Samsung smartphones offer convenient shortcuts on the lock screen, allowing quick access to apps like the camera or phone dialer without unlocking the device. Customizing these lock screen shortcuts lets you tailor your phone to your daily needs and improve usability. This article provides a detailed guide on how to change lock screen shortcuts on Samsung devices, covering various models and One UI versions.
Understanding Lock Screen Shortcuts on Samsung
By default, Samsung lock screens feature shortcuts on the bottom corners—typically the Camera on the right and the Phone app on the left. These shortcuts enable you to launch frequently used apps quickly. Changing them helps prioritize the apps you use most often.
Step 1: Open Settings on Your Samsung Phone
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Notification Panel.
- Tap the gear icon to open Settings.
- Alternatively, locate the Settings app in your app drawer and tap to open.
Step 2: Navigate to Lock Screen Settings
- Scroll down in Settings and tap Lock screen.
- This section controls all lock screen-related options, including shortcuts.
Step 3: Access Lock Screen Shortcuts
- Within the Lock screen menu, look for Shortcuts or App shortcuts.
- Tap on it to see the current left and right shortcut settings.
Step 4: Change Left and Right Lock Screen Shortcuts
- Tap on the Left shortcut or Right shortcut to open the app selection menu.
- You will see a list of apps eligible to be set as lock screen shortcuts.
- Select your preferred app from the list.
- The new app shortcut will now appear on your lock screen.
Step 5: Test Your New Shortcuts
- Lock your phone by pressing the power button.
- On the lock screen, try swiping or tapping the new shortcut icons to confirm they open the selected apps.
Additional Customization Tips
- Some Samsung models or One UI versions allow you to disable shortcuts entirely by selecting None as the shortcut option.
- You can also customize lock screen widgets and notifications alongside shortcuts for a personalized experience.
- Make sure your phone’s software is up to date to access the latest customization features.
Troubleshooting
- If you don’t see the option to change lock screen shortcuts, check for a software update under Settings > Software update.
- On some older Samsung models, lock screen shortcuts are fixed and cannot be changed without third-party apps or custom launchers.
- Restarting your device after making changes can help apply settings properly.
Personal Experience
Changing my lock screen shortcuts to apps like Messages and Calculator saved me time during daily use. The customization allowed quick access to tools I frequently use without unlocking the phone fully, which felt both secure and efficient.
Conclusion
Customizing lock screen shortcuts on Samsung phones is straightforward and adds convenience to your daily phone use. By following the above steps, you can replace default shortcuts with apps that suit your needs. This enhances your user experience by making essential apps accessible right from the lock screen.
