# Press Key

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Simulates pressing one of the Android system navigation keys (virtual buttons at the bottom of the screen). Use this to navigate back, return to the home screen, or switch between apps.

## Parameters

- **[Select Key]**: Corresponds to the virtual keys at the bottom of the Android phone.
  - **Home**: Returns to the Android home screen. Equivalent to pressing the center navigation button.
  - **Back**: Goes back to the previous screen. Equivalent to pressing the back arrow.
  - **Switch App**: Opens the recent apps overview (task switcher). Equivalent to pressing the square/recent apps button.


## Output

- **Output Parameters**
  - None
- **Execution Log**
  - Start Time
  - End Time
  - Duration (ms)
  - Status (Success/Failure)


## Example

### 1. Close the current app and return to home screen

| Field Name | Field Value |
|  --- | --- |
| **Select Key** | Home |


### 2. Navigate back from a detail page

| Field Name | Field Value |
|  --- | --- |
| **Select Key** | Back |


### 3. Switch to another recently used app

| Field Name | Field Value |
|  --- | --- |
| **Select Key** | Switch App |


Then use [Find Element](/rparobotic-process-automation/03-node/01-simulation-operations/03-find-element) + [Tap Element](/rparobotic-process-automation/03-node/01-simulation-operations/04-tap-element) to select the target app from the recent apps list.

## Tips

- **Press Key vs Keyboard Actions**: Press Key simulates Android **system navigation keys** (Home/Back/Switch App). For **text input keys** (Enter, Backspace), use [Keyboard Actions](/rparobotic-process-automation/03-node/01-simulation-operations/09-keyboard-actions) instead.
- **Add a Wait after pressing**: After pressing Home or Back, add a [Wait](/rparobotic-process-automation/03-node/03-flow-logic/01-wait) node to allow the screen transition to complete before the next action.
- **Use Back to dismiss dialogs**: The Back key can dismiss pop-up dialogs, close menus, or collapse the keyboard — not just navigate between screens.


## Related Nodes

- [Keyboard Actions](/rparobotic-process-automation/03-node/01-simulation-operations/09-keyboard-actions) — for text input keys (Enter, Backspace)
- [Launch APP](/rparobotic-process-automation/03-node/01-simulation-operations/01-launch-app) — use instead of Switch App when you know the target app
- [Close APP](/rparobotic-process-automation/03-node/01-simulation-operations/02-close-app) — fully close an app rather than just going to home