Google is set to enhance the user experience on its Pixel phones by introducing a much-anticipated feature that allows users to reverse the order of the three-button navigation bar. This change enables users to adopt the "Recents, Home, Back" layout, which is the default configuration found on Samsung Galaxy phones. Evidence of this new setting was uncovered in the latest Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2, although the feature is not yet live for users.
For years, Samsung phones have utilized a three-button navigation layout where the back button is positioned on the right and the recents button on the left. In contrast, Google’s Pixel phones typically come with gesture navigation as the default. However, they do offer a three-button option that follows the traditional Android layout, where the back button is placed on the left. This difference has posed a challenge for users migrating from Samsung devices to Pixel phones, as they often need to adjust their muscle memory or switch to gesture navigation to adapt.
Fortunately, Google is finally addressing this challenge by adding an option to reverse the button order in the navigation bar. Last month, reports indicated that Google was preparing to enable users to flip the navigation bar on their Pixel devices. While initial code hints had surfaced, the specifics of how this feature would be presented to users remained unclear. However, after a thorough examination of the recent Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 release, new code has revealed significant details about how this feature will function.
The new feature can be found in the Settings app, specifically under a new page titled “Button navigation” located at Settings > System > Navigation mode. Users will be able to access this page by tapping a settings cog icon next to the “3-button navigation” option. Upon entering this new section, a header labeled “Button order” will appear, presenting users with two choices. The default order will remain as “Back, Home, Recents,” while the new option, “Recents, Home, Back,” will align with the layout familiar to Samsung users.
While we currently lack screenshots of the new “Button navigation” page, it is easy to visualize how the navigation bar will appear once this option is officially available. The addition of this feature marks a significant step in enhancing user flexibility and comfort for those transitioning from other Android devices.
Although we have identified the code for this setting in QPR2 Beta 2, its inclusion in the stable release is not assured. With one more beta version remaining in the cycle, the feature will need to appear in Beta 3 to secure its place in the public release scheduled for December.
To stay updated with the latest news and developments from Android Authority, consider adding us as a favorite source in Google Discover. This way, you’ll never miss our exclusive reports, expert analysis, and much more. You can also designate us as a preferred source in Google Search for easy access to our articles.
