Pixel users will soon be able to swap navigation button order, offering a long-awaited customization feature first popularized by Samsung devices
Pixel Gets More Personal: Navigation Layout Customization Coming
Google is finally adding a feature that Pixel users have requested for years—the ability to customize the navigation button layout. Confirmed for release in Android 16, this small but meaningful change will allow users to reorder the bottom navigation buttons, just like on Samsung phones.
- The update will be part of Android 16 QPR2, set to launch in December 2025.
- It was first spotted in Beta 2 testing and is now confirmed for final rollout.
What’s Changing and Why It Matters
Currently, Pixel phones use the standard Back – Home – Recents layout. However, Samsung’s layout places the buttons as Recents – Home – Back, a configuration preferred by many due to muscle memory or hand dominance.
With Android 16, you’ll now be able to choose between the two layouts:
| Option | Layout |
|---|---|
| Pixel Default | Back – Home – Recents |
| Samsung Style | Recents – Home – Back |
While the change may seem minor, it significantly enhances user comfort, especially for those switching from a Samsung device or using a right-hand dominant grip.
How to Change the Navigation Button Order
Once your Pixel is updated to Android 16, follow these steps to change your navigation layout:
- Open Settings
- Tap System
- Choose Navigation Mode
- If you’re using 3-button navigation, tap the gear icon
- Select Button Navigation
- Pick either the Pixel layout or Samsung layout
This option will only appear if you’re using the 3-button navigation mode, not gesture navigation.
Part of Google’s Bigger Push for Personalization
Google’s move aligns with its broader goal of making Android more user-configurable, especially on Pixel devices where customization has traditionally lagged behind OEMs like Samsung and OnePlus.
- Adds to Material You design personalization
- Follows other user-focused tweaks like lock screen customizations and more granular permission controls
- Shows Google’s willingness to adopt popular OEM features into core Android
This also suggests that Google is listening to user feedback, especially from those moving between Android brands.
A Small Change With Big User Impact
The ability to flip navigation buttons may seem subtle, but for longtime Samsung users moving to Pixel—or anyone wanting a better ergonomic fit—it’s a welcome quality-of-life upgrade.
Expect this feature to roll out with the Pixel Feature Drop in December 2025, with availability across all supported Pixel models running Android 16.
