{
  "id": 19864034,
  "title": "I unlocked hidden buttons on my Samsung Galaxy phone, and they're more useful than I expected",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/i-unlocked-hidden-buttons-on-my-samsung-galaxy-phone-and-theyre-more",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-13T20:30:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/unlocking-buttons-samsung-galaxy-smartphone/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Samsung Galaxy devices provide a range of methods to unlock additional functionality on your smartphone, such as reprogramming existing physical buttons or adding new ones with hidden features and widgets. Although these settings may not be immediately apparent, accessing them can greatly enhance your device's capabilities. Specifically, you can change the function of your power button, as well as customize what happens when you press it twice. To do this, navigate to Settings - Advanced features - Side button. Here, you can choose to restore the button to its original function or customize the double-press options. These options range from opening the Camera app, using specific Samsung apps, or even a third-party app of your choice. You can also access specific system features and settings through the Assistant menu, which provides a floating, movable button for various system features and settings. By choosing which items you want to appear in the menu, you can tailor the button to suit your needs. If you have trouble using a large device with one hand, the Assistant menu can be especially helpful. Additionally, you can access more advanced button actions using the Good Lock plugin Routines+. This tool allows you to adjust physical button behavior, even based on your location, and add touch macros that run a series of touch actions within an app. For example, you can create a macro that opens the Notes app and creates a new note, making it a useful shortcut. The Modes and Routines widget, which comes with Good Lock, allows you to create a custom button dashboard for easy access to your shortcuts.",
  "summary": "Add new buttons, or reprogram the ones you already have.",
  "key_points": [
    "Unlock hidden buttons on Samsung Galaxy phones",
    "Customize power button function and double-press options",
    "Use Good Lock plugin Routines+ for advanced button actions"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}