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Sometimes—but it depends on what you mean by “run.” Samsung documents a lock-screen shortcut that lets you manually trigger selected routines without unlocking your Galaxy. Automatic routines, meanwhile, run when their configured conditions are met; Samsung does not promise that every routine action works in every locked-phone situation. Check the specific routine’s trigger and action, then test it on your device.
Manual lock-screen shortcuts and automatic routines are different
Samsung’s Modes and Routines guide describes the setting “Show routines on Lock screen” as creating shortcuts to selected routines that you can trigger without unlocking the device. That is a way to start a routine yourself from the lock screen; it is not a blanket statement that every automatic routine action will execute while the phone is locked.
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Automatic routines are based on an If condition and a Then action. Whether a particular routine starts depends on its configured condition being met and on the action in that setup. Samsung’s support information does not establish a universal locked-state guarantee for every action.
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Check the routine and its settings
- Open the routine controls. In Settings, search for Modes and Routines. On some older software, use the Bixby Routines app instead. Samsung’s New Zealand guide says Android 13 and 14 use Modes and Routines, while Android 11 and 12 use Bixby Routines; Samsung cautions that availability and menus can vary by device and software version. See Samsung New Zealand’s version guidance.
- Inspect the routine. Open the Routines tab, select the affected routine, and check its If condition and Then action. Confirm that the condition you expect has actually occurred.
- Enable the shortcut if you want to start it manually. In Modes and Routines settings, look for Show routines on Lock screen. Select the routines you want available there, then trigger one from the lock screen without unlocking.
- Check whether a mode or routine is active. Where supported, look for an active mode in the lock-screen Now bar. You can also inspect routine notifications or the running-routines list. Samsung India says a routine can be stopped from its lock-screen notification when routine notifications are enabled; see Samsung India’s Bixby Routines guide.
- Test the exact behavior. Lock the phone and reproduce the routine’s condition, or use its lock-screen shortcut if that is how you intend to start it. Check whether the expected action occurs on your model and software version.
What the lock screen can—and cannot—tell you
A shortcut lets you trigger a selected routine; a Now bar or notification can indicate activity or provide a way to stop a routine. These are distinct features. Seeing a mode or routine on the lock screen does not prove that every action is supported in every locked state.
#1 Best Overall
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 512GB, Black | Privacy Display, Galaxy AI, AI Camera, Super Fast Charging 3.0, Durable Battery, 2026, US 1 Year Warranty
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Samsung’s support pages note that feature availability, labels, and layouts may differ by device and software or app version. They do not provide a complete model-by-model compatibility list for locked-state routine execution. If a routine behaves differently than expected, verify its If/Then setup and the software version on the phone rather than assuming all routines behave alike.
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Best Value
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Samsung Galaxy S26, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 256GB, Black | Powerful Processor, Galaxy AI, Immersive Viewing, Durable Battery, 2026, US 1 Year Warranty
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Blue | Large AMOLED, High-Res Camera, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, Circle to Search, 2025
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
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Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Black | Large AMOLED, High-Res Camera, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, Circle to Search, 2025
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #2
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
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