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Samsung

Samsung: Turn One-Handed Mode On or Off

If your Samsung phone feels too big to use with one hand, reaching the top corners of the screen means constantly shifting your grip. One-handed mode shrinks the display into a smaller window you can move to either side. Without it turned on, you are stuck using both hands for anything above the lower part of the screen.

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Step 1 of 3: Tap on **Settings**

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Android 11 · One UI 3
One-Handed Mode Toggle – One UI 3: step 1 – Tap on Settings
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Samsung

One-Handed Mode Toggle auf Samsung

Samsung phones with large displays are hard to operate with one hand, especially while walking or holding something in the other hand. One-handed mode belongs to Samsung's accessibility features and creates a smaller, movable version of the screen that fits within thumb range.

The feature does not change the actual screen resolution. It only scales the visible interface down and lets you dock it to the left or right, so notifications, apps, and system menus stay reachable without changing your grip.

Where to find it

Open SettingsAdvanced featuresOne-handed mode and switch the toggle on. You can also enable a gesture, such as swiping diagonally from a bottom corner, to trigger the shrink effect from any screen.

Once active, drag the small arrow on the edge of the scaled window to move it left or right. Pinch the corner handle to resize the window if the default size still feels too large.

Turn the feature off from the same menu if the reduced view makes text and icons too cramped, or if you mainly use the phone with a case or stand that already gives you a comfortable grip. One-handed mode works independently from Split screen or gesture navigation and can be combined with either.

Frequently asked questions

Some smaller Samsung models hide the toggle because the screen is already compact enough for one-handed use. Check SettingsAdvanced featuresOne-handed mode first, since the exact label can shift slightly between device generations.

Compatible devices

Tap your device — opens its hub with matching guides.

Android 11 · One UI 3

No compatible devices are listed for this version.