If you have a relatively modern Samsung Galaxy, it's very likely you're already enjoying One UI 7, the latest major version of Samsung's interface Based on Android, this update not only brings aesthetic changes and performance improvements, but also hides a good number of tricks and hidden features that make a real difference in everyday use. Many of them are quite hidden among menus, secret codes, and subtle settings, but once you discover them, you'll find it hard to live without them.
In this article we will calmly review The best hidden One UI features you can take advantage of in 2026From the powerful multitasking with pop-up windows that's been refined in One UI 7, to secret menus for checking your phone's hardware or calibrating the battery, to small tweaks that improve the status bar or hide the front camera cutout when it's inconvenient on the screen. Everything is explained step by step, with practical examples and tips so you can get the most out of your Galaxy.
One UI 7: What's changing and why it matters for these hidden features
One UI 7 represents a a fairly notable evolution compared to the previous version of the layer Samsung has refined the interface, added more customization options, and enhanced the integration of Galaxy AI (although not all models have the same AI features). But what's most interesting for many users is that the system includes a host of small tweaks and tools that, when used correctly, make using the phone much more convenient.
It is true that the first releases of One UI 7 came with There have been some battery issues on certain Galaxy models.with slightly higher than expected power consumption. Samsung has been correcting these issues with patches and minor updates, and today most users enjoy a fairly polished experience; if the consumption persists, you can disable hidden features that drain battery to improve battery life. Meanwhile, new configuration options, improved multitasking, and enhanced productivity have made this version one of the brand's most complete.
Among the most visible new features are the settings related to photography and videoAlong with Galaxy AI-powered tools for editing images, summarizing text, or translating calls, there are also more discreet features, such as the "Now Bar" assistant available on the latest Galaxy devices, which integrates seamlessly into daily life, centralizing quick access, smart suggestions, and contextual actions.
However, much of the magic lies in those hidden Android features that don't appear in the advertisements or press releases. They are functions that go unnoticed because they are hidden in advanced menus, secondary windows, or even codes dialed from the Phone app. And within this group, the crown jewel for many users is the new way of understanding multitasking with the so-called "pop-up view" of One UI 7.
Furthermore, Samsung maintains its philosophy of a very complete user interface: even in mid-range models we find productivity options and advanced settings features that other manufacturers only offer in their flagship models. This means that, with a little curiosity and knowing where to touch, you can have an almost laptop-like experience in your pocket.
Pop-up view in One UI 7: multitasking that really makes a difference
One of the most practical and yet most hidden features of One UI 7 is the Pop-up view, a very flexible way to multitask It allows you to move any application around the screen in a resizable floating window. It's similar to having computer windows on your mobile device, overlaid on top of a full-screen app.
Unlike the classic split screen, where the panel is divided into two halves, the pop-up view lets you Open an app in a small window that floats over the main interface.This window can be resized, moved to any corner, and even minimized into a circular icon to bring it back when you need it. It's a very convenient solution for combining two tasks without constantly switching between applications.
Imagine, for example, having your browser or a work document in full screen and, on top of it, a small window with Discover, a messaging app, or a notepadYou can read content in one app, copy text and paste it into another without having to switch views, or drag and drop information from one source to another much more smoothly. It's precisely this kind of small "hack" that, once you get the hang of it, becomes indispensable.
Many users have adopted it for everyday tasks: share links quickly From Discover, you can keep a chat visible while consulting a map, check your email while reviewing a file in the cloud, or play a video while taking notes. It feels like having several mini-applications open simultaneously, similar to a classic desktop, but adapted to the mobile format quite intuitively.
For those who use the Galaxy as a work tool, this feature can become something almost mandatory to maintain productivityand also allows you to activate hidden features to make it faster When you're looking to optimize performance, it makes it easy to have information from two sources open simultaneously: for example, a company website and a spreadsheet, a PDF and an email, or internal documents and online research. All without going crazy switching apps every two seconds.
How to enable pop-up view from recent apps
The curious thing is that, despite being so useful, the pop-up view isn't exactly visible. To use it with gestures in One UI 7, the process is as follows: first you must slide up from the bottom of the screen To open the recent apps view, instead of releasing your finger immediately, hold it down for a moment longer. This will bring up the typical gallery of currently used apps.
When you see the recent apps carousel, locate the app you want to open in floating mode. At the top of that card, you'll see its Tap the app icon; a small context menu will appear.Among the available options, you'll see "Open in pop-up view" (the name may vary slightly depending on the region, but the idea is the same). Selecting this will transform the app into a floating window over the full-screen application.
From that moment on you have total freedom to reposition the window where it is most convenient for youYou can place it in a corner, in the center, at the top, or at the bottom, depending on whether you want to prioritize the main app or the floating one. If your screen is large (like on the Galaxy S Ultra or foldable models), the experience is quite similar to what a small, conventional desktop offers.
Accessing it from recent apps is the "official" and most obvious way to activate the feature, but One UI 7 goes a step further with an additional setting that simplifies the process even more: the famous toggle switch. “Slide to popup view”which turns a simple gesture into a shortcut to launch the floating window without going through so many menus.
Resize, move, and minimize floating windows
Once you have an app open in pop-up view, the behavior is quite natural. You'll see that the edge of the window can be clicked and dragged to change its position and size. The top of the window acts as a title bar: that's where you can place your finger to move the window to another location on the screen.
At the bottom or sides (depending on the app and the exact version of One UI) you will find gripping areas that allow adjust the window size preciselySimply drag in or out to make it bigger or smaller, adapting it to the content you want to see. For example, if you're watching a video, you might want it a bit bigger, while for a chat or a list of notes, a smaller space is sufficient.
Another key feature is the ability to minimize one or more pop-up windows at a timeUsually, simply using the back gesture to return to the home screen is enough: the floating windows shrink to small circular icons or bubbles that stick to the edge of the screen. Tapping them makes the window reappear in the same place.
When you have multiple minimized windows, One UI 7 is able to maintain a button or indicator from which to retrieve them all at onceThis way you can switch from a "clean" desktop to one with all your floating mini-apps active in an instant, which is especially useful if you're stringing together similar tasks throughout the day.
It's worth spending a few minutes experimenting with different combinations: for example, floating video and messaging, a floating browser and notes app, or a floating PDF reader while using an office app in full screen. With a little practice, the way you work on your phone can completely change and become more like working on a tablet or laptop.
The "Swipe to pop-up view" setting: the trick that changes everything
The feature that truly makes this feature addictive is the setting called “Slide to popup view”, available in the One UI 7 settings. When you activate it, you can switch an app to floating window mode with a specific gesture, without always having to rely on the recent apps menu.
This gesture usually consists of a slide from one of the top corners (or from a specific edge, depending on the settings) towards the center of the screen while the app is in full-screen mode. When you do this, the system interprets that you want to reduce the app to a pop-up window and automatically resizes it, leaving it floating on the desktop.
The difference in daily use is enormous: suddenly you discover tinkering with floating apps for almost everythingBecause switching from full screen to windowed mode is just a swipe of your finger. It's no longer something you only use occasionally from the recent apps view, but a constant tool for combining applications depending on what you're doing at any given moment.
If your Galaxy is your primary productivity device, turning on this switch is practically mandatory. It allows the Pop-up view becomes one of the star features of One UI 7Especially when you work with multiple note-taking apps, task managers, browsers, email clients, and messaging platforms. Everything flows more smoothly, and you significantly reduce the time you waste switching between applications.
Beyond productivity, it also has its charm for leisure uses: you can play Videos from almost any source in a mini window While browsing social media, chatting with friends, or checking your email, it's a kind of souped-up picture-in-picture mode that's much more customizable than the classic floating mode in some apps.
Hidden One UI menus for testing hardware and battery
Beyond the visible improvements in aesthetics and multitasking, One UI hides several Hidden menus for users who want to go a step furtherThese tools don't appear in the regular settings; instead, they're activated by entering specific codes in the Phone app. They're designed to check device status, detect errors, and obtain technical data without requiring the installation of third-party apps.
One of the most useful is the so-called Hardware Test ModeA test panel that lets you quickly check the functionality of the screen, fingerprint sensor, speakers, vibration, and other components. Another important menu is the... Battery Status, which displays detailed information about the battery and motherboard, and includes an option to natively calibrate the battery measurement system.
These menus aren't particularly visually appealing, but they serve a key purpose: they allow any user with even a little curiosity to... diagnose hardware or power supply problems without needing to connect your phone to a computer or resort to technical support at the first sign of trouble. They're also a great help if you want to make sure everything is working properly on a second-hand Galaxy.
Hardware Test Mode: Complete diagnostics for Samsung mobile phones
Samsung's Hardware Test Mode is a secret menu that It performs specific tests on different sensors and components. of the device. With it you can check if the screen has dead pixels, check the touch response, verify that the fingerprint sensor responds correctly, that the speaker sounds as it should, that the proximity and light sensors work, and much more.
To access this panel from a Galaxy with One UI, the steps are very simple: you have to Open the phone app and enter the code *#0*# (one of the secret codesThere is no need to press the call button; as soon as you finish dialing, the system automatically loads a screen with several boxes or buttons, each associated with a specific test (screen colors, vibration, sensors, etc.).
From there you can go into each test to Manually verify if the component is responding correctlyIn screen tests, for example, different solid colors are displayed to detect blemishes or dead pixels. For the speaker, a test sound is played, and for the fingerprint sensor, you must place your finger on it to confirm that it recognizes the pressure and position.
This type of test is especially recommended if you've suffered a hard fall, if the phone has had even slight contact with water or moisture, or if you simply notice that Something's not quite right with the touch response or the audioIt's also incredibly useful when you're considering buying or selling a used Galaxy: in just a few minutes you can review the key points and feel more at ease.
Battery Status: Advanced battery information and calibration
The other great hidden gem of One UI in this section is the menu Battery StatusThis panel, which can also be accessed through the Phone app, is designed to provide internal details about the battery's status and the device's power supply, including voltage data and other technical parameters from the motherboard. It's a simple way to quickly check how the battery is performing without installing any additional apps.
To open this menu, simply Dial the code *#0228# in the phone appAs with the previous case, the system will display a screen full of battery-related information: percentage, current level, charge status, voltage, and some other fields designed for diagnostic purposes. It might seem a bit cryptic if you're not used to this type of data, but there's one very clear option that usually catches your eye.
Within Battery Status there appears a button called Quick StartThis is the method Samsung uses internally to recalibrate the battery. The battery calibration process in Android phones has always been controversial because concepts are often confused: it's not about physically "fixing" a damaged battery, but about adjusting the reading that the system makes of the load level so that the percentage you see is as accurate as possible.
When you tap on Quick Start, One UI forces a battery parameter rereading and readjusts the data it uses to display the remaining battery level. This can help if you notice your phone shutting down with seemingly high percentages, the indicator dropping sharply, or it not accurately reflecting the actual battery life.
However, this option should be used with caution. It's not something to be constantly adjusting, nor will it magically fix a physically worn-out battery. If battery life problems or sudden shutdowns persist after calibration, the wisest course of action will be Consider a battery replacement or a more thorough technical inspection.Even so, having this tool integrated into One UI is a plus compared to relying on third-party apps of dubious reliability.
More useful hidden settings: status bar and camera hole
In addition to the "big" multitasking and diagnostic functions, Samsung has hidden several features in One UI. Small adjustments that solve everyday annoyancesThese are options you might never discover unless someone tells you about them, but once activated they greatly improve the user experience, especially if you're someone who can't stand absurd limitations or distracting visual details.
Two of the most interesting are the Increase the number of notification icons in the status bar and the option to hide the punch-hole front camera with a black bar. The first solves a rather annoying limitation in Samsung's interface, while the second is designed for those who aren't used to the "hole" in the screen when watching videos and multimedia content.
Show more notification icons in the status bar
Out of the box, many Samsung phones with One UI establish a limit of three app icons in the status barIn other words, even if you have notifications from five, six, or more apps, you'll only see the icons of three of them, with the rest hidden, which many users find quite frustrating. If you're someone who needs to see everything at a glance, this limitation is a major drawback.
Fortunately, the customization layer includes a setting that allows you to change this behavior. To access it, you need to Open the notification shade by swiping up from the top To display the quick access panel, in the corner (usually top right) you'll see the three vertical dots icon; tapping it opens a small menu where you should select the "Status bar" option.
Within the status bar settings you will find the section "Show notification icons"Upon entering, you'll see that the option limiting icons is usually selected by default. You need to change it to "All notifications" or equivalent text, depending on your specific One UI version and language.
By selecting this option, the system stops enforcing the three-icon limit and Display as many app icons as will physically fit in the bar. depending on the available space. From there, if you have many notifications at the same time, they will be displayed more clearly without needing to constantly pull down the notification bar to check them.
It's a small adjustment, but it makes a difference if you use your phone intensively for work or study and want to have a Quick overview of notification volume and type that await you without having to open the entire panel. Combined with the other hidden features, it's another example of how One UI allows you to fine-tune the experience down to the smallest detail.
Hide the punch-hole front camera when watching videos
Most modern Galaxy phones, especially those in the mid-range and high-end categories, rely on screens with a hole for the front camera Instead of using a classic notch, this allows for a more modern look and better use of the front of the screen, but it's not for everyone. When watching a movie on Netflix, a video on YouTube, or full-screen content, that hole can be a bit annoying for some users.
With them in mind, Samsung includes a setting in One UI that allows visually hide the front camera with a black strip which is drawn at the top of the screen. In this way, the area where the perforation is located is integrated into a uniform band and the video content is displayed underneath, without the hole interrupting the main image.
To activate this option, you need to go into the phone settings and go to the "Display" sectionOnce inside, look for the section called "Full screen apps" (or a similar name, depending on the version), where you manage the apps that can use the entire screen. On that screen, tap the three vertical dots in the upper corner again to open additional options and choose "Advanced settings."
In the advanced settings menu you will see the option "Hide camera opening"When activated, One UI automatically generates a dark band at the top, concealing the hole and preventing it from interfering with the content. The result is a kind of "frame" at the top that unifies the hole area and makes it much less noticeable during video playback.
It's important to understand that this isn't a physical solution (the camera is still there, obviously), but for those who are very particular about the screen's aesthetics, or simply prefer a more uniform look when viewing multimedia content, This trick can greatly improve your experience.And the best part is that you can turn it on or off whenever you want, depending on how you're using your phone at any given time.
With this whole suite of tools—from One UI 7's pop-up multitasking view to secret diagnostic menus and small tweaks to the status bar and front camera—Galaxy demonstrates that They have a huge margin for customization and optimization Beyond what meets the eye. Taking the time to discover and configure these features makes a world of difference: your phone adapts better to how you work, consume content, and manage your notifications, truly taking advantage of everything Samsung's interface has to offer.
