When it’s time to buckle up and focus on the task at hand, you’ll want to know how to set a mode on your Galaxy S23. Introduced as part of Modes and Routines with Samsung’s One UI 5 interface for Android 13, Modes can limit distractions like notifications and incoming calls, and can even launch specific apps related to what you want to focus on. Best of all, modes can start automatically based on conditions you set.
The modes and routines were updated for the One UI 5.1 update that debuted with the launch of the Galaxy S23 earlier this year, adding a new Theater mode among other changes. Turn on Cinema mode and you can make sure your Galaxy phone doesn’t ruin your next trip to the movies by constantly receiving notifications. You can set Theater mode to mute notifications and even dim the light emanating from your phone screen so it doesn’t disturb the people around you.
But that’s just one of the half dozen modes available in the Modes & Routines settings on your Galaxy S23. You can even create a custom mode that manages apps and notifications the way you want.
While we’re focusing on Modes and Routines for the Galaxy S23, this feature is available for any Samsung phone running One UI 5 or later. That includes older Galaxy S models as well as newer devices like the Galaxy A54. Here’s a closer look at how to use a Mode on your Galaxy smartphone, and how Modes can help you stay on task.
What modes are available in Modes & Routines?
Before I show you how to set a Profile, let’s talk about the Profiles that come preloaded on your phone. You can tweak them to your liking, but these pre-existing modes are a great way to get started with this feature.
In addition to the previously mentioned Theater mode, your options include:
- Driving: You can block calls and notifications, and the mode turns on automatically when your Galaxy phone connects to your car’s Bluetooth.
- Sleep: Limit the apps you can use and adjust the screen brightness just before bed. Sleep can be set to take effect based on your own sleep schedule.
- Exercise: Minimize notifications so you can focus on your training.
- Chill out: This mode can be useful if you want to go without a screen for a certain period of time. It’s also useful for blocking work-related apps when you’re at home.
- Work: You can limit incoming calls and notifications or even launch specific work-related apps. You can link this mode to your location so it turns on when you get to your office.
How to set a mode on your Galaxy S23
We’re going to walk you through setting up a mode on your Galaxy S23 (or any Samsung phone running One UI 5 or later), using Driving Mode as an example. Please note that the setup process may vary depending on the mode you are enabling.
1. Launch modes and routines
(Image: © Tom’s Guide)
Launch the Settings app, and select modes and routines from the menu.
2. Choose the mode you want to set
(Image: © Tom’s Guide)
From the Modes tab, scroll through the list of preset modes and touch the one you want to configure. For our example, we are setting the driving mode. On the next screen, touch start to begin the setup process.
3. Choose how you want your Mode to be activated
(Image: © Tom’s Guide)
Since we are setting up the driving mode, you will be asked if you want the driving mode to be activated when your phone connects to your car via Bluetooth. Touch the button next to the Bluetooth device and follow the onscreen instructions to pair your phone and car. Press Done when you’re done.
4. Manage phone calls and notifications
(Image: © Tom’s Guide)
Turn on the Do Not Disturb slider if you want that mode enabled when behind the wheel of your car. You also can touch Calls and messages to manage which calls go through. (On the next screen, for example, you can add contacts who can reach you, or enable a setting to allow repeat callers who make more than one call in 15 minutes to reach your phone.) Touch App notifications to manage which apps can send you notifications when you drive. Press Next when you are done set things up to your liking.
5. Manage your mode settings
(Image: © Tom’s Guide)
For Driving mode, you will be asked if you want a specific app to open when the mode starts. You can also set whether notifications are read aloud, whether you can use your voice to summon Bixby, or adjust the media volume. Touch any setting you want to adjust and follow the instructions on the screen.
For my driving mode, I set it to start Google Maps.
When you finish, tap Done.
6. Check your mode settings
(Image: © Tom’s Guide)
A screen will appear summarizing the changes you have made. Can touch each section to adjust it further. EITHER tap Activate if you are ready to activate your Mode.
What about setting up a custom mode? It follows many of the same steps as above, although you’ll need to figure out what kind of mode you’re trying to create and what distractions you want to filter out. For this example, I’ve created a mode called Sports for when I’m in the game. This is how I did it.
1. Create your own custom mode
(Image: © Tom’s Guide)
From the main Modes and Workouts screen, scroll down past the pre-existing modes and touch add mode.
2. Give your mode a name
(Image: © Tom’s Guide)
Tap on the line marked Custom to give a name to its mode. You also can select a color and icon for the mode. As I mentioned, I call it Sports.
3. Configure how you want to activate your custom mode
(Image: © Tom’s Guide)
You are given the option of how your mode can be activated automatically. You can pair it to launch a particular app, connect to a Bluetooth device, or meet certain conditions like connecting to a specific Wi-Fi network, turning on Airplane mode, and the like. You also have the option to choose a particular time of day for your mode to activate. For this one, I tied it to a location: My Sports mode will kick in when you arrive at a specific stadium.
4. Manage your mode settings
(Image: © Tom’s Guide)
Just like in step 5 when we were configuring the driving mode, we can adjust specific settings for our custom application. In the case of my Sports mode, I set it to have ESPN start when the mode is on.
5. Check your mode settings
(Image: © Tom’s Guide)
A screen will appear summarizing the details of the mode you just created. Can touch any item to edit that or you can tap Activate to activate the mode.
And those are the basics of how to set a mode on your Galaxy S23 or any Galaxy phone running One UI 5 or later. If you’re wondering about the Routines part of the Modes and Routines settings, here’s our guide to using the Routines feature on the Galaxy S23.
Looking for more tips on the Galaxy S23? Start by familiarizing yourself with some hidden Samsung Galaxy features.
For Galaxy S23-specific tips, we can show you how to use Bixby Text Call, another addition via One UI 5.1. Knowing how to enable Light Performance Mode on the Galaxy S23 can help your phone run cooler and save battery life. We also have instructions on how to take a screenshot on the Galaxy S23 and how to manage dark mode.
