On a supported Galaxy phone, open Settings > Modes and Routines to configure context-specific behavior. Use a mode to group focus settings and other changes for a situation; use a routine to make an If condition trigger one or more Then actions. The menus and available triggers vary by model and software version.
Find Modes and Routines on your Galaxy phone
Start at Settings > Modes and Routines. Samsung’s instructions place the feature in Settings on Android 13 and 14, while routines on Android 11 and 12 may appear in the Bixby Routines app. The name, location, and availability can differ by Galaxy model and software version, so use the closest matching labels shown on your device. Samsung US support and Samsung UK support describe these version differences.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
For optional shortcuts, open the feature’s More options > Settings. Depending on your device, you can enable Show Modes and Routines on Apps screen or Show routines on Lock screen. A mode may also be available from Quick Settings, and a routine may offer a home-screen widget; these shortcuts are convenient but not required to configure either feature. Review the Privacy Notice and permissions in the feature’s settings for your particular setup. Samsung US support lists these settings.
Recommended Free Tools
Choose a mode or a routine
| Feature | What it does | How it starts |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Groups context-specific focus behavior and other settings, such as Do not disturb, app restrictions, or appearance changes. | Manually from the Modes page, or automatically when a configured condition is met. |
| Routine | Runs one or more actions when its If condition is met, such as muting notification sounds or turning on Wi-Fi. | When its configured If condition occurs; some routines may also be started manually if that option is offered. |
The choice depends on the outcome you want: use a mode for an overall context such as work or sleep, and a routine for a particular trigger-and-action sequence. Automatic activation saves steps; manual activation gives you more deliberate control. Exact options depend on the device and software. Samsung US support and Samsung Gulf support outline mode and routine behavior.
#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
Create a routine from an If condition and Then actions
- Open Settings > Modes and Routines, then select Routines.
- Tap Add (+).
- Under If, choose the event or condition that should start the routine, then set its options. For example, look for a work-location or time condition if you want a work routine. Only use conditions available on your device.
- Under Then, choose the actions to run. Depending on the available actions, examples include muting notification sounds, turning on Wi-Fi, or changing screen brightness.
- Save the routine. If prompted, give it a recognizable name, icon, and color. Add a home-screen widget if your phone offers one and you want a shortcut.
You can also open Discover, select a suggested routine, inspect and adjust its conditions and actions, then save it. Samsung lists suggestions such as “Useful on the go” and “Adaptive routines”; the UK guidance gives “Going to work” and “Wake-up time” as examples. Suggestions are starting points, not guaranteed recipes: check exactly what each one will do before relying on it. Samsung US support and Samsung UK support describe Discover and editable suggestions.
Create a mode for a context such as work or sleep
- Open Settings > Modes and Routines > Modes, then select a preset or tap Add mode to make a custom one.
- For a custom mode, choose a name, color, and icon.
- Choose Turn on automatically or Add condition if you want the mode to start in response to an event. Otherwise, leave it for manual activation.
- Configure the behavior you want. Available choices can include Do not disturb, Restrict app usage, additional actions, and appearance changes such as wallpaper.
- Save the mode. Start it from the Modes page or, where available, Quick Settings.
Samsung’s descriptions and labels vary across software and support pages; follow the wording on your phone rather than expecting every Galaxy screen to match the steps exactly. Samsung US support and Samsung Gulf support cover mode setup and activation.
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.
Adapt the setup for work, travel, and personal time
Work
For a work routine, use an arrival-at-work or work-hours condition if your device offers it, then choose actions such as muting notification sounds or enabling Wi-Fi. Alternatively, create a work mode and set its focus behavior, including Do not disturb if that suits you. Add only the extra actions or app restrictions you actually need. Samsung’s support examples include muting sounds and turning on Wi-Fi on arrival at work, and its mode guidance describes focus options. Samsung US support and Samsung Gulf support.
Travel or commute
Check Discover for a “Going to work” suggestion or an on-the-go category, then inspect its trigger and actions before saving. Treat a location condition as an option only if it appears on your phone; the available triggers and their behavior are not established as identical across all Galaxy devices or regions. Samsung UK support gives “Going to work” as a suggested routine example.
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.
Personal time or sleep
Create a personal or sleep mode and choose the notification and app behavior you want, or use a routine for a specific change such as adjusting screen brightness. Samsung documents sleep-related brightness as a routine example and Do not disturb or app restriction as mode options; select only what is useful for your own schedule. Samsung US support and Samsung Gulf support.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check availability before building around a trigger
- Confirm your Galaxy model and Android or One UI version, then check which conditions and actions are actually offered in the editor.
- Inspect suggested routines before saving; review both the If condition and every Then action.
- Choose automatic activation for recurring situations you want handled without a tap, or manual activation when you want to decide each time.
- Use app-screen, lock-screen, Quick Settings, or widget shortcuts only if they are available and useful on your device.
- Review the feature’s on-device Privacy Notice and permissions for the configuration you choose.
Samsung’s support guidance describes setup rather than guaranteeing a uniform set of controls for every Galaxy phone. The available menus and automation options are device- and software-dependent.
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.
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.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
