In our increasingly connected lives, our smartphones are central to everything we do. Imagine a phone that intuitively adapts to your daily activities – silencing notifications when you’re at work, optimizing battery during sleep, or launching your favorite music app when you connect to your car’s Bluetooth. This level of smart automation is not science fiction; it’s a core feature on Samsung Galaxy phones called Modes and Routines.
Modes and Routines (formerly known as Bixby Routines) is a powerful, built-in automation tool within Samsung’s One UI operating system. It allows you to set up “If This, Then That” (IFTTT) rules, where specific conditions (If) trigger a set of actions (Then). This eliminates the need for manual adjustments throughout your day, streamlining your mobile experience and making your phone truly intelligent. This feature was initially introduced as Bixby Routines, leveraging Samsung’s AI assistant Bixby, but has since evolved and expanded under the broader “Modes and Routines” umbrella, becoming a more prominent and accessible feature for all Galaxy users.
The concept of automating tasks on electronic devices has been around for decades, from simple macros on computers to complex smart home systems. Samsung’s Modes and Routines brings this sophisticated automation directly to your pocket, making your phone proactive rather than reactive. It’s a testament to the advancements in One UI, Samsung’s customized Android experience, which prioritizes user convenience and personalization.
Understanding Modes vs. Routines
While often grouped, Modes and Routines serve slightly different, complementary purposes:
- Modes: These are predefined profiles or settings designed for specific activities or times of day. Think of them as overarching states your phone can be in. Samsung provides several preset modes (e.g., Sleep, Driving, Work, Exercise, Relax, Theater), and you can also create custom ones. When a mode is active, it applies a whole set of pre-configured settings simultaneously.
- Example: Sleep Mode might automatically turn on Do Not Disturb, enable Greyscale, and activate power saving.
- Routines: These are more granular, specific automations based on an “If This, Then That” logic. You define one or more specific conditions (triggers) that, when met, cause your phone to perform one or more specific actions. Routines offer a wider array of triggers and actions than Modes.
- Example: If you connect to your car’s Bluetooth, Then open Spotify and turn on GPS.
In essence, Modes are about setting a state for an activity, while Routines are about specific automated actions based on triggers. You can even set a Routine to trigger when a certain Mode is activated.
How to Access Modes and Routines
Accessing this powerful feature is simple on your Samsung Galaxy phone.
- Open Settings:
- Swipe down twice from the top of your screen to open the full Quick Settings panel.
- Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner.
- Alternatively, find the Settings app icon in your app drawer and tap it.
- Navigate to Modes and Routines:
- Scroll down and tap on “Modes and Routines.”
You’ll see two tabs at the bottom: “Modes” and “Routines.”
How to Set Up a Custom Mode
Let’s create a custom mode for a scenario like “Gaming.”
- Go to the “Modes” Tab:
- From the Modes and Routines screen, ensure you are on the “Modes” tab at the bottom.
- Add a New Mode:
- Tap “Add mode” at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose a Mode Type:
- You can select from preset modes (like Sleep, Driving, etc.) or tap “Custom” to create a brand new one. For this example, let’s choose “Custom.”
- Name and Customize:
- Give your mode a name (e.g., “Gaming Focus”).
- Choose a color and an icon for easy identification.
- Tap “Done.”
- Set Conditions (When to turn on automatically):
- Tap “Turn on automatically.”
- Here, you define what will trigger this mode. You can choose from various conditions:
- Time period: Set specific start and end times (e.g., 6 PM to 10 PM).
- Place: Based on your location (e.g., when you arrive at home).
- Device Status: When connected to a specific Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth device.
- When an app is opened: (e.g., when you open Call of Duty Mobile). This is great for a gaming mode.
- Event: From your calendar.
- You can combine multiple conditions (e.g., “If at home AND between 6 PM and 10 PM”).
- Tap “Done” after selecting your conditions.
- Choose What This Mode Does (Actions):
- Under “Choose what this mode does,” you’ll find various categories for actions:
- Stay focused: This often includes Do Not Disturb settings and Restricting app usage (allowing only certain apps).
- Other actions: Tap “Add action” to explore a vast list of customizable settings.
- For a “Gaming Focus” mode, you might add:
- Sound mode and volume: Set to Mute or Vibrate, lower media volume.
- Do not disturb: Turn On (with exceptions for important contacts if desired).
- Screen brightness: Set to a specific level.
- Screen orientation: Set to Auto-rotate.
- Refresh rate: Set to Max (e.g., 120Hz for smoother gameplay).
- Power saving: Turn Off (to maximize performance, but note battery drain).
- App notifications: Block specific apps.
- Wallpaper: Change lock screen or home screen wallpaper to a gaming-themed one.
- Connected devices: Disconnect from Wi-Fi if network quality is poor, or connect to a specific Bluetooth gaming controller.
- Game Booster settings: Optimize game performance (this is different from Game Turbo itself, but can tie into it).
- Tap “Done” after adding each action.
- Under “Choose what this mode does,” you’ll find various categories for actions:
- Review and Save:
- Review all the settings for your new mode.
- Tap “Done” or “Save” to finalize.
Your custom mode is now set! It will automatically activate when its conditions are met. You can also manually activate modes from the Quick Settings panel (drag the “Modes” button there if it’s not already).
How to Create a Custom Routine
Routines are more about “If this specific thing happens, then do this specific action.”
- Go to the “Routines” Tab:
- From the Modes and Routines screen, tap the “Routines” tab at the bottom.
- Add a New Routine:
- Tap the “+” icon at the top of the screen to “Create routine.”
- Define Your “If” (Conditions/Triggers):
- Tap “Add what will trigger this routine.”
- This is where you choose your conditions. Routines offer a wider range of triggers than Modes:
- When an app is opened or closed
- Bluetooth device connected/disconnected
- Wi-Fi network connected/disconnected
- Time period
- Location (entering/leaving)
- Charging status
- Device unlocked
- Calls from specific contacts
- Headphones connected
- SMS received
- Button press (e.g., volume up/down)
- NFC tag recognized
- And many more!
- You can add multiple “If” conditions. For Routines, multiple “If” conditions are typically ANDed together (meaning all conditions must be met for the routine to activate), unlike Modes which can often be ORed.
- Tap “Done” after selecting your triggers.
- Define Your “Then” (Actions):
- Tap “Add what this routine will do.”
- Choose from a comprehensive list of actions your phone can perform:
- Change sound mode, volume, vibration
- Toggle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mobile Data, GPS, NFC
- Adjust screen brightness, refresh rate, screen timeout
- Open an app or run an app action
- Send a notification
- Control SmartThings devices
- Speak text aloud
- Change lock screen shortcuts
- Enable/disable Dark mode, Eye comfort shield
- And much, much more!
- You can add multiple “Then” actions.
- Tap “Done” after adding each action.
- Save and Name:
- Tap “Save” at the bottom.
- Give your routine a name and choose an icon and color.
- Tap “Done.”
Your routine is now active! It will automatically run whenever its specified conditions are met. You can also create widgets on your home screen for routines that are triggered manually.
Discovering Recommended Routines
Samsung provides a library of pre-made recommended routines that you can customize or use as inspiration.
- Go to the “Routines” Tab.
- Tap “Discover”:
- Tap the “Discover” icon (often a compass or magnifying glass) at the top of the screen.
- Browse and Customize:
- Explore categories like “Useful on the go,” “Adaptive routines,” or “Home routines.”
- Tap on a recommended routine to see its default “If” and “Then” settings.
- You can either tap “Save” to add it as is, or tap “Edit” to customize it to your liking before saving.
Practical Examples of Modes and Routines
- “Work Mode”:
- If: At Work location (GPS), OR Connected to Office Wi-Fi, AND between 9 AM and 5 PM on weekdays.
- Then: Turn on Do Not Disturb (allow calls from favorites), change sound mode to vibrate, disable Always-On Display, change lock screen wallpaper to a professional image.
- “Car Routine”:
- If: Bluetooth device connected (your car’s Bluetooth).
- Then: Open Spotify, turn on Google Maps, increase media volume, enable auto-rotate, read notifications aloud.
- “Charging Overnight Routine”:
- If: Charging status is “Charging” AND Time is 11 PM to 6 AM.
- Then: Enable Power saving mode, turn on Extra Dim, disable Fast Charging (to prolong battery health).
- “Movie Time Routine”:
- If: App opened (Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, etc.).
- Then: Set screen brightness to 70%, turn on Dolby Atmos, enable Auto-rotate, turn on Do Not Disturb.
- “Arriving Home Routine”:
- If: Arrive at Home location.
- Then: Turn on Wi-Fi, turn off Mobile Data, change sound mode to sound, turn on SmartThings lights (if connected).
By taking advantage of Samsung‘s Modes and Routines, you can significantly enhance your phone’s intelligence and tailor it precisely to your lifestyle, saving you time and effort throughout your day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the main difference between “Modes” and “Routines” on Samsung phones?
A1: Modes are broader, predefined profiles (like Sleep, Work, Driving) that apply a whole set of settings for a specific activity or time period. You can create custom Modes. Routines are more specific “If This, Then That” automations where specific conditions (triggers) lead to specific actions. Modes are about setting a state, while Routines are about automated actions based on triggers.
Q2: Is Modes and Routines the same as Bixby Routines?
A2: Yes, Modes and Routines is the evolved and expanded version of what was previously known as Bixby Routines. While the underlying automation engine is similar, Samsung rebranded and enhanced it under the “Modes and Routines” name as part of One UI updates, making it a more prominent and integrated feature, less tied to the Bixby assistant itself.
Q3: Do I need Bixby enabled to use Modes and Routines?
A3: No, you do not need Bixby enabled or actively used to set up and run Modes and Routines. While the feature originated from Bixby Routines, it now functions independently as a core part of One UI, allowing anyone to leverage its automation capabilities.
Q4: Can I set multiple conditions for a single routine?
A4: Yes, you can set multiple “If” conditions for a single routine. For Routines, these conditions are typically ANDed together, meaning all specified conditions must be met simultaneously for the routine to activate. For example, “If (Time is 7 AM) AND (Wi-Fi is connected).”
Q5: Will Modes and Routines drain my phone’s battery?
A5: Modes and Routines are generally designed to be battery-efficient. While some actions (like constantly checking location or enabling high performance modes) might consume more battery, the feature itself can often save battery by automating actions like turning off Wi-Fi when you leave home, enabling power saving at night, or reducing screen brightness in specific apps. The overall impact depends on how complex and frequent your routines are.
Q6: Can I manually activate a Mode or Routine?
A6: Yes. For Modes, you can add a “Modes” toggle to your Quick Settings panel (swipe down from the top, edit Quick Settings buttons, and drag “Modes” into the active area). Tapping this will show your saved modes for manual activation. For Routines, when you save a new routine that doesn’t have an automatic trigger, you’ll be prompted to add a widget to your home screen, allowing for manual activation with a tap.
