Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge share identical buttons. The functions of Galaxy S6 buttons are identical to those on Galaxy S6 edge.
There are 5 physical buttons on Galaxy S6 (and on Galaxy S6 edge).
Galaxy S6 Home button
Galaxy S6 Home button is located below the screen. You may refer to this page on Galaxy S6 layout.
Galaxy S6 fingerprint sensor is also embedded into the Home button. When you touch the Home button, Galaxy S6 may also scan you fingerprint.
When the Galaxy S6 screen is locked, press the Home button to turn on the screen. But you are still on the lock screen.
When you are using any apps on Galaxy S6, press the Home button to suspend the app and return to home screen.
When the screen is not locked and you are on any other pages, press Galaxy S6 Home button to return to home screen.
When the screen is not locked, press and hold Galaxy S6 Home button to launch Google Now.
Galaxy S6 Power button
Galaxy S6 Power button is located in the right side of Galaxy S6.
When the phone is powered off, press and hold Galaxy S6 Power button to power on the phone.
When the phone is powered on, press and hold Galaxy S6 Power button to get power options, including restarting the phone and powering off the phone.
When the screen is on, press Galaxy S6 Power button to turn off the screen and lock the screen by default.
When the screen is off, press Galaxy S6 Power button to turn on the screen. In this case, the function is same as pressing Home button.
You may also configure the galaxy S6 power button for other functions, e.g., ending a phone call.
Galaxy S6 Back button
The main function of the Galaxy S6 Back button is to return to the previous screen of the app you are running.
The actual behavior of Galaxy S6 Back button may depend on individual app. Some apps may just exit once you tap the Galaxy S6 Back button.
In Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge, by default, the light duration (when touched) of Back button and Recent buttons are NOT user-configurable, unlike previous generation Galaxy S or Galaxy Note devices. If you want to change the light duration or turn off the light for Galaxy S6 Back button and Recent Apps button, please check this guide.
Galaxy S6 Recent Apps button
Galaxy S6 Recent Apps button allows you to access previously-opened apps.
Tap Galaxy S6 Recent Apps button to see a list of apps opened since last phone reboot. You can tap any of these apps in the list to re-open it. The behavior of re-opening the app depends on individual apps and system available resources.
Tap and hold Galaxy S6 Recent Apps button to launch the split screen view. This allows you to access the new multi-window feature on Galaxy S6.
Galaxy S6 Volume button (Volume rocker)
Just like other smartphones, Galaxy S6 Volume button let you control the volume of the phone.
Tap Volume up (top part) to increase the volume. Volume down (bottom part) to lower the volume.
Some apps may also use volume button for special functions. For example, in the messaging app, you can use volume button to increase or decrease the font size. In camera app, you can use volume keys to take photos or to record videos or to zoom in/out the camera (please check this page on how to use volume key to control Galaxy S6 camera).
Summary of the main functions of Galaxy S6 buttons
Are you familiar with Galaxy S6 buttons? Can you use them now?
If you have any questions or encounter any problems on using Galaxy S6 buttons, please leave your questions or problems in the comment box below.
For other features of Galaxy S6, please check Galaxy S6 online manual page.
For detailed guides on how to use Samsung Galaxy S6, please check Galaxy S6 how-to guides page.
Adrian says
April 25, 2015 at 6:07 pmHey i think i got something like a bug on my s6 edge
sooo there is the “back-button” and the “recent-apps” button… buut on my s6 edge sometimes, suddenly the “back-button” has the same function like the “recent-apps” button, somtimes it’s normal, but somtimes its changing… is there any way to solve that problem…?
simon says
April 26, 2015 at 1:44 amNot sure about it. Does it happen to some specific apps?
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Jonas Rapp says
April 29, 2015 at 5:56 amHappens to me too… extremely frustrating!
Please post here if you find a way to solve it!
pedro says
September 13, 2015 at 4:46 pmme too
Jack says
May 5, 2015 at 11:36 pmI don’t know what I press for luck’ and now. I can unluck it anymore!it show a blue line go up and down and I don’t know what to do
simon says
May 6, 2015 at 12:21 amWhat’s the background?is it lock screen?
Anyway, you can press power button to lock the phone. After a few mins, press home button to see whether you can unlock.
You can also reboot the phone into safe mode to see whether you have the same problem. You may refer to this page on how to reboot the phone into safe mode https://gadgetguideonline.com/galaxys6/samsung-galaxy-s6-guides/how-to-use-samsung-galaxy-s6-safe-mode/
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Paul P says
September 6, 2015 at 7:53 pmPress the home button 3 times to disable universal switch
Tamra says
May 6, 2015 at 8:13 pmMy grandson (1 year old) knows how to turn on my phone with the home button. How can I disable this feature. Even it the phone is on lock he can still make 911 calls so i need to make it so he cant turn it on.
simon says
May 7, 2015 at 12:14 amProbably there are any options for this. You can only disable camera access from home button. Making emergency calls without unlocking the phone is a legal requirement in many regions.
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misman says
May 20, 2015 at 8:30 amhow to print screen?
simon says
May 20, 2015 at 1:12 pmTo take screenshot for Galaxy S6, please follow this guide: https://gadgetguideonline.com/galaxys6/samsung-galaxy-s6-guides/how-to-take-screenshot-on-samsung-galaxy-s6-and-s6-edge/
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Aj says
June 4, 2015 at 11:20 pmSo i just bought my phone 2 days ago, and suddenly my recent apps and back button don’t light up nor even work. Is there anything to fix this?
simon says
June 5, 2015 at 12:28 amDid you install any task manager apps?
You can also test them in safe mode. https://gadgetguideonline.com/galaxys6/samsung-galaxy-s6-guides/how-to-use-samsung-galaxy-s6-safe-mode/
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Mel says
June 5, 2015 at 3:54 pmHow do I turn off the volume rocker.. So it won’t adjust my font for s6. I hate this feature
simon says
June 6, 2015 at 2:01 amGalaxy S6 removed the option for you to enable/disable font size adjustment with volume keys. In other words, you have to live it or use other apps, e.g., Hangouts for messages.
In old Galaxy devices, you can find the settings in the the messages app. Not sure why Samsung decided to remove the option from users.
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Movietajm says
June 18, 2015 at 3:04 pmOk.. So Im used to the Galaxy S4 where the “recent apps”-button actually is a regular button for settings of the current app used. I dont know how to get to the settings easy now of current app using, no matter what app Im using. Its very annoying. Is there a way to change the function of this button?
simon says
June 19, 2015 at 1:45 amThere are no settings for this.
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Ali says
October 12, 2015 at 6:30 amThere should be option for this. because i have edge and s4. Some time i confused what to do.
simon says
October 12, 2015 at 1:45 pmMost apps have the software menu button. No Android phones now offer hardware menu button.
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Marci Victor says
June 10, 2017 at 2:49 pmI’m pretty sure about the recents button, thank you for your help.
Now I would lid to know what to do about the missing button and function of the menu button?? I need a way to find running apps fast. I keep getting popup ads and deleting themy by running apps is the only way I know of to delete them.
simon says
June 11, 2017 at 1:58 amThe hardware menu button was phased put in Android for many years. Unless your app has not been updated for more than 5 years, it should NOT reply on hardware menu button. The app should include its own software menu button if it needs it.
Popup ads has nothing to do with menu button. If you know which app is behind such ads, you should NEVER use such apps. You can uninstall it in application manager.
If you do not know, you can find out the culprit as showing in this guide.
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Deborah coffey says
June 25, 2015 at 12:48 pmWhy in the world would they change the lower left button to a recent apps button. How do you navigate through the phone without a menu button. I am so disgusted. I feel like returning my new phone. So stupid. What is the reasoning for this? Is there a way they can rectify this?
simon says
June 25, 2015 at 1:33 pmSamsung actually is probably the last major Android vendor who removes the menu button. Most other Android vendors actually moved to software on-screen buttons (of course, no menu button).
Google wants the menu button to be part of the app, not part of the hardware.
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HAJIJAH DOLLAH says
July 22, 2015 at 12:15 amI have Problem with my Samsung S6 edge…i left my hp in my handbag..this morning when i wanted to use it…it did nt functioning…i could not start or even off it …. It just stay like that without any changes..i mean the screen is blank…what should i do
simon says
July 22, 2015 at 5:16 amTry some button combinations in this guide https://gadgetguideonline.com/galaxys6/samsung-galaxy-s6-online-user-manual/turn-onoff-samsung-galaxy-s6/
If nothing works, you have to visit local Samsung service center to check the phone.
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Hannah says
August 2, 2015 at 6:11 amWhat do I do my back button on the s6 edge is acting like the folder button on the left side so I’ve basically lost the back button.. help
simon says
August 2, 2015 at 12:45 pmBack button is on the right side of the home button. The right one is recent button. These are configured in the firmware.
if you get different functions, you may check with local Samsung service center.
Please note, tap, and tap & hold give different functions, as mentioned in this page.
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Hannah says
August 9, 2015 at 10:11 amYes, I am aware of the three buttons below..
Except the back button (the right side of the home button) has only just started acting like the button to the left if the home button… so now I have no back button? What do I do?
Where I live there is no samsung stores to visit
simon says
August 9, 2015 at 3:20 pmIt could be caused by some of your apps. Did you try to reboot your s6 to see whether it helps?
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Hannah says
August 10, 2015 at 12:04 amYeah sadly I tried rebooting it as soon as I noticed it :/
simon says
August 10, 2015 at 2:40 amYou can also reboot the phone into safe mode to check whether the buttons functions properly.
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michele says
August 2, 2015 at 6:30 pmSo when I hit the lock button and go back on my phone like 3 minutes later it doesn’t lock right after I hit the power button what should I do
simon says
August 2, 2015 at 10:31 pmDid you turn on lock instantly with power button on settings – lock screen and security – secure lock settings ? What’s the setting for lock automatically on the same page?
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Fay Harris says
August 11, 2015 at 8:35 pmIve pushed the right hand side button to turn my Samsung s6 phone after it went flat (had it now on charger over 1 hour) and still it will not turn on. Its 3 weeks old….any suggestions?
simon says
August 11, 2015 at 10:30 pmIf the phone is not on, you may try the key combinations in this guide https://gadgetguideonline.com/galaxys6/samsung-galaxy-s6-online-user-manual/turn-onoff-samsung-galaxy-s6/
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Ty says
September 15, 2015 at 1:54 amWhy won’t the buttons on the bottom of my s6 light up?
simon says
September 15, 2015 at 5:07 amDid you turn on power saving mode?
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Ty says
September 15, 2015 at 10:58 amThank you very much.
Rebecca says
September 17, 2015 at 12:25 amHow do i turn off the volume rocker button on the side?
The volume keeps getting turned all the way down, and i miss Calls.
simon says
September 17, 2015 at 12:38 amThere are no easy solutions. Almost smartphones are designed in this way today. Some bumpers or cases actually address this issue.
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Amber says
October 9, 2015 at 7:54 pmsince my last update, my volume button doesn’t change font size anymore. anyone else have this issue?
simon says
October 10, 2015 at 3:27 amit could be due to other apps. You can try to reboot the phone.
Also, after a major update, it is recommended to clear cache partition.
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Helen says
October 17, 2015 at 11:20 pmAfter the last update to my Galaxy S6, volume button doesn’t change font size anymore. I have turned off phone and rebooted several times. Is there another way to change text font size other than the volume button.
Dixie says
January 25, 2016 at 3:11 amThe back button won’t work anymore. How do I fix it? Help!
simon says
January 25, 2016 at 10:48 amI don’t think you can fix it if it’s a hardware problem. It should be covered under standard warranty unless it’s damaged by water.
You can try to reboot your s6 to see whether the back button works. You calm also test it in safe mode.
You may also backup the phone and try a factory data reset before visiting service center.
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Macedwin nsofor says
March 22, 2016 at 1:25 pmI need my recent and baxk botten to start working in my snmsung s6egde phone, hoe can that be.
simon says
March 22, 2016 at 1:53 pmWhat’s the problem? Did you install any key mapping apps?
if the two buttons do not work, you can try to reboot the phone. You can also boot S6 edge into safe mode to try.
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Hannah says
April 22, 2016 at 9:09 pmHello!
Could you help me out please?
Trying to find a way to change the settings of my home-button on the Samsung Galaxy S6.
I don’t want Google Now to start when I hold it.
Thanks
simon says
April 23, 2016 at 3:23 amYou cannot totally disable Google. Long press (hold)home button was reserved for Google (or Google Now) in Marshmallow.
You can disable Now on tap. What you get will be a generic Google Now page foe you. Settings– Applications —Google settings –Search and Now– Now on tap.
You can disable Google Now. But what you get will be a Google search page. Settings–Applications –Google Settings–Search and Now –Now cards.
Anyway, you cannot assign the gesture to something else. Actually, Now on tap is quite useful.
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Amanda says
May 3, 2016 at 2:49 amIs there a way to set it up to turn the screen off with the home key instead of the power button?
simon says
May 3, 2016 at 5:21 amBy default, no. The gestures for home key were probably used up. Some third party apps or launchers may allow such customization. But it’s not recommended.
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maadai says
May 30, 2016 at 12:00 amHello, when i press the home button its not return to home screen. what should i do?
simon says
May 30, 2016 at 12:42 amWhere did the phone screen go after you press home button?
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maadai says
May 30, 2016 at 12:51 amNo where
simon says
May 30, 2016 at 12:57 amWhat app are you using? Does it happen to all apps?
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maadai says
May 30, 2016 at 1:01 amyes sir, it does happen to all apps. but it can turn on the screen when screen is locked
simon says
May 30, 2016 at 5:39 amYou can test it in safe mode.
Also, do the other buttons(back and recent) work? Are you using any third-party launchers?
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maadai says
May 30, 2016 at 1:51 amHello?
maadai says
May 31, 2016 at 12:35 amSimon,
Thank you for your support. Issue was fixed by updating all the apps yesterday.
simon says
May 31, 2016 at 4:20 amThank you for updating us.
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Ozzy says
August 22, 2016 at 10:06 pmHow to “wake up” s6 edge plus without pressing power button?
I have read that previous galaxy models have option to hold down VolDown button then to connect phone via USB cable to PC, and then Download mode should start automatically. Is there any way to start s6 edge plus if my power button is broken?
simon says
August 23, 2016 at 12:59 amNot sure about the trick. But why don’t you just fix the power button?
There are many different ways to wake up screen (home button, voice, cases…), but I think you need power button to power on your s6.
Some vendors may have the features of powering on the phone automatically when it’s connected to a charger. But Samsung phones don’t have this feature.
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Ozzy says
August 23, 2016 at 9:09 pmBecause salt have damaged motherboard of the phone, and I would need to replace whole motherboard which is very expensive and guys in service cant guarantee that they wont broke screen or something else which is very gently on edge models, so reparation would be even more expensive (like buying new phone).
I need to find a way to wake up my phone and save data from internal memory. I just cant believe that Samsung made this model without removable SD card… terrible move 🙁
Is there anyone who might know if S6 galaxy series have some tricks to power up phone without Power button?
simon says
August 24, 2016 at 12:40 amSorry to hear that. If the phone is not dead, in the service center, they can power on it after disassembling it. It should take less than 5 mins. But if the mainboard was damaged, you may not power it on.
Without disassembling (you should not do it unless you have all the tools) the phone, I done think you can power on the phone workout power button.
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Richard says
July 26, 2017 at 11:05 pmAbout a week ago, I dropped my standard model S6 in water. I immediately got it out, toweled it off and got it into rice. I took it out three days later and it seemed to be fine, but after a couple of hours the recent apps button started playing up, activating when I wasn’t pressing it. I have tried clearing the cache and running safe mode in case it was a coincidence, but the same thing is still happening, and running All-In-One Gestures has not stopped it from happening either. Have you got any recommendations for other things I could try instead of getting it repaired/replaced?
simon says
July 26, 2017 at 11:45 pmIf it’s hardware problem, you have no option but to repair it.
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Melissa says
January 14, 2018 at 4:14 pmWhy is my home button not doing all the features.like for instance it’s not opening in the home screen page and it’s not allowing me to do screen shots
simon says
January 15, 2018 at 12:27 amTo take screenshot on S6, you may check this guide https://gadgetguideonline.com/galaxys6/samsung-galaxy-s6-guides/how-to-take-screenshot-on-samsung-galaxy-s6-and-s6-edge/
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charlie says
May 24, 2019 at 7:30 amcan any body tell me how to find the call divert button i cannot talk to any one the calls go to message bank
simon says
May 24, 2019 at 3:07 pmIt’s in the phone app. Tap the menu button in the app, then in advanced call settings or SIM card settings.
You can also call your phone company to stop call diverting/forwarding. They can do from their side and well. They can also tell you how to do it by dialing special code.
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