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I'm designing an on-boarding process and it is not always possible to go to the previous screen with the Android back button. So in this case I have two options:

  1. Let user know that is not possible to go to previous screen.
  2. Minimise the app (Go to the Android home screen)

Which one would you prefer (and why) or can you provide another solution? Existing examples would be appreciated.

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  • This question sounds pretty opinion-based, which isn't what this website is for. Could you formulate the question in such a way that there is an absolute answer to it?
    – MJB
    May 1, 2017 at 8:26
  • HI @MJB, I reformulated question:) These are just two solutions that I came with, of course I would appreciate other solutions. Thanks for the warning.
    – Cem Selcuk
    May 1, 2017 at 8:45
  • minimize the app and go to android home screen
    – uttham
    May 1, 2017 at 9:01
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    @uttham thanks! That feels like the most native solution.
    – Cem Selcuk
    May 1, 2017 at 9:18
  • Is there a way in settings to control whether or not the back button can close the app? I want to keep tapping until i reach the original screen then not close when i continue to keep tapping back.
    – Russell Eckley
    Jun 11, 2022 at 18:06

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
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By default an Android application minimizes and returns to the home screen when it is no longer possible to go back further inside the app itself. Deviating from such a pattern is likely to result in irritation and annoyance amongst users.

Or as the say in the android guidelines

Consistent navigation is an essential component of the overall user experience. Few things frustrate users more than basic navigation that behaves in inconsistent and unexpected ways. Thoughtfully following the guidelines for Back and Up will make your app's navigation predictable and reliable for your users.

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