The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Samsung Device Care is a built-in Galaxy settings feature for checking device status and managing battery, storage, memory, and security. Open Settings > Device care to find its main controls; the exact labels and available options vary by model, software version, carrier, and region.
What Samsung Device Care does
Device Care brings together an overview of a Galaxy phone or tablet’s condition and tools for addressing common issues. Samsung describes its optimization feature as checking for excessive battery use, unnecessary files, apps running in the background, and possible malware. These are the actions Samsung says the feature can take—not a guarantee of a specific speed or battery-life improvement. Samsung notes that Optimize now may not appear when the device is assessed as being in “Great condition.” See Samsung’s Device Care guide for its overview and feature description.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Samsung cautions that Device Care features and menu paths can differ according to device, software version, carrier, and region. If a label below is missing, use Settings search for “Device care,” “Diagnostics,” or the specific feature name, or check local Samsung support.
Where to find the main controls
On supported devices, start at Settings > Device care. The controls address different things; optimizing, freeing storage, and cleaning memory are not interchangeable.
#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
| Control | What it is for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Optimize now | Run Samsung’s general device check and optimization actions. | Samsung says it can identify excessive battery use, clear unneeded items from memory, delete unnecessary files, scan for malware, and close background apps. It may be absent when the device is rated “Great condition.” |
| Battery | Review battery use and available battery information or settings. | Available information and battery-protection choices vary by device and software. |
| Storage | Review used and available storage and manage files. | Choose what to remove; storage cleanup is not the same as Memory > Clean now. |
| Memory > Clean now | Free memory by stopping background apps. | Apps may need to reload when opened again. This does not mean personal files are deleted. |
| App protection > Scan phone | Run the security scan available through Device Care. | The label or availability may vary across devices. |
For Samsung’s descriptions of these controls, see Check your Samsung Galaxy device status and run diagnostics and Keep your Galaxy phone or tablet from slowing down with Device Care.
How to run diagnostics
Samsung US documents Device Care diagnostics for Galaxy devices running Android 12 or later. On a supported device, use this path:
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.
- Open Settings > Device care.
- Tap Diagnostics > Phone diagnostics.
- Choose an individual test or tap Test all.
Samsung says the first time you use Device Care diagnostics, a full scan starts automatically. If the Diagnostics option is not available, the Samsung Members app is another route to diagnostics; the tests offered depend on the device. See Samsung’s diagnostics instructions.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Battery protection and charging limits
Battery-protection settings may be found under Settings > Device care > Battery or, on some software versions, Settings > Battery. Samsung UK says Maximum mode offers selectable charge limits of 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% from One UI 7.0. This is Samsung UK’s stated availability; it does not establish that those choices appear on every Galaxy model or in every region. Check your device’s Battery settings or local Samsung support if the option is absent. Details are in Samsung UK’s battery-protection guidance.
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.
RAM Plus and virtual memory
Samsung US says RAM Plus uses some of a phone’s storage to provide up to 8 GB of virtual memory. That maximum is Samsung’s stated figure, not a promise that every Galaxy device supports 8 GB or exposes the same setting. Because RAM Plus uses storage space, it is distinct from deleting files to free storage. Consult Samsung’s Device Care guide for its explanation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which action should you try?
- Want a general status check? Open Device Care and use Optimize now if the control is available.
- Running low on storage? Open Storage, review what is taking space, and choose files you actually want to remove.
- An app or process is using memory? Use Memory > Clean now to stop background apps; expect some apps to reload later.
- Checking a possible device fault? Open Diagnostics and run the relevant test, or use Samsung Members if Device Care diagnostics are unavailable.
- Trying to limit charging? Look under Battery for the options your device and software provide.
Device Care is software already built into supported Galaxy settings, not a separate physical product. Samsung’s US guide advises using a Samsung charger, but any charger should be confirmed compatible with the specific Galaxy model.
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.
