How to change the Side Key function on your Samsung Galaxy S or Note phone

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Bader
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Bader (Image credit: Android Central)

Samsung's latest phones, starting with the Note 10, have a multi-function "Side Key" that replaces the dedicated Bixby button. We primarily know it as a power button, but it can also have other functions for both double-press and long-press actions. It's super easy to set up and use — here's how.

How to change the Side Key function on your Samsung Galaxy

  1. Go into your settings.
  2. Scroll down to advanced features and tap side key.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. You can leave it for quick-launching the camera.
  2. You can set it to open Bixby Home.
  3. Notably, you can't set the side key to open Google Assistant.
  4. If you set it to Bixby, you can access the power-off menu by holding power and volume down.
  5. Alternatively you can leave it in its default, launching the power-off menu, as it is on most phones.

Over time you're likely to switch around the functions of both the double-press and long-press actions on the Side Key as you find the combination that works best for you. That's what's great about it — you can set it up however you want as your needs change.

Andrew Martonik

Andrew was an Executive Editor, U.S. at Android Central between 2012 and 2020.

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