Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even With Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key)

Edited by Leomar Umpad, Lynn, Eng, Maria Quinney and 15 others

This is part of the VisiHow series on how to use the Samsung Galaxy S4. You can visit the main VisiHow on how to USE SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 for a full list of S4 VisiHow Articles

You may get frustrated when you learn that one or more of the buttons on your Samsung Galaxy S4 malfunctions. This leaves you with a very frustrating situation, and you may not be able to use some of your phone's functions.

If this occurs, you will be faced with two choices. You can use your phone, but you must do so without using some features on it, or you can have it repaired for a fee. If you are on a tight budget, the first option would likely be your choice. Luckily, we have prepared a tutorial for you so you can still use your phone, with all its functions, by using a genius little application. This tutorial will work with most Android phones too, as long as they support the application. Below is a summary of the whole article:

  1. 1
    Download the "Button Savior" app.
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  2. 2
    Use Button Savior as a "Home" button replacement.
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  3. 3
    Use Button Savior as a "Back" button replacement.
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  4. 4
    Use Button Savior as "Volume" buttons replacement.
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  5. 5
    Use Button Savior as a "Power" button replacement.
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Download Button Savior on Samsung Galaxy S4

  1. 1
    Go to your home menu by pressing on the "Home" button
    HOME Do Other Tasks on Samsung Galaxy S4 While Playing Videos (Video Multitasking).PNG
    , or repeatedly pressing the "Back" button
    Icon 1 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
    .
    Pic 1 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  2. 2
    From your Home menu, tap on the lower right icon (Apps icon)
    Apps Icon on Setup and use the application - Use Story Album on Samsung Galaxy S4.PNG
    to get to the applications folder.
    Pic 2 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  3. 3
    In the applications folder, locate Play Store
    .
    Tap on it to open the app.
    Pic 3 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  4. 4
    You will now be taken to Play Store's page
    .
    Tap on the "Search" button
    Icon 2 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
    so you can start searching.
    Pic 4 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  5. 5
    On the Search tab, input the key words "button savior", then tap on the search button
    Icon 2 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
    when you are done.
    Pic 5 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  6. 6
    Wait for the search results to complete
    .
    Results will be displayed. Tap on the first result that says "Button Savior (Root)" to go to the application page. Note: Although the application title says that it is a root application, you can still use it without rooting your phone.
    Pic 6 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  7. 7
    On the application page, tap on the "Install" button to start downloading the application
    .
    Installation will proceed after completing download.
    Pic 7 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  8. 8
    Before proceeding with the installation, you will be prompted by the application asking for approval of permissions
    .
    Review them and if you agree, tap on the "Accept" button.
    Pic 8 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  9. 9
    Wait for the installation to finish
    .
    Your phone will inform you if the installation is complete. To confirm this, scroll down the notification bar to see that installation is complete.
    Pic 9 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  10. 10
    Tap on the "Home" button
    HOME Do Other Tasks on Samsung Galaxy S4 While Playing Videos (Video Multitasking).PNG
    to get back to your Home screen.
    Pic 10 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  11. 11
    You have successfully installed Button Savior on your Samsung Galaxy S4
    .
    You will now see the application in your applications folder. You can put it on your Home page so you can easily access it.
    Pic 11 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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Use Button Savior as Home Button Replacement on Samsung Galaxy S4

  1. 1
    Open the Button Savior application
    .
    Pic 11 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  • 2
    If you have not enable USB Debugging on your phone, the application will ask you to enable it
    .
    Tap on Yes to go automatically to the settings for enabling USB Debugging on your phone.
    Pic 12 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  • 3
    Switch the developer options button
    Icon 4 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
    to the right to turn it on
    .
    Put a check mark
    Icon 5 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
    on the box to the right of the USB debugging option to enable USB debugging.
    Pic 13 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  • 4
    Go back to the Button Savior application
    .
    Tap on "Kill/Start Button Savior Service" to start it.
    Pic 14 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  • 5
    A small arrow
    Icon 7 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
    in the middle-right part of your phone's screen will now show
    .
    Tap on it.
    Pic 15 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  • 6
    After tapping on the small arrow, you will see some icons
    .
    Tap on the "Home" icon.
    Icon 6 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
    Pic 16 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  • 7
    The button will emulate the same command given by the "Home" button
    .
    You will be taken to your phone's home menu.
    Pic 17 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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  • 8
    You have successfully emulated the Home button's function without actually using it.
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  • Use Button Savior as Back Button Replacement on Samsung Galaxy S4

    1. 1
      Open the Button Savior application
      .
      Pic 11 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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    2. 2
      Tap on the "Kill/Start Button Savior Service" to start it
      .
      Pic 14 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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    3. 3
      Tap the small arrow
      Icon 7 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
      in the middle-right part of your phone's screen.
      Pic 15 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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    4. 4
      Tap on the "Home" icon
      Icon 6 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
      to go back to the Home menu.
      Pic 16 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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    5. 5
      You are now on the Home menu
      .
      Tap on the "Apps" icon
      Apps Icon on Setup and use the application - Use Story Album on Samsung Galaxy S4.PNG
      to get to the applications folder.
      Pic 18 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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    6. 6
      From the applications list, try to emulate the "back" button function by tapping on Button Savior's "Back" button
      Icon 6 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
      on the right part of the screen.
      Pic 19 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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    7. 7
      The button will emulate the same command given by the Back button
      .
      You will be taken to your phone's Home menu.
      Pic 17 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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    8. 8
      You have successfully emulated the Back button's function without actually using it.
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    Use Button Savior as Volume Button Replacement on Samsung Galaxy S4

    1. 1
      With the Button Savior activated, tap on the application's "More" button
      Icon 9 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
      to view other buttons available.
      Pic 20 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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    2. 2
      You will now be shown the icons for "Volume Up"
      Icon 10 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
      and "Volume Down"
      Icon 11 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
      .
      Tapping on either will emulate the Volume buttons and will increase or decrease your phone's volume accordingly
      .
      Tap on the "X" button
      Icon 12 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
      to hide icons.
      Pic 22 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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    3. 3
      You have successfully emulated the Volume buttons' functions without actually using them.
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    Use Button Savior as Power Button Replacement on Samsung Galaxy S4

    1. 1
      With the Button Savior activated, tap on the application's "Power" button
      Icon 13 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
      .
      Pic 24 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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    2. 2
      The button will emulate the same command given by the Power button
      .
      Your phone's screen will turn black, which is same action that occurs when you press the Power button once.
      Pic 26 How to Effectively Use Samsung Galaxy S4 Even with a Broken Keys (Home, Menu, Back, Volume Up, Volume Down and Power Key).PNG
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    3. 3
      You have successfully emulated the Power button's function without actually using them.
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    Questions and Answers

    All buttons on the Button Savior App work except for the Back Button. I tried everything I can but it just didn't work. Help!

    The usual reasons for most users why the back button does not work with them is because their device may not be rooted, or it may be rooted but no super user permissions were given to the applications. If this is the case then follow these:

    • Before doing anything, try to stop and restart Button Savior Service and check if this will fix your problem.
    • Restart your device and start Button Savior service. Check if the problem has been fixed. If it has not, follow the next tips.
    • Root your Samsung Galaxy S4 to fully utilize the Button Savior application. Rooting your phone will allow you to enjoy your device to its maximum potential. You can check on this article on how to Root Samsung Galaxy S4. If you are concerned about the warranty being void when rooting, you can always Unroot Samsung Galaxy S4 by Flashing Official Firmware.
    • Once rooted, give the application super user access. The first time you used the application, you were prompted to allow super user access to Button Savior. If you denied it, follow the procedures below:
      • Go to your Home Menu by tapping on the Home button once.
      • Get to your Application list by tapping the Application icon on the lower-right part of the Home screen.
      • From the list of installed applications, look for the Super User (or SuperSU) app. Tap on it to open the application.
      • Once opened, it will show an application requiring super user access, tap on Button Savior.
      • On the Access tab, tap on it and choose "Grant".
      • Now go back to your Home screen by tapping on the Home button once.
      • Go to your Application list and open Button Savior app.
      • Tap on "Kill/Start Service" to close the application. Tap on it again to restart Button Savior.
      • Your phone will require your approval for a super user access. Allow access to the app,
      • Tap on the Back icon, it should start now.

    Galaxy y power button problem, how to change the button if possible.

    Can a software delete button power and put it on another button?

    I'm not really quite sure if the application Button Savior application also works well in Samsung Galaxy Y, since SGY is a late versions of Android and it is quite limited when it comes to the latest applications. Either way you can try it for yourself. Here is the link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.smart.swkey.nonroot&hl=en

    There won't be a way for you to change your power button to another button for this is not possible, but you still will be able to use your device without the power button. You need to either press the reset button to turn the device on and off along with the option of using your home button to turn the device on after it has cut off.

    Menu Key and Back key not working.

    Hi, The apps does not map the menu key. Please help. Thanks

    Try to reboot your phone first. If the issue persists, I suggest doing a Factory Reset. To do a Factory Reset, you will need to do the following:

    • Phone will reboot.

    NOTE: This will delete all apps and data so back it all up!!!

    You can also watch this how-to video:

    www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4edCvuKV5E

    If after a Hard Reset, the issue still persists, I suggest taking it to the nearest service center to get it fixed.

    Replacement for option button Galaxy S3.

    Hi, My Galaxy S3 option button is not working. Does it has any replacement?

    You can setup your shortcuts so the Option button corresponds to a different key instead. You will need a bit of patience to do this, though, as you will have to do it step by step with broken keys. It would be easier if you try to control your Galaxy S3 through your computer to set this up, by using the screen mirroring function.

    Why won't my AT&T Samsung Galaxy S4 turn on?

    Nothing will load on the phone.

    There are a number of reasons why your phone won't turn on. Make sure that you have the device plugged into its charger when you try to turn it on, because the battery could be low. Alternatively, your power button may be broken -- in which case you'll need to take it to a certified technician to get it repaired. Yet another reason could be water damage or damage of another type that has broken the phone; in this case, you'll still need to take it to a certified technician to get it repaired.

    I'm trying to fix my back button with Button Savior.

    My phone got a LITTLE wet. It is working except for the back button. I'm trying to use Button Savior, which is supposed to work without rooting your phone. I don't know what that is, but the installed program is saying it won't fix because my phone is not rooted. What do I do?

    VisiHow QnA. This section is not written yet. Want to join in? Click EDIT to write this answer.

    Menu and Back keys after update to 5.0.1 Android don't work. S4. I9500?

    Menu and Back keys after update to 5.0.1 Android don't work. S4. I9500. I downgraded to 4.4.2, but it's still not working. I have tried: So much. Wipe data and cache and factory reset. Restart it and anything you think, I did it. I think it was caused by: Update it to 5.0.1 Lollipop. Exactly after update, it's not working

    VisiHow QnA. This section is not written yet. Want to join in? Click EDIT to write this answer.

    Is there an easy fix? i.e. switch cleaner or is it something else causing this please?

    Hi, it seems my volume up button has stuck and is causing my S4 to keep going to boot recovery screen, I've tried researching online but have gone round in circles. Is there a way I can fix this myself i.e. switch cleaning spray? Or could something else be causing this problem? I need my phone to work, as it is my lifeline to the hospital and I have a serious illness, and also my son has type 1 diabetes which is serious if we need to ring an ambulance. Thank you for your time. My fingers are crossed that you may save my phone. Regards

    VisiHow QnA. This section is not written yet. Want to join in? Click EDIT to write this answer.

    How do I access the button saver app, there is no icon on which to tap and it is downloaded?

    I downloaded the button saver app but the icon is different than the one shown in your instructions; however, I think it's just an updated version of it because as near as I can tell the author of the app is the same. In any case, the icon for the app does not appear with the apps. I can see the app as loaded in the application manager but I can't open it because there is no icon showing anywhere on which to tap. My situation is not covered in the article. I originally provided the detail in "question details". I have tried: Looked for the icon in with the apps and with the widgets. It does not show. My phone is running in safemode because the volume keys are inoperative, which is why I am hoping Button Savior (Root) will work. I think it was caused by: Possibly because my phone is in safe mode. There are many icons grayed out but the Button Savior app just isn'there and it shows as loaded in application manager.

    VisiHow QnA. This section is not written yet. Want to join in? Click EDIT to write this answer.

    If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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    Categories : USE SAMSUNG GALAXY S4

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