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On a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, choose the shortcut location that suits how you want to open an app: add an icon to the Home screen, place an app in Favorites, add a Lock screen shortcut, or use Apps Edge for a swipe-out list. Modes and Routines can also surface selected routines. The exact options vary by model, carrier, and software version.
Which Samsung shortcut should you use?
| Shortcut location | Best for | Can it open while locked? |
|---|---|---|
| Home screen | Keeping an app icon in a fixed spot | No; unlock the device first |
| Favorites bar | Keeping a few frequently used apps at the bottom of the Home screen | No; unlock the device first |
| Lock screen | Launching a selected app directly from the Lock screen | Sometimes; apps marked “Unlock required” need the device unlocked |
| Apps Edge | Opening an app from a swipe-out panel without leaving the current screen | Availability and behavior depend on the device and software |
| Modes and Routines | Making selected routines easier to access from supported screens or a widget | Selected routines may be shown on the Lock screen |
Add an app to the Home screen
- From the Home screen, swipe up or down to open the Apps screen.
- Touch and hold the app you want.
- Tap Add to Home, or keep holding the icon and drag it to the desired Home screen location.
The icon is a shortcut, not the app itself. Removing it from the Home screen does not uninstall the app; it remains in the Apps screen. The long-press menu can differ by app, model, and software version. Samsung’s shortcut guide and Samsung Canada’s app-management guide describe these behaviors.
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Put frequently used apps in Favorites
Favorites is the bar at the bottom of the Home screen. Open the Apps screen, touch and hold an app, then drag it into the bar. It holds up to five apps; if the Apps screen button is on the Home screen, only four app slots remain. If you need to group more shortcuts, put apps in a folder rather than expecting the bar to hold additional individual icons. Samsung documents the Favorites limit and setup.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesAdd or change Lock screen shortcuts
- Wake the Lock screen, then touch and hold it. Authenticate if prompted.
- Tap the shortcut position you want to change.
- Choose an app or No app, then tap Done.
To open a chosen app from the Lock screen, swipe its shortcut. If the app is marked Unlock required, unlock the device before it opens. The Lock screen must be set up for shortcut customization to appear. Samsung’s US instructions refer to One UI 6 and caution that screens and settings vary by provider, software version, and model. See Samsung’s Lock screen shortcut steps.
#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
Set up an app collection in Edge panels
- Open the Edge panel using its handle.
- Tap the settings gear and select the panels you want to use.
- For Apps Edge, tap Edit to add or remove apps. Samsung also supports creating app pairs for multitasking.
You can move and adjust the Edge panel handle. To turn the feature off, go to Settings > Display > Edge panels. Edge panels are not available on every Galaxy model or software version. Samsung’s Edge panels guide explains panel selection and editing.
Make routines easier to reach
Go to Settings > Modes and Routines. In the feature’s settings, Samsung documents options to show it on the Apps screen and to show selected routines on the Lock screen. To create a custom routine, choose an If trigger and a Then action, then save it. A saved routine may offer an option to add a widget to the Home screen. Available controls differ by device and software version. Samsung’s guide is titled for Bixby Routines, while the current settings path is labeled Modes and Routines. Read Samsung’s routine setup guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
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
- 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 #2
- 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.
If a shortcut option is missing
- Check that you are using the right surface: Home-screen app icons are added from the Apps screen, while Lock screen shortcuts are edited by touching and holding the Lock screen.
- For Lock screen editing, confirm that the Lock screen is set up and authenticate if requested.
- For Edge panels or Modes and Routines, check the model and software version. Samsung warns that feature availability and menus can vary.
- If a long-press menu differs, the available actions may depend on the specific app as well as the Galaxy device.
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