How to Use Samsung Routines to Automate Your Phone

Samsung Routines are if-this-then-that rules for a Galaxy phone. You choose a trigger, such as a time, app, charger, Wi-Fi network, or Bluetooth device, then choose actions the phone should perform automatically.

These steps apply to Samsung Galaxy phones running One UI 5 and later. Older phones may call the same feature Bixby Routines.

Does This Affect You?

Use this if you want your phone to mute at night, turn on Wi-Fi at home, open Maps in the car, lower brightness at bedtime, or run other repeatable actions automatically.

Create a Custom Routine

1. Open Settings > Modes and Routines > Routines.
2. Tap the plus button.
3. Under If, add a trigger such as time, day, app opened, Bluetooth connected, Wi-Fi connected, charger plugged in, or location.
4. Add more than one condition if needed.
5. Under Then, add actions such as changing volume, brightness, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Do Not Disturb, wallpaper, or launching an app.
6. Tap Save and name the Routine.

Use a Recommended Routine

1. Open the Routines tab.
2. Scroll to Recommended or Discover Routines.
3. Choose a suggested routine, such as silence at night or launch maps when connected to car Bluetooth.
4. Review the trigger and actions.
5. Edit anything that does not fit your needs.
6. Tap Add or Save.

Fix a Routine That Does Not Run

1. Open the Routines list and confirm the routine toggle is on.
2. Check the exact days and times selected.
3. For Bluetooth or location triggers, confirm required permissions are still allowed.
4. Check the battery settings for Routines or Bixby and avoid restricted background battery mode.
5. Restart the phone after changing permissions or battery settings.

Routines Notes

Modes Are Simpler Profiles

Modes are one-tap or scheduled profiles. Routines are more flexible automations that react to conditions. A routine can even turn on a Mode as an action.

Share Routines

Samsung can share some routines by QR code or link, useful when setting up another Galaxy phone with the same automation.

Disable Instead of Deleting

If you might want the rule later, turn off its toggle instead of deleting it. The setup remains saved.

Sources

• Samsung Support: Use Modes and Routines on Galaxy phones
• Samsung Support: Create a custom Routine
• Samsung Members: Getting the most out of Routines

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