One small goal at a time
Open and switch between Android apps
The app drawer holds every installed app. The recent-apps view lets you return to something already open.
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- Reviewed
- August 31, 2026
Before you start
- Keep your Android phone nearby and unlocked.
- Read one action, then try only that action.
- Your wording may vary slightly by model, region, carrier, or account state.
- If Settings is not where the picture shows it, swipe up for all apps and search for “Settings.”
Your screen may differ: Android labels and button order can vary by manufacturer, carrier, and navigation mode.
Read it and see it together
Interactive visual guide
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Step 1 of 4.Do this now
Open all apps
From the Home screen, swipe from the bottom toward the top.
✦ Original Android example — not a manufacturer screenshot
Android exampleToday72° · Clear
9:41
Swipe up
This original visual follows the verified path. Labels can vary slightly by model, region, carrier, or device state.
Show written steps
- Open all apps. From the Home screen, swipe from the bottom toward the top. The full app list opens.
- Open Settings. Find the Settings gear and tap it once. Settings opens.
- See recent apps with gestures. If your phone has one short line, swipe up from the bottom and hold. Open apps appear as cards.
- See recent apps with buttons. If your phone has three buttons, tap the square or three-line Recents button. Open apps appear as cards.
Watch it happen
Helpful video
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Official help videoChecked August 31, 2026Creator-edited English captions
Get around on your Pixel phone
Published by Google Help. Shows recent apps and app switching on a Pixel. The written steps also cover other Android layouts.
Watch directly on YouTube If the video does not load here, the direct link opens the same tutorial on YouTube.One small goal at a time
Follow the steps
Read one step, try it on your phone, then move to the next.
Step 1Open all apps
From the Home screen, swipe from the bottom toward the top.
You should now see: The full app list opens.
Easy Phone Tech visual example. Personal details are fictional; exact wording can vary.Open a larger picture Step 2Open Settings
Find the Settings gear and tap it once.
You should now see: Settings opens.
Easy Phone Tech visual example. Personal details are fictional; exact wording can vary.Open a larger picture Step 3See recent apps with gestures
If your phone has one short line, swipe up from the bottom and hold.
You should now see: Open apps appear as cards.
Easy Phone Tech visual example. Personal details are fictional; exact wording can vary.Open a larger picture Step 4See recent apps with buttons
If your phone has three buttons, tap the square or three-line Recents button.
You should now see: Open apps appear as cards.
Easy Phone Tech visual example. Personal details are fictional; exact wording can vary.Open a larger picture
My screen looks different
That is normal. Phone makers sometimes move or rename a setting.
- Stay with the task “Open and switch between Android apps” and re-read the current action before tapping anything else.
- If the named control is missing, open the official source below or search for a different task.
Open the official help page Sources and review details
Modern Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and Motorola phones · Current Android gesture and three-button navigation · Reviewed August 31, 2026
Step images are original Easy Phone Tech visual examples based on the cited paths. They are not manufacturer screenshots.
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