Zac Kew-Denniss / Android Authority
Samsung smartphones are crammed full of valuable features, from One UI’s readymade tools to Good Lock’s downloadable bounty. One example that I’ve taken full advantage of is Modes and Routines. First launched in 2022 as Bixby Routines, the feature allows users to create and initiate a series of settings based on conditions. This allows wide-ranging automatic control of one’s phone and, more importantly for Galaxy Watch users, their smartwatches.
Suppose you have just purchased a Galaxy Watch 8 series device or are still using one of the older Galaxy Watch models, like I am. In that case, Modes and Routines is the companion tool you should learn to master to bring the Samsung phone and the Samsung watch even closer together. And, if you need a few ideas on how to get started, here are three ways I use it daily.
Is your Galaxy Watch paired with a Samsung smartphone? 138 votes Yes, I use a Galaxy Watch paired with a Samsung smartphone. 90 % No, I use a Galaxy Watch, but it's paired with another Android phone. 8 % No, I use a different smartwatch and smartphone setup entirely. 2 %
I maximize my Galaxy Watch’s battery life
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
My Galaxy Watch 4 is not the spring chicken it once was. Its battery life is a shadow of what it used to be, and even when it was new, it didn’t last too long. I use Modes and Routines to boost it when and where I can. More specifically, I’ve created a mode that enables Power saving when I don’t explicitly require my watch’s complete feature set.
Of course, I don’t want this Mode to trigger when I’m exercising, sleeping, or driving, so I ensure that it triggers when I’m at my desk working and is overruled by alternative modes when required. Once I’m done driving, for instance, my watch goes back into power-saving mode. This ensures that it’s always in its mode’s efficient state without kneecapping its abilities.
I’ve written about this in-depth previously, but here’s the recipe: Open the Settings app on your phone, then select Modes and routines. Tap + Add. Give your mode a name and select its icon, then tap Done. Next, tap + When to start this mode. Tap Time period and pick your parameters. Once you’re happy, tap Done and Done again. Next, tap + More actions for this mode. Tap Add action. Select Galaxy Watch, then select what you want the mode to address. As mentioned, I set Power saving to On. Once you’re happy, tap Done, then Done again. Of course, this will benefit older Galaxy Watch models more than the current, freshly baked lineup, but Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 owners will still see a modest battery bump with this trick.
I switch up my watch faces automatically
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