Samsung One UI Tips and Tricks for Beginners

Samsung’s One UI offers a unique and intuitive experience for users of the Galaxy smartphones and tablets. Designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, One UI brings a wide range of features that can make your device more personal, efficient, and enjoyable to use. If you’re new to Samsung’s interface, here are some beginner-friendly tips and tricks to help you maximize your experience.

Customizing the Home Screen

The home screen is the starting point of your One UI experience, and customizing it to suit your style and preferences can make your phone feel more personal and even unique. With One UI, you can rearrange apps, add widgets, change wallpapers, and even download complete themes for a cohesive look.

To get started, just simply long-press on any blank space on your home screen. This will open up customization options, allowing you to adjust the layout, change the grid size to fit more (or fewer) icons, and even toggle between showing all apps on the home screen or hiding them in the app drawer. You can also make use of the Galaxy Themes store, which offers a vast selection of themes, icon packs, and wallpapers.

Widgets are another great and fun way to enhance the functionality of your home screen. Whether you want quick access to your calendar, weather updates, or music controls, widgets can bring important information right to your fingertips. Experimenting with these options will help you create a layout that’s both practical and visually appealing.

Taking Advantage of Dark Mode

The Dark Mode is a feature that not only saves battery on AMOLED displays but also reduces eye strain, especially in low-light environments. Samsung’s implementation of Dark Mode in One UI is system-wide, which means it changes the appearance of the interface as well as supported apps.

To activate Dark Mode, navigate to Settings > Display and toggle the Dark Mode option or you can see it when you slide down to quick settings. You can also schedule it to turn on automatically during certain hours, such as sunset to sunrise. Once enabled, menus, notifications, and compatible apps like Google Chrome or WhatsApp will adopt a darker theme, making your phone easier on the eyes at night.

This feature is particularly useful if you use your phone extensively, as it reduces glare and improves readability. It’s a simple but effective way to enhance your experience while conserving battery life.

Exploring Edge Panels

Edge Panels are one of Samsung’s great standout features, offering quick access to apps, tools, and shortcuts with just a swipe from the side of your screen. This feature is incredibly useful for multitasking, as it allows you to open apps, check the weather, or even access a clipboard without leaving your current screen.

To enable Edge Panels, go to Settings > Display > Edge Panels and turn it on. From there, you can customize the panels to include the features and apps you use most frequently. For instance, you can add a panel for your favorite contacts, a calculator, or even a compass.

What makes Edge Panels so helpful is their versatility. Whether you’re quickly replying to a message, looking up an address, or copying text, having these tools at your fingertips saves time and keeps you organized. Once you get accustomed to using them, you’ll wonder how you managed without them.

Using One-Handed Mode

With the increasing size of smartphone screens, navigating with one hand can sometimes be a problem for us. Samsung’s One-Handed Mode solves this problem by shrinking the screen content to a more manageable size.

For you to enable One-Handed Mode, head to Settings > Advanced Features > One-Handed Mode and choose whether to activate it via gestures or by double-tapping the home button. Once enabled, you can swipe diagonally from a corner of the screen to shrink the interface, making it easier to reach everything with your thumb.

This feature is particularly handy when you’re on the go or when one hand is occupied. It makes using your device more convenient without compromising functionality, ensuring you can navigate comfortably even on larger phones.

Automating Tasks with Bixby Routines

Bixby Routines is a powerful feature that allows you to automate your phone’s behavior based on your habits or preferences. For example, you can set your phone to automatically turn on Wi-Fi and lower the screen brightness when you arrive at work or to enable Do Not Disturb mode during your bedtime hours.

To access Bixby Routines, go to Settings > Advanced Features > Bixby Routines. You’ll find a range of pre-set routines, such as “Driving Mode” or “Relaxation Mode,” which you can enable with just a tap. You can also create custom routines by choosing a trigger (like location or time) and assigning actions for your phone to perform.

Bixby Routines can save you time and ensure your phone is always set up to match your needs. It’s a fantastic way to simplify repetitive tasks and make your device feel smarter and more intuitive.

Customizing the Always On Display

Samsung’s Always On Display (AOD) is a feature that keeps useful information, such as the time, date, and notifications, visible even when your phone is locked. It’s a great way to stay updated without having to unlock your device constantly.

To customize your AOD, navigate to Settings > Lock Screen > Always On Display. You can choose when to show the AOD—always, during scheduled hours, or only when you tap the screen. Additionally, you can change the clock style, add widgets like music controls, and even set animated GIFs or images as your display.

This feature not only adds a layer of convenience but also gives you more ways to personalize your phone. Whether you want a minimalist clock or a playful animation, the AOD ensures your lock screen reflects your style.

Conclusion

Samsung’s One UI is packed with features designed to make your smartphone experience more enjoyable and efficient. From customizing your home screen and enabling Dark Mode to mastering Edge Panels and automating tasks with Bixby Routines, there’s no shortage of ways to personalize and optimize your device. As you explore these tips and tricks, you’ll discover just how versatile and user-friendly One UI can be, even for beginners. Take your time experimenting with these features, and you’ll soon unlock the full potential of your Samsung device.