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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →After a Galaxy update, first check which One UI version is installed; menu names and available controls vary by model, carrier and software version. Then review the notification panels, pop-up style and lock-screen privacy settings that affect how you use the phone. These are choices, not a checklist of changes everyone needs to make.
Check your One UI version first
- Open Settings > About phone > Software information. Check the One UI version, Android version and build number.
- To see details about a recent update, open Settings > Software update and, if available, tap Last update. Samsung notes that some devices use different labels, such as System updates. Samsung’s update guidance explains where to check, while its One UI 7 guide describes version-specific changes.
Use the version shown on your phone to decide which directions below apply. Samsung’s One UI 8 guide cautions that settings can differ by model and software version. If a path does not match, search Settings for the named option instead of assuming it is missing.
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Choose how Notifications and Quick settings open
One UI 7: keep the panels separate or combine them
On newer Galaxy devices running One UI 7, swipe down from the upper-left area of the screen to open Notifications, or from the upper-right area to open Quick settings. On One UI 6.1.1 and earlier, one swipe gesture opens the combined view.
If you prefer the combined layout and your device offers it, swipe down from the upper right, tap Edit (the pencil icon), then open Panel settings > Notification and quick settings view and select Together. Samsung notes that this option is not available on every device. The separate layout gives each panel its own gesture; the combined layout keeps notifications and controls together. Samsung’s Quick panel guide covers the One UI 7 controls.
#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
Rearrange Quick settings buttons if useful
To make frequently used controls easier to reach, open Quick settings, tap Edit, then rearrange or remove buttons. This is optional; change the layout only if the current arrangement slows you down.
Set notification pop-ups and lock-screen privacy
Choose brief or detailed pop-ups in One UI 8
To set the pop-up style for a particular app, open Settings > Notifications > App notifications, select the app, then tap Notification pop-up style. Choose Brief for a compact alert or Detailed for more information at a glance. The right choice depends on whether you value a less prominent alert or more detail without opening the app. This path is documented for One UI 8; availability and labels may vary. Samsung’s One UI 8 guide lists the controls.
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.
Decide what notifications can reveal while locked
On One UI 8, open Settings > Notifications > Hide content while locked and choose Show always or Hide when locked. Showing content makes it easier to read incoming messages from the lock screen; hiding it reduces what someone nearby can see while the phone is locked. You can also adjust Show or hide content when locked for an individual app, rather than applying the same choice to every notification. Menu availability can vary by device. Samsung documents both global and per-app controls.
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Samsung’s US One UI 7 guidance documents additional options, but these are version-specific rather than universal. If they appear on your phone, choose based on whether you prefer compact alerts, more context or a particular order:
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.
- Lock-screen notification style: choose Dot, Icons or Cards to control how notifications are presented on the lock screen.
- Sort order: go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings > Sort notifications. Choose By time to follow arrival order or By priority to group notifications by priority.
- Filter notifications: review this option under Advanced settings if you want to configure which notifications are filtered.
- Live notifications and Now bar: review the related options under Lock screen and AOD if your software version supports them.
For the documented One UI 7 options and their paths, see Samsung’s notification settings guide for the US. A feature listed there may not appear on a different model, carrier build or One UI version.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Search Settings when the menu path differs
Open Settings and tap the search icon, then type the feature name—for example, “notification pop-up” or “hide content while locked.” Search is often quicker than following a path whose labels have changed between versions. Samsung’s One UI 8 guide also recommends Settings search for finding options.
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.
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