Your Pixel's Best Gesture Gives You Quick Access to Your Favorite App from Any Screen

By Tommy Palladino

Oct 7, 2022 01:01 AM

Android 12

Android 13

Productivity & Shortcuts

Google Pixel Tips, Tricks & News

Mobile app interface with options: Open app, Today's Deals, Shopping Cart, Search on Amazon, View Orders.

Everyone has that one app they use more than any other. What if I told you there was a way to open these apps on newer Google Pixel devices with one quick gesture? I imagine you'd want to know how to do it.

Similar to Back Tap for iOS, Quick Tap for Android 12 and newer triggers shortcuts for apps and actions by briskly tapping the back of your device twice. It's only available for Pixel 4a (5G) and newer devices, and some shortcuts require you to unlock your Pixel before you can use them. If you have a newer Pixel model, keep reading to see how to set up this helpful shortcut.

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Open Your Quick Tap Settings

To start, open your Settings app and scroll to the "System" section. Tap it, then select the "Gestures" menu, followed by the "Quick Tap to start actions" option.

System settings menu on a mobile device with an arrow pointing to the "System" option.

System settings menu with the 'Gestures' option highlighted.

Mobile screen displaying gesture settings with options for quick access features.

Set Quick Tap to Open App

Ensure that the "Use Quick Tap" switch at the top of the Quick Tap settings is toggled on. Below the switch, you'll find some of the stock shortcuts available for Quick Tap. You can choose any of the preset options, such as "Take a screenshot" or "Toggle flashlight," but you'll want to select "Open app" and tap the cog next to it to choose a specific app on your Pixel.

Hand holding a smartphone with a "Quick Tap to start actions" feature displayed.

Quick Tap feature instructions on a mobile device.

Select the App You Want

After tapping the cog icon, you'll find an alphabetical list of all the apps on your smartphone. Scroll down to find your app, then select it.

Quick access menu with icons for various apps such as Lens, LiveSafe, LinkedIn, YouTube, MLB, Mario Kart, MailerLite, and Messenger.

Your Pixel's Best Gesture Gives You Quick Access to Your Favorite App from Any Screen

Some apps are offset by a cog icon, which means they can launch particular actions within them, not just the app itself. For example:

Snapchat lets you open the app directly to Stories, Map, Chat, or Spotlight.
Amazon Shopping has options for Today's Deals, Shopping Cart, Search on Amazon, and View Orders.
Google Maps sports Work and Home options.
YouTube Music gives quick access to Downloads and Search.
There are many more apps that support in-app actions for Quick Tap, such as LinkedIn, Lyft, Meet, Messages, Messenger, Voice, Walmart, and Wear OS.

Quick Tap settings menu with options to open an app, download, or stretch.

Quick Tap settings menu with options for opening the app, viewing today's deals, shopping on Amazon, and viewing orders.

Quick Tap settings options on a mobile device.

Get to Tapping

Now, all you have to do is tap the back of your Pixel twice to launch your chosen app. If you find that the gesture is too sensitive, just return to Step 2 above, scroll to the bottom, and toggle on "Require stronger taps."

Toggle switch labeled "Require stronger taps" for quick tap strength settings.

Cover image and screenshots by Tommy Palladino/Gadget Hacks

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.