To automate everyday tasks on a supported Galaxy device, open Settings > Modes and Routines. Create a Routine by choosing a trigger under If, selecting what the phone should do under Then, and saving it. Use a Mode instead when you want a group of settings for a context such as sleep or focus.
Modes and Routines: what’s the difference?
| Feature | What it does | How it starts |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Applies a group of settings for a context, such as sleep or focus. You can choose settings such as Do not disturb, app restrictions, or wallpaper. | Turn it on manually or set conditions for automatic activation. |
| Routine | Runs one or more actions when a configured condition is met—for example, “when this happens, do that.” | Runs when its trigger conditions are met. |
The features can complement each other, but they serve different purposes. Samsung explains both in its Modes and Routines guide.
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Create a custom Routine
- Open Settings > Modes and Routines. If your phone shows the feature as an app on the Apps screen, you can open it there instead.
- Select Routines, then tap Add (+).
- Under If, choose the condition that should start the routine and complete any options shown.
- Under Then, choose the setting or action the phone should perform.
- Review the condition and action, then save the routine. Give it a clear name and, if prompted, choose an icon.
For example, you could create a work routine that changes sound or connectivity settings when a chosen condition is met. A bedtime routine might change display behavior. The available triggers and actions depend on the device and software, so check the options shown on your phone rather than assuming every example is available. See Samsung’s step-by-step Routines guidance.
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Start with a recommended Routine
If you would rather adapt a suggestion than build from scratch, open Routines > Discover. Choose a recommended routine, such as Going to work, inspect its conditions and actions, make any changes the phone allows, and save it. Review the setup before saving so the suggestion matches the behavior you want.
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Create a custom Mode
- Open Modes and choose Add mode > Custom.
- Enter a name and choose a color and icon.
- Optionally set conditions under Turn on automatically if you want the Mode to activate without manually starting it.
- Choose the behaviors the Mode should apply, such as focus settings, Do not disturb, restricted app use, or wallpaper.
- Review the configuration and save the Mode.
Names, locations, and available settings can differ across Galaxy devices and software versions. Samsung’s Modes and Routines guide describes the custom Mode setup.
Choose manual or automatic activation
Manual activation is useful when you want to decide when a Mode starts. Automatic activation is useful when a Mode or Routine should respond to its configured conditions. For a Routine, the condition is part of its If-and-Then setup; for a Mode, you can optionally add conditions under Turn on automatically.
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- 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.
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Find the feature if the menu looks different
Samsung warns that menu names and layouts can vary by model, software version, and app version. On some versions, the feature may be labeled Bixby Routines rather than Modes and Routines. Samsung’s UK guidance places it in Settings on Android 13 and 14 and identifies the Bixby Routines app for Android 11 and 12; those paths are specific to that guidance and may not cover every device.
Check what is running and troubleshoot
- An unexpected setting changed: Open the app and inspect running routines, or tap the routine notification to review its conditions and actions.
- A location trigger does not work: Check that location services are enabled and follow any permission instructions shown for that condition.
- An action or trigger is missing: Availability varies by device and region. Check the options on your phone; not every Galaxy model offers every condition or action.
- You want to confirm a Mode is active: Samsung says an active Mode can appear in the lock-screen Now bar.
For additional device-specific guidance, see Samsung UK’s Routines support page.
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- 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.
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