The Samsung Galaxy S7 is an incredibly powerful and feature-rich smartphone, but even with all its bells and whistles, it can still be confusing to navigate at times. One of the most common queries from S7 users is a simple yet frustrating one: where is the home button? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of navigation on the Galaxy S7 and provide a comprehensive guide to finding and using the home button.
The Evolution of Navigation on Samsung Devices
Before we dive into the specifics of the S7, it’s essential to understand how Samsung has approached navigation on their devices over the years. In the early days of Android, Samsung devices featured physical buttons for navigation, including a dedicated home button. However, with the introduction of touchscreen devices, Samsung began to move towards capacitive touch buttons, which used sensors to detect gestures rather than physical presses.
Fast forward to the Galaxy S5, and Samsung introduced a new design language that included a physical home button with an integrated fingerprint sensor. This design carried over to the S6 and S6 Edge, but with the S7, Samsung made a significant change.
The Shift to Capacitive Buttons
The Galaxy S7 marked a departure from physical navigation buttons, instead opting for capacitive touch buttons that use sensors to detect gestures. This design change was aimed at creating a more seamless and modern look, as well as providing additional screen real estate.
However, this change also led to confusion among users, particularly those who were accustomed to the traditional home button. So, where did the home button go?
Finding the Home Button on Your Galaxy S7
The good news is that the home button is still present on the Galaxy S7, albeit in a slightly different form. To find it, follow these simple steps:
- Look for the capacitive touch button located at the bottom of the screen, directly below the display. This button is marked with a small icon that resembles a house.
- Press and hold the capacitive touch button until you feel a slight vibration or haptic feedback. This indicates that the button has been registered.
- Release the button, and you will be taken to the home screen.
Tip: Make sure to press the capacitive touch button gently but firmly, as a light tap may not register.
Customizing the Navigation Bar
One of the benefits of using capacitive touch buttons on the S7 is the ability to customize the navigation bar to your liking. To do this, follow these steps:
- Go to the Settings app on your S7.
- Scroll down and select the “Display” option.
- Tap on “Navigation bar” and then select “Navigation bar layout”.
- Here, you can choose from a variety of layouts, including the option to move the navigation bar to the bottom of the screen.
Using the Home Button Gestures
In addition to the traditional home button, the S7 introduces a range of gestures that can be used to navigate your device. These gestures are designed to provide a more intuitive and seamless experience.
Going Home with a Gesture
To go back to the home screen from anywhere on your device, simply swipe upwards from the bottom of the screen. This gesture works from any app or screen, making it easy to quickly return to the home screen.
Other Gesture Options
In addition to the home gesture, the S7 offers a range of other gestures that can be customized to suit your needs. These include:
- Back gesture: Swipe backwards from the bottom of the screen to go back to the previous screen or app.
- Recent apps gesture: Swipe upwards from the bottom of the screen and hold for a second to access the recent apps menu.
- Multitasking gesture: Swipe left or right from the bottom of the screen to switch between open apps.
Tip: Experiment with different gestures and customize them to suit your workflow and preferences.
Alternative Navigation Methods
While the capacitive touch button and gesture-based navigation are the primary methods of navigating the S7, there are alternative methods that can be used in certain situations.
Using the Navigation Drawer
The navigation drawer is a convenient way to access the home screen and other essential features on your S7. To access the navigation drawer, swipe from the left edge of the screen towards the right. This will reveal a menu with shortcuts to the home screen, recent apps, and other features.
Customizing the Navigation Drawer
The navigation drawer can be customized to display the features and shortcuts that you use most often. To do this, follow these steps:
- Access the navigation drawer by swiping from the left edge of the screen.
- Tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Select “Edit” and then drag and drop the shortcuts to reorganize them.
Tip: Use the navigation drawer to quickly access your favorite apps and features.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S7 may have done away with the traditional physical home button, but it has introduced a range of innovative navigation methods that are designed to provide a more intuitive and seamless experience. By mastering the capacitive touch button and gesture-based navigation, you can unlock the full potential of your S7 and take your productivity to the next level.
Remember to experiment with different gestures and customization options to find the navigation method that works best for you. With a little practice, you’ll be navigating your S7 like a pro in no time.
Q: Where is the home button on the Samsung Galaxy S7?
The home button on the Samsung Galaxy S7 is not a physical button, but rather a capacitive key located at the bottom center of the screen. It’s a touch-sensitive area that responds to gestures, allowing you to navigate through your phone’s interface. To access the home button, simply touch the capacitive key with your finger or thumb.
When you press the home button, your phone will return to the home screen, closing any open apps or menus. You can also long-press the home button to access Google Assistant or other voice commands. Additionally, you can use the home button to take a screenshot by pressing it simultaneously with the power button.
Q: How do I navigate without a physical home button?
Navigating without a physical home button may take some getting used to, but it’s easy to adapt to the Samsung Galaxy S7’s capacitive key. To go back to the home screen, simply touch the capacitive key at the bottom center of the screen. You can also use gestures to navigate through your phone’s interface. For example, you can swipe from the bottom of the screen up to the top to open the app drawer.
To switch between open apps, swipe to the left or right from the capacitive key. You can also long-press the capacitive key to open the task manager, where you can see all open apps and close any that you’re not using. With a little practice, you’ll be navigating like a pro in no time.
Q: Can I customize the home button?
Yes, you can customize the home button on your Samsung Galaxy S7 to some extent. You can adjust the sensitivity of the capacitive key in the Settings app under Advanced features > Moto actions. You can also remap the long-press function to open a different app or feature, such as the camera or flashlight.
Additionally, you can enable or disable the “Show button shapes” feature, which displays a visual guide for the capacitive key and back buttons. You can also adjust the button layout to switch the positions of the back and recent apps buttons.
Q: What if I accidentally press the capacitive key?
Accidentally pressing the capacitive key is a common mistake, especially if you’re used to physical buttons. If you accidentally press the home button, don’t worry – it’s easy to recover. Simply press the back button to return to the previous screen or app.
If you accidentally exit an app or game, you can usually reopen it from the recent apps menu. Simply swipe to the left or right from the capacitive key to open the recent apps menu, then select the app you want to reopen. You can also use the back button to return to the previous screen.
Q: Can I use a screen protector with the capacitive key?
Yes, you can use a screen protector with the capacitive key on your Samsung Galaxy S7. However, it’s essential to choose a screen protector that is specifically designed for the S7’s capacitive key. Some screen protectors may interfere with the capacitive key’s functionality, so it’s crucial to choose a high-quality protector that won’t affect the key’s performance.
When applying a screen protector, make sure to align it carefully with the capacitive key to ensure that it doesn’t obstruct the key’s functionality. You may need to adjust the protector slightly to ensure that it’s aligned correctly.
Q: Is the capacitive key durable?
The capacitive key on the Samsung Galaxy S7 is designed to be durable and long-lasting. It’s made of a high-quality material that can withstand scratches and drops. However, it’s still important to handle your phone with care to prevent damage to the capacitive key or other components.
To clean the capacitive key, simply wipe it gently with a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the key.
Q: Can I replace the capacitive key if it breaks?
If the capacitive key on your Samsung Galaxy S7 breaks or becomes damaged, you may need to replace it. In some cases, you can repair or replace the capacitive key yourself, but this may void your warranty. It’s usually recommended to contact a professional repair service or Samsung authorized service center to replace the capacitive key.
Before attempting to replace the capacitive key, make sure to back up your data and turn off your phone. You may also need to purchase a replacement part from Samsung or a third-party supplier. If you’re not comfortable with DIY repairs, it’s best to seek the help of a professional.