How to Customize Side Key Button on Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 has a customizable side key that allows you to quickly access your most-used apps and features. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide how to set up the side key in a way that truly enhances your experience. Learn how to customize side key function on your Galaxy S24 below.

Why customize the side key?

The side key is in such a convenient location, right within reach of your thumb or finger.

When customized, it provides quick, one-tap access to your most-used apps. Many people set it to launch the camera app, allowing you to instantly open the camera to capture fleeting moments.

Others use it for even quicker access to apps like Gmail or their favorite social media.

Customizing the side key allows you to optimize your phone for your own personal usage. You can streamline your experience by putting your most important apps right at your fingertips.

How to Customize the Side Key on your Galaxy S24

Customizing the side key is easy and can be done in just a few steps. Here’s how:

Open the Settings app on your phone.
Scroll down and tap “Advanced features.”.
Tap “Side button.”.

Here, you can choose how you want the side key to function:

Double-press to open an app: Choose an app to launch when the key is double-pressed.
Press and hold to open an app: Choose an app to launch when the key is pressed and held.
Double-press to launch the camera: Instantly open the camera app.
Press and hold the power off menu: Get the power off/emergency mode menu.

Select your preference for single press, double press, and press and hold actions.
Tap the back button to save your new side key configuration.

And that’s it! With just a few taps, you’ve customized the side key to launch the apps and features you need most.

Customization options for the Side Key

Samsung gives you a great deal of flexibility in how you can configure the side-key functions. Here are some of the most popular customization options:

Launch the camera app—perfect for spur-of-the-moment photos.
Open Bixby: Samsung’s voice assistant can help you operate your phone hands-free.
Launch Google Assistant—for Google loyalists who prefer this virtual assistant.
Open Gmail and quickly check your inbox.
Open Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for instant access to your favorite social media apps.
Launch your internet browser and get online with just one tap.
Open the calendar. Review your schedule and upcoming appointments.
Open a calculator. Do quick calculations on the fly.
Launch a flashlight. Illuminate dark spaces when you need extra light.

Tips and tricks for maximizing the Side Key

To really capitalize on the convenience of the customizable side key, keep these tips in mind:

Choose a frequently used app you want lightning-fast access to. The more you’ll use it, the more you’ll benefit.
Don’t forget about the double-press and press-and-hold options too. You can assign two separate apps for even quicker access.
Switch it up if your usage changes over time. You can reconfigure the side key anytime.
Press and hold if there’s an app you want to easily access but not accidentally launch. The longer press prevents misfires.
Assign apps strategically. Put your phone, camera, or calculator on the side key and reserve home screen space for less frequently used apps.

Conclusion

The customizable side key is one of the Samsung Galaxy S24’s most useful features. Take advantage of this shortcut to instantly access your go-to apps and phone functions. Configure it strategically for the apps you use most. With the handy tips in this guide, you can optimize your phone to truly fit your life and needs. The side-key customizations allow you to make your Galaxy S24 distinctly your own.