How to Use One-Handed Mode on Android

Modern Android phones have grown quite large, and reaching the top of the screen with just one thumb can be a stretch. One-handed mode solves this by shrinking the active screen area down to the lower portion of the display, so buttons and links are within comfortable reach when you're holding the phone with a single hand.

This feature is available on most Android phones, though the way you activate it and where the setting lives varies by manufacturer. On Google Pixel phones, it's in Settings > System > One-Handed Mode. On Samsung Galaxy devices, it's found in Settings > Advanced Features > One-Handed Mode. Other Android brands usually have it under Accessibility or Display settings.

Once enabled, you activate one-handed mode in real time by swiping down on the bottom edge of the screen (on many phones) or by double-tapping the home button area. The screen content shifts down to fill only the bottom half or two-thirds of the display. And you can move it to the left or right side depending on which hand you're using.

Tap anywhere in the empty upper area to return to full-screen mode, or tap the X button if one appears. You can also use the phone normally in apps and it will usually exit one-handed mode automatically.

One-handed mode is especially helpful when you're carrying something in the other hand, using public transportation, or have limited mobility in one hand. It doesn't affect the way apps work. It just shifts where on the screen everything appears.