Using motions and gestures to control yourGalaxy phoneis faster and more fluid than clunky buttons because your fingers are already running along the touchscreen for otherapps. You can customize the way you takescreenshots, navigate yourphone, and more by easily swiping your screen with the Motion & Gestures feature.
If you’re optimizing your user experience with Motions & Gestures, you might as well tweak other settings to improve your Galaxy’s comfort and usability. In this guide, I outline how to use swipe controls to access common phone functions and adjust the display size and menu button layouts so everything’show you want it in your Galaxy device.
Can Samsung DeX replace your Windows desktop?
I tested Samsung’s desktop platform on various devices to learn more about its performance and limitations.
How to setup Motions and Gestures with your Galaxy device
Go toSettingsand openAdvanced Features
Tap onMotion and Gestures.
- A window will open, and you can use the handy sliders to activate the functions you’d like to use.
How do Motions and Gestures work with Galaxy phones?
1. Lift to Wake
Lift to Wake activates the display automatically when you lift your phone, so you can check the time, date, and other information at a glance without pressing any buttons.
2. Double Tap to Turn On and Off Screen
This feature is similar to Lift to Wake and allows you to quickly check for notifications and view other information by tapping the screen twice. It’s faster than using the side buttons, and you may also double-tap to turn the screen off when you’re done.
3. Alert when phone is picked up
When you activate this feature, your Galaxy phone will vibrate if you’ve missed a call or message. It’s handy when you’re on the go and don’t want to waste time looking at the screen to find out if you have any notifications.
4. Mute with gestures
There’s no need to scramble for sliders and buttons when you can mute calls and alarms by simply placing your hand over the screen or turning your phone over.
5. Palm Swipe to Capture
Taking screenshots usually involves pressing the power + volume down buttons simultaneously or finding the function on the quick access menu. Palm Swipe to Capture makes things easier by allowing you to take screenshots by sliding your hand across the display. It can be tricky the first couple of times, but you’ll never go back to the other, more complicated ways once you get the hang of it.
Best Prime Day 2024 phone deals: Save $300 on a Google Pixel 8 Pro
Several notable high-end smartphones are on sale for Prime Day.
Other Motion and gesture features to improve your Galaxy experience.
Not all of Samsung’s gesture controls are in one place, and it’s worth checking out these functions and settings to make your phone more user-friendly.
How to setup One-handed mode on Samsung Galaxy
The latest Galaxy phones are the biggest yet, and One-handed mode makes them easier to use by shrinking the display area to a more manageable size.
- OpenSettingsand go toAdvanced features
Tap onOne-handed modeand use thesliderto turn the function on and off.
Tick the desired checkbox to reduce the display size byswiping down in the center of the screen’s bottom edgeor tapping theHomebutton. Swiping is fast once you’ve learned how to do it, but most people will probably prefer the precision of tapping the button. You can also move the shrunken display left or right to fit your hand with the convenient arrows on each side.
How to use Samsung Galaxy Swipe to call and text
The swipe-to-call and text functions allow you to swipe on a contact instead of going into their details to dial their number or write a message. Activating these features reduces the steps you must follow when communicating with your family and friends and saves time in the long run.
- Open theSamsung Phone appand tap thethree-dot iconon the display’s top-right corner.
Tap onOther Call settingswhen theCall settingswindow opens
Move the slider left or right to activate theSwipe to call or textfunction. Once activated, you can swipe left on a contact to send a message and swipe right to make a call.
How I enable and use ultra-wideband (UWB) on my Android
UWB is the MVP when it comes to unlocking your car, tracking your keys, and more.
How to use Samsung Galaxy Swipe Gestures
Samsung Galaxy Swipe Gestures replaces the three navigation icons at the bottom of the display with swipe controls, resulting in a smoother, uncluttered experience.
1. OpenSettingsand tap onDisplay.
Scroll down and openNavigation barin the Display menu.
You can then tickButtonsorSwipe gesturesto manage your navigation bar controls. Buttons is the default setting, which displays the three icons at the bottom of the screen for navigation. Swipe Gestures makes them disappear and adds swipe controls instead.
When choosingSwipe Gestures,you’ll need to activateGesture HintandShow button to hide keyboard with sliders. Gesture Hintmakes it easier to learn how to use your new navigation system by showing you where to swipe,whileShow button to hide keyboardadds a down arrow button to hide the keyboard in portrait mode.
How to program Samsung Galaxy side-buttons
It’s worth programming your phone’s side buttons to open the apps you want while customizing your Galaxy user experience.
OpenSettings, navigate toAdvanced features, and openSide Button.
Use thesliderto activate theDouble pressmode and choose whether you want to quick launch the camera, access Samsung wallet, or open another app.
you’re able to also tick the box you prefer underPress and holdto activate Bixby or the Power off menu.
I immediately install these 9 apps on any new Galaxy phone
From WhatsApp and Microsoft 365 to Fiton and Steam Link, the must-have apps for your new Samsung Galaxy phone.
Q: Is it worth using motions and gestures on Samsung Galaxy phones?
Motion and gesture controls are worth using on your Samsung Galaxy phone because they save time and make navigation easier and faster.
Q: Do I need third-party apps to activate Samsung Galaxy motion and gesture controls?
Samsung Galaxy phones have baked-in motion and gesture controls so there’s no need to download separate apps.
Q: What functions can I access with Samsung Galaxy motion and gesture controls?
You can mute your phone, take screenshots, and more with Samsung Galaxy motion and gesture controls.
