How to set a static Android taskbar on Pixel Tablet and Fold

For users of Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet devices, the on-screen taskbar plays a crucial role in managing and switching between applications. This taskbar, however, functions differently compared to traditional Android phones.

The Pixel Fold and Tablet’s taskbar fades away after a brief period of inactivity. This behavior, while conserving screen space, might not be ideal for users who prefer a constant visual reminder of their open apps.

The good news is that there’s a straightforward way to configure a static Android taskbar on your Pixel Tablet or Fold. This adjustment comes with a slight trade-off, but the benefits of a persistent taskbar can be advantageous for specific workflows.

The gesture navigation, the default navigation method, is incompatible with a permanent taskbar. So, to achieve our goal, we must enable the three-button navigation. Here are the steps to do so:

1. Begin by launching the Settings application on your Pixel Fold or Pixel Tablet.
2. Within the Settings menu, locate and select the ‘System’ option.
3. Once inside the System menu, identify and tap on the ‘System navigation’ submenu.
4. The ‘System navigation’ submenu presents you with various navigation options. Select ‘3-button navigation’ to activate this traditional navigation system.

Following these steps will replace the gesture-based navigation with the familiar three-button layout: a home button in the center, a back button on the left, and a recent apps button on the right. Importantly, the act of entering an app will no longer trigger the disappearance of the taskbar. Instead, it will remain persistently visible at the bottom of your screen, alongside the navigation buttons.