Are you tired of the same old button layout on your Samsung Galaxy S21? Do you want to personalize your device to fit your style and preferences? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to change the buttons on your Samsung Galaxy S21, giving you the freedom to customize your device like never before.
Understanding the Default Button Layout
Before we dive into the process of changing buttons, it’s essential to understand the default button layout on your Samsung Galaxy S21. The Galaxy S21 features a standard Android navigation system, consisting of three buttons:
- Back: Located on the left, this button takes you back to the previous screen or closes the current app.
- Home: Situated in the middle, this button takes you back to the home screen.
- Recent Apps: Positioned on the right, this button displays a list of recently opened apps, allowing you to quickly switch between them.
These buttons can be found at the bottom of your screen, and they’re an integral part of the Android experience. However, if you’re not satisfied with the default layout, you can customize them to your heart’s content.
Changing the Navigation Buttons
Changing the navigation buttons on your Samsung Galaxy S21 is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:
Method 1: Swap the Navigation Buttons
If you’re accustomed to a different navigation layout, you can swap the Back and Recent Apps buttons. To do this:
- Go to Settings > Display > Navigation bar.
- Scroll down to the Button layout section.
- Tap Button order.
- Select the Swap buttons option.
This will switch the positions of the Back and Recent Apps buttons, giving you a more familiar layout if you’re coming from a different Android device or iOS.
Method 2: Use Gesture Navigation
If you’re looking for a more modern and sleek navigation experience, you can enable gesture navigation on your Samsung Galaxy S21. This method replaces the traditional navigation buttons with Gesture-style navigation, popularized by Android 10.
To enable gesture navigation:
- Go to Settings > Display > Navigation bar.
- Scroll down to the Button layout section.
- Tap Button type.
- Select the Gesture option.
With gesture navigation, you’ll use intuitive gestures to navigate your device:
- Swipe up from the bottom to go home.
- Swipe up and hold to access recent apps.
- Swipe from the left or right edge to go back.
Customizing Button Actions
While changing the navigation buttons is a great start, you can take customization to the next level by assigning custom actions to your buttons. This feature, known as Button layout, allows you to remap the functions of your navigation buttons.
Remapping the Navigation Buttons
To remap the navigation buttons:
- Go to Settings > Advanced features > Button layout.
- Tap Customize.
- Select the button you want to remap (e.g., Back, Home, or Recent Apps).
- Choose from a list of available actions, such as:
- Take screenshot: Take a screenshot of your current screen.
- Open app: Launch a specific app of your choice.
- Show notifications: Display your notification shade.
You can assign different actions to each button, giving you unparalleled customization flexibility.
Using Third-Party Button Remapping Apps
While Samsung provides built-in options for customizing button actions, you can also use third-party apps to take your customization to the next level. These apps often offer more advanced features and flexibility compared to the built-in options.
Popular Button Remapping Apps
Some popular button remapping apps for Android include:
- Button Mapper: A highly-rated app that allows you to remap your navigation buttons, as well as create custom gestures and shortcuts.
- Navigation Button Gesture: An app that enables gesture navigation on devices without native support, while also offering customizable button actions.
When using third-party apps, be sure to carefully review permissions and reviews to ensure you’re installing a safe and reliable app.
Tips and Tricks for Customizing Your Buttons
Now that you’ve customized your navigation buttons, here are some additional tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Samsung Galaxy S21:
- Experiment with different button layouts: Try out different navigation button layouts and gestures to find what works best for you.
- Use button remapping apps wisely: Be cautious when using third-party button remapping apps, as they may require additional permissions or affect your device’s performance.
- Customize your buttons for specific tasks: Assign custom actions to your navigation buttons based on specific tasks or apps you use frequently, making it easier to access the features you need.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to customize your Samsung Galaxy S21’s buttons to fit your unique style and preferences. Remember to explore the built-in options and third-party apps available, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different layouts and gestures until you find the perfect setup for you.
What are the benefits of customizing buttons on my Samsung Galaxy S21?
Customizing the buttons on your Samsung Galaxy S21 can greatly enhance your user experience. By assigning specific functions to each button, you can tailor your phone to fit your individual needs and preferences. This can improve your productivity, simplify your workflow, and even reduce strain on your hands and fingers.
For example, you can reassign the Bixby button to launch your favorite app or shortcut, or remap the power button to perform a specific action. Additionally, customizing your buttons can also help you to reduce distractions and minimize accidental presses. By taking control of your button layout, you can streamline your phone usage and make it feel more personalized to you.
Do I need to root my Samsung Galaxy S21 to customize the buttons?
No, you do not need to root your Samsung Galaxy S21 to customize the buttons. The built-in customization options on the S21 allow you to remap the buttons without requiring root access. You can access these options through the Settings app, where you can reassign the functions of the Bixby button, power button, and volume buttons.
However, if you want more advanced customization options, you may need to use third-party apps or customize your phone through other means. In these cases, rooting your phone may be required. But for basic button remapping, the built-in options should be sufficient.
Can I customize the navigation buttons on my Samsung Galaxy S21?
Yes, you can customize the navigation buttons on your Samsung Galaxy S21. The S21 offers a range of navigation options, including gesture-based navigation, traditional navigation buttons, and a hybrid approach that combines both. You can switch between these options through the Settings app, and even customize the appearance and layout of the navigation buttons to suit your preferences.
Additionally, some third-party launchers and customization apps offer more advanced navigation customization options, such as changing the order of the buttons or adding custom buttons. These options can help you to further personalize your phone’s navigation experience.
How do I restore the default button functions on my Samsung Galaxy S21?
If you want to restore the default button functions on your Samsung Galaxy S21, you can do so through the Settings app. Simply navigate to the Button settings menu, where you can reset the button assignments to their default values. This will restore the original functions of the Bixby button, power button, and volume buttons.
Alternatively, you can also perform a factory reset to restore your phone to its original settings. This will erase all of your data and customization, so be sure to back up your phone before doing so.
Can I customize the buttons on my Samsung Galaxy S21 using third-party apps?
Yes, you can customize the buttons on your Samsung Galaxy S21 using third-party apps. There are many apps available that offer advanced button customization options, such as Button Mapper, Key Mapper, and more. These apps can allow you to remap the buttons to perform specific actions, launch apps, or even execute complex macros.
However, be careful when using third-party apps to customize your buttons, as some apps may require additional permissions or access to sensitive features. Be sure to read reviews and understand the app’s permissions before installing and using it.
Will customizing the buttons on my Samsung Galaxy S21 void my warranty?
Customizing the buttons on your Samsung Galaxy S21 should not void your warranty. The built-in customization options are designed to allow users to personalize their phone without compromising the warranty. Additionally, many third-party apps that offer button customization options are designed to work within the bounds of the phone’s operating system, and should not void the warranty either.
However, if you use a third-party app or method that involves rooting or modifying your phone’s operating system, you may void your warranty. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of your warranty before making any modifications to your phone.
Can I customize the buttons on my Samsung Galaxy S21 with one hand?
Yes, you can customize the buttons on your Samsung Galaxy S21 with one hand. The S21’s large screen and ergonomic design make it easy to navigate and use with one hand, and the button customization options are designed to be accessible even when using your phone with one hand.
Additionally, many third-party apps and launchers offer one-handed mode options, which can simplify the navigation and button customization process. These options can help you to customize your buttons and use your phone more comfortably with one hand.