Android 15 stable is finally available for all eligible Google Pixel phones. Users have been enjoying all the new features of the latest version of the OS for a few days. However, they have also discovered a few issues that require fixing. One of the most annoying bugs in Android 15 is the one that prevents Pixel 8 Pro users from using the swipe-back gesture correctly.
By now, the vast majority of Android users will already be accustomed to the gesture navigation system. While some still prefer the classic bottom navigation bar, using gestures is quite convenient. Additionally, when using gestures, the navigation bar disappears, so you have more usable screen space that was previously unavailable in certain situations.
A bug on Android 15 affects the swipe-back gesture on Pixel 8 Pro units
That said, a bug in Android 15 is impacting how the swipe-back gesture works on Pixel 8 Pro devices. It can be quite frustrating, as it prevents users from going back to sections within an app, returning to a previous screen, or closing certain menus, among other things. According to reports, the issues started right after updating their devices to Android 15. Additionally, the bug primarily affects the right-edge swipe gesture. Swiping in from the left edge still works correctly in most cases.
Interestingly, the issue is not affecting all Pixel 8 Pro units. There are users for whom the gesture navigation system is working flawlessly even on Android 15. However, the number of reports suggests that the percentage of people facing the bug is significant.
Fortunately, there is a workaround that helps solve or mitigate the problem. Apparently, the bug was already present in the Android 15 betas, so it didn’t come as a surprise to many. What is surprising is that it is still present in the stable build.
How to fix the issue
Anyway, to fix the swipe-back gesture bug on your Pixel 8 Pro, you have to go to Settings > System > Navigation mode. Then you just have to set it to 3-button navigation and set it back to gesture navigation. Many people found the problem solved at that point, but if it persists for you, simply restart your phone. It’s noteworthy that the problem may return, but you can just repeat the process.
The workaround has been quite effective while waiting for an official fix from Google. Hopefully, the company won’t take long to send an update where gesture navigation on the Pixel 8 Pro works correctly.
