Launch Your Favorite Android Apps in a Flash With This Secret Button

Since iOS 14,Back Taphas allowed iPhone users to tap the back of their smartphones to quickly perform a simple action. Android phones have a similar feature that's relatively easy to set up and use, whether you have a Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy. Here's how to set it up on both types of devices.

How to Enable Quick Tap on a Google Pixel Phone

If you have aPixel 4a (5G)or later, you already have the Quick Tap feature. Just openSettings > System > Gestures > Quick Tap to start actionsand make sureUse Quick Tapis enabled. You may also want to enableRequire stronger tapsat the bottom if you're afraid of accidentally triggering the gesture.

You'll need to choose what Quick Tap actually does; options includetake a screenshot, open the digital assistant, play or pause media, view recent apps, show notifications, toggle the flashlight, or open a specific app. To select an app, tap the gear icon next toOpen appand choose one.

For example, you can have the gesture open the Calculator app, anAuthenticator app, or aPassword managerfor easy access. Some apps also have specific actions you can assign; the Clock app can open a new alarm,Google Drivecan launch the document scanner, and Spotify can play a favorited playlist. Tap the gear icon next to an app to see what's available.

How to Enable Back-Tap on a Samsung Galaxy Phone

To get what Samsung calls the Back-Tap action, you'll need to download a special app. Open theSamsung Store(not Google Play) and downloadGood Lock, an app from Samsung thatadds advanced features to your phone. Open the app and install theRegiStarmodule under theLife uptab. Once installed, RegiStar is moved to the top of the list; tap it, chooseBack-Tap action, and enable the feature.

Back-Tap allows you to set different actions for double and triple taps. You can also adjust the sensitivity and set when the feature should be paused. You'll be able to set gestures to take (and share) a screenshot, access your voice assistant, open a pop-up window, show notifications, view recent apps, act as a back button, or open a specific app.

To choose the app, tap the gear icon next toOpen appand select it. If an app has a gear icon next to it, you can set specific actions for it. You'll be able to set the Calendar app to open a new event, yourWeb browserTo start a new private browsing session, or access a specific folder in My Files.