How to Operate a Large Android Phone With One Hand

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 It is getting harder and harder to use an average Android phone with one hand as its size has grown over time. Thankfully, Google introduced one-handed mode with the release of Android 12 and it is a terrific feature.

The screen size is reduced in the one-handed mode, allowing you to use your phone with just one thumb. The arrangement of the various buttons on the screen allows for easy access without the need to use your other hand.

So, in this article, we'll go through how to activate this mode on an Android 12 phone. If you use an older version of Android, however, there are still options.

Configure One-Handed Mode on Some Older Android Phones and Android 12

Some older phones feature a one-handed mode that was introduced as part of the manufacturer's software, and Android 12 comes with a built-in one-handed mode. The ability to lower the screen and easily access the entire screen can be enabled in the settings.

In one-handed mode, certain devices offer various screen size settings. The most popular screen size is four inches since it makes switching between full screen and one-handed mode simple.

Depending on which hand you are using, this mode also enables you to place the tiny screen on either the left or right side of the screen. You can use motions to move, scroll, zoom, and pinch the screen without using buttons to enhance this mode.

Through a simple swipe, gestures offer a streamlined flow for many actions. They want to increase the accessibility of your device so you can use your phone with just your thumb.

You can swipe up and down, double-tap, and a number of other movements to navigate between screens and perform certain actions. You can even lock your screen and quickly take screenshots using these gestures.

Observe these steps to enable Android 12's one-handed mode:

Look for System in the Settings menu and hit it.

Go to Gestures in the System menu.

The option to activate the one-handed mode is located here.

After turning it on, you can customise how this mode operates.

Even without accessing the settings, you can activate the mode by creating a shortcut on your screen.

Depending on the phone you're using, the procedure will vary a little. If you still can't find it, do a fast search for it under the Settings menu.

Apps to Make One-Handed Phone Use Easier

You could not have the one-handed mode if you have Android 11 or earlier because it is mostly accessible in Android 12. You can still set up a situation where you can use your phone with one hand, though.

Let's examine some of your top choices for using your phone with one hand only.

1. Launcher: 3 Images of the Niagara Launcher

Because it is the app that enables you to access other apps and services on your Android phone, your phone's launcher plays a crucial part in how you interact with it. One of the best launchers is Niagara.

Niagara is distinctive due to its simplistic layout and one-handed user interface. One hand can be used to browse the app drawer and open the appropriate app.

The launcher also allows you to add quick shortcuts by swiping right on the app, as well as pin your favourite apps to the top. Your thumb can access everything, which streamlines and expedites the process.

Get Niagara Launcher here (Free, in-app purchases available)

2. Gboard, a keyboard

Many phones come with Gboard as their default keyboard app, but you can always get it from the Play Store and set it as your default if you don't already have it. On a larger screen, one-handed typing is challenging, so you typically need to hold the phone in both hands and use both thumbs to text. Gboard provides an answer to this issue.

Gboard includes a one-handed mode just like Android 12. It may be found in the preferences section of the Layout menu in the app's Settings. You can use this option to make the keyboard narrower and shorter for easier one-handed use.

You can adjust the keyboard's position to the left or right depending on which hand you're using when you open it, and you can enable or disable it at any moment. On the side of the keyboard, several options are visible.

Obtain Gboard (Free)

3. Opera Touch as a browser

No introduction is necessary for Opera Browser, and the same business also provides Opera Touch. Opera Touch is intended for touchscreens and one-handed use, as the name would imply.

The interface contains large, easily accessible buttons, and you can choose to either add the Fast Action Button, a touch-friendly swipe-based button, or a normal navigation bar to the bottom of your screen. Opera Touch is one of your finest options for one-handed use because to these characteristics.

Install Opera Touch (Free)

4. Simple Control for System Navigation

The strong accessibility app Simple Control seeks to bring the newest Android 12 features to older devices. You may add virtual buttons to your screen that can carry out a variety of straightforward functions with Simple Control.

Many helpful features are available in Simple Control, including the option to create virtual buttons for different activities, add a navigation bar to the edges of the screen, and modify the programme to your preferences. You can choose the desired icons and specify the height and behaviour of the bar. Using the Simple Control swipe feature of the app, you may also launch your preferred applications.

Get Simple Control here (Free, in-app purchases available)

5. Swiftly Switch shortcuts for the app

Swiftly Switch attempts to enable one-handed use of your phone. It offers a sidebar that enables one-handed usage of your phone through gestures, making it perfect for smartphones with earlier Android versions. For example, you can set quick actions to lock the screen and take screenshots. You can also add shortcuts for websites or applications.

Grid Shortcuts, a special feature of Swiftly Switch, allows you to put several programmes and shortcuts on a grid in a floating menu. Additionally, you can add up to three Swiftly Switch edge bars to any screen corner.

Although this programme is free, there are some restrictions on the number of shortcuts, website links, and other features. To get around these restrictions, you must purchase the premium version.

Get Swiftly Switch here (Free, in-app purchases available)

Use These Tips To Quickly Operate Your Android Phone With One Hand.

Because of the technological development, we now demand convenience from our phones in addition to the functions we need. One such instance is one-handed mode.

However, it is a little bit tucked away in the Settings. This guide should assist you in enabling this practical feature on your phone. Additionally, even without it, you can still operate your phone one-handedly by installing only a couple of the aforementioned apps.