As the size of an average Android phone has increased over time, it is becoming more and more challenging to use it with one hand. Luckily, Google has released a fantastic feature with the launch of Android 12 called one-handed mode.

The one-handed mode shrinks the screen size and allows you to use your phone with just one thumb. The placement of different buttons on the screen is such that they are easily accessible without requiring you to use your other hand.

So, here we’ll discuss how you can enable this mode on your Android 12 phone, and even if you have an older Android version, there are other options available.

Set Up One-Handed Mode on Android 12 and Some Older Android Phones

Android 12 comes with a built-in one-handed mode, and some older phones have one that was added as part of the manufacturer's software. You can enable it from the settings to shift the screen downwards, making it easy to access the whole screen.

Some devices provide different options for the screen size in one-handed mode. The most common screen size is four inches, as it lets you easily switch between the full screen and the one-handed screen.

This mode also allows you to position the mini screen on either left or right side of the screen, depending on the hand you are using. To further complement this mode, you can use gestures that let you navigate, scroll, zoom, and pinch the screen without pressing buttons.

Gestures provide a streamlined flow for various actions through a simple swipe. They aim to make your device more accessible so that you can use your phone with just your thumb.

You can use gestures for navigation across screens and for specific events such as double-tap actions, swiping up and down, and several others. These gestures even allow you to lock your screen and take screenshots easily.

To activate the one-handed mode on Android 12, follow these instructions:

  1. Go to the Settings menu, look for System, and tap on it.
  2. In the System menu, go into Gestures.
  3. Here, you’ll find the option to turn on the One-handed mode.
  4. Once you turn it on, you can configure how this mode works.
  5. You can even create a shortcut on your screen to activate the mode without going into the settings.

The process will be slightly different depending on what phone you're using. In case you can’t find it, perform a quick search in the Settings menu to locate it.

Apps to Help Use Your Phone One-Handed

As the one-handed mode is primarily available in Android 12, if you have Android 11 or older, you might not have it. However, you can still create an environment for yourself to use your phone with one hand.

So, let’s look at some of your best options for using your phone with just one hand.

1. Launcher: Niagara Launcher

Your phone’s launcher plays a vital role in your user experience, as it is the app that helps you access other software and features on your Android phone. Niagara is one of the best launchers.

Niagara is unique because of its minimal design and one-hand-friendly user interface. You can navigate through the app drawer and open your desired app using one hand.

The launcher also lets you pin your favorite apps to the top, and you can add quick shortcuts by swiping right on the app. Everything is accessible with your thumb, making the experience streamlined and efficient.

Download: Niagara Launcher (Free, in-app purchases available)

2. Keyboard: Gboard

Gboard is the default keyboard app on many phones, but if you don’t have it, you can always download it from the Play Store and make it default. One-handed typing on a larger screen is hard, and you usually have to hold the phone in both hands to type using both your thumbs. Gboard offers a solution to this problem.

Like Android 12, Gboard also has a one-handed mode built in. You can find it in the app’s Settings under the Layout option in Preferences. This option lets you shorten the keyboard’s length and width for convenient one-handed use.

When you open the keyboard, it allows you to move its position left or right according to which hand you're using, and choose to enable or disable it at any time. These options appear on the side of the keyboard.

Download: Gboard (Free)

3. Browser: Opera Touch

Opera Browser needs no introduction, and the same company also offers Opera Touch. As the name suggests, Opera Touch is designed for touchscreens and one-handed use.

The interface has big buttons that are easily accessible, and you have the option to either set a regular navigation bar at the bottom of your screen or add a touch-friendly swipe-based button called the Fast Action Button. These features make Opera Touch one of your best options for one-handed use.

Download: Opera Touch (Free)

4. System Navigation: Simple Control

Simple Control is a powerful accessibility app that aims to provide the latest Android 12 features on older devices. With Simple Control, you can add virtual buttons on your screen capable of performing multiple common tasks.

Simple Control offers many useful features like adding virtual buttons for various operations, adding a navigation bar on the sides of the screen, and the ability to customize the app according to your needs. You can define the height and behavior of the bar and choose the desired icons. The app also lets you open your favorite apps using the Simple Control swipe feature.

Download: Simple Control (Free, in-app purchases available)

5. App Shortcuts: Swiftly Switch

Swiftly Switch aims to make your phone suitable for one-handed use. It is ideal for devices with older Android versions, as it provides a sidebar that allows you to use your phone with one hand through gestures. You can add quick actions for locking the screen, taking screenshots, and several others. In addition, it lets you add shortcuts for web links or apps.

Swiftly Switch has a unique feature called Grid Shortcuts that lets you add multiple apps and shortcuts on a grid in a floating menu. You can also add up to three Swiftly Switch edge bars to any corner of your screen.

This app is free, but there are some limitations for website links, the number of shortcuts, and some other features. You have to buy the premium version to remove these limitations.

Download: Swiftly Switch (Free, in-app purchases available)

Easily Use Your Android Phone With One Hand Using These Tips

Thanks to the technological revolution, we now want ease of use along with the necessary features in a phone. One-handed mode is an example of that.

It is, however, somewhat hidden inside the Settings. Hopefully, this article will help unleash this useful feature on your phone. And if you don’t have it, you can still make your phone suitable for one-handed use by installing just a few apps mentioned above.