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Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets include many useful controls that are easy to miss: Edge panels, split-screen Multi window, device-finding tools, Dark mode, granular notification controls, Galaxy AI, Developer options, Game Booster settings, and Auto Blocker. What you see depends on the model, One UI version, carrier, and region. The reliable way to identify a feature is to check your software version, install the latest update available for your device, and then use the exact Settings path for that version.
This guide explains what each feature does, which Galaxy models support Galaxy AI immediately or after an update, how to update safely, and how to disable controls you do not want.
What “hidden features” means on a Galaxy device
Most Galaxy “hidden” features are not secret applications. They are built into One UI but are placed in secondary menus, Quick Settings, app settings, or gesture areas. A feature can also appear to be missing because Samsung changes menu names between One UI releases, a carrier uses different wording, or a particular model does not support it.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteBefore troubleshooting, identify the device and software build. Open Settings > About phone (or About tablet) and choose Software information. Note the One UI version, Android version, and security-update level. Then check Settings > Software update or System updates. The update screen is the best reference for the software branch Samsung and your carrier currently offer.
#1 Best Overall
- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
Built-in One UI features worth uncovering
One UI Home
One UI Home is Samsung’s launcher: it controls the Home screen, app drawer, widgets, folders, and much of the recent-apps experience. Samsung states that “One UI Home cannot be removed from your Galaxy phone and tablet.” You can change its behavior without uninstalling it.
- Long-press an empty area of the Home screen to edit wallpapers, themes, widgets, the Home-screen grid, and the lock-screen layout.
- Open Settings > Home screen to choose the Home-screen layout, app-screen behavior, icon placement, and other launcher options. Wording varies by One UI release.
- If you prefer another launcher, install and select it as the default Home app; One UI Home remains installed as a system component.
Edge panels
Edge panels provide a pull-out strip of shortcuts, contacts, tools, and app pairs. Swipe inward from the thin handle on the side of the screen. To change the handle, panel types, or position, open Settings > Display > Edge panels (on some builds, search Settings for “Edge panels”).
Use the Apps edge to launch two apps together, or create an app pair for a recurring split-screen task. If the handle is distracting, turn off the Edge panels switch in the same menu. Availability can differ on lower-cost models and tablets.
Multi window and app pairs
Multi window lets compatible apps share the display. Open the recent-apps view, tap an app’s icon, and choose Open in split screen view when the option is offered. Select the second app, then drag the divider to allocate space. You can save the combination as an app pair from the split-screen controls or the Apps edge.
Some apps deliberately block split screen, and foldables may present additional layouts. A missing split-screen command usually indicates app or model behavior rather than a disabled global setting.
SmartThings Find
SmartThings Find helps locate registered Galaxy phones, tablets, watches, earbuds, and compatible tags. Open the SmartThings app and select the Find section, or search the app list for SmartThings Find. Location, ringing, locking, and erase options depend on the device being online, signed in to the correct Samsung account, and configured for finding before it was lost.
Rank #2
- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
To reduce unwanted location sharing, review the location and account settings inside SmartThings and your Samsung account. Turning off a finding function can remove recovery options, so change only the control you need.
Night mode (Dark mode)
Dark mode changes supported system and app surfaces to a dark color scheme. The quickest route is the Dark mode tile in Quick Settings. For scheduling and appearance options, use Settings > Display > Dark mode settings or search Settings for “Dark mode.” You can schedule it by time or sunset and exclude apps that do not render correctly.
Notification controls
Galaxy notifications can be managed globally, by app, by category, and on the lock screen. Open Settings > Notifications to control pop-up style, notification history, status-bar icons, lock-screen content, and notification reminders. Choose App notifications, select an app, and turn off the app entirely or disable only noisy notification categories.
For a single alert, swipe it slightly left, tap the settings icon, and adjust that app’s category without opening the full Settings app. If a notification appears silently, check both the app category and the phone’s sound mode; those are separate controls.
Which Galaxy phones support Galaxy AI?
Samsung’s compatibility guidance divides devices into models that are AI-ready as shipped and models that need a software update. “Ready immediately” means the listed Galaxy AI functions are available on the supported software supplied for that device; individual tools can still be limited by model, country, carrier, or app version.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute| Device group | Galaxy AI status | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S26 family | Ready immediately according to Samsung’s current list | Open Settings > Galaxy AI (or Advanced features > Galaxy AI) and review the available tools. |
| Galaxy S25 family, including Galaxy S25 Ultra | Ready immediately | Update normally to receive later feature and security revisions. |
| Galaxy S24 family | Ready immediately | Check the Galaxy AI menu and each participating app for controls. |
| Selected newer A-series, Fold, Flip, and Tab models | Ready immediately on Samsung’s supported list | Confirm the exact model and region; not every function is available on every device. |
| Galaxy S23 and S22 models | Require a software update before Galaxy AI can be used | Install the update, restart, and check Galaxy AI again. |
| Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Fold4, Z Flip5, and Z Flip4 | Require a software update | Use Software update or Smart Switch, then verify the installed One UI version. |
| Galaxy A35 5G and A54 5G | Require a software update | Availability remains dependent on the model, carrier, and region. |
| Selected Galaxy Tab S8 and Tab S9 models | Require a software update | Check the tablet’s Software information screen after updating. |
Samsung’s own wording is that available Galaxy AI features may vary depending on the device and software version. A supported model therefore does not guarantee that every AI tool, language, or processing mode will appear.
Rank #3
- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
How to update a Galaxy phone or tablet
- Connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network and open Settings.
- Tap Software update or System updates. The label depends on the model and carrier.
- Choose Download and install. If an update is available, review the version information and follow the on-screen prompts.
- Allow the device to restart and finish optimizing apps. Do not interrupt the restart.
- Verify the result at Settings > About phone/About tablet > Software information.
Samsung provides an Auto download over Wi-Fi option on supported devices. Turn it on if you want eligible updates downloaded automatically, or off if you prefer to approve downloads manually. An update can be offered in stages, so two otherwise identical devices may not receive it on the same day.
Updating with Smart Switch
Smart Switch for Mac or Windows is an alternate update route. Install the current desktop application, connect the Galaxy device with a USB cable, and follow the prompt if Smart Switch reports new firmware. Keep the device connected until the program says the operation is complete. Smart Switch can be useful when the over-the-air updater fails or when a device has limited free space, but the firmware offered is still governed by the device model, carrier, and region.
Why an update moved a setting
Samsung periodically relocates controls when One UI changes. The clearest recent example is gaming call and notification muting. In One UI 7, the control that was previously in Game Booster’s Priority mode is configured through Modes and Routines. After updating, open Settings > Modes and Routines, inspect the gaming mode or routine, and adjust its call and notification actions there.
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How to turn off Galaxy AI
Galaxy AI is a collection of functions rather than one single switch. Disabling one tool does not automatically disable every AI-assisted function.
- Open Settings > Galaxy AI. On some devices the path is Settings > Advanced features > Galaxy AI or Settings > Awesome Intelligence.
- Turn off the individual feature you do not want, such as an editing, writing, translation, or call-related tool.
- Open the settings of participating apps—Samsung Phone, Notes, Camera, Gallery, Samsung Messages, Samsung Health, or SmartThings—and check for an additional AI switch. Some controls exist only inside the app that uses them.
- If you want to restrict cloud processing, enable the master setting labeled Process data only on device. This keeps supported processing on the device instead of sending it to Samsung’s cloud service.
- Restart the phone or tablet after changing several AI settings so all affected services reload their configuration.
The on-device processing setting is not a promise that every AI function will continue working locally. Some tools require network services, and Samsung says some system-integrated AI functions cannot be disabled. If a switch is absent, check the app’s own settings and your One UI version before assuming the feature is malfunctioning.
Rank #4
- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
How to reveal and hide Developer options
Developer options are hidden by default because inappropriate changes can affect performance, connectivity, animation, or app behavior. You do not need them for ordinary Galaxy use.
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Reveal the menu
- Open Settings > About phone (or About tablet).
- Tap Software information.
- Rapidly tap Build number seven times in a row.
- Enter your lock-screen PIN, password, or pattern if requested.
- Return to the main Settings screen and open Developer options, usually near the bottom or under Settings > Advanced settings.
Hide the menu again
Open Developer options and switch off the control at the top. The menu becomes hidden again. Turning the master switch off is safer than changing individual settings at random; if you enabled a specific developer setting and later experience a problem, restore that setting before troubleshooting other features.
How to turn off Auto Blocker
Auto Blocker is a security control that can prevent app installation from unauthorized sources and block certain actions considered 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.
- Turn the switch off, authenticate if prompted, and perform the trusted installation or task.
- Return to the same screen and turn Auto Blocker back on when finished.
If a work application or a trusted sideload is blocked, temporarily disabling Auto Blocker is Samsung’s recommended route. Re-enable it afterward because leaving the protection off removes the barrier against unauthorized installs. Menu names and the exact location can differ by model and software version; use Settings search for “Auto Blocker” if the item is not visible.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What you can disable completely—and what you can only limit
| Feature | Control location | Disable scope |
|---|---|---|
| One UI Home | Home-screen and launcher settings | Cannot be removed; behavior and the default launcher can be customized. |
| Edge panels | Settings > Display > Edge panels | Can be switched off entirely or customized by panel and handle. |
| Dark mode | Quick Settings or Settings > Display | Can be turned off, scheduled, or applied selectively where supported. |
| Notifications | Settings > Notifications and individual app settings | Can be disabled globally, per app, or per notification category. |
| Galaxy AI | Settings > Galaxy AI and participating app settings | Most tools can be disabled individually; some integrated functions cannot. |
| Developer options | Developer options master switch | Menu can be hidden; individual changes may need to be restored separately. |
| Auto Blocker | Settings > Security and privacy > Auto Blocker | Can be turned off temporarily and re-enabled afterward. |
| Game call/notification muting | Settings > Modes and Routines on One UI 7 | Adjust or remove the gaming routine actions; the old Game Booster Priority path may no longer apply. |
Troubleshooting when a feature or switch is missing
The phone says it is unsupported
Confirm the exact model number in Settings > About phone. Galaxy S22/S23, older Fold and Flip generations, A35 5G, A54 5G, and selected Tab S8/S9 models need an update for Galaxy AI, while immediate support is limited to the models on Samsung’s current list. A device outside that list may not receive the function at all.
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Search Settings for the feature name and try the alternate labels Software update/System updates, Galaxy AI/Advanced features/Awesome Intelligence, or About phone/About tablet. Carrier firmware can rename or reorder entries.
Best Value
- 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
The option appeared after an update but does not work
Restart once, confirm the installed One UI version, and check the relevant app’s own settings. AI tools can require a network connection or a supported language, while SmartThings Find requires the account and finding setup to have been configured in advance.
A gaming control disappeared
On One UI 7, inspect Modes and Routines rather than Game Booster Priority mode. If the device is still on an earlier One UI release, the older location may remain. Rollout timing and available functions differ by model and region.
An app installation is blocked
Check Settings > Security and privacy > Auto Blocker. If the source is trusted, disable Auto Blocker only for the installation, complete the task, and immediately enable it again.
A practical checklist before comparing two Galaxy devices
Marketing names alone do not tell you whether two Galaxy devices expose the same controls. Compare the following items on the exact regional and carrier versions you plan to use:
- Supported One UI version and the latest update currently offered.
- Whether Galaxy AI is ready immediately or requires an update.
- Which AI processing can run on-device and which functions rely on cloud services.
- Availability of Developer options, Auto Blocker, Game Booster controls, Edge panels, and Multi window.
- Whether a feature can be disabled completely, only per feature, or only through an individual app setting.
- Carrier, country, network, language, and app-version restrictions.
Check both devices after updating them to the same One UI release. Otherwise, a difference may reflect software timing rather than hardware capability.
Bottom line
Start with the software version, not the phone’s marketing name. Update through Software update > Download and install or Smart Switch, then look for the feature in its current One UI location. Galaxy AI can usually be disabled tool by tool, Developer options can be hidden with its top switch, and Auto Blocker can be paused for a trusted install—but One UI Home itself cannot be removed, and some integrated AI functions have no complete off switch.
Quick Recap
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