How Do I Enable Navigation Gestures on My OPPO Phone

When you use your OPPO phone, you can choose how you navigate—either with on‑screen buttons (Navigation Bar / Navigation Buttons) or with gestures that let you swipe to go home, go back, or see your recent apps. Many users prefer gestures because they free up more screen space and feel more modern. Here’s how to set up virtual navigation modes on OPPO phones, depending on which version of ColorOS your phone uses.

What Navigation Modes Are Available

• Navigation Buttons / Navigation Bar: This shows the traditional three buttons (Back, Home, Recent Apps) at the bottom of the screen. You can customize their order based on your preference.

• Gestures: Instead of buttons, you swipe on the edges or bottom of the screen to navigate.

How to Use Gestures

Here’s what each gesture does when gestures are enabled:

• Go back — Swipe in from bottom left or right.

• Go home — Swipe up from the bottom.

• View recent apps — Swipe up from buttom, then hold.

• Switch to previous app — Swipe from side and hold.

How to Choose Navigation in Different ColorOS Versions

Because menu names vary across OPPO’s software versions, choose the instructions that match your ColorOS version.

• For ColorOS 14.1 to 15.0: Go to [Settings] > [System & update] > [System navigation].

• For ColorOS 13 to 14.0: Go to [Settings] > [Additional settings] > [System navigation].

• For ColorOS 12: Go to [Settings] > [System settings] > [System navigation].

• For ColorOS 11 to 11.3: Go to [Settings] > [Convenience Aid] > [Navigation Keys].

Once you’re in the navigation settings, pick whether you prefer [Navigation Bar] / [Buttons] or [Gestures]. If you choose gestures, your phone will hide the buttons and let you use swipe motions.

Why Use Gestures Instead of Buttons

• Gives you more screen space (buttons are hidden).

• Feels more fluid and modern.

• Lets you customize navigation to match your habits.

However, buttons may be easier for some users, especially if they are used to physical or onscreen keys.

* Pictures, settings, and paths might differ from those of your phone, but these won't affect the description in this article.