9 Easy Fixes for Back Button Not Working on Samsung Galaxy Phones
Samsung Galaxy phones are known for their user-friendly interface and convenient navigation buttons. However, it can be frustrating when the back button stops working on your Samsung phone. Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this article, we will explore some simple solutions to troubleshoot and fix this issue. Let's dive in!
1. Disable and Enable Navigation Buttons
Sometimes, a system glitch can cause the back button to stop working. To temporarily fix this issue, you can switch to swipe gestures or change the button order. Here's how:
- Open Settings and scroll to Display.
- Tap Navigation bar.
- You can change the button order or switch to swipe gestures for a temporary fix.
2. Force Restart Samsung Phone
If your Samsung Galaxy phone becomes unresponsive, a force restart can do wonders. Press and hold the side and volume down keys simultaneously to reboot your phone. Afterward, try using the back button again.
3. Check the Back Button in Safe Mode
Sometimes, third-party apps can interfere with the navigation buttons. To identify the culprit, you can enable safe mode and check if the back button works properly. Here's how:
- Press and hold the volume down and side keys simultaneously.
- Select Power off.
- Once the screen turns off, press the volume down and power buttons again. Release the side key but keep holding the volume down button.
- Release the volume key when a small Safe mode banner appears in the bottom left corner.
If the back button functions as expected in safe mode, you can proceed to the next step.
4. Delete Recently Installed Apps
If the back button works fine in safe mode, one of the recently installed apps might be causing the issue. To fix this, follow these steps:
- Open Settings and scroll to Apps.
- Select an unknown app from the list and tap Uninstall.
- Repeat this process for other recent apps.
5. Scan Your Phone
Samsung offers a built-in device protection function powered by McAfee. Running a device scan can help identify and fix any corrupt or bogus files that may be affecting the navigation. Here's how:
- Head to Settings and scroll to Battery and device care.
- Tap Device protection.
- Hit Scan phone to protect your device.
6. Remove Thick Case
Using a thick case from a sketchy third-party manufacturer might interfere with the navigation buttons. Try removing the case and check if the back button works properly.
7. Try Gesture-Based Navigation
Samsung's One UI offers smooth and consistent navigation gestures that can replace the traditional buttons. To switch to swipe gestures, follow these steps:
- Head to Navigation bar in Samsung phone settings.
- Tap the radio button beside Swipe gestures.
8. Update One UI
A buggy One UI build can cause issues with the back button. Make sure you have the latest version of One UI installed on your phone. Here's how to update it:
- Open Settings and scroll to Software update.
- Download and install the latest One UI build on your phone.
9. Reset Samsung Phone
If none of the above solutions work, you can try resetting your Samsung phone to its factory settings. Keep in mind that this will erase all data on your phone, so make sure to back up any important information before proceeding. Here's how:
- Launch Settings and scroll to General management.
- Select Reset.
- Tap Factory data reset and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
With these simple fixes, you can resolve the back button issue on your Samsung Galaxy phone. However, if the problem persists or if your phone has suffered accidental hardware damage, it's best to visit the nearest service center for professional assistance. Now, navigate your One UI like a pro! Moreover, if you're facing any issue with the proximity sensor of your phone's screen, you can check this post on 7 easy ways to fix the proximity sensor issues on Samsung Galaxy phones.

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”