Customize the side button or Bixby button on your Galaxy phone

If you can’t locate the Power button on your Galaxy device, there’s no need to worry. On most recent models, the traditional Power button and Bixby button have been merged into a singular Side button! This innovative button is versatile, allowing you to program it for various actions like powering down your device, summoning Bixby, or launching an app. Given the diversity across models featuring either a Side button or a distinct Bixby button, we’ve provided detailed explanations of both, enabling you to fully understand and utilize what your device's button can offer
Close-up of a person's hand holding a Galaxy phone, showing the side view with the Bixby button and volume controls against a blurred background.
Close-up of a person's hand holding a Galaxy phone, showing the side view with the Bixby button and volume controls against a blurred background.

Customize the side button or Bixby button on your Galaxy phone

Note
Menu options and settings will vary by device model and OS version.

About the Side button

Modern Galaxy phones and tablets are equipped with Volume buttons and a multifunction Side button. The Volume button adjusts sound levels as expected, while the Side button (or Power/Bixby button) can be pressed in various manners (short, long, or double press) to execute different commands. Depending on your model, these buttons are located on the device's left or right side.

 

Together, these buttons enable you to create personalized shortcuts for a smoother experience. Here are the standard functions available:

  • Activate Bixby Voice by pressing and holding the Side button.
  • Switch the screen on or off with a short press of the Side button.
  • Power on the device by pressing and holding the Side button when the device is off.
  • Capture the screen by simultaneously pressing the Side and Volume down buttons.
  • Access the power off menu by pressing both the Side and Volume down buttons when the device is on.
  • Launch the Camera or another app by double-pressing the Side button.

 

For Z Flip users, ensure the phone is open when using these shortcuts, as functionality may vary with the phone closed.

 

For more information on Bixby setup and use, refer to our Bixby guide.

 

You can also power off your device via the Quick settings panel by swiping down from the top of the screen with two fingers, then tapping the Power icon, and then selecting Power off. Tap Power off again to confirm.

Read less

Customize the Side button

In case of accidental Bixby activations via the Side button, you can remap it, so it performs different functions. Navigate to and open Settings, then tap Advanced features, and then tap Side button to adjust your desired settings.

Settings screen on a Galaxy phone displaying options for customizing the Side button, including 'Double press' to open an app and 'Press and hold' to wake Bixby.

The options for Double press include:

  • Quick launch camera
  • Opening a specific app (via Settings icon selection)

 

The options for Press and hold include:

  • Wake Bixby
  • Displaying the Power off menu (alternatively, use the Quick settings panel or Bixby)

 

For comprehensive Bixby setup and usage instructions, see our Bixby guide.

Read less

About the Bixby button

Devices like the Galaxy Note 9, S8 series, and S10 and earlier models come with a dedicated Bixby button on the left side. This button can wake up Bixby or open specific apps. You can also customize the button however pressing and holding the button will always activate Bixby Voice.

Hand holding a Samsung Galaxy phone displaying the weather update screen for New York, showing a temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

For additional details about setting up and using Bixby, please check out our Bixby guide.

Read less

Customize the Bixby button

Note
This option may only appear on devices that have a dedicated Bixby key.

For those who do not want to use the Bixby key (or button) for its default purpose, it can be remapped to launch other apps or actions.

  1. To remap the Bixby key, open Bixby Assistant Home by pressing the Bixby key, and then select Menu (the three horizontal lines).
  2. Tap Settings, then tap Bixby key, and then set your preferences.
    Settings menu on a Samsung Galaxy device displaying options for the Bixby key, highlighted to show 'Single press to open Bixby' setting.
  3. Select the option to single or double press to activate Bixby or execute a quick command.
Note
This function may be turned off when you reset Bixby or deactivate the chosen app or quick command.
Read less

Customize the buttons with Accessibility settings

To easily access Accessibility features, customize your Side and Volume buttons to activate your desired feature.

  1. Navigate to and open Settings, then tap Accessibility, and then tap Advanced settings.
  2. Tap Volume up and down buttons.
    Settings screen on a Galaxy phone detailing the customization of the volume buttons, with options to activate 'Accessibility' features like TalkBack by holding the buttons for 3 seconds.
  3. From here, you can choose your shortcuts, such as TalkBack, High contrast fonts, or Universal switch.
Read less
Was this content helpful?
We're here for you

Contact Samsung Support

Contact us online through chat and get support from an expert on your computer, mobile device or tablet. Support is also available on your mobile device through the Samsung Members App.
auto-contact_us-pc-2x auto-contact_us-pc-2x