How to use Move shortcuts on the Google Pixel

By Daniel Bader
last updated

Google has added three useful gestures to the Google Pixel that are sure to make you more productive. While they're not exactly new in the Android ecosystem, found in various phones from Motorola to Huawei to LG, they're put to great use here.

How to enable Move gestures on the Google Pixel

  1. On the home screen, swipe down on the notification bar.
  2. Tap the Settings icon (looks like a cog) on the right side.
  3. Scroll down and tap on Moves menu.

  1. Enable the gestures you want to use.

How to use "Swipe for notifications" on the Google Pixel

This is easily the most useful of the new Moves gestures. It allows you to use your finger — any finger, not just the ones stored in the secure fingerprint storage — to swipe down on the fingerprint sensor to access the notification bar.

How to use "Jump to camera" on the Google Pixel

This is a fast and easy way to access the camera app from anywhere. Just double-tap on the power button on the right side of the phone to jump into the camera app and capture a photo or video — even when the phone is turned off!

How to use "Flip camera" on the Google Pixel

This gesture was taken directly from Motorola's camera app, and that's fine: we love it! When you're in the camera app, just double-twist your wrist twice to change between forward and back cameras, and vice versa. It's super convenient when you can't touch the screen!

How to use "Lift to check phone" on the Google Pixel

This gesture was added with build NPF26J, allowing Pixel users to check the ambient display by physically lifting the phone off a desk or out of a pocket.

It's a really useful way to quickly check notifications without having to turn on the screen!

How to use "Double-tap to check phone" on the Google Pixel

This gesture was added with build NPF26J, allowing Pixel users to turn on the ambient display by double-tapping anywhere on the screen when it is turned off.

It's a really useful way to check notifications if the phone is sitting beside you on a desk!

This article was originally published in October, 2016. It was recently updated in November 2016 with two new Move gestures.

Daniel Bader
Daniel Bader

Daniel Bader was a former Android Central Editor-in-Chief and Executive Editor for iMore and Windows Central. 

13 Comments
  • Got finger scanner actions installed on the N6P and boom I can do that too or Home or Sleep :)
  • Is this an XDA thing or on the Play Store?
  • It's on Google plus or at least that's where I managed to get it. search for fingerprint quick action apk on Google . Hope this helps
  • Pretty sure lift to check phone was added in LRX21O
  • I wish this came to the nexus 6p.
  • Constantly checking for this update I need that raise to wake feature back is it being pushed out OTA?
  • Early December for the US
  • It will be but here in the US it is not available yet unless you side load it. Officially this has only been release in Canada
  • Not seeing either if the new features
  • can we get swipe gestures on apps? i mean if google keeps separating apps like Maps, Streetview, Earth, Waze and then Messenger, Hangouts, Allo...I'll fill up my screen with icons for redundant apps in no time. yes i know nova has swipe gestures. no i dont want folders all over my home screen.
  • Double tap to wake has been working about 90% of the time on my 6P. I have to do it near the top half of the screen, but it has been working. Don't ask me how, as I realize the 6P was not supposed to get this.
  • I didn't know the 6P was getting this! Thanks for pointing it out... works for me too.
  • Excellent.