The default position for the WhatsApp navigation bar is at the bottom of the screen. However, if you prefer having the navigation bar at the top, WhatsApp allows you to easily switch it. Here’s how to change the WhatsApp navigation bar position from bottom to top.
Why Change the WhatsApp Navigation Bar Position?
There are a few reasons why you may want to move the WhatsApp navigation bar from the bottom to the top:
- Easier one-handed use – With the navigation bar at the top, it’s easier to reach all the buttons with just your thumb while holding your phone with one hand.
- More vertical screen space – Having the bar at the top frees up more space at the bottom of the screen for content.
- Personal preference – Some people simply prefer having the navigation bar at the top as it feels more natural to them.
Requirements
To change the WhatsApp navigation bar position, you need:
- The latest version of WhatsApp installed on your device.
- WhatsApp version 2.19.120 or higher.
As long as you have the latest WhatsApp version, changing the navigation bar position is easy and straightforward.
How to Move the WhatsApp Navigation Bar to the Top
Follow these steps to move the WhatsApp navigation bar from the bottom to the top of the screen:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Tap the 3-dot menu icon in the top right corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Chats.
- Under CHAT SETTINGS, toggle the switch next to Navigation bar to the ON position.
That’s it! The navigation bar will now move to the top of the screen in WhatsApp. The buttons will remain in the same order – Calls, Camera, Chats, Status.
Moving the Navigation Bar Back to the Bottom
If you want to return the navigation bar back to the bottom of the screen, simply follow the same steps and toggle the Navigation bar switch to the OFF position in Chat Settings.
Customizing the Navigation Bar
Aside from changing the position, WhatsApp also allows customizing which icons appear in the navigation bar:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Chats.
- Tap Navigation bar tools.
- Here you can choose which icons to show in the bar and their order.
- Tap the icon you want to add or remove. A checkmark indicates it’s enabled.
- Drag the icons to rearrange the order.
- Tap Back to save your customized navigation bar.
This allows you full flexibility over the navigation bar. You can add or remove the Status, Calls, Camera, and Chats icons as needed.
Does Moving the Navigation Bar Drain Battery?
No, changing the WhatsApp navigation bar position does not negatively impact battery life or drain your phone’s battery faster. It’s simply a UI tweak and has no bearing on battery performance.
The only WhatsApp settings that can potentially affect battery life are:
- Reducing chat wallpaper brightness.
- Disabling auto-download for media in chats.
- Restricting background data usage.
But the navigation bar changes only impact the app’s user interface. Your battery will drain at the normal rate, whether the bar is at the top or bottom.
Troubleshooting Navigation Bar Issues
Here are some troubleshooting tips if you face any issues after moving the WhatsApp navigation bar:
Navigation bar not appearing
- Check that Navigation bar is enabled in WhatsApp Settings > Chats.
- Force close and restart WhatsApp if needed.
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version if you’re on an old version.
Navigation bar buttons not working
- Tap and hold on the non-working icon to drag and rearrange it.
- Try changing the navigation bar position back and forth.
- Restart your phone if the issue persists.
Can’t move navigation bar back to bottom
- Toggle the Navigation bar switch off and back on in WhatsApp Settings.
- Check for any WhatsApp updates and install if available.
- Try uninstalling and reinstalling the app if needed.
In most cases, minor bugs can be fixed by changing settings, updating WhatsApp, or rebooting your device. Contact WhatsApp support if you continue facing navigation bar issues.
Extra WhatsApp Navigation Bar Tips
A few extra tips for using the navigation bar:
- You can swipe the bar right or left to quickly switch between chat tabs.
- Long press the Calls or Camera buttons for quick shortcuts.
- Rearrange the icon order in Settings for most convenient access.
- Add icons you use often and remove unused ones.
Customize the navigation bar exactly how you like it for the best WhatsApp experience.
Conclusion
Changing the WhatsApp navigation bar position only takes a few taps, and can significantly improve the app’s usability and user experience. Whether you prefer one-handed use, more vertical space, or simply like the bar at the top, WhatsApp makes it easy to customize.
Move the navigation bar to the top, bottom, add or remove buttons, and rearrange the icons to perfectly fit your usage needs. Just dive into WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Navigation Bar to start customizing.