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To put an app within easier reach on a Samsung Galaxy, add it to the Home screen, place it in Favorites, assign it to a Lock screen shortcut, or add it to Apps Edge. For quick access to an automated action rather than an app, use Modes and Routines. The available options depend on your Galaxy model and software version.
Choose the shortcut location that fits how you use your Galaxy
| Shortcut location | Best for | Works without unlocking? | Capacity or availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home screen | Keeping an app visible on a particular screen | No; unlock the device first | Depends on available Home screen space |
| Favorites bar | Apps you want available from the bottom of the Home screen | No; unlock the device first | Up to five apps, or four if the Apps screen button is on the Home screen |
| Lock screen | Launching an app directly from the Lock screen | Sometimes; apps marked “Unlock required” need authentication first | Uses the shortcut positions shown on the configured Lock screen |
| Apps Edge panel | Opening a swipe-out collection of apps, including app pairs for multitasking | Availability varies by model and software version | Customize the apps in the panel; Samsung does not state a fixed app limit in its guide |
| Modes and Routines | Surfacing or starting an automation | Depends on the routine and where its control appears | Options vary by device and software version |
For a straightforward app icon, use the Home screen or Favorites. For access before unlocking, configure a Lock screen shortcut and check whether that app requires unlocking. For a swipe-out set of apps, use Apps Edge.
Add an app icon to the Home screen
- From the Home screen, swipe up or down to open the Apps screen.
- Touch and hold the app you want.
- Choose Add to Home. If you prefer to place it yourself, keep holding the app and drag it to the desired Home screen location.
The Home screen icon is a shortcut, not the app itself. Removing the icon does not uninstall the app; it remains available in the Apps screen. The wording and options shown after a long press can differ by app, model, and software version. Samsung’s Galaxy shortcut instructions cover the standard steps.
Keep 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 onto the bar. The bar supports up to five apps. If the Apps screen button is also on the Home screen, only four app slots remain.
#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
If those slots are not enough for the apps you use most, group several shortcuts in a folder rather than trying to fit every app individually in Favorites.
Set or change Lock screen app shortcuts
- Wake the Lock screen, then touch and hold it. Authenticate if prompted.
- Tap the shortcut position you want to change.
- Select an app or choose No app to leave that position empty.
- Tap Done.
To open a selected app from the Lock screen, swipe its shortcut. Some apps show Unlock required and will not open until you unlock the device. Samsung notes that the Lock screen must be set up for shortcut customization to appear. The US instructions refer to One UI 6 Lock screen customization; menus and screens can vary by model, provider, and software version. See Samsung’s shortcut guide for its current steps.
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.
Customize the Apps Edge panel
- Open the Edge panel using its handle.
- Tap the settings gear and select the panels you want to show.
- For Apps Edge, tap Edit to add or remove apps.
- To open the panel later, swipe from its handle. Move or adjust the handle if you want it positioned differently.
Samsung also describes setting up app pairs in Apps Edge for multitasking. To turn Edge panels 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 the panel settings.
The Tool Desk
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Modes and Routines are for actions that happen under chosen conditions, not just for placing an app icon somewhere. Open 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.
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.
To create an automation, make a routine by choosing 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. The available controls and options vary by device and software version. Samsung’s Bixby Routines instructions describe its routine setup guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If a shortcut option is missing
- Confirm that you are on the Apps screen before trying to add an app to the Home screen or Favorites.
- For Lock screen controls, check that the Lock screen is set up and try touching and holding it while awake.
- For Apps Edge, look under Settings > Display > Edge panels. If the feature or its controls are absent, your model or software version may not support them.
- For Modes and Routines, check the feature under Settings > Modes and Routines; available settings differ across devices and software versions.
Samsung warns that menus and feature availability can vary by model, carrier or provider, and software version. Its Galaxy app management guide also distinguishes Home screen shortcuts from installed apps.
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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