How to Customize Navigation Bar Features on a Galaxy Phone

Learn how to optimize navigation bar functions on Samsung Galaxy devices, including swipe gestures, digital assistant activation, and Circle to Search setup.

The navigation bar on Samsung Galaxy devices offers two navigation styles: buttons and swipe gestures. With the Galaxy S24, new features like digital assistant activation and Circle to Search have been added, while some swipe gesture options have been removed from standard settings. Use the NavStar app in Good Lock to restore removed swipe gestures like "Swipe from bottom" and "Gesture hints."

1. How to Optimize Navigation Bar Functions on Samsung Galaxy Devices

Samsung Galaxy devices offer flexible navigation options to enhance user experience. The navigation bar supports both button-based navigation and swipe gestures. With the Galaxy S24, Samsung has introduced new features like digital assistant activation and Circle to Search, while simplifying the navigation settings menu.

Supported Samsung Galaxy devices: Galaxy S24, Galaxy S25, Galaxy S26, Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy A series.

2. Why Are Some Swipe Gestures Removed in Galaxy S24?

- Samsung streamlined the navigation settings in the Galaxy S24 to improve user experience by reducing menu complexity.

- Features like "Swipe from bottom" and "Gesture hints" were removed from standard settings but can be restored using the NavStar app in Good Lock.

3. How to Restore Removed Swipe Gestures Using Good Lock

If you miss the "Swipe from bottom" or "Gesture hints" options, you can enable them using the NavStar app in Good Lock.

1. Download Good Lock from the Galaxy Store and open the app.
2. Select the Make up tab and choose NavStar, then tap the download icon.
3. Open Good Lock, go to the Make up tab, and select NavStar.
4. Tap Start, allow permissions, and enable swipe gestures by turning on the switch.

4. How to Set Up Navigation Bar Options on Galaxy Devices

You can customize your navigation bar settings to suit your preferences. Here's how to set up both button-based navigation and swipe gestures.

4.1 Setting Up Button-Based Navigation

Button-based navigation uses three physical buttons at the bottom of the screen for Home, Back, and Recent Apps.

1. Open Settings on your Galaxy device.
2. Go to Display > Navigation bar.
3. Select Buttons to enable button-based navigation.

4.2 Setting Up Swipe Gestures

Swipe gestures allow you to navigate using simple finger motions, freeing up screen space.

1. Open Settings on your Galaxy device.
2. Go to Display > Navigation bar.
3. Select Swipe gestures.
4. Choose your preferred swipe gesture style and button order.
5. Enable Gesture hints if available.

5. How to Use Swipe Gestures on Galaxy Devices

Swipe gestures make navigation intuitive and efficient. Here are the key gestures:

- Return to Home: Swipe upward from the bottom of the screen.

- View Recent Apps: Swipe upward from the bottom and hold for one second.

- Go Back: Swipe from the left or right edges of the screen.

- Activate Digital Assistant: Swipe inward from the bottom corners of the screen.

- Activate Circle to Search: Touch and hold the Home button or navigation handle.

6. Additional Things to Check

- Ensure your device is running the latest software version for optimal navigation performance.

- If swipe gestures feel unresponsive, restart your device or clear the navigation bar cache.

7. Related Samsung Support Topics

- How to free storage space on Samsung Galaxy devices

- How to use Smart Switch on Samsung Galaxy phones

- How to clear cache files on Samsung Galaxy devices