How to customize Android edge panels?

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Answer

Customizing Android Edge Panels on Samsung Galaxy devices allows users to streamline access to apps, contacts, and tools with a simple swipe. This feature, primarily available on Samsung smartphones running One UI, can be tailored to individual preferences through display settings, panel selection, and appearance adjustments. Edge Panels enhance productivity by keeping frequently used functions within quick reach while minimizing home screen clutter. The customization process involves enabling the feature, selecting preferred panels, adjusting visual elements, and even downloading additional panels from the Galaxy Store.

Key findings from the sources include:

  • Edge Panels are activated through Settings > Display > Edge Panels and accessed via a left swipe on the home screen [1][9]
  • Users can customize panel content (apps, contacts, weather), appearance (transparency, size, position), and handle settings (vibration, style) [1][5][9]
  • Additional panels can be downloaded from the Galaxy Store, with some requiring payment [1][9]
  • Software updates may relocate or alter customization options, as noted in user discussions about One UI and Nougat updates [7]

Customizing Samsung Edge Panels

Activating and Configuring Basic Settings

Edge Panels must first be enabled in the device settings before customization can begin. On Samsung Galaxy devices, this feature is integrated into the One UI interface and can be accessed through the Display menu. The activation process is straightforward, but the location of settings may vary slightly depending on the software version. Once enabled, users gain immediate access to a side panel that can be summoned with a swipe gesture from the edge of the screen.

To activate Edge Panels:

  • Open Settings and navigate to Display [1][9]
  • Locate and tap Edge Panels (may appear as "Edge screen" on older models) [1]
  • Toggle the Edge Panels switch to the "on" position [5]
  • Confirm activation by swiping left from the right edge of the home screen to open the panel [9]

After activation, basic configuration options become available:

  • Panel selection: Choose which panels appear in the Edge menu by tapping Panels in the Edge Panels settings. Default options typically include Apps, Contacts, Weather, Reminders, and Clipboard [1][10]
  • Handle customization: Adjust the Edge Handle (the tab used to open panels) by modifying its:
  • Position (top, middle, or bottom of the screen edge) [1]
  • Style (color and shape variations) [5]
  • Transparency (opacity level from 0% to 100%) [1]
  • Size and width (physical dimensions of the handle) [1]
  • Vibration feedback (haptic response when interacting) [1]
  • Quick settings access: Long-press the Edge Panels icon in the quick settings dropdown to adjust settings directly [4]

Users reporting issues after software updates (such as the disappearance of customization options) can often resolve them by:

  • Checking for the latest Edge Panels version in settings [1]
  • Navigating to the three-dot menu in the top-left corner of the Edge Panels screen to find Handle settings [7]
  • Resetting Edge Panels to default if options are missing post-update [7]

Personalizing Panel Content and Appearance

The core value of Edge Panels lies in their customizability, allowing users to tailor both functionality and aesthetics. Content personalization focuses on selecting which apps, contacts, or tools appear in each panel, while appearance adjustments refine how these panels look and behave during interaction. Samsung provides extensive options for both, though the exact steps may differ slightly across device models and One UI versions.

To edit panel content:

  • Open the Edge Panel by swiping from the screen edge, then tap the pencil (edit) icon or settings gear within the panel [5][9]
  • For the Apps panel:
  • Add apps by dragging them from the app drawer into the panel [5]
  • Remove apps by dragging them out of the panel or tapping the minus (-) icon [5]
  • Reorder apps by long-pressing and dragging them to the desired position [9]
  • For the Contacts panel:
  • Select Add contacts to choose from your address book [3]
  • Remove contacts by tapping the three-dot menu next to their name [9]
  • For task-specific panels (e.g., Reminders, Weather):
  • Configure settings directly within each panel (e.g., set default locations for Weather) [10]

Appearance and behavior customizations include:

  • Panel transparency: Adjust the opacity slider to make panels more or less see-through (range: 0% to 100%) [1]
  • Panel size: Modify the width and height of the panel when opened [1]
  • Color themes: Choose between light/dark modes or custom color schemes for the panel background [5]
  • Animation speed: Control how quickly panels open and close [9]
  • Auto-hide: Enable panels to automatically hide after a set period of inactivity [9]

For advanced customization:

  • Download additional panels from the Galaxy Store by:
  • Opening Edge Panels settings and selecting Download panels [1]
  • Browsing categories like Tools, Productivity, or Entertainment [9]
  • Installing panels such as Calculator, Unit Converter, or Sports Scores (some may require purchase) [1]
  • Reset panels to default by selecting Reset in the Edge Panels settings menu [7]

Productivity-focused users often recommend panels for:

  • Quick app access (e.g., frequently used tools like Google Keep or Spotify) [4]
  • Contact shortcuts (e.g., family members or colleagues) [3]
  • Task management (e.g., Reminders, Clipboard, or Samsung Notes) [10]
  • Contextual tools (e.g., Weather, Calendar, or Smart Select for screen captures) [9]
Last updated 3 days ago

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