How do I scroll down with volume button?

What Are Volume Buttons?

Most smartphones have physical volume buttons located along the left or right side edge of the device. These buttons are typically used to control the media volume when listening to music, watching videos, playing games, or during phone calls. Pressing the top volume button increases volume, while the bottom button decreases volume.

In addition to adjusting media volume, the volume buttons on smartphones can also control system volume for notifications, ringtones, and alarms. Some devices allow you to customize the volume buttons to perform other functions as well, such as using them as a camera shutter button or to scroll through webpages.

The volume buttons are a core physical control interface on smartphones, alongside the power/lock button. Though most commonly used for media volume adjustment, their functionality extends beyond just volume on many devices.

Using Volume Buttons to Scroll

On many Android phones, you can use the volume buttons to scroll up and down on pages without needing to touch the screen (1). This can be especially useful for one-handed use when your thumb can’t easily reach all parts of the screen. However, this feature needs to be enabled first in your phone’s settings before the volume buttons can be used for scrolling.

Once enabled, pressing the top volume button will scroll up on a page, while pressing the bottom volume button will scroll down. How much it scrolls per press can be customized in settings on some phones. This allows you to quickly move through menus and lists using the conveniently located volume keys along the side of the phone (1).

While handy, volume button scrolling is mainly intended for occasional one-handed use when your other hand is occupied. For general use, it’s still best to scroll using the touchscreen for precision. The volume buttons are better suited for their main purpose of adjusting volume levels. But when enabled, volume button scrolling gives you an extra option for quick one-handed scrolling through pages (1).

Enabling Volume Button Scrolling

Volume button scrolling is an accessibility feature found in both Android and iOS devices. On Android, it is called ‘Volume key shortcut’ and can be found in the Accessibility settings. On iOS, it is called ‘Scroll with Volume Buttons’ and is also located in Accessibility settings.

To enable volume button scrolling on Android:

1. Open Settings and go to Accessibility.
2. Scroll down and select Volume key shortcut.
3. Toggle the switch on to enable the feature.

To enable on iOS:

1. Open Settings and go to Accessibility > Touch.
2. Scroll down and toggle on Scroll with Volume Buttons.

Once enabled, you can use the volume up/down buttons to scroll up and down pages in supported apps and screens. This provides an alternative scrolling method that some users find easier and more convenient.

Scrolling Up and Down

When volume button scrolling is enabled, the top and bottom buttons on your device can be used to scroll up and down on a page. Pressing the top volume button will scroll the page down, while pressing the bottom volume button will scroll the page up.¹

This allows you to scroll without needing to use the on-screen scroll bar or touch gestures. It can be a convenient way to browse through long pages or lists by using the physical buttons you already have on your device.

Scrolling down with the top volume button moves the page content up, revealing content further down the page. Likewise, scrolling up with the bottom volume button moves the page down to reveal content higher up.

The volume buttons provide an easy way to browse through content hands-free. This can be useful if you are multitasking or do not have access to the touchscreen.

Customizing Volume Button Scrolling

Many devices allow users to customize how volume button scrolling works to suit their preferences. For example, on Android devices running OxygenOS 11 or later, you can go into Settings > Buttons & gestures > Quick gestures and toggle “Volume buttons to scroll” on or off. There is also an option to reverse the scroll direction, so pressing volume up scrolls down and vice versa.

Some Android launchers like Nova Launcher also have settings to control the scroll speed and number of lines scrolled per volume button click. In Nova Launcher, go to Gestures & inputs > Volume key cursor control. Here you can change the “Page scroll amount” to adjust how far it scrolls.

On iOS, options are more limited but it is possible to reverse the scroll direction by going to Settings > Accessibility > Touch and toggling on “Directional Buttons”. This makes volume up go down and vice versa when scrolling.

While customizations are rudimentary, having the ability to reverse direction or adjust scroll speed can make volume button scrolling more intuitive for users.

Pros of Volume Button Scrolling

Using your device’s volume buttons to scroll can provide some useful benefits when reading long webpages or documents:

One key advantage is convenient one-handed use. With volume button scrolling enabled, you can easily scroll through content using just your thumb on the side of the phone. This leaves your other hand free for holding the device, taking notes, or other tasks.

Volume button scrolling also allows easy scrolling without looking at the screen. Once you memorize the volume buttons’ placement, you can scroll seamlessly while reading without interrupting your focus to tap the screen.

Additionally, most devices’ volume buttons are tactile and easy to press. Their distinct shape and size makes them easy to locate by feel, and they provide crisp feedback when pressed. This can make repeated scrolling more comfortable compared to smooth, glass phone screens.

Cons of Volume Button Scrolling

While using volume buttons to scroll can be convenient in some situations, there are a few downsides to be aware of:

Can press volume buttons accidentally
Since the volume buttons are located on the side of your device, it’s easy to accidentally brush against them and change your scrolling position unintentionally. This can be disruptive if you lose your place or scroll past content you wanted to read (1).

Doesn’t work on all screens/apps

Volume button scrolling is not supported in every app and program. For example, it may not work to scroll through webpages in certain mobile browsers (2). You’ll still need to rely on the on-screen scroll bar in apps where volume button scrolling is not enabled.

Still need access to actual on-screen scroll bar
Even with volume button scrolling enabled, you’ll still need access to the touchscreen scroll bar to precisely control your position and scroll through content. The volume buttons alone may not provide enough scrolling precision for all purposes (3).

So while handy in some situations, volume button scrolling has limitations to consider. It should be seen as a supplementary scrolling method rather than a complete replacement for the on-screen scroll bar.

Tips for Using Volume Button Scrolling

Volume button scrolling can be useful when holding your phone with one hand, as it allows you to scroll without reaching across the screen with your thumb (https://android.stackexchange.com/questions/18235/how-to-use-volume-keys-for-scrolling-everywhere). However, it may take some time to get used to scrolling this way instead of swiping with your finger.

One tip is to disable volume button scrolling when your phone is in your pocket or bag to avoid accidental presses (https://samsung.gadgethacks.com/how-to/use-volume-keys-for-page-scrolling-android-0159338/). You can configure your phone to only allow volume button scrolling when the screen is on.

It’s also a good idea to customize the scrolling speed and direction to your own preference. Some apps allow you to reverse the direction so scrolling up presses volume down and vice versa. Finding the right sensitivity for you can take some trial and error (https://www.reddit.com/r/BoostForReddit/comments/brgnee/scrolling_with_volume_buttons/).

Accessibility Uses

Using volume buttons to scroll can be very helpful for those with accessibility needs or challenges using touchscreens.

For people with limited dexterity or motor difficulties, scrolling with the physical volume buttons can be much easier than trying to use touch gestures. Those with hand tremors, paralysis, or missing limbs can use the volume keys to smoothly scroll through content.

Likewise, individuals with visual impairments like low vision or blindness may rely on screen readers and other assistive technologies. Volume button scrolling gives them an alternative to tapping and swiping on a touchscreen that they cannot see clearly.

This feature enables true one-handed use for those missing an arm or hand. Rather than needing to grasp the device and swipe, they can securely hold it in one hand and use their thumb to hit the volume keys on the side to scroll.

Overall, volume button scrolling promotes accessibility and independence for many users. It transforms an everyday hardware button into a tool empowering people with disabilities to easily control screen content.

Summary

Volume button scrolling allows you to use your device’s volume up/down buttons to scroll up and down on webpages and apps. To enable this feature, go into your device’s settings and look for an option to use the volume keys for scrolling. Once enabled, pressing the volume up button will scroll up, while the volume down button scrolls down.

Volume button scrolling can be convenient for one-handed use, especially on larger phones. It keeps your thumb free to tap and interact with content on the screen. However, it does mean your volume buttons no longer control volume, which some users may find inconvenient. You can customize the feature by adjusting scroll speed and whether tapping reverses scroll direction.

Tips for effective use include trying different scroll speeds to find what suits you best. Be aware it may take some practice to get used to. For accessibility, volume button scrolling assists users with dexterity impairments by providing an alternative to touchscreen interaction.

In summary, while not for everyone, volume button scrolling is a useful accessibility tool. It allows scrolling without obscuring on-screen content, benefiting one-handed use. With proper configuration, it can provide an efficient scrolling method on touchscreen devices.