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Samsung’s One UI 7 offers a clean and efficient Android experience, but no smartphone is perfectly tailored to your needs right out of the box. Whether you’re setting up a brand-new Galaxy device or upgrading from an older model, adjusting a few key settings can make your phone experience smoother, more efficient, and tailored to your preferences. In this article, we’ll walk through 11 settings I change immediately on every Samsung Galaxy phone to improve both functionality and user experience.
11 Settings to Optimize Your Samsung Galaxy Phone
1. Turn Off Pop-Up Notifications
Pop-up notifications can be incredibly distracting, especially when you’re focused on reading or texting. If you’re easily interrupted, disable pop-up notifications to maintain your focus. To do this, go to Settings > Notifications > Notification pop-up style, and toggle off All apps under Apps to show as brief.
2. Switch to Gesture Navigation
While the three-button navigation system may be familiar, gesture navigation offers a more fluid and intuitive experience. It’s especially helpful for users with larger screens. To switch, go to Settings > Display > Navigation bar > Swipe gestures.
3. Set to the Highest Screen Resolution
Samsung Galaxy phones come with impressive displays, but they often default to lower resolutions to save battery. To get the most out of your screen, go to Settings > Display > Screen resolution and select the highest available option. On devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, this will elevate your viewing experience without draining too much power.
4. Change the Side Key’s Function
The side key (previously the power button) on modern Samsung devices is often defaulted to activate Bixby, Samsung’s voice assistant. If you don’t use Bixby, change the side key’s function to show the power off menu. Go to Settings > Advanced features > Side button > Long Press > Power off menu.
5. Adjust Lock Screen Notifications
One UI 7 introduces a new lock screen notification layout. If you prefer seeing notifications as cards rather than icons, go to Settings > Notifications > Lock screen notifications > Cards. You can also opt to Hide content for sensitive notifications for extra privacy.
6. Sign In for a Samsung Account
Having a Samsung account ties together many features like Samsung Wallet, Galaxy Themes, and more. It also makes switching between Samsung devices seamless. Even if you prefer Google services, a Samsung account is worth signing up for to access all of Samsung’s exclusive features.
7. Install the Good Lock App
Good Lock enhances your Galaxy experience by unlocking additional customization options. With modules like Home Up and One Hand Operation+, you can easily adjust your home screen layout, add custom gestures, and improve usability on larger devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
8. Uninstall or Disable Bloatware
Samsung phones come with various pre-installed apps that many users may never need. You can uninstall or disable these apps to free up space and declutter your device. Apps like Samsung TV, Microsoft CoPilot, and Facebook can usually be safely removed or disabled.
9. Customize the Home Screen
Samsung offers some of the best widgets in the Android ecosystem. I particularly love the Calendar widget because of its transparency options. Additionally, switching to a 5×5 icon grid makes it easier to access frequently used apps. Adjust these settings in Wallpaper and style > Color palette to match your home screen’s aesthetic with your wallpaper’s tones.
10. Fix the Always-On Display
Always-On Display (AOD) is one of the best features on Samsung devices, but it’s not enabled by default. To keep time, date, and notifications visible at all times, go to Settings > Lock screen and AOD > Always-on Display, and set it to Always. You can also opt for a black screen to save battery.
11. Revert Changes to the Notification Panel
If you prefer the old notification layout (where notifications were shown together with Quick Settings), you can revert this by going to Settings > Quick settings and choosing Together. You can also customize the Quick Settings icons for better accessibility.
What Undercode Says:
Samsung’s One UI 7 is an exceptional piece of software, but like all pre-configured operating systems, it’s designed with the average user in mind, not necessarily your preferences. Personalizing your phone isn’t just about adding a wallpaper and a new ringtone—it’s about tailoring the experience to match your workflow, privacy needs, and visual preferences. The tweaks outlined above not only streamline your device’s performance but also elevate the usability and aesthetic appeal.
For instance, the simple switch from three-button navigation to gesture navigation might seem like a minor change, but it significantly impacts the speed and intuitiveness of the phone. Gesture navigation eliminates the need for a cluttered screen and opens up more space for useful content. This is a great example of how small changes in design can make a massive difference in usability.
Similarly, adjusting the side key function allows for more efficient use of your phone. Instead of triggering Bixby, which many users may not use, you can access the power menu with a simple long press. This subtle change creates a more efficient and seamless experience.
Samsung has always been known for its excellent display technology, but by setting your phone to the highest screen resolution, you fully unlock the capabilities of its gorgeous QHD+ displays. The increased sharpness and vividness are not only a visual treat but also make day-to-day use much more pleasant, whether you’re watching videos or scrolling through photos.
When it comes to the Good Lock app, the customization it provides allows you to make your device truly your own. It’s no longer just about what Samsung gives you out of the box but about what you can do with it. The ability to set up custom gestures, adjust the home screen layout, and even use one-handed operation on larger phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, shows Samsung’s commitment to user-centered design.
Finally, managing your bloatware and customizing your home screen layout might sound trivial, but it can have a profound impact on your phone’s speed and usability. By removing unnecessary apps and optimizing your home screen for ease of use, you’ll find that your phone is faster, more intuitive, and visually appealing.
Fact Checker Results:
- Pop-Up Notifications: Correct, turning off pop-up notifications is a simple but effective step for reducing distractions on Samsung devices.
- Gesture Navigation: Gesture navigation is indeed more efficient and customizable, enhancing the user experience on larger screens.
- Bloatware Management: Uninstalling or disabling bloatware is an excellent recommendation for freeing up storage and improving performance.
References:
Reported By: https://www.zdnet.com/article/11-samsung-galaxy-phone-settings-i-always-change-right-away-heres-why/
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