How to change volume key function in Android?
The volume keys on Android devices serve an important function – controlling the media, ringer, and alarm volumes. By default, pressing the volume keys adjusts the ringer volume. However, some users may want to change this behavior so the volume keys control media playback volume instead.
There are a few reasons why someone might want to change the default volume key function on their Android device. For people who listen to a lot of music or watch videos on their phone, it can be more convenient to have the volume keys control media volume. This saves the extra step of having to manually adjust the media volume slider each time. Gamers may also prefer the volume keys directly controlling in-game audio and sound effects. Additionally, some users simply prefer having the volume keys always tune media volume rather than ringer volume.
Luckily, Android offers the option to switch the volume key function if the default behavior doesn’t suit a user’s needs. This article will explain how to change the volume key control in Android devices to prioritize media volume over ringer volume.
Prerequisites
In order to customize the function of the volume keys on your Android device, there are a couple prerequisites that need to be met:
First, the device must be running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or newer. Older versions of Android do not have the same level of customizability for hardware buttons [1].
Second, you need to have access to your device’s Settings app. This is where you will make the changes to remap the volume keys. If you are unable to access Settings, you won’t be able to customize the button functions.
As long as your Android device meets these two prerequisites, you should be able to customize what the volume keys do when pressed.
Access Device Settings
To access your device settings on Android, follow these steps:
Open the Settings app by swiping down from the top of your screen twice and tapping the gear icon, or finding the Settings app in your list of apps. According to Google Support, the Settings app provides access to all device customization options.
Once the Settings app opens, scroll down to locate either the ‘Buttons’ or ‘Keys’ section, depending on your Android device model. The Android Source documentation notes that settings menus may vary across devices and Android versions.
Under the ‘Buttons’ or ‘Keys’ section, look for a setting related to volume key or button function. This allows you to customize how the physical volume buttons on your device behave.
Change Volume Key Function
To change what the volume keys control on your Android device, go to your device’s Settings app and select “Buttons” or “Keys” depending on your specific Android version.[1] There you will find an option to customize the functionality of the volume buttons. Select the drop down menu next to “Volume key control” to view options for what you want the volume up and down keys to control.
The available options include having the volume keys control media volume, system volume, vibrate mode, flashlight, camera operation, and more. Choose your preferred function like media playback controls, turning on the flashlight, launching the camera app, etc. Some Android skins like OneUI on Samsung devices have additional options not found in stock Android.
After selecting your desired function for the volume keys, simply save your selection by pressing the back button or home key. The volume buttons will now perform the newly selected function instead of just increasing/decreasing volume.[2] This allows you to customize your device and quickly access often used functions through the convenient volume key shortcuts.
Set Default Volume Keys
If you want to revert the volume key functions back to their default settings, follow these steps:
Open the Settings app and go to Sounds and vibration. Tap on Volume and look for the “Use volume keys for media” option. Make sure this option is disabled. Enabling it will make the volume keys control media volume rather than ringer volume.
To access the volume key settings again in the future, simply open the Settings app and go to Sounds and vibration > Volume. The “Use volume keys for media” option will be there to toggle on or off.
Sources:
https://forums.androidcentral.com/threads/volume-buttons-control-media-volume-instead-of-ringer-volume.267374/
https://www.reddit.com/r/S22Ultra/comments/11kiyla/new_annoying_function_when_casting_to_a/
Customize Other Buttons
In addition to the volume keys, there are a few other hardware buttons on Android devices that can be customized:
The power button – This turns the screen on/off and locks the device. Some devices allow you to customize the double press or long press action of the power button in Settings > System > Gestures.[1]
Recent apps button – This displays open apps that are running. You can customize what a double tap does, like opening the last app or doing nothing. Look in Settings > System > Gestures.[2]
Back button – Returns to the previous screen. Some devices let you switch the position of the Back and Recent Apps buttons in Settings > System > Gestures.[3]
Home button – Returns to the home screen. There is limited customization for this button.
Following device manufacturer guides, you can access the settings for these buttons and customize their functions if desired.
Download Button Remapper Apps
While Android offers some built-in options for remapping buttons, third-party apps provide more customization. Here are a couple reputable options to consider downloading:
Button Mapper – This popular app lets you fully customize the functions of your volume, home, back and other hardware keys. You can launch apps, shortcuts or tasks with single, double, long presses or more. Pros are the detailed customization options. Cons are possible conflicts with other apps.
Buttons Remapper – Remap any hardware button to perform essentially any function you want. Pros include macro support to chain multiple actions to a single press. Cons are that it requires accessibility access.
Third party apps provide more customization options compared to built-in Android settings. However, built-in options don’t have potential conflicts with other apps.
Additional Customization Options
Android offers a variety of additional ways to customize your device beyond just changing the volume key function. Here are some popular options:
Gestures allow you to set custom tap, swipe, and other touch gestures to quickly launch apps or perform actions like turning on the flashlight or opening the notification panel. For example, you can double tap the screen to turn it on or off. Gestures are configured in your device’s settings.
Third party launchers like Nova Launcher, Evie Launcher, and Microsoft Launcher let you completely customize the home screen, app drawer, and more. Launchers offer icon packs, themes, widgets, and other options to personalize Android. Switching launchers gives you more ways to make Android your own.
There are also apps like KWGT Kustom Widget Maker that offer advanced custom widgets and themes. And apps like Tasker allow setting up custom automations.
Limitations
Changing the volume key function in Android does have some limitations to be aware of:
It won’t work on all Android phones – Some manufacturers like Samsung allow more customization, while others like Pixel may not have these options without rooting or using third-party apps. As noted on Reddit, “The ’15-step’ volume is an Android system limitation” (source).
May require OS updates – Getting more granular control often requires being on the latest Android version. Older devices may be limited until updated to the newest OS.
Could impact accessibility features – Customizing hardware buttons can potentially cause issues with any accessibility services that rely on the standard volume key functions.
Third-party apps not guaranteed to work – While downloader button remapper apps provide more options, they may not work reliably across all devices and Android versions.
Overall, adjusting volume key behavior has limitations primarily dependent on the phone model and Android OS version. Test any changes carefully and be prepared to reset if issues arise with accessibility or device stability.
Conclusion
Changing the default volume key function on Android allows users to customize their devices for greater convenience and access to shortcuts. By navigating to Settings and finding the option for “Volume Keys” under a category like Buttons or System, users can swap the default media volume control for options like launching the camera, skipping tracks, or activating the flashlight.
For even more customization, users can download third-party button remapper apps from the Google Play Store. These give granular control and allow assigning unique functions to long-presses or double taps of the volume keys. With some trial and error, users can optimize the volume key functions for their personal needs.
The key benefits of remapping the volume buttons include quick access to frequently used actions like flashlight and camera, avoiding accidental media volume changes, and generally making the most of the physical buttons on your Android device. Just be aware of potential conflicts with system functions or other apps. Overall, customizing the volume keys can significantly improve the Android user experience.