What is Action Notch?
Action Notch is a free Android utility that repurposes the camera cut‑out – the little “notch” most phones have for the front‑facing lens – into a virtual button. By assigning tap, double‑tap or long‑press gestures to a range of system and app actions, the app lets you perform common tasks without reaching for the power or volume keys.
The concept isn’t brand‑new – several notch‑related tools have floated around the Play Store – but Action Notch stands out because it works on virtually any Android device, offers a solid free tier, and integrates with automation platforms such as Tasker and MacroDroid.
Getting Started (UK‑friendly setup)
- Install from the Play Store – Search for Action Notch and hit install. The app is lightweight (≈5 MB) and doesn’t require root.
- Grant permissions – You’ll be asked for overlay, accessibility and notification‑listener rights. These are essential for the app to detect gestures and trigger actions.
- Choose your gesture zone – By default the app monitors the notch, but you can switch to the whole status bar if your device lacks a cut‑out.
- Pick three gestures – The free version lets you configure a single‑tap, double‑tap and long‑press. Each gesture can be linked to any of the built‑in actions.
- Fine‑tune behaviour – Options such as Disable on Call, Disable on Lock Screen and a per‑app blacklist keep accidental triggers at bay.
The initial configuration takes only a few minutes, after which the app runs silently in the background.
How the Author Uses It (Real‑world Examples)
The Android Authority writer, Yash Wate, shared his personal setup, which gives a good template for anyone looking to squeeze more efficiency out of a handset:
| Gesture | Assigned Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Single tap | Scroll to Top | Replicates the iPhone habit of tapping the status bar to jump to the top of a page – handy for long articles or chat threads. |
| Double tap | Scroll to Bottom | Quickly reaches the end of a conversation, forum thread or a single‑page website without endless swiping. |
| Long press | Take Screenshot | Replaces the power‑+‑volume shortcut, which can feel awkward on larger phones. |
He also mentions occasional shortcuts like Drive Scan (Google Drive quick upload) and WhatsApp Chat (open a new conversation), as well as running MacroDroid automations that lack a native trigger.
Free vs Pro – Is the Upgrade Worth It?
Free tier
- Three gestures (single, double, long) – sufficient for most everyday shortcuts.
- Access to over 50 actions, ranging from Toggle Flashlight to Open Recent Apps.
- Ads appear throughout the UI, and recent updates have increased the frequency of full‑screen interstitials, which can be intrusive during configuration.
Pro tier (one‑time £2.99 or £0.99/month)
- Rule‑based actions – Same gesture can perform different tasks depending on the active app or time of day. For example, a single‑tap could capture a screenshot in Instagram but scroll to the top in Chrome.
- Ad‑free experience – Removes all banner and interstitial ads, making the settings screen cleaner.
- Extended gesture library – Adds edge‑swipe and custom‑area gestures for power users.
- Priority support – Direct contact with the developer for troubleshooting.
For most casual users, the free version delivers enough value, but power users who rely heavily on automation will likely appreciate the rule‑based flexibility.
How It Stacks Up Against Competitors
| App | Free gestures | Pro price | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Action Notch | 3 (tap, double‑tap, long‑press) | £2.99 one‑off / £0.99 / mo | Rule‑based actions, Tasker integration |
| Notch Launcher | 2 (tap, swipe) | £1.99 one‑off | Custom launcher, limited actions |
| Edge Gestures | 4 (swipe from edges) | £1.49 one‑off | Edge‑only, no notch support |
Action Notch’s niche is its focus on the notch itself, which many other utilities ignore. If you own a device with a prominent camera cut‑out (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S23, Google Pixel 8, OnePlus 12), the app feels natural; on phones without a notch you can switch to the status bar, though the experience is less seamless.
Who Should Consider Installing It?
- Contract‑deal hunters – If you’re on a limited‑data plan, the ability to launch a browser or a specific app with a single tap can shave seconds off each interaction, indirectly saving battery and data usage.
- Heavy multitaskers – Frequent screenshot takers, chat enthusiasts and Reddit lurkers will love the scroll‑to‑top/bottom shortcuts.
- Automation fans – Users of Tasker, MacroDroid or IFTTT can trigger complex workflows without digging through menus.
- Accessibility‑focused users – The gestures reduce the need for hard‑press button combos, which can be a boon for those with limited hand mobility.
Potential Drawbacks
- Ad intrusiveness – As noted by the original reviewer, the free version’s ads have become more aggressive, occasionally covering the action list while you’re trying to assign a gesture.
- Notch dependency – Devices with a very small or hidden cut‑out may find the touch‑target area too tiny for reliable activation.
- Battery optimisation – Some manufacturers’ aggressive battery‑saving modes may kill the accessibility service, requiring you to whitelist the app.
Bottom Line
Action Notch transforms a passive design element into a functional shortcut hub. The free tier already offers three useful gestures and a respectable catalogue of actions, while the modestly priced Pro upgrade unlocks rule‑based customisation and removes ads. For UK Android users who want a little extra productivity without buying a new handset, it’s a worthwhile addition to the Play Store.
Verdict: Highly recommended for anyone who already has a notch‑equipped phone and wants to streamline everyday tasks. The occasional ad can be annoying, but the Pro version is cheap enough to make it a no‑brainer for power users.
