Top 10 One UI 7 Settings to Change Right Away (Plus a Few You Didn’t Know Existed)
The One UI 7.0 update isn’t just about smoother animations or aesthetic polish. It’s a powerful upgrade with new features tucked into every corner. If you just updated your Samsung Galaxy device, here are 10 settings we recommend adjusting immediately—grouped by what matters most: interface, navigation, and utility.
🎨 Interface & Personalization
1. Adjust App & Widget Label Size
You can now resize app icons and hide/show widget labels to better control your home screen layout. Just pinch in on the home screen → tap Settings → slide to adjust icon size or toggle label visibility.
2. Change the Home Screen Layout
If you prefer a layout without the app drawer, switch to Home Screen Only mode. You can also adjust the app grid size (rows & columns) to optimize icon spacing and reachability.
3. Remove the Left-Side Media Page
Swipe right to disable distractions like Google Discover or Samsung Free. Long-press on the home screen → Home Screen Settings → Add Media Page → select or disable as needed.
4. Reunite Notifications with Quick Settings
Don’t like the new split? You can combine notifications and quick settings again: swipe down → tap the 3-dot menu → Panel Settings → choose Combined.
🔄 Navigation & Interaction
5. Switch to Gesture Navigation
Still using buttons? Upgrade to swipe gestures. Go to Settings → Display → Navigation bar and enable gestures for a more immersive, modern feel.
6. Enable Portrait App Viewing
Simplify scrolling in your app drawer by switching to portrait view: open drawer → tap 3 dots → Sort → select Alphabetical. Clean, vertical navigation = less effort.
7. Control the Edge Panel
The Edge Panel is fully customizable. Long-press the handle on the screen’s edge to reposition it, or go to Settings → Display → Edge Panel to fine-tune or disable it entirely.
⚙️ Utility, Performance & Smart Features
8. Customize Screen Timeout
Don’t let your screen go dark too soon. Change your timeout at Settings → Display → Screen Timeout. Set it to 1–2 minutes for a balance of battery and usability.
9. Activate Auto Restart
Auto Restart improves performance by rebooting your phone at a low-usage time. Find it under Settings → Device Care → Auto Restart and schedule it weekly or as needed.
10. Turn On the Now Bar & Live Notifications
Live notifications now appear in a sleek “Now Bar” that overlays essential info (like match scores or delivery updates) on your home screen. Enable it in Settings → Notifications → Live Notifications.
💬 Final Thoughts
One UI 7 brings more than just design—it’s smarter, smoother, and packed with personalization. Take a few minutes to change these settings, and your phone will feel truly yours. Whether you’re all about the aesthetics or the efficiency, these tweaks will level up your Galaxy experience.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: I updated to One UI 7—why don’t I see these settings?
A: Make sure you’re fully updated. Some features may depend on device model and region. Check under Settings → Software Update and ensure you’re on the latest stable build.
Q: Can I undo changes like Home Screen layout or gesture navigation?
A: Yes—every setting in this list is reversible. You can switch back to app drawer mode or restore button navigation at any time in Settings.
Q: Will changing these settings affect my battery life?
A: Some changes, like enabling Auto Restart or adjusting screen timeout, can actually improve battery life. Features like live notifications may use a bit more, but they’re optimized for efficiency in One UI 7.
Q: I’m still on One UI 6.1. When will I get the update?
A: Rollouts are phased and vary by region and carrier. Check Samsung’s official update roadmap or follow our live updates on Threads to know when your device is next.
