Short answer: Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets include hidden-in-plain-sight controls such as Edge panels, Multi window, SmartThings Find, Night mode, detailed notification controls, Game Booster rules, Auto Blocker, Developer options and Galaxy AI. What you see depends on the model, One UI version, carrier and country. Galaxy AI may work immediately on a newer device or require a software update on an older one. Most features can be adjusted or disabled, but One UI Home itself is a permanent system component.
This guide shows where to find each feature, which Galaxy devices support Galaxy AI, how to update safely, and what to do when an update moves a setting.
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Why a Galaxy “hidden feature” may be missing
Samsung distributes features in stages. A menu can differ because of the phone or tablet model, the installed One UI release, the carrier firmware, the country or region, and whether a feature needs an internet connection. Two devices with the same model name can therefore show different controls after a carrier update or regional rollout.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchCheck the software before troubleshooting a missing option. Open Settings > About phone (or About tablet) > Software information. Note the One UI version, Android version and build number. When Samsung documents a function as available, that does not guarantee every related tool is present on every model; Samsung says available Galaxy AI features can vary by device and software version.
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- 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
Built-in One UI features worth checking
These capabilities are part of Samsung’s interface rather than optional downloads. Their exact switches and names can move between One UI releases.
| Feature | What it does | Where to look | Can it be turned off? |
|---|---|---|---|
| One UI Home | Runs the home screen, app drawer, widgets and much of the launcher experience. | Home-screen settings, Settings > Apps > One UI Home for app information | No. Samsung states that One UI Home cannot be removed. You can customize its screens and behavior. |
| Edge panels | A swipe-out strip for app shortcuts, contacts, tools and other panels. | Settings > Display > Edge panels (path can vary) | Usually yes, by switching Edge panels off or removing individual panels. |
| Multi window | Runs two compatible apps together in split-screen or pop-up view. | Recent-apps screen, an app’s icon in Recents, or Edge panels | There is no single “remove Multi window” switch; avoid invoking it or adjust related Labs/multitasking settings where offered. |
| SmartThings Find | Locates supported Galaxy phones, tablets and connected devices and can provide remote actions. | SmartThings app or Samsung account device-finding controls | Location, offline finding and account controls can be changed separately; availability depends on device and account setup. |
| Night mode | Uses a darker interface to reduce glare and change the appearance of supported apps. | Settings > Display > Dark mode settings, Quick panel, or a schedule | Yes. Turn it off manually or remove its schedule. |
| Notification controls | Controls permission, category, sound, vibration, pop-up and lock-screen behavior per app. | Settings > Notifications > App notifications, then choose an app | Yes, category by category or for the whole app, subject to system-critical alerts. |
Make Edge panels useful instead of intrusive
Open Settings > Display > Edge panels. Turn the feature off if the handle interferes with gestures. If you keep it, open Panels and select only the panels you use, then adjust Handle for position, size, transparency and vibration. A software update can restore a default panel set without changing your other apps.
Use Multi window deliberately
From the Recents screen, tap an app’s icon and choose Open in split screen view when the option appears. Select the second app, then drag the divider to allocate space. Some apps are not compatible, and a carrier or One UI release may present the command as a pop-up or multi-window icon instead.
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Go to Settings > Notifications > App notifications, select the app and change individual notification categories. For a notification that is already visible, press and hold it, tap Settings, and change that category directly. This is more precise than enabling a blanket Do Not Disturb rule and lets calls, messages or security alerts remain audible.
Which Galaxy phones support Galaxy AI?
Samsung’s compatibility list separates devices that are AI-ready immediately from devices that become eligible after a software update. Eligibility is not the same as identical functionality: a camera, translation, writing or editing tool can still be limited by model, One UI version, language, account and network connection.
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- 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.
| Eligibility shown by Samsung | Examples from Samsung’s list | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| AI-ready immediately | Galaxy S26 family, S25 family (including Galaxy S25 Ultra), S24 family, selected newer A-series models, newer Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models, and selected newer Galaxy Tab models. | Check the model-specific feature list, then install any pending maintenance update for the latest implementation. |
| Requires a software update | Many Galaxy S23 and S22 models; Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Fold4; Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Flip4; Galaxy A35 5G and A54 5G; and several Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S9 models. | Update One UI first. Galaxy AI menus may not appear until the update completes and the device restarts. |
Samsung’s wording is intentionally qualified: available Galaxy AI features may vary by device and software version. Carrier certification, country, supported language and an internet connection can further affect an individual tool. If a listed device still lacks Galaxy AI after updating, verify the exact model code and carrier firmware rather than assuming the hardware is unsupported.
How to update a Galaxy phone or tablet
- Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network and charge the device. A major update can take time and may restart the phone.
- Open Settings and choose Software update. Some carriers label this System updates.
- Tap Download and install. Read the version, security-patch date and storage requirement shown on screen.
- Install the update when prompted. Keep the device connected to power if the package is large.
- After the restart, return to Settings > About phone/About tablet > Software information and confirm the new One UI and build numbers.
Samsung offers an Auto download over Wi-Fi setting. Leave it enabled if you want eligible packages fetched automatically, or disable it when you prefer to review updates manually. If the over-the-air check fails, Samsung’s Smart Switch application for Mac or Windows can offer an update through a USB connection. A computer update does not bypass carrier or regional release controls; it only provides another installation route when the package is available for that device.
How to turn off Galaxy AI
Galaxy AI is a collection of controls, not one universal feature. Disabling one tool does not necessarily disable every AI-powered function.
Disable individual features
- Open Settings > Galaxy AI. On some models the path is Settings > Advanced features > Galaxy AI or Settings > Awesome Intelligence.
- Switch off the specific feature you do not want, such as a writing, call, translation, editing or summarization tool.
- Open the settings of apps that expose their own AI controls. Samsung identifies Phone, Notes, Camera, Gallery, Samsung Messages, Samsung Health and SmartThings as examples.
- Restart the device after making several changes so system and app services reload their settings.
App-level controls matter because a feature can remain available inside an app even after you disable a similarly named switch in the main Galaxy AI page. Look for labels such as AI suggestions, processing, generative editing or call assistance in that app’s settings.
Keep processing on the device where possible
In Galaxy AI settings, enable the master switch labeled Process data only on device. This limits supported processing to the phone or tablet instead of Samsung’s cloud. It is a privacy and connectivity control, not a complete AI kill switch: Samsung warns that some integrated system functions cannot be disabled, and some tools may require cloud processing to work at all. If a feature disappears or becomes limited after enabling the switch, that is expected behavior for a cloud-dependent function.
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- 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
How to reveal or hide Developer options
Developer options are hidden by default and intended for development and testing. Changing animation, USB, networking or rendering settings without understanding them can affect performance or reliability.
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- Open Settings > About phone (or About tablet) > Software information.
- Rapidly tap Build number seven times. Enter your lock-screen PIN, password or pattern if requested.
- Return to the main Settings screen. Developer options appears, usually near the bottom or under System, depending on One UI.
- To hide it again, open Developer options and switch off the control at the top. The menu is hidden until you repeat the seven-tap process.
Do not enable a setting merely because an online tip recommends it. Record the original value before experimenting, change one item at a time and restart if a test affects animations, USB behavior or app compatibility.
Why gaming controls moved after One UI 7
Samsung’s March 19, 2026 Game Booster guidance says One UI 7 moved automatic muting of calls and notifications during games. The control was previously associated with Game Booster’s Priority mode; it is now configured through Modes and Routines.
Set a gaming mute rule
- Open Settings > Modes and Routines.
- Create or edit a routine that starts when a selected game opens.
- Add actions for call and notification behavior, then save the routine.
- Test it with a non-critical notification before relying on it during a game.
Menu names and available actions differ by software version, model and region. If you still see Priority mode in Game Booster, your device may be on an earlier One UI release or a carrier-specific build.
What One UI 8 changes about availability
Samsung’s Canada guide dated July 16, 2026 says One UI 8 was first introduced with Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7, Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, Galaxy S25 FE, Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S11. That is the first-device group, not a promise that every Galaxy model receives the update at the same time.
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- 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.
Rollout timing and available functions vary by model, carrier and network connection. Check Settings > Software update/System updates > Download and install rather than relying on a launch announcement. A device can receive One UI 8 later, receive only selected functions, or retain a carrier-specific menu label.
How to turn off Auto Blocker
Auto Blocker is a security control that can prevent app installations from unauthorized sources and block other actions Samsung classifies as risky. Samsung says it is enabled by default on devices released with One UI 6.1.1.
- Open Settings > Security and privacy.
- Tap Auto Blocker.
- Switch it off, authenticate if requested, and confirm the warning.
- Install the trusted work or sideloaded app.
- Return to the same menu and switch Auto Blocker back on immediately.
If Auto Blocker is not listed, use Settings search for “Auto Blocker” and check the One UI version. Menu names vary by model and software version. Disabling it reduces protection against unauthorized installations, so treat the change as temporary and use only a package whose source and signature you trust.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When an update moves or removes a setting
A moved menu is usually a navigation change rather than a lost capability. First confirm the One UI version in Settings > About phone/About tablet > Software information. Then search Settings using the feature’s plain-language name, such as “gaming,” “Auto Blocker,” “Edge panels” or “Galaxy AI.” Samsung often relocates related controls into a broader category: One UI 7 moved gaming call and notification muting into Modes and Routines, for example.
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- Check the app itself: Phone, Notes, Camera, Gallery, Samsung Messages, Samsung Health and SmartThings can contain their own AI switches.
- Check carrier wording: Software update may appear as System updates, and some menus are renamed by firmware.
- Restart after an update: AI and security services may not expose their final controls until the first restart finishes.
- Confirm region and network: One UI 8 and Galaxy AI functions can roll out at different times and may require an online connection.
- Do not uninstall system components: One UI Home cannot be removed, and forcing its removal can break the launcher experience.
A practical comparison checklist for two Galaxy devices
When deciding whether one Galaxy model offers the same hidden features as another, compare the software and service conditions rather than the product name alone.
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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.
- 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.
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which One UI version is installed? | One UI 7 moved gaming controls, and One UI 8 availability is still rollout-dependent. |
| Is Galaxy AI ready immediately or update-dependent? | S25/S24-era and selected newer devices are listed as ready immediately; many S22/S23, Fold4/Fold5, Flip4/Flip5, A35/A54 and Tab S8/S9 models require an update. |
| Does the feature process on-device or in the cloud? | The “Process data only on device” switch limits supported cloud processing but cannot disable every integrated function. |
| Can the control be disabled fully? | Night mode, Edge panels, notification categories, many AI tools, Auto Blocker and Developer options can be switched or hidden; One UI Home cannot be removed. |
| Are carrier, region or network conditions involved? | They can change menu wording, rollout dates, supported languages and whether an online AI function appears. |
Fast answers to common Galaxy questions
What hidden features does my Samsung Galaxy have?
Start with Edge panels, Multi window, SmartThings Find, Night mode, per-app notification categories, Game Booster and Modes and Routines. Then check Galaxy AI, Auto Blocker and Developer options using the paths above. Your model and One UI version determine which entries appear.
Can I remove One UI Home?
No. Samsung says One UI Home cannot be removed from a Galaxy phone or tablet. Customize the home and lock screens, widgets, Edge panels and notifications instead.
Why is Galaxy AI missing after I bought a supported model?
The model may require a software update, or the feature may be limited by carrier, region, language, software version or network connection. Install the latest package, restart, verify the model code and check Galaxy AI settings again.
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No. It controls cloud processing for supported features. Samsung says some system-integrated AI functions cannot be disabled, while other controls live inside individual apps.
Why can’t I find the gaming mute switch?
On One UI 7, Samsung moved automatic gaming call and notification muting from Game Booster Priority mode to Modes and Routines. Older software may still show the original location.
Should Auto Blocker stay off for sideloading?
No. Samsung’s guidance is to disable it temporarily for a trusted installation and re-enable it afterward. Leaving it off removes a protection against unauthorized app installs.
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