Android shortcuts at the bottom: how to set them up and get the most out of them

Android, in all its variants, has shortcuts accessed by swiping down from the top of the screen. But the great thing about this operating system is the customizability that it offers, and if you're thinking about getting a custom build designed to be able to use your phone with one handYou can have Android shortcuts at the bottom and combine them with other system shortcuts.

On many Android phones, quick access is only shown when slide in from the top of the screen, which can be awkward on large screens or when using the phone with one hand. Furthermore, while some custom Android skins allow you to access shortcuts by swiping down from the middle of the screen when you're on the home screen, you won't always be on the home screen when you want to access them, and not all skins offer this feature. This is where a very practical solution comes in.

Let's see how to move the shortcuts to the bottom with a dedicated appHow to fully configure the quick settings panel and what types of shortcuts you can create on Android to speed up almost any daily task.

Bottom Quick Settings

That's right, the option is Bottom Quick SettingsIt is an application whose main function is to offer a quick settings panel at the bottom of the screen, accessible by sliding from the bottom up, without giving up the classic panel at the top. This way you can literally have the Android shortcuts at the bottom, perfect for large screens and one-handed use.

The first thing to do is install it from Google Play and give it the necessary permissions so that it can overlay other applications and manage some system access. Once granted, we will have to press the button. Service is not running, which when pressed will change to The service is runningThis switch is essential, as it controls whether the lower panel is active or not.

From that moment on, swiping down from the configured area at the bottom of the screen will bring up a panel that quite faithfully mimics the standard Android quick settings panel, with icons for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, flashlight, mobile data, airplane mode, and anything else you want to customize. It's a very convenient way to reduce hand movements and improve accessibility even if you don't need specific accessibility features.

It's that easy to activate, but now we'll tell you all about it. Advanced Options You have options to modify and customize this application to your liking, as well as other ways to take advantage of quick access features in Android that complement this type of panel.

Bottom Quick Settings app options

The application offers certain options that are very interesting for obtaining a precise customizationThe first of these could be the ability to move the activation area to the right or left side of the screen, in case your phone uses any kind of gestures at the bottom like those integrated by Samsung, OnePlus or other brands.

For that we will have to go to the section extensor of the app. There we can modify the width and height of the bar (which is invisible during use) to adapt the gesture to how you hold your phone. This way, you can only activate the panel when you swipe from a very specific area and avoid accidental touches.

In addition, in the option Extender position We can make this modification and customize it to your liking, placing the activation gesture in the lower left, center or right areaThis is especially useful if you almost always use your phone with one hand and want the gesture to land right where your thumb falls.

Another relevant detail is that you can adjust the sensitivity of gestureThe delay and some visual effects are also affected. So, if you tend to touch the bottom of the screen while typing or switching between apps, you can minimize unwanted activations. And if you want it to appear with just a slight swipe, you can configure it that way too.

And of course, we'll be able to modify everything. information provided by these shortcutsSince it doesn't have to be the same as what we have at the top, but if you want, you can also leave it the same for consistent behavior. You can modify the number of rows, columns And, of course, all the icons and shortcuts, choosing from the most common Android toggles.

We will also be able to modify the panel and icon color Both the bar and the shortcuts bar can be customized to better match your dark or light theme or wallpaper. However, for the latter and for more advanced appearance features, you'll need to purchase a premium account, as some aesthetic adjustments are locked behind the paid version.

By combining these options with other system settings (such as accessibility shortcuts or floating widgets), you can achieve customization. 100% usable with one hand, especially useful on large or foldable mobile phones.

Configuring system shortcuts and accessibility on Android

Android not only allows quick access panels at the top or bottom, it also has a number of accessibility shortcuts These shortcuts are very powerful. They help activate accessibility apps or features such as TalkBack, magnification, magnifiers, color filters, or third-party services.

Accessibility shortcuts are a quick way to activate accessibility apps or to switch between apps. You can choose the shortcut you want to use with each accessibility app and combine them with your custom bottom panel to keep everything at your fingertips.

Important: These access points are configured from the System settings They don't replace the notification panel, but rather complement it. In other words, you can simultaneously use the classic top panel, the bottom panel with Bottom Quick Settings, and the accessibility shortcuts.

How to configure accessibility shortcuts

You can configure as many shortcuts as you want to use to access the accessibility apps on your Android device. Although each manufacturer may vary slightly in the paths, the general idea is this:

1. On your device, open the app Settings.
2. Touch the section Accessibility.
3. Select the application or function you want to use with a shortcut, such as TalkBack and Extension.
4. In the settings for that function, look for the setting for direct access.
5. Choose the type of access you want to use:

• Tap the accessibility button: A specific icon is displayed on the screen (usually near the navigation bar) which, when touched, activates the function.
• Hold volume keys: Press and hold both volume keys simultaneously to open a shortcut menu or immediately activate a function.
• Swipe with your fingers from the bottom: On some devices you can swipe up with two fingers from the bottom (or three fingers if TalkBack is enabled) to launch special shortcuts.
• Tap three times for enlargement: It allows you to zoom in on the screen by tapping three times quickly.
• Direct access to quick settings: Some accessibility services can also be pinned as tiles within the quick settings panel that appears when you swipe up from the top.

Once you have chosen your access method, you will generally need to click on Save or on a switch to activate the option. From that moment on, the shortcut will be available in any app.

Switch between button and gesture navigation

Accessibility features and bottom panels are integrated differently depending on your usage. 3-button navigation o gesture navigationOn many Android devices, you can choose between both modes. This is important because some shortcuts are linked to the bottom area where the classic buttons used to be.

1. On your device, open the app Settings.
2. Go to System and then go into the section of Gestures o system navigation, according to the manufacturer.
3. Choose your preferred navigation option: three buttons o gestures.

Depending on the mode chosen, the accessibility combinations They change slightly:

• Navigation with three buttons:
  • Accessibility button in the navigation bar.
  • Floating Accessibility button on the screen.
• Gesture navigation:
  • Floating Accessibility button that appears above apps.
  • Specific gestures: for example, swiping two fingers upwards from the bottom (or three if TalkBack is enabled).

Nota: If you can't find the Accessibility button or you use gesture navigation, it's recommended to consult your device manufacturer's help to find out how the navigation buttons are displayed and where the floating icon appears.

Use of accessibility features according to the chosen type

Once you've enabled accessibility shortcuts, you can use them to launch accessibility apps or features, or to switch between them at any time. Here are some examples. practical examples:

Tap the accessibility button on the bar

• Start an application: In the navigation bar, tap the Accessibility icon to turn the associated feature on or off.
• Switching from one application to another: If you have assigned more than one application to the Accessibility button, press and hold the icon and select the desired function from the menu.

Floating accessibility button

• Start or change apps: Tap the floating button to open the menu of available functions or directly activate the one that is configured.
• Move the floating button: Drag it to the area of ​​the screen where it will bother you the least, for example near the bottom, to combine it with your Bottom Quick Settings shortcuts.
• Change size and transparency: From Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility button you can adjust size, transparency when not in use and dimming behavior to make it less intrusive.

Swipe gestures from the bottom

• Start an application: From the bottom of the screen, slide two fingers upwards (or three, if TalkBack is enabled) to activate the function assigned to the gesture.
• Switch between functions: If you have assigned several functions, swipe and hold your fingers for a moment, release them when the menu appears and choose the option you are interested in.

Access with volume keys

• Open menu: Press and hold both volume keys until the accessibility menu appears.
• Change function: Within the menu, tap the function you want to activate.
• Edit assigned functions: Press and hold the keys again, enter the option Edit shortcuts and select which functions you want to have associated with those keys.

Remove or disable accessibility shortcuts

If at any time you find a shortcut or the floating button annoying, you can easily disable it from settings:

1. Open the app Settings of your device.
2. Toca Accessibility.
3. Select the application or function from which you want to remove the shortcut.
4. Uncheck the accessibility shortcut option or turn off the corresponding switch.
5. Toca Save if required.

In recent versions of Android, if you want to close the floating accessibility button, it's usually enough to drag it to the Remove option which appears at the top or bottom of the screen. Then, if you change your mind, in some cases you'll see a notification with the undo option.

In addition, developers can integrate natively The accessibility button is located directly within your services to provide easy access to specific features. If an app you frequently use has advanced accessibility options, they may be natively integrated with these shortcuts.

How to create shortcuts on Android for apps, websites, and documents

Although the main goal is to place shortcuts at the bottom and optimize one-handed access, we must not forget that Android allows you to create multiple types of shortcuts on your home screen to speed up your day. This is ideal for quickly opening websites, email folders, documents, or frequently used app actions.

Let's face it, life is getting faster and faster, and with it, our routines and access to our favorite information, apps, and documents. Perhaps every day you have to access one Excel table that you created to track your monthly spending, check a news website, or listen to that playlist you can't get out of your head. Shortcuts help you access all of that with just one or two taps.

What is the purpose of creating shortcuts in Android?

Without realizing it, day after day, we repeat the same rituals on our mobile phones: opening the same messaging app, visiting the same website, checking a specific email folder, or creating new notes. Thanks to shortcuts and widgets on your Android device, you can now access these actions more easily. much more direct, without navigating through menus or searching for icons.

By combining these shortcuts with a quick settings panel at the bottom, you get both system controls (like flashlight, WiFi, Bluetooth) like your personal shortcuts (web, contacts, documents) should always be at least a short distance from the thumb.

Shortcuts to web pages

One of the most useful access points is the one that Add a website to the home screenThis way, you'll have an icon with the page's logo that, when clicked, will take you directly to the selected URL in your browser.

The typical process using Google Chrome on Android is:

• Opens Google Chrome on your mobile.
• Access the webpage you want to highlight.
• Tap the icon three points at the top right.
• Select option Add to home screen.
• Choose name select the icon you want to appear under and confirm.

After pressing AddYou'll find the corresponding icon on your home screen. You can place it in the bottom row of the screen, next to the dock, or even in a folder, so it's as easily accessible as possible with one hand.

Shortcuts to email folders

For many people, checking email is essential, sometimes several times a day. If you're interested in checking one specific folder in your mailbox (for example, work, invoices, or projects), you can create a shortcut to that inbox on the home screen using the Gmail widget.

To do this, the general procedure is:

• Hold down the starting screen until edit mode appears.
• Tap the option Widgets on the bottom.
• Search the category gmail or from your email app.
• Press and hold the widget and drag it to the area of ​​the screen where you want to place it.
• When you release it, the system will ask you to choose the account and binder which you want to access directly.

Once configured, you will see a preview from the contents of that inbox on your desktop. By placing it at the bottom of the screen or on a page you can reach with a single swipe, you'll always have your most important emails at hand.

Other useful shortcuts within the apps

Many modern Android apps include shortcuts to frequently used actions without needing to fully open the app. To see them, simply... press and hold the icon from the app on the home screen or in the app drawer.

By doing so, a menu with common options For example:

• At the calendaroptions such as creating a new event or a new reminder.
• En Google Drive, access to upload a file or scan a document with the camera.
• En Shazam, the shortcut to identify music without first opening the app.
• In messaging apps, shortcuts for writing to a frequent contact or directly open a pinned conversation.

These list of quick actions They're ideal for organizing your home screen: place the icons of the apps that offer the most shortcuts and that you use most frequently at the bottom, near your thumb. That way, with just a long press, you'll have a list of quick actions.

Recover shortcuts deleted by mistake

If you accidentally delete one of your shortcuts, it's usually not a serious problem, since you can get them back In several ways. It's helpful to know these options so you don't waste time setting everything up again.

• Using backup: If you have system backup enabled, go to Settings > Backup and reset, and check that auto restore It's enabled, so reinstall the app from Google Play. In many cases, Android will restore the associated permissions.
• Re-adding the widget or access: If it's a shortcut or widget, press and hold the home screen, then enter WidgetsFind the corresponding app and place the widget or shortcut back where it was before.

The important thing is that you get used to placing your most frequently used shortcuts in the lower areas of the screen and on the first home pages, so that your hand travels the shortest possible distance.

Advanced editing of the Android quick access panel

Although Bottom Quick Settings moves the panel to the bottom, it's still key to know edit the native quick settings panel of Android, since many system functions are only displayed there. Furthermore, the positions you choose in that panel often replicate or inspire the shortcuts shown in apps like Bottom Quick Settings.

The typical process for editing the quick settings panel is very similar across manufacturers, although some may slightly change the icons and menu names. These steps will guide you through the process. general guide:

Remember that if you use Bottom Quick Settings, you can also reflect many of these icons and their order in the app settings, so your lower access match your top accesses or complement them with other functions.

How to manage shortcuts and widgets on the home screen

In addition to the quick settings panel, the android home screen It's the other great space where you can place shortcuts, widgets, and folders designed for your daily use and for one-handed operation.

If you would like to rearrange or remove itemsThe general method is very similar in most Android launchers:

1. Hold down the element (icon, shortcut or widget) that you want to move or delete.
2. Drag it upwards to the area where it appears Remove or a trash can icon.
3. Lift your finger to release it on the Remove option.

Depending on the type of item, the following options may appear: Remove, uninstall or both. The first only removes the shortcut or widget from the home screen, while the second deletes the app from the device. It's important to pay close attention to the on-screen instructions to avoid accidentally deleting apps.

On some phones, especially those with custom interfaces, the behavior may vary slightly. When trying to drag an icon, you might see a message like "the application is already open" or the expected menu simply won't appear. In these cases, it's usually necessary to:

• Check if there is a edit mode that must be activated first (for example, a long touch on an empty area of ​​the screen).
• Review the launcher settings or from the system, in case there are options to lock the home screen layout.
• Update the launcher or use a alternative launcher from Google Play that offers more control over shortcuts and their position.

On certain models, such as some in the Galaxy S series, the behavior of shortcuts can change with system or phone app updates, causing certain functions to be moved to less visible menus. If you can't find a quick action (like clearing call history or reordering contacts), it's worth thoroughly exploring the menus. three points, the side panel or even the advanced options within the app.

Extra tips for a truly comfortable one-handed experience

If your goal is to take advantage of Android's bottom shortcuts to use your phone with one hand, it makes sense to combine several of the ideas that we have seen:

• setup Bottom Quick Settings so that the lower panel is activated from the area where your thumb rests.
• Reorder the quick settings most used (flashlight, mobile data, WiFi, auto brightness, airplane mode) so that they are in the first row of both the top and bottom panels.
• Place in the bottom row of the home screen your most frequently used apps (phone, messages, browser, camera) and those that offer good contextual access with a long press.
• Take advantage of informative widgets (time, calendar, mail, tasks) in the central or upper part, so that they only require a slight movement of the hand to consult them.
• Activate access accessibility that make it easier to perform repetitive actions, such as enlarging text or applying visual filters, using the floating button or volume keys.

With these combinations, you'll transform Android into a system truly adapted to the way you hold your phone, reducing hand movements and unnecessary touches, and making the most of shortcuts at both the top and bottom of the screen.

You can transform any Android mobile into a much more agile device, in which the bottom panel shortcuts, native quick settings, accessibility shortcuts, and home screen shortcuts work together so that almost any action is always just one or two taps away.