How to Quickly Launch Apps on Your Android Phone With Back-Tap

With Back Tap in iOS 14, Apple allowed users to tap the back of their iPhones to quickly perform a simple action. Android phones have a similar feature that’s relatively easy to set up and use. Google Pixel phones have it built into the Android operating system, while Samsung Galaxy devices require a few extra steps. 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 a Pixel 4a (5G) or later, you already have the Quick Tap feature. Just open Settings > System > Gestures > Quick Tap to start actions and make sure Use Quick Tap is enabled. You may also want to enable Require stronger taps at the bottom if you’re afraid of accidentally triggering the gesture.

Pixel 6a running Android 15 (Credit: PCMag / Google)

You’ll need to choose what Quick Tap actually does; options include take a screenshot, open the digital assistant, play or pause media, view recent apps, show notifications, toggle the flashlight, or open a specific app. To pick an app, tap the gear icon next to Open app and choose one.

For instance, you can have the gesture open the Calculator app, an authenticator app, or password manager for easy access. Some apps also have specific actions you can assign; the Clock app can open a new alarm, Google Drive can 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 the Samsung Store (not Google Play) and download Good Lock, an app from Samsung that adds advanced features to your phone. Open the app and install the RegiStar module under the Life up tab. Once installed, RegiStar is moved to the top of the list; tap it, choose Back-Tap action, and enable the feature.

Galaxy Z Flip4 running Android 14 (Credit: PCMag / Samsung)

Back-Tap lets you set separate 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 to Open app and 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, your web browser to start a new private browsing session, or access a specific folder in My Files.

Galaxy Z Flip4 running Android 14 (Credit: PCMag / Samsung)

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About Jason Cohen

Senior Editor, Help & How To

As PCMag’s editor of how to content, I have to cover a wide variety of topics and also make our stories accessible to everyday users. Considering my history as a technical writer, copywriter, and all-around freelancer covering baseball, comics, and more at various outlets, I am used to making myself into an expert.

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