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How to browse the Web using gestures on Android

Gestures are a powerful and convenient way to control smartphone functions. In this How To, we'll show you how to use gestures to surf the Web on your Android phone.

Ed Rhee
Ed Rhee, a freelance writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is an IT veteran turned stay-at-home-dad of two girls. He focuses on Android devices and applications while maintaining a review blog at techdadreview.com.
Ed Rhee
2 min read

Gestures are a powerful and convenient way to control smartphone functions. In this How To, we'll show you how to use gestures to surf the Web on your Android phone.

Before we get started, you'll want to download the Dolphin Browser HD from the Android Market and complete the setup wizard.

Use navigation gestures

You can use gestures in Dolphin Browser HD to navigate the browser. To go backward, forward, refresh, go to the top, go to the bottom, or launch a new tab, simply tap on the gesture button on the lower left-hand corner and draw the associated gesture on the screen.

Dolphin Browser HD gesture button
Screenshot by Ed Rhee

To see the list of default gestures, tap the gesture button then the gesture settings button in the lower right-hand corner (mechanical gear icon).

Dolphin Browser HD gesture settings
Screenshot by Ed Rhee

Create custom gestures

You can create a custom gesture for a Web address or other commands like exit, add bookmark, clear cache, and more. Here's how to create a new gesture to launch a URL:

Step 1:
Tap the gesture button, then the gesture settings button.

Step 2:
Tap the new gesture button in the upper right-hand corner.

Dolphin Browser HD new gesture
Screenshot by Ed Rhee

Step 3:
In the "Load URL:" box, type in the Web address you want to load and tap the OK button.

 
Dolphin Browser HD load URL
Screenshot by Ed Rhee

Step 4:
The next screen shows you a recommended gesture for the URL you entered. If you want to keep it, tap the Done button, otherwise draw your own gesture and then tap Done.

 
Dolphin Browser HD draw URL gesture
Screenshot by Ed Rhee

Step 5:
Test your gesture to see if it loads your URL.

 
Dolphin Browser HD test gesture
Screenshot by Ed Rhee

Congratulations! You've created your first custom gesture; navigating the Web on your Android device will never be the same.