Modern smartphones Samsung Galaxy offer users incredible flexibility in customizing the interface, allowing you to adapt the device to individual usage habits. One of the most frequently used elements of the system is the quick access panel, which is often called the “curtain” or “notification panel”. This is where we control Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, flashlight and Do Not Disturb mode. However, the standard arrangement of buttons set by default by the manufacturer is not always convenient for each specific user.
Many owners of series devices Galaxy S or Galaxy A do not even suspect that they can completely redesign this interface by adding the necessary functions to the first screen or removing unnecessary ones. The ability to edit is hidden in the deep layers of the menu, but once you master it, you will significantly speed up interaction with your gadget. In this article, we will analyze the customization process in detail so that you can manage your smartphone with maximum efficiency.
What is a quick access panel and why change it
The quick access panel in the shell One UI is not just a set of static icons, but a dynamic tool for managing system functions. It's divided into two main areas: the top with app notifications and the bottom with toggles. By default, the system offers a basic set of 10-12 buttons located on two pages. However, the functionality of modern smartphones Samsung is much wider, and many useful options remain hidden in submenus.
Changing the configuration of this panel allows you to bring to the surface the tools that are most important to you. For example, if you often use a mobile hotspot or power saving mode, having them always at hand will eliminate the need to wander through settings. In addition, on new models it is now possible to change not only the set of buttons, but also their visual design, as well as the way they are displayed.
- 📱 Personalization: Place frequently used functions within the reach of your thumb for convenient one-handed operation.
- ⚡ Working speed: Instant access to the necessary switches saves time and eliminates unnecessary transitions through the menu.
- 🎨 Visual style: Changing the style of buttons helps make the interface more modern or, conversely, classic, depending on your preferences.
It is worth noting that the set of buttons available for adding may vary depending on the model of your device and operating system version Android. On flagship models, such as Galaxy S24 Ultra, the list of available tools will be much wider than on budget series. This is due to the presence of specific equipment or software that requires separate management.
⚠️ Attention: The shell interface One UI is regularly updated. The location of some menu items may differ slightly on different firmware versions. If you do not find an item, check for system updates in the settings.
How to enter panel editing mode
The process of entering editing mode on devices Samsung is standardized, but requires a certain sequence of actions, which is not always obvious the first time. You don't need to look for hidden settings deep in the system; all the necessary tools are located directly in the notification shade itself. First, make sure that the screen is unlocked and you are on the desktop or in any application.
Swipe down from the top of the screen to fully expand the notification panel. If only part of the screen opens the first time, swipe again to see all the shortcut buttons. It is in this expanded state that management tools become available. Pay attention to the top of the button area: there is a horizontal bar with three dots or a pencil icon, depending on the version One UI.
Click on this edit icon. The system may ask you to confirm your identity through biometrics (fingerprint or face scan) or a pattern if you have a screen lock. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized persons from accidentally changing system settings. After successful authentication, the interface will change: the buttons will become movable, and a list of available but currently hidden elements will appear at the bottom.
☑️ Check before editing
It is important to understand that in edit mode you see all available slots for buttons. Empty cells mean that new functions from the lower list can be added there. If all the cells are occupied, you will have to first remove the unnecessary element to make room for the new one. This limitation is due to the fixed size of the interface grid.
Adding, removing and moving buttons
The main customization work takes place in the editing mode, which we activated in the previous step. The interface here is as intuitive as possible and is built on the drag-and-drop principle. At the bottom of the screen you will see two areas: the upper one is the active panel, and the lower one is where additional buttons are stored. To add a new function, simply click on it in the lower list and drag it up to the active buttons area.
If you want to remove a button that you rarely use, click on it in the active area and drag it down to the deletion area. It will disappear from the panel, but will remain available in the lower list in case you decide to return it back. This allows you to keep the panel clean and uncluttered, leaving only the tools you really need.
To change the order of the buttons, simply hold down the desired icon and drag it to the desired location. You can change their position both horizontally and vertically. The system will automatically move the remaining elements to free up space. This is especially useful if you want the most important switches (like flashlight or Bluetooth) at the very top or in a corner that is easier to reach.
- 🔼 Add: Drag an icon from the bottom list to the top active area.
- 🔽 Delete: Drag the active button down outside the grid to hide it.
- 🔄 Move: Swap any elements within the active grid for easy access.
Some buttons may have additional settings. If you click on the icon itself in edit mode (not by dragging it, but simply by clicking it), sometimes a context menu with parameters opens. For example, for the “Brightness” button you can select the default level, and for the “Alarm” button you can go straight to setting the time. However, most buttons simply act as switches.
Hidden button capabilities
Some buttons, such as Sound and Vibration or Modes, when long pressed in normal mode (not in edit mode) open advanced settings for the corresponding function, bypassing the main settings menu.
Edit style and appearance of buttons
In the latest versions of the shell One UI the company Samsung has introduced the ability to change not only the content, but also the visual style of the quick access panel. This allows you to make the interface more modern, minimalistic or, conversely, detailed. Changes concern the shape of the buttons, the presence of captions under them and the general color design.
To change the style while in editing mode, pay attention to the top of the screen. There should be a Button Style button or an icon that resembles a palette or gear. By clicking on it, you will see the available design options. Usually there are two or three of them: standard (with captions and frames), minimalistic (icons only) and, possibly, an option with a modified form.
The choice of style affects the readability and aesthetics of the interface. For example, a style without labels saves space and looks cleaner, but may be less clear for rarely used features. The style with large frames is better suited for people with low vision or for using the phone on the move, when clarity of elements is important.
| Option | Standard style | Minimalistic | With captions |
|---|---|---|---|
| View | Icon + Text | Icon only | Large text + Icon |
| Occupied space | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Readability | High | Average | Very high |
| Recommendation | For everyone | For experienced | For the visually impaired |
After selecting the appropriate style, do not forget to click the “Done” or “Save” button for the changes to take effect. If you don't like the new design, you can always return to the menu and select the previous option. The flexibility of customizing the appearance is one of the strengths of the ecosystem Samsung.
Use a dark theme in combination with a minimalistic button style to save battery power on AMOLED screens of Samsung smartphones.
Customizing additional pages and grouping
One of the key features of the quick access panel on Samsung is support for multiple pages. If you don't have enough space on one screen for all the buttons you need, you can use a second page. This is especially true for users who actively use many functions: from NFC and mobile hotspot to game modes and accessibility features.
Switching between pages is done with a horizontal swipe. To add a second page, simply drag a button from the bottom list to the right side of the active area until a new blank page appears. The system will automatically create it. You can distribute functions logically: for example, leave communication and sound on the first page, and system utilities and operating modes on the second.
Grouping buttons is also possible by creating folders, although in the standard quick access panel this function is implemented to a limited extent compared to the desktop. Basically, grouping occurs due to spacing across pages. However, some widgets or specific modes can combine several functions into one button with a submenu.
- 📄 Swipe left/right: Allows you to switch between created panel pages.
- ➕ Creating a page: Occurs automatically when you fill the current one or drag the button to the extreme position.
- 🗑️ Deleting a page: Occurs automatically if you remove all buttons from the second page.
Using multiple pages helps (keep) order and does not clutter the main screen with rarely used switches. You can always quickly swipe to find the function you need without removing important buttons from the main page.
⚠️ Attention: When you remove all the buttons from the second page, it disappears automatically. If you accidentally deleted an important button, do not panic - it remains in the lower list of available elements, from where you can return it.
Resetting settings and restoring to default
If in the process of experimenting with the settings you get confused, the buttons are positioned chaotically, or the interface has become inconvenient, there is always the opportunity to return everything to the factory state. Resetting the Quick Access Toolbar will not affect your personal data, photos, or installed apps. It will only affect the location and set of system switches.
In current versions One UI there may not be a separate “Reset all” button in the editing menu, so the recovery process often involves manually removing all added buttons and returning the standard ones. However, if the system does not work correctly, you can reset the system interface settings through the main phone settings menu.
To do this, go to Settings → General settings → Reset → Reset settings. Be careful: this menu item may offer to reset all device settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings. You need to select the Reset Settings option rather than Factory Data Reset. The description will indicate that personal files and media data will not be affected.
Path to reset settings:
Settings -> General settings -> Reset -> Reset settings
After performing the reset, the quick access panel will return to the state it was in when you first turned on the phone. All standard buttons will be in place, and custom changes will be removed. This is an effective way to solve problems if the panel has stopped responding to clicks or is displayed incorrectly.
Resetting interface settings is a safe operation that does not delete your personal files, but returns system settings to factory values.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why can’t I add a “Record” button screen" or "Broadcast"?
Some functions may not be in the list of available buttons if they are not supported by your phone model or software version. Also, the Cast button may be hidden if you don't have a compatible TV or Chromecast device connected. Check for system updates in the section Settings → Software update.
Is it possible to change the size of the buttons themselves on the panel?
You cannot change the size of each button individually. However, you can change the overall display style (with or without captions), which visually changes their size and layout density. For people with low vision, the “Zoom” function is also available in special features, which affects the entire interface.
Where did the Bluetooth button disappear after the update?
In new versions of Android and One UI the Bluetooth button is sometimes hidden in the expanded menu (you need to click on the icon next to the brightness slider or swipe again). If it is not there anywhere, check the list of available buttons in edit mode - perhaps it was simply removed from the active zone and is in the lower list.
Does the number of buttons on the panel affect the speed of the phone?
No, the number of active shortcut buttons does not affect the processor performance or the speed of the smartphone. These are static interface elements. However, if you have a lot of widgets installed on your desktop, this may consume more resources than just buttons in the curtain.