One UI 7 Brings Major Upgrades to the Power Button—Here’s What You Can Do

Samsung’s One UI 7 update introduces a host of AI-driven improvements and refinements to enhance user experience. While many of these changes focus on camera features, performance optimizations, and UI enhancements, one of the most underrated upgrades is what Samsung has done with the power button.

In previous versions of One UI, the side button was mostly limited to basic functions—launching the camera, opening Samsung Wallet, or triggering a custom shortcut. But with One UI 7, Samsung is expanding the power button’s capabilities, allowing it to perform predefined actions within apps, making it far more versatile than before.

More Than Just a Camera Shortcut—One UI 7 Expands Power Button Functionality

The Galaxy S25, which runs One UI 7 out of the box, will be the first to benefit from these enhancements, but older Galaxy devices that receive the One UI 7 update will likely get these features as well. Instead of being limited to just launching apps, the side button can now execute specific tasks inside those apps, eliminating unnecessary steps and making one-tap actions more efficient.

For instance, instead of just opening the Camera app, the power button can now be set to instantly start recording a video, capture a selfie, or take a portrait shot.

How to Customize the Power Button in One UI 7

Samsung has made it easy to assign new functions to the power button. To customize what it does, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Advanced Features.
3. Select the Side Button option.
4. Choose what action happens when you double-press or long-press the power button.

Complete List of Power Button Functions in One UI 7

Samsung has significantly expanded what the power button can do. Here’s a full breakdown of the new options:

Double-Press Actions:

The power button can now be programmed to perform a variety of tasks beyond simply launching an app:

Camera Shortcuts:

• Open Camera – Quickly launch the Camera app.
• Record Video – Start recording instantly without opening the full Camera UI.
• Take Portrait – Directly capture a portrait shot.
• Take Selfie – Open the front camera and snap a selfie.

Accessibility & Utility Tools:

• Flashlight – Instantly turn on the flashlight without unlocking the phone.
• Magnifier – Activate the magnifier for better visibility of small text.

Voice Recorder:

• Open Voice Recorder App – Launch the Samsung Voice Recorder.
• Start Recording – Begin recording immediately without opening the full app.

Samsung Notes Shortcuts:

• Open Samsung Notes – Quickly access Samsung’s note-taking app.
• Paint with Brush – Open Samsung Notes in drawing mode.
• Record Voice Note – Start a new voice note instantly.
• Type Note – Open a new text-based note.
• Write with Pen – Directly jump into handwriting mode.

Samsung Capture:

• AI Select – Enable AI-driven selection features.
• Screen Recorder – Start a screen recording with a single press.
• Take Screenshot – Capture the screen immediately.

Modes & Routines:

• Trigger Pre-Set Modes or Routines – Instantly activate any One UI Mode or Routine you have configured, such as Do Not Disturb, Driving Mode, or Sleep Mode.

Long-Press Actions:

Holding down the power button in One UI 7 can now do much more than just open the power off menu:

• Launch Your Preferred Digital Assistant (Google Assistant, Alexa, etc.).
• Open Samsung’s Bixby.
• Access the Power Off Menu (traditional function).

Limitations & Considerations

While the enhanced functionality of the power button in One UI 7 is a major step forward, there are some restrictions:

• Only one action can be assigned per double-press or long-press at a time. For example, you cannot set the button to both start a screen recording and activate AI Select—you must choose one.
• Some features may be exclusive to newer Samsung devices like the Galaxy S25 series and may not be available on older models receiving One UI 7.

Final Thoughts: A More Powerful Shortcut for Samsung Users

Samsung’s One UI 7 delivers one of the most useful upgrades to the power button we’ve seen yet. By expanding its capabilities, users can now perform instant actions without navigating through apps manually.

Whether it’s recording a voice note, capturing a quick selfie, or turning on the flashlight, these new power button shortcuts add an extra layer of convenience.

With AI-driven features and further customization, Samsung is clearly pushing its One UI experience forward—making everyday tasks faster, smoother, and more intuitive.

Will Older Galaxy Devices Get This Feature?

While Samsung has not confirmed which older models will receive One UI 7, it’s likely that flagship devices like the Galaxy S24, S23, and S22 series will inherit these power button improvements when they get the One UI 7 update.

For now, Galaxy S25 users will be the first to experience the full range of power button functionalities—but it’s only a matter of time before Samsung expands this feature across its lineup.