Are you tired of the bottom app bar on your Android device taking up valuable screen space? Do you want to customize your home screen to better suit your needs? You’re not alone. Many Android users find the bottom app bar to be a nuisance, especially on devices with smaller screens. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods to get rid of the bottom app bar on Android, including both built-in features and third-party solutions.
Understanding the Bottom App Bar
Before we dive into the methods to remove the bottom app bar, it’s essential to understand its purpose. The bottom app bar, also known as the navigation bar, is a feature introduced in Android 10 (Q) that provides quick access to frequently used apps and features. It’s designed to make navigation easier and more intuitive, especially on devices with gesture navigation.
However, not everyone finds the bottom app bar useful. Some users may prefer a more traditional navigation experience or want to free up screen space for other purposes. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of the bottom app bar on Android, depending on your device and Android version.
Method 1: Disable the Bottom App Bar through Settings (Android 10 and later)
If you’re running Android 10 or later, you can disable the bottom app bar through the Settings app. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and select “Display.”
- Look for the “Navigation bar” or “Bottom app bar” option and select it.
- Toggle off the switch next to “Show navigation bar” or “Show bottom app bar.”
Important Note
Disabling the bottom app bar through Settings will only work if your device is running Android 10 or later. If you’re running an earlier version of Android, you’ll need to use a different method.
Method 2: Use Gesture Navigation (Android 10 and later)
Another way to get rid of the bottom app bar is to use gesture navigation. Gesture navigation allows you to navigate your device using swipes and gestures instead of buttons. Here’s how to enable gesture navigation:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and select “System.”
- Look for the “Gestures” option and select it.
- Toggle on the switch next to “System navigation.”
Benefits of Gesture Navigation
Using gesture navigation can be a great way to get rid of the bottom app bar while also improving your overall navigation experience. Gesture navigation provides a more intuitive and immersive way to interact with your device, and it can be especially useful on devices with larger screens.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party Launcher
If you’re not running Android 10 or later, or if you want more customization options, you can use a third-party launcher to get rid of the bottom app bar. There are many launchers available on the Google Play Store that offer customizable navigation options, including the ability to hide the bottom app bar.
Popular Third-Party Launchers
Some popular third-party launchers that offer customizable navigation options include:
- Nova Launcher
- Apex Launcher
- Action Launcher
How to Use a Third-Party Launcher
To use a third-party launcher, follow these steps:
- Download and install a third-party launcher from the Google Play Store.
- Set the launcher as your default launcher.
- Customize the launcher’s navigation options to hide the bottom app bar.
Method 4: Use ADB Commands (Advanced Users Only)
If you’re an advanced user, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands to get rid of the bottom app bar. ADB is a command-line tool that allows you to communicate with your Android device and execute commands.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Enable Developer options on your Android device.
- Install ADB on your computer.
- Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
- Execute the following command:
adb shell settings put secure navigationbar_hide_bar 1
Important Note
Using ADB commands requires advanced technical knowledge and can potentially brick your device if not used correctly. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.
Conclusion
Getting rid of the bottom app bar on Android can be a great way to customize your home screen and improve your overall navigation experience. Whether you’re running Android 10 or later, or using a third-party launcher, there are several methods to choose from. Remember to always proceed with caution when using advanced technical methods, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it.
By following the methods outlined in this article, you can say goodbye to the bottom app bar and hello to a more personalized and efficient Android experience.
What is the bottom app bar on Android, and why would I want to remove it?
The bottom app bar on Android is a navigation bar that appears at the bottom of the screen, typically containing buttons for navigation, such as back, home, and recent apps. While it provides easy access to these functions, some users may find it takes up too much screen space or prefer a different navigation method. Removing the bottom app bar can also help to create a more immersive experience, especially when watching videos or playing games.
Additionally, some users may want to remove the bottom app bar to customize their Android experience or to make their device look more like a stock Android device. Whatever the reason, removing the bottom app bar can be a simple process, and this guide will walk you through the steps to do so.
Is it possible to completely remove the bottom app bar on Android, or can I only hide it?
It is possible to completely remove the bottom app bar on Android, but it depends on the device and Android version you are using. On some devices, you can disable the navigation bar in the settings, while on others, you may need to use a third-party app or root your device to remove it completely. Hiding the bottom app bar is also an option, and this can be done by using a feature called “immersive mode” or by using a third-party app that can hide the navigation bar.
When you hide the bottom app bar, it will still be present on your device, but it will not be visible on the screen. This can be useful if you want to temporarily remove the navigation bar while watching a video or playing a game, but still want to be able to access it when needed. Completely removing the bottom app bar, on the other hand, will remove it from your device altogether, freeing up screen space and changing the way you navigate your device.
What are the different methods for removing the bottom app bar on Android?
There are several methods for removing the bottom app bar on Android, depending on the device and Android version you are using. One method is to disable the navigation bar in the settings, which is available on some devices. Another method is to use a third-party app that can hide or remove the navigation bar. You can also root your device and use a custom ROM to remove the bottom app bar.
Additionally, some devices have a feature called “gesture navigation” that allows you to remove the navigation bar and use gestures to navigate your device instead. This feature is available on some devices running Android 10 and later. You can also use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to remove the bottom app bar, but this method requires some technical knowledge and is not recommended for beginners.
Will removing the bottom app bar affect the performance of my device?
Removing the bottom app bar on Android should not affect the performance of your device. The navigation bar is a software feature that runs on top of the Android operating system, and removing it will not affect the underlying system performance. However, some third-party apps that you use to remove the bottom app bar may consume system resources and affect performance.
It’s also worth noting that removing the bottom app bar may affect the way you interact with your device, and you may need to get used to new navigation methods. For example, if you remove the navigation bar and use gesture navigation instead, you may need to learn new gestures to navigate your device. However, this should not affect the overall performance of your device.
Can I remove the bottom app bar on any Android device, or are there any limitations?
Not all Android devices allow you to remove the bottom app bar. Some devices, especially those running older versions of Android, may not have the option to disable the navigation bar in the settings. Additionally, some devices may have a navigation bar that is hardcoded into the system, making it difficult or impossible to remove.
However, most modern Android devices running Android 10 and later should allow you to remove the bottom app bar using one of the methods mentioned earlier. It’s also worth noting that some manufacturers, such as Samsung and Huawei, may have their own navigation systems that can be customized or removed. If you’re unsure whether you can remove the bottom app bar on your device, you can try one of the methods mentioned earlier or check with the manufacturer for more information.
Are there any risks associated with removing the bottom app bar on Android?
Removing the bottom app bar on Android is generally a safe process, but there are some risks to be aware of. If you use a third-party app to remove the navigation bar, you may be granting the app system-level permissions, which can be a security risk. Additionally, if you root your device to remove the bottom app bar, you may be voiding your warranty and exposing your device to security risks.
It’s also worth noting that removing the bottom app bar may affect the functionality of some apps, especially those that rely on the navigation bar for navigation. However, most modern apps should be able to adapt to a device without a navigation bar. To minimize risks, it’s recommended to use a reputable third-party app or to follow a trusted guide when removing the bottom app bar.
Can I restore the bottom app bar if I change my mind after removing it?
Yes, you can restore the bottom app bar if you change your mind after removing it. If you used a third-party app to remove the navigation bar, you can simply uninstall the app or disable its features to restore the navigation bar. If you rooted your device to remove the bottom app bar, you can restore the navigation bar by flashing a stock ROM or by using a custom ROM that includes the navigation bar.
Additionally, if you used the “gesture navigation” feature to remove the navigation bar, you can simply go to the settings and enable the navigation bar again. Restoring the bottom app bar is usually a straightforward process, and you should be able to get your device back to its original state without any issues.