Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFive Galaxy features are worth setting up before you need them: One-handed mode (and One Hand Operation+ on supported devices), Edge panels, Modes and Routines, Motions and gestures, and Secure Folder. All five live in Galaxy settings, so you can try them without buying anything. Menu names and paths change between models, software versions and regions, so treat the paths below as starting points and confirm them on your own phone.
Check availability before you start
Samsung’s support pages repeatedly say that availability depends on device model and software version, and that not every security feature is available on every device. Four points matter most:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- One-handed mode is documented for smartphones only. One Hand Operation+ is documented for phones and tablets.
- Samsung’s Australian one-handed mode guide, updated 10 August 2026, is written for Australian variant devices.
- Samsung’s UK one-handed mode and One Hand Operation+ page was last updated 3 June 2024, so newer software may label things differently.
- The US support pages cited below were current on Samsung’s site in early October 2026. Menus can still move after a software update.
The five features at a glance
| Feature | What it solves | Documented path | Key limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-handed mode and One Hand Operation+ | Reaching the top of a large screen with one thumb | Settings → Advanced features → One-handed mode (UK guide) | One-handed mode is for smartphones only. One Hand Operation+ is a Galaxy Store download for phones and tablets. |
| Edge panels | Opening favourite apps and content from a screen edge | Settings → Display → Edge panels (US guide) | Not every device supports panels. Some downloadable panels may cost money. |
| Modes and Routines | Changing settings automatically when a condition is met | Settings → Modes and Routines (US guide) | Availability varies by device and software version. |
| Motions and gestures | Quick, hands-free controls such as lift-to-wake and palm-swipe capture | Settings → Advanced features → Motions and gestures (US guide) | Varies by model. The fingerprint-sensor gesture is unavailable on under-display sensors and several named newer Fold and Flip models. Palm swipe is unavailable while the keyboard is showing. |
| Secure Folder | Keeping private files and photos in a locked space | Settings → Security and privacy → More security settings → Secure Folder (US guide) | Not all security features are available on all devices. |
How each feature works in practice
One-handed mode and One Hand Operation+
One-handed mode temporarily scales the display down toward one corner so controls at the top of a large screen are within thumb reach. Samsung’s UK guide says you choose a gesture or button method when you turn it on, so pick whichever you can trigger without moving your grip.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchOne Hand Operation+ is a separate download from Galaxy Store. It assigns actions to short swipes that start at a screen edge, and you can customise the handles and map each gesture to an action or an app. Because it is an app, it can be updated or removed independently of the system setting.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Edge panels
Edge panels put a small handle on the screen edge. Swiping it opens a drawer of favourite apps, contacts, tools or other content. In the panels settings you choose which panels to show, then adjust the handle’s position and appearance. If the handle gets in the way of typing or gaming, you can turn panels off without losing your choices.
Modes and Routines
A routine has two parts: an “If” condition and a “Then” action. Samsung’s examples include muting sounds and enabling Wi-Fi when you arrive at work, and lowering screen brightness at bedtime. Once a mode is set up, you can also start it from Quick settings, which is useful when you want the change on demand rather than automatically.
Rank #2
- 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.
Before you turn a routine on, open the app’s settings and review the permissions it requests and Samsung’s Privacy Notice. Routines that depend on location or other triggers only work once the relevant permissions are granted.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Motions and gestures
This group contains the controls most people discover by accident. Samsung’s list includes Lift to wake, double tap to turn the screen on or off, Keep screen on while viewing, Alert when phone picked up, mute and cover gestures, finger-sensor gestures and Palm swipe to capture. Each control can be switched on or off individually.
Rank #3
- 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.
Two practical examples: with Alert when phone picked up enabled, lifting the phone shows pending notifications without a button press, and with palm swipe enabled you can capture a screenshot by sweeping the edge of your hand across the screen, as long as the keyboard is not open.
Secure Folder
Samsung describes Secure Folder as a locked space for private or sensitive files and photos, and says it is supported by Samsung Knox, the company’s security platform. Content placed inside stays separate from your everyday gallery and file apps while the folder is locked.
Rank #4
- 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.
It is a privacy tool, not a guarantee. It protects content on the device behind its own lock, but it does not remove every risk, such as a compromised device or weak account credentials. Keep your device lock screen strong and install system updates.
If a feature is missing
- Search the Settings app for the feature name. Menus differ by model and software version, so the search is faster than following the documented path.
- Check for system updates. Some options appear only after an update.
- Confirm the feature is listed for your model. Samsung says availability varies, so a missing option may mean your phone does not support it.
- For One Hand Operation+, check Galaxy Store. It is an app download, not a system setting.
The Bottom Line
Start with Edge panels and one-handed mode, since both are quick to set up and change how you reach the screen daily. Add Modes and Routines once you have a repeated situation worth automating, and move private files into Secure Folder if you keep them in your general gallery.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
