The side key, formerly known as the Bixby button, on your Samsung phone offers a convenient way to access frequently used features. Out of the box, it’s often configured for specific actions, but the beauty of Android lies in its customizability. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to change the side key on your Samsung device, empowering you to tailor it to your individual needs and preferences. We’ll explore different methods, troubleshooting tips, and useful features that can be triggered with this single button.
Understanding The Side Key’s Capabilities
Before diving into the “how-to,” it’s crucial to understand what the side key can actually do. The capabilities of the side key have evolved over the years, with Samsung progressively offering more options for customization. Essentially, you can assign different actions to a single press and a double press of the button. You can also configure the press and hold function.
Think of the possibilities: launching your favorite camera app instantly, accessing Google Assistant, opening a specific app you use daily, turning on the flashlight, or even triggering a custom automation routine. Understanding the potential unlocks the real power of this little button.
Step-by-Step Guide To Reconfiguring The Side Key
Let’s get down to business. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of how to remap the side key on your Samsung phone. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your specific Samsung model and Android version, but the general principle remains the same.
Navigating To The Side Key Settings
The first step is finding the side key settings menu on your device. There are usually two ways to access these settings:
-
Through the Quick Panel: Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the Quick Panel (notification shade). Look for the Power icon (usually at the top right). Tap on the Power icon. Select “Side key settings”. This will directly take you to the configuration page.
-
Through the Settings App: Open the Settings app on your Samsung phone. Scroll down and look for “Advanced features” or “Gestures”. Tap on it. Within “Advanced features” or “Gestures”, you should find an option labeled “Side key”. Tap on “Side key” to open the settings.
Once you’ve found the “Side key” option, tap it to enter the configuration menu.
Customizing The Double Press Action
The double press function is often the primary target for customization. In the Side key settings menu, you’ll typically see a section labeled “Double press”. This section will show you the current action assigned to a double press of the side key.
To change the action, make sure that the “Double press” toggle is turned on. Then, you should see two options:
-
Quick launch camera: This option will launch the default camera app on your phone.
-
Open app: This option allows you to choose a specific app to open when you double press the side key. Tap on the settings icon next to “Open app”. A list of all the apps installed on your phone will appear. Scroll through the list and select the app you want to launch with a double press.
Selecting the app you desire completes the customization. From now on, double pressing the side key will immediately launch the app you’ve chosen.
Customizing The Press And Hold Action
The “Press and hold” function also offers valuable customization options. Within the side key settings menu, you’ll find a section labeled “Press and hold”. Typically, there are two options for this action:
-
Wake Bixby: This option will activate Bixby, Samsung’s voice assistant. If you are a regular user of Bixby, this option might be useful.
-
Power off menu: This option will bring up the standard power off menu, allowing you to turn off your phone, restart it, or access emergency mode. This is usually the default setting and often preferred by users who don’t use Bixby.
Select the option that best suits your needs. If you don’t use Bixby, changing this option to “Power off menu” can prevent accidental Bixby activations.
Advanced Customization And Hidden Features
While the standard Side key settings offer decent customization, some advanced techniques can further enhance its functionality.
Using Bixby Routines For Complex Actions
Bixby Routines allows you to create automated tasks based on various triggers. You can use the side key as a trigger to initiate a complex routine.
For example, you could set up a routine that, when activated by the side key, turns on your Wi-Fi, launches your music app, and sets the volume to a specific level. This can be incredibly useful for streamlining common tasks. To configure this, you need to first create a Bixby Routine. Then, in the routine settings, you can add the side key press as a starting condition. The possibilities are virtually limitless, depending on your creativity and the capabilities of Bixby Routines.
Third-Party Apps For Expanded Functionality
Several third-party apps available on the Google Play Store can further expand the side key’s functionality. These apps can allow you to assign even more actions, such as taking a screenshot, controlling music playback, toggling system settings, or even launching custom scripts. However, be cautious when installing third-party apps and ensure they are from reputable developers. Always check reviews and permissions before granting access to your device.
Troubleshooting Common Side Key Issues
Sometimes, the side key might not work as expected. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting steps.
Side Key Not Responding
If the side key is not responding at all, try these solutions:
-
Restart your phone: A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches.
-
Check for software updates: Ensure your phone is running the latest software version. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
-
Check the side key settings: Double-check that the side key is enabled in the settings menu and that the actions are configured correctly.
-
Hardware issue: If none of the above steps work, there might be a hardware problem with the side key itself. In this case, you may need to contact Samsung support or take your phone to a repair shop.
Accidental Bixby Activations
If you are constantly accidentally activating Bixby, consider these solutions:
-
Disable Bixby entirely: If you don’t use Bixby at all, you can disable it completely in the Bixby settings. This will prevent it from being activated by the side key.
-
Change the press and hold action: As mentioned earlier, change the “Press and hold” action in the side key settings to “Power off menu”.
Incorrect App Launching
If the wrong app is launching when you double press the side key, double-check the app selection in the side key settings. Make sure you have selected the correct app from the list.
Optimizing Your Side Key Configuration
The best side key configuration is subjective and depends on your individual needs and usage patterns. Here are some tips to help you optimize your side key setup.
Identify Your Most Frequent Tasks
Think about the tasks you perform most often on your phone. Do you frequently take photos? Do you often need to access a specific app? Identify these tasks and assign them to the side key for quick access.
Prioritize Convenience
The goal of customizing the side key is to make your phone more convenient to use. Choose actions that will save you time and effort.
Experiment And Refine
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different configurations and see what works best for you. You can always change the settings later if you’re not happy with your initial setup.
Consider Battery Life
While the side key itself doesn’t consume a significant amount of battery, the actions you assign to it might. For example, launching a resource-intensive app frequently could slightly impact battery life. Keep this in mind when choosing your side key actions.
Alternatives To The Side Key: Exploring Other Customization Options
While the side key is a useful customization option, it’s not the only one available on Samsung phones. Exploring other customization features can further enhance your user experience.
Edge Panels
Edge Panels provide quick access to apps, contacts, and other features with a simple swipe from the edge of the screen. You can customize the content of the Edge Panels to suit your needs.
Gestures
Samsung phones offer a variety of gesture-based controls, such as swiping to take a screenshot or lifting your phone to wake it. These gestures can streamline common tasks and make your phone more intuitive to use.
Quick Settings
Customize the Quick Settings panel to include the toggles you use most often. This provides quick access to features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and flashlight.
The Future Of Side Key Customization
As Samsung continues to innovate, we can expect to see even more customization options for the side key in the future. Potential future enhancements could include:
-
Context-aware actions: The side key could perform different actions depending on the current context, such as the time of day or your location.
-
Integration with other smart home devices: The side key could be used to control smart home devices, such as turning on the lights or adjusting the thermostat.
-
More granular control: Users could have more control over the sensitivity and responsiveness of the side key.
The side key is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance the usability of your Samsung phone. By understanding its capabilities and exploring the various customization options available, you can tailor it to your individual needs and preferences, making your phone more efficient and enjoyable to use. Take the time to experiment with different configurations and find the setup that works best for you. With a little bit of effort, you can unlock the full potential of this often-overlooked button.
What Actions Can I Assign To The Side Key On My Samsung Phone?
The side key on your Samsung phone offers a range of customization options beyond the default power function. You can configure it to quickly launch specific apps, activate accessibility features, or access the quick launch camera. This allows you to personalize your phone’s functionality to suit your daily usage and streamline frequently performed tasks.
Beyond launching apps, the side key customization often includes options for utilizing a double press or press and hold gesture. The double press can be assigned to one action, while the press and hold can be configured separately, potentially opening Bixby Voice, the power off menu, or another designated function. This dual functionality significantly enhances the key’s versatility.
How Do I Access The Side Key Settings On My Samsung Phone?
Accessing the side key settings is a straightforward process. Begin by opening your phone’s Settings app. From there, navigate to the “Advanced features” section. This section consolidates various customization options for your device, including those related to the side key.
Within “Advanced features,” you will find an option specifically labeled “Side key.” Tapping this option will bring you to the dedicated settings page where you can modify the key’s behavior. Here, you can choose which app to launch with a double press and what action to perform with a press and hold.
Can I Disable The Side Key Entirely?
While you can’t entirely disable the side key for the power function, you can customize its other functions to minimize unintended activations. For instance, you can set the double press action to something less frequently used or leave it unassigned if you find it triggering accidentally.
However, disabling the power function is not an option, as it’s essential for turning the device on and off, restarting, and accessing emergency features. The core power functions are integral to the device’s operation and therefore cannot be deactivated through software settings.
What If The Side Key Isn’t Working As Expected?
If your side key isn’t functioning properly, the first step is to check your settings. Ensure that the desired actions are correctly assigned within the “Side key” settings menu. Sometimes, a software update or accidental setting change can alter these configurations.
If the settings are correct and the key still malfunctions, try restarting your phone. A simple restart often resolves minor software glitches that can interfere with hardware functionality. If the problem persists after a restart, it could indicate a hardware issue requiring professional repair.
Does Customizing The Side Key Affect Battery Life?
Customizing the side key is unlikely to have a significant impact on your phone’s battery life. The key itself is a physical button that only draws power when pressed. The assigned actions, such as launching an app, may consume battery, but this is no different than launching the app through any other method.
The power consumption related to side key customization is negligible compared to other factors like screen usage, background processes, and network connectivity. You can customize the key to your liking without worrying about dramatically reducing your phone’s battery performance.
Can I Customize The Side Key To Launch A Specific Website?
Directly launching a specific website through the side key isn’t a built-in feature on Samsung phones. The settings typically offer options to launch installed apps or access system functions. There isn’t a direct option to enter a URL for launching a website.
However, a workaround involves creating a shortcut to the website using a third-party app. Some apps allow you to create app-like shortcuts for websites, which can then be launched using the side key’s app launch functionality. This provides an indirect way to achieve the desired outcome.
Are There Any Limitations To Side Key Customization?
While Samsung provides reasonable customization options for the side key, there are some limitations. The key’s primary function as a power button cannot be changed or disabled. This ensures the fundamental power controls remain accessible at all times.
Additionally, the range of actions available for assignment is limited to the options provided within the settings menu. You cannot assign custom scripts or complex multi-step actions directly to the side key without potentially using third-party apps or modifications that may void your warranty.