these gestures can transform how you interact with your device.
In this blog, we’ll explore the navigation gestures on Samsung Galaxy devices, covering the ones you know, the hidden gems, and tips to optimize them. Let’s dive in!
1. Activating Gesture Navigation
Before exploring the advanced gestures, you need to enable gesture navigation on your Samsung Galaxy device. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > Display.
- Scroll down to Navigation Bar.
- Select Swipe Gestures instead of the traditional Buttons.
Once activated, you’ll see the three swipe bars at the bottom of your screen.
2. Basic Gesture Controls
With gesture navigation, the physical navigation buttons are replaced by intuitive swipes. Here’s what you need to know:
- Home Gesture: Swipe up from the middle bottom of the screen to return to the Home Screen.
- Back Gesture: Swipe inward from either the left or right edge of the screen to go back.
- Recent Apps Gesture: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to access the Recent Apps menu.
These basic gestures are easy to get used to, but the real power lies in advanced navigation tricks.
3. Hidden and Advanced Navigation Gestures
a) Switching Between Apps
Quickly switch between apps by swiping left or right along the bottom edge of the screen. This allows you to toggle between the most recently used apps without opening the Recent Apps menu.
b) Open Google Assistant with a Gesture
Want to summon Google Assistant without saying “Hey Google”? Swipe diagonally from the bottom corners of the screen to open Google Assistant.
c) Access Notification Panel with a Swipe
Instead of reaching for the top of the screen, swipe down anywhere on the Home Screen to pull down the Notification Panel. You can enable this feature in Settings > Home Screen > Swipe Down for Notification Panel.
d) One-Handed Mode
Using a large-screen device? Activate One-Handed Mode by swiping down in the center of the screen near the bottom edge. This reduces the screen size for easier access.
Enable this feature under Settings > Advanced Features > One-Handed Mode.
e) Edge Panels Navigation
Swipe from the side of your screen to access Edge Panels. These customizable panels can include apps, tools, contacts, and more for quick multitasking.
4. Customizing Gesture Sensitivity
Gesture sensitivity can affect how smoothly you interact with your device. Adjust it to your preference:
- Go to Settings > Display > Navigation Bar.
- Tap More Options under Swipe Gestures.
- Adjust the Back Gesture Sensitivity slider.
Higher sensitivity makes it easier to trigger gestures but might cause accidental inputs.
5. Exploring Samsung-Specific Features
a) Edge Lighting
Edge Lighting allows you to see incoming notifications with a glowing edge effect. Swipe gestures from the edge trigger the effect, giving you instant visual alerts.
b) Smart Pop-Up View
Swipe down on a notification to activate the Smart Pop-Up View, which lets you interact with the app without leaving your current screen.
6. Multi-Window Gestures
Samsung’s Multi-Window feature lets you use two apps simultaneously. Enable it with these gestures:
- Open Recent Apps, then swipe up on an app and tap the Split Screen option.
- Alternatively, drag an app from the Edge Panel into the main screen for split-screen multitasking.
7. Gaming Gesture Shortcuts
When gaming on your Samsung device, navigation gestures can interrupt gameplay. Activate Block Navigation Gestures through Game Booster for uninterrupted play.
8. Gesture Tips for Accessibility
a) Assistant Menu
For users who struggle with traditional gestures, Samsung offers the Assistant Menu, a floating icon that provides easy access to navigation controls.
Enable it in Settings > Accessibility > Interaction and Dexterity.
b) Magnification Gestures
Zoom into specific parts of your screen by triple-tapping it. This feature is helpful for those with visual impairments.
9. Third-Party Gesture Apps for Samsung
For even more customization, third-party apps like One Hand Operation+ and Edge Gestures allow you to create unique gesture controls.
10. Tips to Master Gesture Navigation
- Practice Makes Perfect: Spend a few days exclusively using gestures to get comfortable.
- Minimize Accidental Inputs: Adjust sensitivity to avoid triggering unintended actions.
- Explore Settings: Samsung devices offer a plethora of gesture-related options under Advanced Features and Accessibility.
11. Gesture Navigation Across One UI Versions
Different One UI versions offer unique gesture experiences. For example:
- One UI 5 and Later: Features like swipe-to-call and advanced edge panel gestures.
- One UI 4: Introduced smoother animations and improved multi-window navigation.
12. Future of Gesture Navigation on Samsung
With upcoming software updates like One UI 7, Samsung is expected to integrate more intuitive gestures, such as enhanced gaming shortcuts and AI-driven suggestions.
Conclusion
Samsung’s navigation gestures are more than just a replacement for buttons—they’re a gateway to efficient and intuitive smartphone use. From basic controls to advanced shortcuts, these gestures can simplify multitasking, enhance productivity, and improve your overall device experience.
By exploring and mastering these features, you can unlock the full potential of your Samsung Galaxy device. Whether you’re new to gesture navigation or a seasoned user, there’s always something new to discover. Try these gestures today, and take your navigation game to the next level!