How to quickly start apps on your Android phone with a back-tap

With Back TAP in iOS 14, Apple allowed users to type the back of their iPhones to quickly take a simple action. Android phones have a similar feature that is relatively easy to configure and use. Google Pixel phones integrated it into the Android operating system, while Samsung Galaxy devices require a few additional steps. Here’s how to configure it on both types of devices.

How to quickly activate a tap on a Google Pixel phone

If you have a 4A (5G) pixel or later, you already have the quick functionality. Just open Settings> System> Gestures> Press actions quickly to start And make sure Use a quick tap is activated. You can also activate Require stronger taps below if you are afraid to accidentally trigger the gesture.

Pixel 6A executing Android 15 (Credit: PCMAG / Google)

You will have to choose what the quick tap really does; The options include taking a screenshot, opening the digital assistant, playing or suspending the supports, displaying recent applications, displaying notifications, switching the flashlight or opening a specific application. To choose an application, press the equipment icon next to Open application And choose one.

For example, you can ensure that the gesture opens the calculator application, an Authenticator application or a password manager for easy access. Some applications also have specific actions that you can assign; The clock application can open a new alarm, Google Drive can launch the scanner of documents and Spotify can read a favorite reading list. Press the Gear icon next to an application to see what is available.

How to activate the back-tap on a Samsung Galaxy phone

To get what Samsung calls back-tap action, you will have to download a special application. Open it Samsung store (not Google Play) and download Good lockingA Samsung application that adds advanced features to your phone. Open the application and install the Registar module under the Life tongue. Once installed, Registar is moved to the top of the list; Press, choose Rear actionAnd activate the functionality.

Galaxy Z FLIP4 running Android 14 (Credit: PCMAG / SAMSUNG)

Back-TAP allows you to define separate actions for double and triple taps. You can also adjust the sensitivity and define when the function should be interrupted. You can define gestures to take (and share) a screenshot, access your voice assistant, open a context window, display notifications, display recent applications, act as a rear button or open a specific application.

To choose the application, press the equipment icon next to Open application And select it. If an application has an equipment icon next to it, you can define specific actions for this. You can define the Calendar application to open a new event, your web browser to start a new private navigation session or access a specific folder in my files.

Galaxy Z FLIP4 running Android 14 (Credit: PCMAG / SAMSUNG)