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Samsung Galaxy Routines can change supported phone settings or perform supported actions when conditions you choose are met. For example, a routine can turn on Wi-Fi and mute notification sounds at work, or lower screen brightness at bedtime. What your phone can automate depends on its model, software and app versions, available conditions and actions, permissions, and settings.
How Galaxy Modes and Routines work
A routine links a condition to one or more actions. In the editor, the condition is configured under If, and the action under Then. When the chosen condition is met, the routine runs its configured action or actions. You can create a routine yourself or discover and customize a recommended one. Samsung’s custom routine instructions describe the setup process and note that availability can vary by device and software.
Modes are profiles for an activity or context, such as sleep or work. A mode can start automatically when its conditions are met or be started manually, and can apply focus options such as Do not disturb or restricting app use. Routines can also be set to run automatically or started manually; Samsung documents Home-screen widgets and assistant controls for some workflows. Exact controls and labels vary.
What can a Galaxy routine automate?
Samsung’s examples show the kinds of changes routines can make, but they are not a complete list of every condition and action available on every Galaxy device.
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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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- Connectivity and context: Turn on Wi-Fi when you arrive at work. Samsung’s One UI 5 guidance also gives Airplane mode and Mobile Hotspot as conditions for that software generation.
- Sound and notifications: Mute notification sounds for work. The same One UI 5 guidance lists adjusting left/right sound balance as an action example.
- Display and focus: Lower screen brightness at bedtime. A Mode can enable Do not disturb or restrict app usage.
- Apps and assistant commands: Samsung’s One UI 5 examples include opening an app pair. On specified newer software, a routine can use the Ask Bixby action to execute commands; Samsung describes this in its Quick Commands support guidance.
- Conditional logic: Samsung’s One UI 7 feature page describes If-Else logic and getting data as variables in Routines. These capabilities can support more involved workflows, but the page does not establish a universal list of compatible devices or actions.
What are the limits?
Available options depend on the device and software
Samsung says Modes and Routines availability can vary by device and software version. Menus, paths, and layouts can also vary by model, software version, or app version, as noted in its New Zealand support guidance. Do not assume every Galaxy phone, tablet, or regional variant exposes the same conditions and actions.
Routines are limited to the options the editor provides
The routine editor offers specific conditions and actions, some with their own options. That is not the same as an unrestricted automation interface for any action in any third-party app. Samsung’s reviewed support pages do not publish one complete, current action list covering all devices, so check the options on your own phone before planning a workflow.
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- 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.
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Settings and power restrictions can affect whether a routine runs
Permissions, app state, connectivity, and other settings can matter to a particular routine. Samsung’s Gulf Modes and Routines guidance, updated June 24, 2026, advises checking battery settings when routines or modes do not behave as expected because power-saving modes may restrict them. This is a troubleshooting clue, not a claim that every power-saving mode disables every routine.
Quick Commands changes do not mean Routines were removed
Samsung says Bixby Quick Commands is no longer available on Galaxy S25 and later running One UI 7.0 with Bixby 3.0, and identifies the Ask Bixby action within Routines as an alternative in its Quick Commands guidance, updated August 18, 2025. This change concerns Quick Commands; it does not mean Routines themselves were removed.
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- 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.
Set up a routine
- Open Settings → Modes and Routines → Routines. On some versions, menus or labels may differ.
- Tap the option to add a routine. You can also browse recommended routines and customize one.
- Under If, choose the condition that should start the routine and configure its available options.
- Under Then, select the action or actions you want the phone to perform.
- Save the routine, then check that its condition and action match the behavior you want.
Samsung’s naming and app placement have changed over time. Its New Zealand guidance says that on Android 14 and 13, features previously in the Bixby Routines app are under Settings → Modes and Routines, while on Android 12 and 11 routines are provided through the Bixby Routines app. Treat that as version-specific guidance rather than a map for every current Galaxy release.
Quick Recap
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- 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
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- 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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- 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.
Why might a routine not work—or change something unexpectedly?
- Confirm the condition was met. Review the routine’s If settings and any conditions or options it requires.
- Check that the action is available. The action list is device- and software-dependent; confirm the desired action appears in your editor.
- Review relevant settings. Check permissions, the state of any relevant app or connection, and battery settings if power-saving is enabled.
- Look for an active routine or Mode. Samsung recommends checking the routine notification, the Routines app, or the active Mode in the Now bar when an app or feature starts or becomes restricted unexpectedly. Its troubleshooting guidance explains these checks.
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