Within the extensive Android universe, Samsung stands out as the leading manufacturer in sales, especially in the high-end range, thanks to its technological evolution and continuous incorporation of advanced functions.One of these features that defines the experience on Samsung smartphones is the ability to configure and use smart automations called Routines, accessible through the native Modes & Routines app and powered by the Bixby virtual assistant.
Mastering routines on Samsung not only brings convenience and efficiency, but also allows you to adapt the system to respond proactively to your habits, location, and schedule., controlling everything from connectivity to notifications and more. Learning how to set up, customize, and take full advantage of Routines can make a significant difference in the daily life of any Korean brand user.
If you are interested Delve into automation, get the most out of your Samsung smartphone, and discover advanced features like connected home controlBelow, we take an in-depth look at Routines and their capabilities, including examples, practical tips, and integration with Galaxy and SmartThings ecosystem devices.
What are routines and what are they used for on Samsung?
Routines on Samsung phones are smart automations that allow you to run predefined or customized actions based on specific conditions: location, time, connection status, interaction with devices, events, and more.They are natively integrated into Samsung phones through the "Modes and Routines" app, and also complement the Bixby Routines layer, where artificial intelligence recommends routines based on your habits.
The logic of these routines is based on rules such as "if this happens, then do that." For example, you can have your phone activate Do Not Disturb mode and dim the brightness when you get home at a certain time, or turn on Wi-Fi and launch Spotify when you get in the car. Samsung allows both predefined routines and the creation of unlimited routines.
- Save time and minimize repetitive tasks: : everything is automated according to your preferences.
- Personalize the Galaxy experience: from device control to interaction with smart home appliances thanks to SmartThings.
- Options for all user levels: from suggested routines to advanced settings.
Samsung Routines become a powerful tool for those who want their smartphone to proactively adapt to their daily needs and habits, achieving a truly "personalized" experience in every context: home, work, sleep, sports, driving, and more.
Advanced Automation: Differences between Modes and Routines
Samsung distinguishes between two main types of automation on its phones: Modes and Routines. Both features may seem similar, but they serve different purposes and complement each other for a comprehensive experience.:
- Modes: These are global settings that change the device's behavior for a specific context, such as sleeping, working, exercising, relaxing, or driving. Modes affect settings such as sound, notifications, app restrictions, or wallpapers, and are applied in bulk and only one at a time.
- Workouts: They allow you to precisely specify which actions occur under which conditions, simultaneously and in a personalized way. A routine can change the volume, turn Bluetooth on/off, change the screen orientation, control SmartThings devices, or launch apps, all automatically and cumulatively with other routines.
A mode can be complemented by several routines, and the Modes & Routines app allows you to control both from a single intuitive interface.Additionally, you can program trigger conditions such as network connection, location, interaction with Bluetooth devices, calendar events, and schedules.
How to set up and use routines on Samsung?
The steps to set up and use routines on Samsung are simple, but offer depth for those who want to customize every last detail.You have two main ways to access it: from your phone's Settings app or directly from the Quick Panel.
- Make sure your device is updated:
- Accede to Settings> Software update and download the latest version to ensure compatibility and features.
- Open the Modes & Routines app:
- From Settings or from the Quick Panel (look for the Modes and Routines icon and long press it for shortcut access).
- Go to the "Routines" tab (below in the app).
Creating a new custom routine
- Push the button + to start creating a routine.
- Set the trigger in the "If" section. You can choose between:
- Specific geographical location (home, work, cinema, gym, etc.)
- Connecting to specific Bluetooth or WiFi devices
- Schedule (time and day of the week)
- Actions in apps (open a specific app, start a call, receive a message, etc.)
- Device status (low battery, headphone connection, brightness level, etc.)
- Calendar events or many other conditions
- Define the action in the "Then" section what you want the phone to do:
- Activate/deactivate connections (WiFi, Bluetooth, mobile data, airplane mode, etc.)
- Change sound, brightness, dark mode, Do Not Disturb settings
- Restrict or allow the use of applications
- Change wallpapers, screen orientation, power saving
- Send messages, make calls, notify, open specific apps
- Control connected devices using SmartThings
- Dozens of possibilities grouped by sections
- You can add multiple conditions and actions in a single routine to achieve complex automations.
- Customize the name, icon, color, and review your routine before saving.
- Balance Save and the routine will be active.
Additionally, you can explore recommended routines from the option Discover At the top, Samsung suggests useful automations that you simply need to adapt and activate. These routines range from energy saving, multimedia control, automation upon arrival/departure, to integration with smart home devices.
Advanced customization: practical examples and tips
- When I got home: Your phone automatically turns on Wi-Fi, turns off mobile data, sets the volume to low, and turns on smart lights if you have SmartThings setup.
- Driving Mode: When connected to your vehicle's Bluetooth, it mutes notifications, activates Do Not Disturb mode, opens Google Maps and Spotify for your trip.
- Sleep Routine: at a specific time, activate Do Not Disturb, restrict apps, set the screen to grayscale, change the background, and, if you have a Galaxy Watch, monitor sleep.
- Office Mode: When you arrive at your work location, silence your phone, connect to the work Wi-Fi, and enable automatic meeting recording.
- SmartThings Device Control: Automatically turn lights, plugs, air conditioners, or robot vacuum cleaners on or off according to schedule or when you leave/enter the house.
Also take advantage of the button More to access advanced options that allow you to create routines with multiple conditions, run actions when connected to certain devices, or restrict/allow apps only when you need them.
If you wish, you can modify the order of the actions by dragging each one to the desired position, so that automatic execution follows the most logical flow for you.
Change, delete, or disable routines
- Enter the section My routines in the app.
- Click on the routine you want to modify or delete.
- You can pause/disable from the switch or press the three dots to access Delete o Edit.
- Routines can be edited at any time and customized to your changing needs.
Compatibility and Update Requirements
To enjoy all the features of Modes and Routines on your Samsung mobile, you must have One UI 5 or newer versions.On older models running previous versions of One UI, you can access the Routines feature through Bixby Routines in the Advanced Features menu.
- Update the operating system by entering Settings> Software update.
- The feature is available on mobile phones, tablets, and select Galaxy ecosystem devices that support SmartThings.
- It is recommended that you also update related apps from the Galaxy Store or Google Play to avoid compatibility issues.
Bixby and voice: much more than automated routines
Bixby is Samsung's own virtual assistant that integrates powerful automation capabilities, voice control, and smart suggestions.. In addition to routines, it allows:
- Total voice control: Activate routines, check information, open apps, or configure settings by saying “Hi Bixby” followed by your command.
- Smart capsules: Bixby integrates special modules that allow you to directly manage hardware, apps and services without navigating through menus.
- advanced automation: Enhances interaction with the SmartThings ecosystem, managing home automation and connected devices with simple commands.
- Smart searches: by voice or text, on the web or in apps, redirecting the user according to availability.
- Multimedia control: Manage music, podcast, and video playback on compatible platforms like Spotify or YouTube, even with voice commands.
- Dictation and accessibility: Write messages, take notes, or reply to emails using only your voice, a very useful option for those looking for accessibility.
Bixby thus becomes the command center of your Galaxy, allowing you to control the device hands-free and facilitating multitasking.
Beyond mobile: routines and the smart home
One of the great added values of routines in Samsung is its full integration with the SmartThings platform for the smart homeFrom the application itself you can automate tasks such as:
- Turn smart lights, plugs, thermostats, and appliances on/off based on your schedule or presence at home.
- Set up scenarios for home theater, relaxation, remote work, automated cleaning, or travel.
- Link routines to calendar events, motion detection, or connected smart sensors.
- Control devices from different brands as long as they are compatible with the SmartThings platform.
For example, you can create a routine so that when you leave home, all lights are turned off and non-essential devices are unplugged, saving energy and improving security. Or schedule the air conditioning to turn on before you arrive based on your daily location.
Tips to get the most out of Samsung Routines
For an optimal experience, always have location and necessary permissions enabled, especially if you're automating actions tied to specific locations.Some additional recommendations:
- Group similar routines to avoid conflicts or redundancies.
- Use modes for global changes (sleep, work, relaxation) and routines for specific or custom automations.
- Enable routine notifications to receive feedback on executed automations.
- Explore the Discover section to get inspired by suggested routines and adapt them to your daily routine.
- Review your routines periodically and update them if your habits or needs change.
If you have multiple devices in the Galaxy ecosystem (tablets, smartwatches, home automation), you can sync routines and enjoy a seamless experience across all of them.
Automation at Samsung is constantly evolving, offering ever-increasing possibilities to make your digital life easier: from energy savings, productivity, entertainment, to home control. All this from an intuitive and flexible interface accessible to any user, whether you have advanced technical knowledge or not.
It is demonstrated that Taking advantage of routines and modes on Samsung is the best way to personalize your smartphone, automate your daily life and get the most out of technology.The flexibility and power of this feature make it one of the greatest differentiators of the Galaxy ecosystem, both for individual users and those seeking a connected and automated experience in their smart home.
