How to Navigate the WearOS Interface
WearOS navigation combines swipe gestures with hardware buttons for efficient one-handed operation. Master four primary swipes and your watch's button functions to navigate quickly through any screen.
Primary Swipe Gestures
Four directional swipes access the main interface areas.
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Swipe Up: Opens the notification shade where incoming messages, alerts, and app notifications appear. Scroll through notifications and tap any to see full content.
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Swipe Down: Opens the quick settings panel with toggles for
WiFi,Bluetooth, brightness,Do Not Disturb, and other frequently used settings. -
Swipe Left: Activates
Google AssistantorGeminion most devices. Some watch models show recent apps instead. -
Swipe Right: Opens the tile carousel with quick-access information widgets like weather, fitness, calendar, and music controls.
Hardware Button Functions
Physical buttons provide additional navigation shortcuts.
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Crown Single Press: Opens the app drawer showing all installed apps. Press again to return to the watch face.
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Crown Long Press: Activates
Google AssistantorGeminifor voice commands. Some watches use this for emergency SOS. -
Crown Double Press: Launches recently used apps or a customizable shortcut. Configure in
SettingsGestures. -
Crown Rotation: Scrolls through lists and menus, zooms on maps, and adjusts volume. Not all watches have functional rotating crowns.
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Side Button Single Press: Wakes the display or returns to the watch face depending on current state.
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Side Button Long Press: Opens the power menu with restart and power off options.
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Side Button Double Press: Launches a pre-configured app like
Google WalletorSamsung Pay. Customizable on most watches.
Back Navigation
Return to previous screens using gestures or buttons.
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Edge Swipe: Swipe from the left edge of the screen toward the center. This gesture works universally across all apps and system interfaces.
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Button Back: Some watches assign back navigation to button presses. Check your specific model's button configuration.
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Crown Press: Pressing the crown often returns to the watch face or exits the current app.
Navigation Efficiency
Learn the edge swipe for going back - it's the most reliable method across all WearOS apps. Combine this with crown rotation for scrolling, and you can navigate most interfaces one-handed.
See Also: WearOS Interface Navigation Guide|WearOS Customization Guide|WearOS Design and Button Guide