How To Go Back To Previous Screen On iPhone 13

To go back to the previous screen on iPhone 13, the only built-in way is to use the back button or back link shown inside the app you are using. Unlike Android, Apple does not provide a system-wide gesture that returns you to the previous screen from anywhere on the device.

How to go back to the previous screen on iPhone 13: The direct answer

The back button appears as a left-pointing arrow or a text link (such as "Back" or the name of the previous screen) in the upper-left corner of most apps. Tapping this button returns you to the previous screen within that app. This is the only method Apple documents for navigating to the previous screen on iPhone 13. There is no system-level "back" gesture that works across all apps and the home screen. iPhone 13 has no Home button, so any Home button method does not apply to this model.

Why there's no universal 'back' gesture on iPhone

Apple's design philosophy for iPhone differs from Android's. On Android, the documented system back action is an inward swipe from either the left or the right edge of the screen, and Android 13+ adds a predictive back preview for supported apps. iPhone 13 relies on app-specific navigation, meaning each app provides its own back button or link. This design choice means you cannot swipe from the edge of the screen to go back to a previous screen in every situation, as you can on Android.

Understanding Back Tap vs. a back gesture

Apple documents Back Tap as an accessibility feature, not a general "back" command. To set it up, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap, then choose Double Tap or Triple Tap and assign an action. It performs the specific action you choose, not a system-wide navigation step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does iPhone 13 have a built-in back gesture?

The only documented method is using the in-app back button or back link.

Where is Back Tap on iPhone?

Back Tap is located in Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. You can assign an action to a double or triple tap on the back of your iPhone.

What is the Android back gesture?

This is documented for Android 10 and later.

What Android versions support predictive back?

Android documents predictive back support beginning with Android 13, with system animations enabled by default for apps that support it on Android 15.

Which iPhone models support Back Tap?

Can I use AssistiveTouch to go back to the previous screen?

The AssistiveTouch feature on Apple Watch includes a double-tap back action, but that is for Watch, not iPhone. On Apple Watch with AssistiveTouch and Hand Gestures turned on, Double tap = Back, but this is for Watch, not iPhone.

For the wider topic, see navigating home screen and apps.