To make a Samsung Galaxy change a setting automatically, create a routine in Settings > Modes and Routines > Routines. Choose a trigger under If, choose the setting change under Then, and save. The routine runs when its conditions are met; the available triggers and actions vary by device and software version.
How to create a Galaxy routine
- Open Settings and tap Modes and Routines. If you do not see it, search Settings for “Modes and Routines.” Menu names and paths can differ by device and software version. Samsung’s US instructions and Australia instructions describe the feature and its setup.
- Tap Routines, then tap Add or the + icon.
- Under If, select the condition that should start the routine. Depending on your device, this may include a time, location, or app-related condition.
- Under Then, select the setting or action to apply. Samsung gives examples including enabling Wi-Fi, changing screen brightness, and silencing notifications; the list available on your phone may differ.
- Review the condition and action, give the routine a name if prompted, and save it. Test it in the situation you intended, then check that the saved routine shows the trigger and action you chose.
Choose a trigger and setting that fit the change
A routine pairs one or more conditions under If with an action under Then. For example, you might use a time condition to change brightness, or an app-related condition to alter notification behavior. Treat these as examples rather than guaranteed options: Samsung says routine availability and steps vary by device and software.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Before saving, make sure the trigger describes when you want the change to happen and the action names the setting you mean to change. A routine will not behave as intended if either part is missing or points to the wrong condition or setting.
Find Routines on older Android versions
Samsung Australia’s support guidance places Routines under Settings > Modes and Routines on Android 13 and Android 14, while its guidance for Android 11 and Android 12 points to the Bixby Routines app. This is regional support guidance, not a guarantee that every Galaxy model or market uses the same path. Check Settings search or the app list if the menu differs.
#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
Routine or mode: which should you use?
Use a routine when you want a condition to trigger a selected phone action. A mode is a broader activity-oriented configuration that Samsung says can be activated manually or automatically and can include settings such as Do not disturb or app restrictions. Samsung explains both features in its Modes and Routines guide.
If a routine does not work as expected
- Open Settings > Modes and Routines > Routines and inspect the saved condition and action. Confirm they match the circumstance and setting you intended.
- Check whether the routine is active or running if an app or feature starts unexpectedly. Samsung recommends inspecting routines when investigating unexpected app or feature behavior.
- If the menu or a trigger is unavailable, account for device and software differences rather than assuming every Galaxy supports the same options.
Note for older Bixby Quick Commands instructions
If a guide tells you to use Bixby Quick Commands, check its applicability to your phone. Samsung Gulf says Quick Commands is unavailable on Galaxy S25 and later models running One UI 7.0 with Bixby 3.0. Samsung’s stated alternative is to add multiple Bixby commands to the Ask Bixby action inside a routine. This change concerns Quick Commands; the ordinary If/Then routine flow for changing settings is separate. Details are in Samsung’s Quick Commands support notice.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
