Our Samsung Galaxy phones get better with each update, but sometimes the best features are completely hidden or don't get talked about enough.A prime example is the powerful "Finder" app feature that apparently Samsung doesn't want you to know about.Better yet, you can now put it right on your home screen.
Did you know your Galaxy app tray acts as a universal search tool? If you're anything like me, you swipe open the Galaxy app launcher and then start typing the name of the app in the search bar, rather than scrolling through the huge list of icons.While typing, you'll notice apps populate, you'll see Google Search results, and you can even find emails or specific settings right from that app tray search tool.You may or may not know this feature existed, but it's Samsung's powerful global search tool called Finder.
Here's what to know and how to add it right to your home screen.What is Samsung Finder? The best feature you're not using Close You probably use Samsung's Finder feature all the time and just don't realize it.Finder is Samsung's on-device search tool designed to make it fast and easy to find apps, settings, files, search results, and all sorts of things.
It can even wander outside of apps and display information from the Play Store, Galaxy Store, and web results.Or, while in the app tray, you can type a new query or use your voice to search for things.Until now, it was hidden in the app drawer, oddly enough, but with One UI 8.5 and newer, Finder can be added directly to the Home screen.
The idea here is to make it quicker and easier to find whatever you need, whether you search by typing, natural language search, commonly used app suggestions, or recall cards.Having all of that easily accessible is a big deal, and now it's easier than ever to access.Add Finder to your home screen More than just a search bar Close If you're not using Finder with the search button in your Samsung Galaxy phone's app drawer, you're missing out.
Thankfully, you now have a way to access this powerful global search function right from your home screen.Why waste the extra step of opening the app drawer when all you're going to do is search for something, rather than flipping through rows and rows of icons? Instead, add Finder to your home screen.To start, pinch or long-press on a blank area near the center of your home screen.
This is what you'd usually do to change your wallpaper or access widgets.Tap Settings, then scroll down to Show search on Home screen.Depending on your phone and One UI version, you'll either see a toggle to add Finder to the home screen instantly, or you'll have to tap Show search on Home Screen, then flip a switch to enable Finder.
Additionally, you can open Settings > Home Screen > and find the same Show search on Home screen option.Now, the Finder icon will appear on your home screen as a tiny search magnifying glass with the word Finder (like on the Galaxy S26 Ultra), or as a full-width Finder search bar, as on my Galaxy S25+ running the One UI 9 beta.Customize Finder on your Galaxy Make it your own search tool More importantly, Finder is completely customizable.
While you're actively using Samsung Finder, tap the 3-line menu button and open Settings.Now, you'll be able to tell Finder what it can and can't show or access.Finder has an option to turn off showing suggested apps, settings, recent search results, suggested content, app options and controls, web searches or web suggestions, and you can even allow it to show hidden apps.
That way, the apps are still hiding from the app tray, but when you search with Finder, it'll spot them for you.That's neat! Last but certainly not least, there's another option at the bottom of the Galaxy Finder's settings menu to allow Personal data intelligence.If you enable it, Finder will deliver personalized search results based on context across apps and services on your device, and you can then access things like your Gallery, phone, emails, and more.
Give it a try today It's truly pretty powerful once you understand all the Finder can do.For example, I can type in "flight" right on my home screen, and it'll find my flight details from an email.Or enable the Finder, then try typing a movie name or a new series you want to watch.
While it'll try to pull anything relevant to that query, you'll also see YouTube trailers appear, making it that much faster and easier to search for...well, anything.It might not be for everyone, which is why Samsung doesn't put it on the home screen by default.
However, if you're constantly searching for apps, settings, or other random things on your phone, you might as well do it right from the home screen now that you can.Finder makes it easier than ever to find what you need without wasting time.Related Stop Samsung from collecting your data and draining your Galaxy’s battery with one setting The hidden battery hog.
Posts 17 By Cory Gunther
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