Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To automate morning or bedtime settings on a Samsung Galaxy phone, open Settings > Modes and Routines, create a routine, choose when it should run under If, choose what the phone should do under Then, and save. For a sleep-and-wake schedule with Sleep mode’s built-in behavior, use Sleep mode instead of—or alongside—a custom routine.
Choose a custom routine or Sleep mode
A custom routine runs actions you select when a chosen condition is met. It suits a specific change, such as lowering screen brightness at bedtime or changing notification sounds in the morning, if those actions are available on your device. Samsung’s examples also include turning on Wi-Fi when arriving at work.
Sleep mode is Samsung’s separate option for a scheduled sleep period. Its setup uses your usual sleep and wake-up times. Samsung notes that Sleep mode was formerly called Bedtime mode or Wind Down.
| Option | Best suited to | How it starts |
|---|---|---|
| Custom routine | One or more specific actions you choose | A condition you select, such as a schedule if offered on your device |
| Sleep mode | A scheduled sleep period using Sleep mode behavior | Your sleep and wake-up times |
Neither option is universally better: choose based on whether you need a particular custom action or Sleep mode’s scheduled behavior. Available conditions and actions vary by model and software.
#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
Create a morning or bedtime routine
- Open Settings > Modes and Routines. Samsung’s current US instructions use this path. If the feature is not visible in Settings, its settings may offer an option to add an icon to the Apps screen.
- Open Routines and tap the add (+) control. The Routines tab is where you create a routine.
- Set the trigger under If. Choose a time schedule or another condition shown on your phone. For example, a morning routine could use a schedule, while a bedtime routine could run at a chosen time. Do not assume every Galaxy model offers the same triggers.
- Choose the actions under Then. Select the changes you want and configure the options shown. Depending on your device, examples may include muting notification sounds, adjusting screen brightness, or changing Wi-Fi settings.
- Save the routine. Give it a name; an icon and color may also be offered. Return to the Routines tab to confirm it appears in the list.
Samsung’s setup overview is in Use Modes and Routines on your Galaxy phone or tablet.
Set a scheduled sleep period with Sleep mode
- Open Settings > Modes and Routines.
- Choose Sleep.
- Set the usual time you go to sleep and the time you wake up in the Sleep schedule, then follow the on-screen options.
Samsung documents Sleep mode and its schedule in Use Digital Wellbeing features on your Galaxy phone or tablet. The exact screens and options can vary by device and software version.
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.
Check whether a routine is running
Open the Routines tab to review routines and their configuration. Samsung UK also describes checking for a routine notification in the Quick panel and looking for an active mode, such as Sleep mode, in the lock-screen Now bar. If a setting changes unexpectedly, check which routine is active, then review its If condition and Then actions; a routine may explain why an app or feature starts or becomes restricted.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If the menus do not match
Samsung UK says Android 14 and Android 13 place features previously found in Bixby Routines under Settings > Modes and Routines. Android 12 and Android 11 use the Bixby Routines app. Samsung also warns that names, paths and layouts can vary by model, software version or app version, and that availability varies across devices. See How to use Routines on your Samsung Galaxy device for Samsung’s version-specific guidance.
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.
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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
