Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides 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
Your Samsung lock screen is both a security boundary and a quick-glance surface. The exact settings and features vary by Galaxy model, One UI version, and region, but you can usually change the lock method, wallpaper, clock, notification display, and optional contact details in Settings.
How to change your Samsung lock method
Samsung’s documented path is Settings > Lock screen and AOD > Screen lock and biometrics. Choose an available method and follow the prompts. Labels and choices can vary by model and software version; if a menu name does not match your phone, search for the setting in Settings.
Choose a credential and understand the trade-offs
- PIN, password, or pattern: These are credential-based options. For a pattern, enter and confirm it; Samsung’s setup flow may also ask you to create a hint.
- Fingerprint or face recognition: Samsung requires you to register a pattern, PIN, or password as a fallback. After a restart or power-on, you must use that fallback credential before biometrics can unlock the phone.
- Swipe or None: Samsung identifies these as less secure options. They remove or weaken the credential barrier, so they are not suitable if you want the lock screen to protect access to your phone.
Samsung describes the lock screen as preventing unintended actions from accidental touches while protecting information through measures including biometrics. It also allows access to simple information and basic features while the phone remains locked, as explained in Samsung Developer’s One UI documentation.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How to change the lock-screen wallpaper, clock, and shortcuts
Go to Settings > Wallpaper and style > Change wallpapers. Choose which screen to update, then adjust the available clock style, widgets, and buttons before applying your choices. The precise options depend on the phone and software release.
#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
What newer One UI versions add
Samsung’s One UI 7 feature documentation describes resizing and repositioning the lock-screen clock, along with added widgets and shortcuts. It also describes grouped notifications shown as card stacks and live notifications surfaced in the Now bar, status bar, and notification panel. These are documented One UI 7 features, not a guarantee that every Galaxy device supports every option. See Samsung’s One UI 7 feature overview.
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 update notes for One UI 8.0 (Android 16) describe a clock style that adapts around the shape of a selected photo, as well as wallpaper suggestions. The notes caution that details can vary by model, country, and network operator. Samsung Galaxy S24 update notes.
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.
How to show or hide lock-screen notifications
During screen-lock setup, Samsung’s flow lets you decide whether notifications appear on the lock screen and choose a display style. If you already configured the lock, look for notification controls under your phone’s lock-screen settings; labels and available choices can differ across software versions.
Treat this as a privacy decision: anything configured to display on a locked phone may be visible to someone looking at its screen. Review the specific content and visibility controls available on your device rather than assuming that showing notifications reveals only generic alerts.
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.
What is the Samsung Now bar?
The Now bar is an area for ongoing activities and controls on supported Galaxy devices. Samsung’s One UI 7 feature page gives media controls, stopwatch, timer, voice recorder, and Samsung Health as examples. It is not a universal feature across Galaxy phones.
Samsung’s Korean support article dated 2026-02-26 documents Now bar support on the Galaxy S26 series with One UI 8.5, including notifications, music, and timers. It says compatible content can be selected in Settings under Lock screen and AOD, and warns that country and model support can differ. Samsung Korea support.
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.
One UI 7 rollout was announced to begin on 2025-04-07, initially for the Galaxy S24, Z Fold6, and Z Flip6 families, with gradual expansion to other Galaxy phones and tablets. That announcement is a historical rollout schedule, not confirmation that every listed or older device currently has every feature. Samsung’s One UI 7 rollout announcement.
How to add contact information for a lost phone
To give a finder a way to reach you without unlocking the device, open Settings > Lock screen and AOD > Contact information. Enter a phone number or email address and save it. Use only details you are comfortable displaying publicly on the lock screen.
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
Which lock-screen setup should you choose?
| Your priority | Setting to consider | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Protect access to the phone | PIN, password, or pattern; add biometrics if supported | Biometrics still require a registered fallback credential. |
| Keep alerts glanceable | Show lock-screen notifications and choose a display style | Visible alerts may expose information to someone viewing the locked screen. |
| Personalize the screen | Change wallpaper, clock, widgets, and shortcuts where available | Options differ by device and One UI release. |
| Help someone return a lost phone | Add a contact number or email | The chosen detail will be visible on the lock screen. |
Why a setting or feature may be missing
- Model support: Samsung explicitly notes that lock methods and newer features vary by device.
- Software version: One UI 7 and One UI 8.0/8.5 documentation describes version-specific options; a rollout announcement does not establish current availability on every device.
- Country or carrier: Samsung’s update notes and Now bar support information both qualify availability by market, and sometimes by network operator.
- Different menu labels: Settings names can shift between releases. Use Settings search to find the relevant lock-screen option if the documented path does not match.
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.
