Samsung Galaxy smartphones are known for their top-tier hardware and sleek design, but many users may not realize just how much more their phones can do with a few quick setting changes. With One UI 7, Samsung delivers one of the smoothest Android experiences available today—but the default configuration doesn’t necessarily unlock the phone’s full potential.
Tech experts recommend adjusting 11 specific settings right after unboxing a new Galaxy phone. These tweaks can significantly improve usability, enhance privacy, and optimize overall performance. From disabling distracting pop-up notifications to enabling gesture navigation, these changes are simple but impactful.
For instance, turning off pop-up notifications can reduce distractions while reading or browsing. Switching to gesture-based navigation, rather than sticking with the traditional three-button system, offers a more fluid experience. And if you’re using a high-end model like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, changing the screen resolution to its highest setting (QHD+) ensures stunning visuals—though it may slightly impact battery life.
Customization and Functionality Enhancements
Samsung’s One UI also allows for meaningful personalization. Users can modify the functionality of the side key—formerly known as the power button—so it launches the power menu instead of summoning a virtual assistant. Lock screen notifications can also be adjusted to display more useful card-style alerts or hide sensitive content for added privacy.
Another essential recommendation is signing up for a Samsung Galaxy smartphones account. This enables access to exclusive features like Samsung Wallet, the Galaxy Store, and Galaxy Themes, while also streamlining data migration when upgrading devices. For those who want even deeper customization, downloading the Good Lock app from the Galaxy Store is highly recommended. It unlocks advanced tools like Home Up and One Hand Operation+, perfect for large phones like the S25 Ultra.
Removing pre-installed apps—also known as bloatware—is another smart move. Many Galaxy phones come with apps that users may never open, including Samsung TV, CoPilot, and Facebook. Uninstalling or disabling these apps not only frees up storage space but can also improve phone speed and battery efficiency.
Polishing the Visual Experience
Visual customization plays a major role in improving the Galaxy user experience. Adjusting the home screen with more compact icon grids (like a 5×5 layout), using transparent widgets, and applying wallpaper-inspired color palettes can make the interface feel both modern and personalized. These options are available under Wallpaper and Style > Color Palette settings.
Users are also encouraged to enable the Always On Display for quick time and date viewing. While Samsung defaults to a tap-to-show setting, changing it to always-on ensures vital info is accessible at a glance without unlocking the phone. Additionally, the redesigned notification panel—borrowed from iOS—can be reverted to the classic style by changing the panel settings in the notification drawer.
Together, these 11 setting adjustments transform a great phone into a truly personalized and efficient device. With minimal effort, Samsung Galaxy smartphones users can enjoy a smoother, more tailored smartphone experience that reflects their daily needs and preferences.
