Disable the Redundant Google Now Swipe Gesture on Nexus Devices

When on-screen buttons were introduced alongside Android 4.0, it didn't take long before Google added a gesture to these virtual navigation keys. Since then, an upward swipe originating from the home button has always been a shortcut to Google Now on Nexus devices.

But these days, the stock Google launcher dedicates an entire home screen to Google Now, and always-listening voice commands make the virtual assistant readily available, so the swipe gesture has become a bit redundant. And if you've ever accidentally triggered this gesture while scrolling through webpages, it can be downright irritating.

But a new app from developer Ulk makes disabling this gesture incredibly easy. So if you're not a fan of redundancy, stay tuned below for more info.

Step 1: Install Gesture Disabler for Nexus

Devaul's app is called Gesture Disabler for Nexus—search it by name from your Play Store app to get it installed, or use this link to head directly to the install page.

Step 2: Set Gesture Disabler as the Default App for This Gesture

With Gesture Disabler installed, you'll notice that it doesn't offer any interface or even an entry in your app drawer. This is because the app serves only as a handler of a system function—the Google Now swipe gesture.

To set the app as the default handler of this gesture, simply swipe up from your home button. When prompted, select "Gesture Disabler for Nexus," then tap "Always."

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From now on, nothing will happen when you perform this gesture. If you're scrolling through a webpage or document and accidentally trigger it, you won't even be bumped out of the app you're using.

Did you disable the Google Now gesture because you're not a fan of redundancy, or did you give it the axe after it bumped you out of what you were doing accidentally? Let us know in the comment section below, or drop us a line over on Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.