Samsung Modes and Routines is primarily for changing how a Galaxy phone behaves when conditions are met; Google Assistant routines are for personal assistant workflows and shared automations for compatible smart-home devices. Choose based on what should trigger the task, what it should control, and whether the job is centered on your phone or your home. The two features can coexist, but they do not automatically share triggers or actions.
How the two routine systems differ
| Compare | Samsung Modes and Routines | Google Assistant routines |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Automates behavior on a Galaxy phone when chosen conditions are met. | Automates personal assistant tasks and shared household tasks through Google Assistant and Google Home. |
| Basic structure | Choose conditions and actions; Samsung offers recommended and custom routines. | Each routine needs at least one starter and one action. Available starters and actions depend on the routine and setup. |
| Typical use | Phone-centered scenarios such as commuting, leaving work, or preparing for sleep. | Spoken workflows, scheduled tasks, information and media actions, or control of compatible connected-home devices. |
| Smart-home role | Samsung’s cited guide focuses on Galaxy phone behavior and does not establish a complete cross-device compatibility list. | Household routines can automate compatible connected devices, subject to device support and setup. |
| Personal information | The cited Samsung guide does not describe a comparable personal-versus-household routine distinction. | Personal routines can provide personal results such as calendar events and reminders. Household routines are shared and do not provide an individual member’s calendar events or reminders. |
What Samsung Modes and Routines does
Samsung describes Galaxy Routines as a way to automate phone behavior by running actions when specified conditions are met. Its examples include commuting to work, leaving work, and preparing for sleep; users can customize the conditions and actions. See Samsung’s guide to using Routines on a Galaxy device.
Where to find it
Samsung’s UK guide, updated 16 March 2026, says Android 13 and 14 provide the feature under Settings > Modes and Routines. On Android 11 and 12, it says to use the Bixby Routines app. Treat these as version-specific directions, not a universal path: Samsung notes that menu names and layouts can vary by model, software, and app version.
What Google Assistant routines do
Google routines pair starters with actions. Depending on the routine type and setup, a starter can be a voice command, time, sunrise or sunset, dismissed alarm, device activity, presence sensing, or manual start. Actions can control supported home devices, play media, provide information or reminders, communicate or make announcements, adjust Assistant volume, or run a command that works with Google Assistant. Google explains the available options in its Android guide to automating routines and tasks.
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- 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
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Personal routines and household routines
A personal routine is for an individual and may use personal results, including that user’s calendar events and reminders. A household routine is for shared home automation: home members can see when it runs in home history, but it cannot provide a member’s personal calendar events or reminders. That difference matters if an automation is meant to be visible to everyone in the home rather than tied to one person’s account.
Connected devices and setup limits
Google documents Assistant control for compatible lights, switches, outlets, and thermostats. Other examples in its routine guidance include plugs, motion sensors, doorbells, and presence sensing. These are examples, not a promise that every device can be a starter or perform every action. Device compatibility, routine type, settings, country, and language affect what is available. Some time, sunrise or sunset, and home-arrival or departure starters also require an address. See Google’s guide to controlling smart-home devices with Google Assistant and its routine setup guidance.
Rank #2
- 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
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Which one should you use?
- Start with Samsung Modes and Routines if you want a Galaxy phone to change its behavior in response to a condition, such as a sleep-related or commuting scenario. Check your model and software version for the actual options.
- Start with Google Assistant routines if you want a spoken personal workflow or an automation involving compatible Google Home devices. Check whether the needed starter and action are available for your country, language, account, and connected devices.
- Use both if they serve different jobs. Samsung says Google Assistant is supported on Galaxy phones and tablets running Android 5.0 or later, while noting that seamless actions across apps are not supported. This does not mean Samsung and Google routines share triggers or actions. See Samsung’s guide to using Google Assistant on a Galaxy phone or tablet.
Do not rely on routines for critical safety
Google describes routines as a convenience feature, not a safety or security system. Do not depend on either platform to guarantee a critical safety or security outcome; use the appropriate dedicated device or service for that need.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
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
- 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
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