How to Use the Basic Navigation Buttons on an iPhone

If you are new to an iPhone, the screen might look simple — but it can feel confusing at first.

Unlike some phones, iPhones often use swipe gestures instead of physical buttons.

The good news is that there are only three main navigation actions you need to know:

• Go Home
• Go Back
• Switch Between Apps

Once you understand these, using an iPhone becomes much easier.


Step 1: Go to the Home Screen

iPhone home screen gesture showing how to swipe up from the bottom to go to the home screen

To return to the home screen:

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

This takes you back to the main screen where your apps are located.

You can do this at any time.


Step 2: Go Back

iPhone swipe gesture from the left edge of the screen to go back to the previous page

To go back to the previous screen:

Swipe from the left edge of the screen toward the middle.

This works in most apps and menus.


Step 3: Open the App Switcher

iPhone app switcher screen showing recently opened apps after swiping up and pausing

To see apps you recently used:

  1. Swipe up from the bottom
  2. Pause in the middle of the screen

You will see cards showing your open apps.

You can switch between them.


Step 4: Close Apps

closing apps on an iPhone by swiping up on an app card in the app switcher

If you want to close an app:

  1. Open the App Switcher
  2. Swipe the app card upwards

The app will close.


Quick Tip

Don’t worry if it feels strange at first.

Most people get used to these gestures after a few days.


Using an Android phone instead?

Read:

āž” How to Use Samsung Navigation Buttons

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