Changing your Android power button settings allows you to customize whether a long-press activates the power menu (for shutdown/restart) or launches a digital assistant like Google Assistant or Bixby. This functionality varies slightly between stock Android devices (e.g., Google Pixel) and Samsung Galaxy phones, but the process remains straightforward through system settings. Recent Android updates—particularly Android 12—defaulted the power button to trigger assistants, frustrating users who prefer the traditional power menu. Fortunately, both Google and Samsung provide native options to revert this behavior without requiring third-party apps or technical workarounds.

Key findings from the sources:

• Stock Android (Pixel, etc.): Navigate to *Settings > System > Gestures > Press & hold power button* to toggle between "Power menu" and "Assistant" ^[4][7][9].
• Samsung Galaxy: Use *Settings > Advanced Features > Side button* to remap long-press actions to "Power off menu" or other functions ^[6][8][10].
• Alternative access: Pressing power + volume up simultaneously always opens the power menu, regardless of settings ^[4].
• User frustration: Many criticize Google’s decision to prioritize assistants over power controls, calling it a "forced" change that disrupts workflow ^[2][3].

Customizing Android Power Button Settings

Changing Power Button Function on Stock Android (Pixel, Motorola, etc.)

Stock Android devices, including Google Pixel phones, default the power button’s long-press action to Google Assistant starting with Android 12. This shift replaced the traditional power menu (shutdown/restart options), but users can revert it through system settings. The process is identical across most non-Samsung devices running Android 12 or later.

To restore the power menu:

1. Open Settings (swipe down twice from the top and tap the gear icon).
2. Select System > Gestures.
3. Tap Press & hold power button (or search "power" in Settings to find it directly) ^[3][4].
4. Toggle off "Hold for Assistant" or select "Power menu" from the available options ^[7][9].

Key details:

• The change applies immediately; no reboot is required ^[4].
• Disabling "Hold for Assistant" does not remove Google Assistant entirely—it only removes the power button shortcut ^[7].
• Users report this setting resets after major OS updates, requiring reconfiguration ^[2].
• The power + volume up combo remains a universal shortcut to the power menu, even if the power button is remapped ^[4].

Criticism of the default behavior highlights user preference for physical button control. As one Reddit user noted: "Who decided holding the power button shouldn’t bring up the power menu? This is basic functionality" ^[3]. Google’s rationale—prioritizing assistant accessibility—has faced backlash for overriding muscle memory and emergency shutdown needs.

Customizing Power/Side Button on Samsung Galaxy Phones

Samsung Galaxy devices offer more granular control over the side button (often labeled as the power button), including options to launch Bixby, open apps, or trigger the power menu. Unlike stock Android, Samsung’s One UI provides a dedicated "Side button" menu in settings, allowing users to remap both single-press and long-press actions.

Steps to customize:

1. Open Settings and navigate to Advanced Features > Side button ^[6][8].
2. Under "Press and hold", select from: - Power off menu (traditional shutdown/restart options) - Bixby (Samsung’s voice assistant) - Open app (choose any installed app) - Capture screen (screenshot shortcut) ^[6].
3. For double-press actions, options include launching the camera or another app ^[8].

Additional Samsung-specific features:

• Bixby button remapping: Older Galaxy models (e.g., S9, Note 10) with a dedicated Bixby button can reassign it to other functions or disable it entirely ^[6].
• Accessibility shortcuts: Users can assign power button actions to accessibility features (e.g., magnifier, flashlight) via *Settings > Accessibility > Advanced Settings* ^[6].
• Good Lock module: Samsung’s Registar tool (part of the Good Lock app suite) offers deeper button customization, including long-press duration adjustments ^[8].

User feedback emphasizes the flexibility of Samsung’s approach compared to stock Android. As noted in a Quora response: "Samsung lets you remap without rooting, which is a huge plus over Pixel’s limited options" ^[8]. However, some users report accidental Bixby activations when handling the phone, prompting recommendations to disable Bixby entirely or remap the button to a less intrusive function ^[10].