If you use Android daily, you probably already press the side button almost without thinking: you lock the screen, turn it on, take a screenshot, and little else. But what many people don't know is that this same button can be transformed into a quick command center for almost any function From your mobile: open the camera, turn on the flashlight, call emergency services, or even launch your favorite assistant.
With a little configuration (and in some cases with the help of specialized apps), it is possible customize the side button function on AndroidYou can combine it with the volume buttons, use it for advanced accessibility, and even add extra physical buttons to your phone. Let's see, step by step, everything you can do depending on your device brand, your Android version, and the tools you want to use.
Physical buttons on Android: much more than just turning on and off
Current Android phones and tablets typically include two volume buttons and a multifunction side buttonThis button, which may appear on the left or right side depending on the brand and model, is used on Samsung Galaxy devices. For example, this side button combines the power function with the assistant functions (Bixby, Gemini, or whichever one you have configured).
Out of the box, these buttons allow basic actions that are very useful in everyday lifewhich you should know before you start customizing them:
- Increase and decrease volume: with the volume buttons you control the sound of calls, notifications, multimedia and alarms (depending on the customization layer).
- Turn the screen on or offA short press of the side button locks or unlocks the phone.
- Turn on the device: with the phone turned off, a long press of the side button turns it on.
- Shutdown menu: On many models, pressing and holding the side button opens the menu to power off, restart, or activate special modes; on others, it is combined with volume down.
- ScreenshotMost manufacturers use the side button + volume down combination to take screenshots.
- Quick shortcut to cameraPressing the side button twice usually opens the camera, even with the screen off.
These features are just the foundation. On many Galaxy devices with One UI, Motorola and Xiaomi phones, or "pure" Android devices, you can redefine what each keystroke does (single, double or extended) and turn this button into a real personal shortcut to your favorite tools.
Quick actions with the side button: camera, captures, and more
One of the most practical ways to take advantage of the side button is to use it to Open the camera immediatelyOn most Android phones, a quick double tap on this button launches the camera app without needing to unlock the screen, which is key to not missing spontaneous moments.
Once inside the camera, almost all layers allow you to use volume buttons as a triggerThis makes taking selfies, horizontal photos, or one-handed shots much more convenient, as you can hold the phone more firmly and shoot with a side tap.
If you don't take many photos, or you already have another way of using the camera, on several models you can reconfigure that double tap to launch another utility: flashlight, voice recorder, your notes app, music player, or any application you want to have accessible without navigating through menus.
Furthermore, there are very widespread combinations for screenshots and system functions which is worth remembering:
- Screen on: side button + volume down to take a quick screenshot.
- On some Samsung devices: press side button + volume down to open the power menu if you have reassigned the long press of the side button to the assistant.
- Models with the latest One UI: extra shortcuts for advanced captures, screen recording, or AI-powered selection, all accessible from the side button settings.
Configure the side button on Samsung Galaxy phones
Samsung is one of the manufacturers that makes the most of the side button. On its recent Galaxy models, this button can function as "Classic" power button or as a launcher for assistants and shortcutswith single, double and prolonged pressing.
Basic setup path in One UI
On many current Galaxy devices, side button customization is available. Settings > Advanced Features > Side ButtonFrom there you can decide what makes the double tap and what about the long press.
The typical options that you will find are:
- Double click: open camera, open a specific application or launch special functions depending on your version of One UI.
- Long press: Open the digital assistant (Bixby, Gemini, ChatGPT if you have it integrated) or show the classic shutdown menu.
This allows you to turn the button into a direct shortcut to what you actually useFor example, you can use a long press for the power menu, and a double press for the camera or to open Spotify, the flashlight, or Samsung Wallet.
Advanced shortcuts with One UI 7 and One UI 8
On Galaxy devices that have updated to One UI 7 (and later), Samsung has added an extra layer of customization: now You can associate the double tap of the side button with very specific actions within certain appsnot just to open them without further ado.
Among the latests Moravia's compositions available possibilities The following are included for the double-press power button gesture:
- Camera: Open the camera, start portrait capture, directly open the front camera for selfies, or start an immediate video recording.
- SamsungWallet: Launch the app to pay or manage digital cards and passes.
- Lantern: turn on the mobile phone's flash directly as a quick light.
- LandUse the magnifying glass function to enlarge text or details, very useful in low visibility situations.
- Voice recorderOpen the recorder app or start recording a voice note instantly.
- Samsung NotesOpen the app, start a new note, start writing with the S Pen, or record a voice note.
- Samsung Capture Tools: take a screenshot, record the screen, or use an AI-powered selection.
- Modes and routines: launch a specific routine (e.g., car mode, study mode, night mode) with a single double tap.
- Open app: choose any installed app to open with a double tap.
Within the settings screen itself, many of these functions include a specific settings icon to further refine the action (for example, what type of note you want to open or what exact routine to activate).
In One UI 8, Samsung continues to enhance this system of silent shortcuts, so that the button is no longer "the power button" but become a super-fast remote control for what you use most on your Galaxy.
Choose your assistant: Bixby, Gemini, ChatGPT and others
Another key decision when customizing the side button on Samsung devices is which assistant you want to summon with a long press. Depending on the model and software version, you can associate that gesture with Bixby, Gemini, Google Assistant, or even access to other assistants like ChatGPT, if the manufacturer or the app allows it.
If you prefer not to use any assistant, you can revert to the traditional behavior and have it A long press will bring up the power menu againleaving access to the assistant for another gesture or disabling it completely.
Customize the side button on Motorola phones (Android 16 and similar)
Motorola usually groups many gesture options in one section, and with Android 16 (and similar versions) it allows fine-tune what happens when you press and hold or double-press the power button.
Configure long press
In many recent models, the usual way is to go to Settings > Gestures > Press and hold the power buttonOnce inside, you can choose several actions:
Once inside, you can choose multiple actions:
- Digital assistant: to initiate a voice command with your configured assistant.
- Motorcycle AIOn compatible models, activate features such as content summary, screen attention, contextual reminders, and other Motorola smart services.
- Power Menu: display the classic options to turn off, restart, activate lock mode or emergency call.
- No action: completely disable long press if you find it annoying or activate it by mistake.
In addition, there is usually a type of adjustment “How long do you want to hold it down?” to customize the minimum time you must hold the button down before the action is executed. This is useful if you tend to unintentionally pressing the finger down too far.
If you choose an option other than “Power Menu”, in order to turn off or restart your phone you will need to Press the power button and the volume up button simultaneouslySomething worth remembering so you don't go crazy on the first day.
Configure the double press of the power button
On these Motorola phones you can also control what the phone does when Press the power button twice in successionThe route is usually similar: Settings > Gestures > Double-tap the power button (or “Press the power button twice”).
From there you can choose between:
- Open the camera: for quick access to photos without unlocking the screen.
- Start voice command: launch the voice assistant directly with a double tap.
- No action: disable this function if you find it annoying.
Motorola's menus are usually quite clear, but depending on the Android skin and version, the names of the options may change slightly. In any case, the idea is the same: associate the double-tap gesture with the action you will use most often.
Emergency shortcuts with the power button
Beyond convenience, physical buttons can save you in a pinch. Many Android phones include an option to emergency that is activated by pressing the power button several times in a row (Some require five quick taps, while several Samsung devices only need three).
When You configure this function In the security settings, the mobile phone can:
- Make a direct call to the emergency number (112 in Spain, or the corresponding number in your country).
- Send your location and emergency information to trusted contacts that you have previously defined.
- In some models, you can attach photographs, sound recordings, or a short video taken automatically.
In the settings there is usually a parameter for set the countdown before making the callso you have a few seconds to cancel if you've accidentally activated emergency mode. It's important to review this section carefully to make sure that It adapts to your needs and does not generate false alarms..
Control music, calls, and other shortcuts with the physical buttons
The volume buttons aren't just for raising or lowering the volume. Combined with the side button or third-party apps, they can control music playback, manage calls, or launch specific actions.
Music control with the volume buttons
In stock Android, the ability to change songs with the volume buttons is not usually enabled by default, but in custom Android skins like Samsung's, you can use tools such as Sound assistant o QuickClick to expand it. With this type of app, it's possible to configure, for example, when Hold down volume up to skip tracks, and by holding down the volume down button you go back to the previous one; all without turning on the screen.
In other manufacturers' layers, there are internal settings that allow link volume to playback functionsHowever, they don't always behave the same way with the screen off, so it's a good idea to test how your specific model responds.
Answer, hang up and mute calls with physical buttons
If you receive a call with your hands full or the screen is wet, it can be much more convenient to use the physical buttons. Generally speaking, almost all Android devices allow this. mute the ringtone using any of the volume buttonswithout rejecting the call.
Additionally, in the accessibility settings of many devices you can activate options on the table:
- Answer call by turning up volume: very useful if you don't want to or can't swipe on the screen.
- Hang up call using the side button: to end the call instantly with a physical gesture.
These functions may vary depending on the manufacturer, but they are usually found in menus of Accessibility or Call Settingsso it's worth taking a closer look at them.
Extreme customization: Button Mapper and other apps for remapping buttons
If the native options fall short, there are dedicated apps for "remapping" buttons, such as the popular Button MapperWith this tool you can assign almost any action can be performed using the physical buttons of your mobile: power, volume, extra assistant buttons, etc., without needing root in most cases.
Button Mapper's interface is quite clear: when you open it you'll see a list with all the buttons detected on the device (volume up, volume down, power, extra side button, etc.). From there you can:
From there you can configure buttons:
- Choose whether you want to act on a single, double, or long press.
- Assign actions such as opening apps, making direct calls, turning on the flashlight, launching the camera, or playing/pausing music.
- Link automated tasks, routines, or even specific commands if you use other advanced apps.
Thanks to this, your volume buttons can, for example, to skip to the next song or launch a specific app by holding them down, while a double press of the power button opens your task manager or a QR code reader.
On many phones that don't have native remapping options (or have very limited ones), these types of apps are the easiest way to Convert physical buttons into a shortcut panel entirely to your liking..
Navigation bar, on-screen buttons, and visual settings
Although they aren't physical buttons, the navigation bar and its icons (Back, Home, Recents) can also be customized. On many devices, the corresponding menu is located in Settings > Display > Navigation bar or in a similar section; you can also carry the navigation buttons.
From there, according to the brand, You'll have options. to:
- Enable or disable the classic navigation barreplacing it with full-screen gestures.
- Change the order of the buttons (for example, swapping "Back" and "Recent").
- In some models, adjust the sensitivity of the gestures.
For other more advanced visual changes, such as modify the color, the aesthetics, or add extra functions to that barYou will usually have to resort to third-party apps, as manufacturers' custom interfaces tend to be more conservative in this area.
"Extra" button, fingerprint sensor and other lesser-known tricks
Some phones include an additional physical button dedicated to assistants or smart features. On others, the fingerprint sensor itself (on the side or back) can act as a a configurable pseudo-button.
The assistant button or “extra button”
In certain models (especially older ones), this button was only used to launch Google Assistant, but in many cases you can reconfigure it to open other apps or perform custom actionsThe menu paths vary considerably, but it's usually found in:
- Settings > Shortcuts or a similar menu.
- Sections called “additional settings” or “smart options”, according to the layer.
Once located, you can choose whether a single press opens the assistant, a long press launches another function, or if you prefer this button It only activates with combinations or remains deactivated.
Use the fingerprint sensor as a button
On many mobile phones with a physical fingerprint sensor (side or rear), the system allows you to assign specific gestures on that sensor to go beyond unlocking your phone:
- Take screenshots by swiping or holding your finger.
- Lock the device with a specific touch.
- Open the notification panel by dragging down.
These possibilities depend on the Android version installed and customization layerTherefore, not all models offer the same features. It's a good idea to check the gesture settings or the fingerprint sensor itself to see what your device allows.
Add an extra physical button via the headphone jack
It may sound strange, but there are small accessories that connect to the 3,5 mm jack (if your phone still has it) and they function as an additional physical button. With the help of a compatible app, you can configure that button to:
- Open the camera.
- Turn on the flashlight.
- Launch a specific app.
You will normally be able to assign three different actionsOne button for a single click, another for a double click, and a third for a long press. It's an interesting solution for those who miss having more physical buttons and want More shortcuts without touching the screen.
Accessibility with switches: customize buttons to navigate the screen
Android includes a powerful system called Accessibility with switches which allows navigation through the interface using physical buttons, external keys, or special switches. Although designed for people with mobility or tactile interaction difficulties, it also serves for Take button customization to the next level.
Access basic settings
To adjust these options, you need to go into the settings app and follow a path similar to: Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility with switches > Settings (The name may vary slightly depending on the Android version).
From this screen you will be able to assign which switches or keys perform each action In the system, change the scanning method to the screen and modify how the featured items are displayed.
Assign switches for scanning
In the "Assign switches for scanning" section you can choose which buttons control navigationThe basic process is usually:
- Select an action (for example, “Next”, “Previous” or “Select”).
- See which buttons are already assigned to that action in the dialog box.
- Press a physical button or key to add or remove it from that action.
There are very flexible configurations, such as assign multiple switches to the same actionThis is great if you use a standard keyboard and want all its keys to act as a single button.
You can also define a switch "Previous" To undo the last scan selection (it doesn't undo actions like opening apps, it only moves the visual focus). And, if you use automatic scanning, there's an option to Automatic reverse scan to change the focus direction with a second button.
Actions on the highlighted element and global actions
In addition to moving between elements, you can assign buttons to actions on the currently highlighted elementsuch as “Scroll Forward”, “Scroll Backward”, or “Press and Hold”. In grouped selection configurations, these actions may behave somewhat differently because There can be several highlighted elements at the same time.
On the other hand, in the section “Assign buttons to global actions” It is possible to link physical buttons to functions such as:
- Back.
- Starting screen.
- Notifications.
- Quick setup.
- Overview or recent apps.
With this you can control virtually the entire system through a few selected switcheswithout resorting to direct touch on the screen.
Menu customization and scanning methods
In the Accessibility settings with switches you can also modify the general accessibility menuprovided you enable the "Enable menu customization" option. If this option is disabled, the changes will not be reflected in the main menu.
If at any point you feel you've moved too many things and everything is now a mess, it's possible return to default menurestoring original positions and elements.
Regarding scanning methodYou have several options:
- Auto scanThe focus moves automatically across the screen elements at regular intervals until you select one.
- Linear scanning: it moves one by one through each element.
- Row/column scan: first it goes through complete rows and, when a row is selected, it goes element by element within that row.
- Group selection: Available when automatic scanning is disabled, groups items into blocks for faster navigation.
In these modes you can adjust the automatic scan time, delay in the first element (to better guide you when changing screens) and the number of scan repetitionsMany of these settings are also shared with the so-called “targeted search”.
Spot search, automatic startup, and visual style
Spot search allows you to select a specific point on the screen using lines that move horizontally and verticallyTo change this mode:
- Line speed, in centimeters per second.
- Delay in the first elementbefore starting the movement.
- Number of scansThat is, how many times the line sweep is repeated.
There is also the option of start scanning automatically As soon as the screen appears, without needing to press any switch, you can choose whether the scan starts vertically or horizontally.
Switch adaptation: ignore repeated presses and release to activate
To avoid errors, there is a setting called “Ignore the repeated heartbeats” (formerly known as “Timeout”), which defines how many seconds the system waits after receiving a keystroke before accepting another. A slightly longer timeout can be key if you frequently accidentally pressing more than intended.
Another interesting option is “Letting go in order to perform an action”This means the action is triggered when you release the switch, not when you press it. This may feel more natural to some people who find it easier. relax the finger that is pressing it.
By combining all these options, Android allows interaction with physical buttons to adapt very well to specific accessibility needsbeyond mere comfort.
Configuring the side button and the rest of the physical buttons on Android is one of those things we usually put off until "another day," but when we finally get around to it, it completely changes the feeling of using the phone: from having the camera and flashlight always ready, to launching your favorite assistant, activating routines, or controlling the phone almost entirely with a couple of well-configured switches—making the most of these buttons. It makes the device much more personal, efficient, and adapted to the way you use it.. Share the guide and other users will be able to customize the side button on Android.