9 habits to have on your Samsung phone to get through the day easily

Samsung's Modes and Routines not only automate everyday tasks, they also help you cut down on screen time. From curbing mindless web surfing to reducing distractions at work, these routines on your Samsung phone will help you get through your workday.

1. Limit mindless surfing on social networking apps

People often spend hours on social media , even if it's just opening them to check notifications quickly in the morning.

While many people use social media primarily to keep up with current affairs, it still takes a toll on their productivity. Instead of uninstalling apps, use Samsung Routines to automatically close them after 5 minutes of browsing.

To create a habit of using social networks:

• Launch the Modes and Routines app , then tap Routines in the lower-right corner.
• Click + (Add) in the upper right corner.
• Now, we need to set up the trigger. Select If (+) , then tap App opened under Event . Select all the apps you want to add to the routine, then tap Done .
• Next, we'll set up the action. Tap Then (+) > Advanced options > Wait before next action . Set the duration to whatever amount of time you want it to wait to run and tap Done .
• Then, turn on Grayscale mode to remind you when the time is up and prevent the app from closing unexpectedly. Tap Then > Display > Grayscale > On , then tap Done . Tap Add action > Advanced options > Wait before next action . Set the duration to 15 seconds.
• Tap Add action > Apps > Close an app . This list of apps should match the If trigger we set at the beginning.
• Tap Save , enter a name for the routine, and tap Done .

With this habit, whenever you open a social media app like Instagram , the screen will turn grayscale after 5 minutes and the app will automatically close after 15 seconds. While Samsung's Digital Wellbeing app has an app timer to block the app after a certain amount of time, it will block the app completely for the rest of the day.

2. Open the essential driving app and adjust the settings

The driving routine starts when the phone connects to the car's Bluetooth. It automatically opens Google Maps , plays a YouTube Music playlist, keeps the phone unlocked, and sets up custom lock screen shortcuts.

Here is an example of how one person drives:

• If > Bluetooth device > Device , and select your car's Bluetooth device from the list. Tap Done .
• Then > Apps > Open an app or do an app action . Search for and select Open Maps . You can also select a saved address like Work, Home, etc. Tap Done .
• Then > Advanced options > Wait before next action , set to 10 seconds. This will add a 10 second gap before the next action.
• Then > Music > Play music > YT Music . If you want to use Spotify, use the Spotify Playlist option , etc.. Tap Done .
• You may also want to keep your phone unlocked while driving for easier access. To do this, tap Then > Lock screen and AOD > Keep your phone unlocked . Tap OK .
• Then > Lock screen and AOD > Change Lock screen shortcut . Tap Left shortcut and select the app or action you want to access while driving. Repeat the same for Right shortcut and tap Done .
• Tap Save , enter a name for the routine, and tap Done .

3. Reduce distractions while working

When arriving at work, many people call or text their loved ones to let them know they have arrived safely. They also put their phones in DND mode to avoid distractions and open their work apps.

4. Habits for undisturbed sleep

The Modes and Routines app offers pre-configured Sleep modes to create the ideal environment for a good night's rest.

However, if you want Sleep mode to only activate when multiple conditions are met, set up a custom routine. For example, the trigger for your sleep routine could include your usual bedtime and an additional condition, such as your phone's charge status.

5. Save battery for busy days

Battery saving habits can help extend your phone's battery life when it drops below a certain threshold. Since battery saving mode requires manual activation by default, you'll want to set up a habit to automate the process.

6. Enable Auto Rotate when opening Gallery, YouTube and other apps

Another useful habit on Samsung is to automate the Auto Rotate feature based on the app you're using. For example, set it to automatically turn on when you open Gallery, YouTube, or other media apps.

7. Keep the screen on for specific apps

Sometimes you use apps without interacting with them for long periods of time, but the screen locks and turns off after a few seconds of inactivity. A Samsung Routine can solve this problem by keeping the screen on indefinitely for specific apps:

8. Customize lock screen based on location

Some people like to use different lock screens for work and home for privacy reasons. To do this, you can set up a routine that triggers when you connect to your company Wi-Fi and automatically changes your lock screen.

9. Maximize your phone's battery life

Samsung has built-in battery protection to help prolong battery life. If you often charge your phone overnight, you can create a routine to automatically turn off fast wired and wireless charging and limit charging to 80% capacity.

Additionally, you can create routines for activities like exercise, breaks, or entertainment to limit distractions. It is also compatible with Samsung Earbuds, Galaxy Watch, and home appliances to automate your entire environment. For even more customization, you can add advanced features to Modes and Routines using Routines+ in the GoodLock app.