Google Brings Samsung-Style Three-Button Layout to Pixel Phones

Have you ever wanted your Pixel devices to use the same navigation buttons as a Galaxy phone? Well, now your wish is coming true. Google has recently released Android 16 QPR3 beta 1, which allows Pixel phones to use the Samsung-style three-button layout.

Android 16 QPR3 beta lets Pixel users switch to Galaxy navigation style

While Android has been focusing on gesture navigation in recent years, many people still prefer the classic three-button layout. They show up at the bottom of the screen with three buttons: Back, Home, and Recents. These buttons let users go back, return to the home screen, and view recently used apps.

On Pixel phones, the buttons are arranged in the order Back, Home, Recents (from left to right). However, Galaxy phones use a different order (by default): Recents, Home, Back. The best thing is that Samsung lets users reverse layouts, so people can choose the order that feels most comfortable. Now, with Android 16 QPR3 beta 1, Pixel phones finally offer the same option, reports 9to5Google.

So, Pixel users who have recently switched from a Galaxy phone (assuming they were using the default navigation layout) no longer have to struggle with the different button order. To enable the Samsung-style layout, head over to Settings > System > Navigation mode > 3-button navigation > Settings.

Meanwhile, Android 16 QPR3 beta 1 brings back the expandable location indicator, a feature that shows exactly which apps are accessing your location in real time. This feature might arrive on Samsung devices as well, likely through the upcoming Android 17-based One UI 9 software. However, this update won’t likely arrive until the second half of next year.

For now, Galaxy device users are eagerly waiting for the stable One UI 8.5 (based on Android 16 QPR2). This update brings visual improvements, smarter features, and a host of new customization options. As of now, Galaxy S25 series users in select regions, including the US, can get a taste of the revamped software through the beta program.