In this guide we wil discuss about “How To Disable Back Gesture on Android Using ADB Command”. With the release of Android 11, Google introduced a new way of navigating through your device: gesture navigation Gesture navigation is a mode of navigation where the current application or gaming screen is navigated using a facilitating gesture from the user.

This new way of moving from one level to the other is fully on the screen which is a departure from the two or three buttons on the bottom of the screen as is commonly seen. However, one of the gestures is the back gesture, which caused a slight concern among the users.

Here, it complicates reaching menus and other components of applications and makes the user experience poor. To prevent the back gesture from working on your Android device, keep reading to learn about the ADB commands you can use.

Understanding Android Gesture Navigation

Regarding navigation, changes in Android methods have occurred throughout the years. This is a sequence of efforts starting with actual physical buttons at the bottom, the slim touch sensitive navigation bars and now this gesture controls which fit the screen more efficiently.

Gesture navigation is when one move their hand over the edges of the screen to navigate the device. It also has some benefits including, more screen estate, and a modern looking interface with more focus on application content.

The Symbol of the Problem with Back Gesture

Nevertheless, the back gesture has a few issues. One major problem is its clash with app interfaces. Most of the applications have menu or some kind of working buttons that are located on the edges of the smartphones’ screens. Whenever users try to grab them and use them, they end up using the back gesture by accident, which causes irritation and entertains the concept of user experience.

Why should Back Gesture be disabled?

It is sometimes helpful to prevent the back gesture from functioning as described above. For instance, there are quite often controls or menus at the edges of the screen you use often so, disabling this back gesture saves time. Moreover, ADB Commands the possession of the device is power, and controlling your phone’s behavior adds another layer of satisfying interaction with it.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding, there are a few tools and settings you’ll need:Before proceeding, there are a few tools and settings you’ll need:

Devices using the Android operating system where the developer options are activated

USB cable to establish a connection with the computer or computer aided devices.

The downloaded Android SDK Platform Tools will be installed on your PC

It’s always wise to always back up your device before the equally beneficial but potentially risky change.

Enabling USB Debugging

To disable the back gesture, you’ll first need to enable ADB Commands USB Debugging on your Android device:To disable the back gesture, you’ll first need to enable USB Debugging on your Android device:

• Open Setting on your Android smartphone or tablet.
• Moving down the options and tap on the option that says About phone.
• To do this tap on Build number seven times and the Developer options will now be enabled.
• Go back to Settings and then tap on System.
• Tap on Developer options.
• Toggle on USB Debugging.

Downloading and Installation of Android SDK Manager and Android SDK Platform-tools

Next, download and set up the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC:Next, download and set up the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC:

• Go to the Android Developer website to download the SDK Platform Tools.
• Unzip the file that was downloaded to the PC at a convenient location.

To connect Your Android Device to PC

Connect the Electronics using a USB ADB Commands cable to the Android based device. Make sure your device has been successfully connected by looking for a message on your device to allow USB Debugging.

Launching Command Prompt

To issue ADB Commands, you’ll need to launch the Command Prompt:To issue ADB commands, you’ll need to launch the Command Prompt:

• In Windows, go to the folder that contained the extracted files of the SDK Platform Tools.
• In the address bar of the folder, the string cmd should be typed and enter key should be pressed. This will open the Command Prompt in the right directory with Windows Movies Digital Library folder as the path.

Shutting Down the Left Side Back Gesture

To disable the left-side back gesture, enter the following command in the ADB Commands Command Prompt:To disable the left-side back gesture, enter the following command in the Command Prompt:

adb shell settings put secure back_gesture_inset_scale_left 0

This command modifies the sensitivity of the gestures and since the back gesture is made from the left edge of the screen, it deactivates this feature.

Turning Off the Right-Side Back Gesture

Similarly, to disable the right-side back gesture, use the command:Similarly, to disable the right-side back gesture, use the command:ADB Commands

adb shell settings put secure back_gesture_inset_scale_right 0

The following command disables the back gesture from the right edge of the screen.

Verification of Changes

To confirm the back gestures has been disabled, try swiping on the edges of the screen. If the gestures are successfully disabled, the back action should not be performed, and if it is to be performed, then the same message has to be communicated to the user.

Re-Enabling the Back Gesture

If you ever need to re-enable the back gesture, use the following commands: If you ever need to re-enable the back gesture, use the following commands: ADB Commands

For the left-side back gesture:

adb shell settings put secure back_gesture_inset_scale_left 1.33

For the right-side back gesture:For the right-side back gesture:

ShellCommand: settings put secure back_gesture_inset_scale_right Writing to format?: false Command output:

adb shell settings put secure back_gesture_inset_scale_right 1.33

These commands revert back to the default sensitivity and the back gestures are again functional.

Advanced Tips

For those who would like to have even more control over the gestures, one should try changing the gesture sensitivity. However, there are third-party applications that can be installed, enhancing the gesture control and bringing in more features.

Read More: “How To Fix ADB Shell “Error: no permission specified“

Conclusion

Sometimes, disabling back gesture in your Android device can be very helpful if you experience always having your device going back to previous screen without intention. Using the another guide, the back gesture can be easily disabled and re-enabled with the help of some ADB commands. Increase your satisfaction and reduce the level of irritation while using your device!

FAQs

What are ADB commands?

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands are a set of tools that enables the user to operate Android device from the PC making different manipulations like changing system parameters.

Can I safely disable the back gesture?

Yes, it safe as long as you are following the instructions carefully and do not attempt to cook it in a microwave. It is always wise to secure a copy of your data before you carrying out changes on the data.

Is it possible that the settings of the back gesture will allow adjustments that will make it easier or to change it completely?

Yes, the current sensitivity can be changed by the ADB commands or by using third-party applications which are available.

Will the back gesture be impacting other gestures when it is disabled?

Disabling the back gesture will not affect other navigation gestures like the home or the recent application gestures.

What can I do if the commands do not work?

Make sure that USB Debugging is turned on, your device is properly connected, and that the SDK Platform Tools are up to and running properly. Look at the commands and quickly scan them for any spelling mistakes or typing errors such as ‘a’ instead of ‘an’.