Are you tired of the same old notification colors on your Samsung Galaxy S21? If so, you’re in luck! Changing the notification color on your Samsung S21 isn’t just a fun way to personalize your device; it can also help you visually categorize notifications for a more organized experience. This guide will walk you through the steps of altering notification colors, whether using built-in features or third-party applications so you can tailor your phone exactly how you want it.
Understanding Notification Colors on Samsung S21
Before we delve into the process of changing notification colors, it’s essential to understand what they represent. Samsung devices utilize a variety of notification colors to help users identify the type of alert at a glance. For example, a blue notification might indicate messages, while red can signify urgent notifications—like missed calls.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 is equipped with a customizable LED light feature that flashes different colors. This light functions as an alert for notifications, calls, or calendar events. Customization of these colors not only enhances aesthetic value but also improves productivity by allowing users to set different colors for various apps.
Changing Notification Color through Built-in Settings
Samsung has included several features within its One UI settings that allow users to customize their notification experience. Here’s how to access these options:
Step 1: Accessing Settings
- Unlock your Samsung Galaxy S21.
- Open the Settings app, which can usually be found in your app drawer or by swiping down and tapping the gear icon in the notification shade.
Step 2: Notifications Settings
- Scroll down and select Notifications.
- Here, you will notice different options for customizing your notifications, including sound, vibration, and more.
Step 3: Customize Colors with Edge Lighting
One of the most striking ways to change your notification color is via the Edge Lighting feature.
- While still in the Notifications settings, look for the Advanced settings option at the bottom.
- Select Edge Lighting.
- Turn on edge lighting, and you’ll be able to adjust the color, effects, and transparency of the notifications that appear on the edges of your screen when you receive an incoming alert.
Choosing Colors
- Within the Edge Lighting options, you’ll see an option for Color. Here you can choose from a palette of colors.
- Samsung provides default colors, but you can also create a custom color by tapping on the Plus icon.
Setting Different Colors for Different Apps
- Scroll down within the Edge Lighting settings until you find the Advanced section.
- You can select specific apps and assign different colors to their notifications—helping you quickly identify notifications based on color coding!
Using Third-Party Apps for More Customization
If you find the built-in notification color options insufficient, third-party applications can provide extensive customization features. Here are some popular apps that can help you effortlessly change your notification colors.
1. Light Flow
Light Flow is an application that allows users to control notification colors for virtually any app on their device. It goes above and beyond Samsung’s built-in options.
How to Use Light Flow
- Download and install Light Flow from the Google Play Store.
- Open Light Flow and grant the necessary permissions.
- Configure it by selecting the type of notifications you wish to customize. You can choose specific apps and assign unique colors and LED patterns.
2. Notific Pro
Notific Pro is another viable option that offers similar features to Light Flow. It allows for customization beyond notifications, such as managing alarms and reminders.
Using Notific Pro
- Install Notific Pro from the Google Play Store.
- Launch the app and go through the permissions setup.
- Go to the settings, where you can adjust the notification colors for various apps. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and adjust your preferences.
Fine-Tuning Other Notification Settings
While changing colors can drastically improve your notification experience, other settings are worth fine-tuning for optimal utility.
Adjusting Notification Sounds
It’s crucial to pair notification colors with distinguishable sounds. To change notification sounds:
- Go back to Settings.
- Tap on Sounds and Vibration.
- Select Notification sound and choose different tones for further differentiation.
Enabling Vibration Patterns
Vibration can be an overlooked feature that complements visual notifications.
- In the Notifications section under Settings, scroll down to Vibration.
- Adjust the intensity, duration, and patterns for different notifications.
Maximizing Your Samsung S21’s Battery Life
One thing users should keep in mind is that extensive notifications like edge lighting can impact battery life. Here are a couple of strategies to maintain a balance:
Reducing Edge Lighting Frequency
- Limit edge lighting to only active screen times while minimizing the duration used in notifications.
Using Do Not Disturb Mode
- Set specific hours when notifications are silenced to save battery while ensuring you don’t miss important alerts during critical times.
Conclusion
Customizing notification colors on your Samsung Galaxy S21 enhances not only the visual appeal but also the overall functionality of your device. By understanding built-in settings and utilizing third-party applications, you can create a personalized notification system that suits your style and needs.
Remember, adjusting colors and sounds can significantly improve your ability to interact with several applications fluidly, helping you stay organized and increasing productivity. Whether you choose to use Samsung’s native features or download a third-party app like Light Flow or Notific Pro, the possibilities are practically endless.
With this guide, you now have the tools to give your Samsung Galaxy S21 a unique touch, ensuring that it stands out in more ways than one! So go ahead, and give your notifications a makeover—your device will thank you for it.
How can I change the notification colors on my Samsung S21?
To change the notification colors on your Samsung S21, you will need to access the device’s settings. Start by navigating to the ‘Settings’ app on your phone. From there, scroll down and tap on ‘Display.’ Here, you will find options for adjusting the color settings, including the notification bar’s appearance.
Once you’re in the ‘Display’ settings, look for the ‘Status Bar’ or ‘App icon badges’ section. Depending on your current software version, you may have the option to customize the colors of your notifications based on different conditions. Explore the various available settings to choose your preferred notification colors.
Can I use third-party apps to customize notification colors?
Yes, you can use a variety of third-party apps to further customize the notification colors on your Samsung S21. Popular applications such as ‘Light Manager’ or ‘Material Notification Shade’ allow users to set distinctive colors for notifications from specific apps. You just need to download one of these apps from the Google Play Store.
After downloading and installing the app, follow the on-screen instructions to grant permissions. Within the app, you can select which notifications will have custom colors and set them according to your preferences. This feature can significantly enhance your notification system beyond the default settings provided by the device.
What if the notification colors aren’t changing?
If you’re experiencing issues where the notification colors aren’t changing despite following the steps, it’s possible that there may be a software glitch or you may not have saved the settings correctly. The first step is to ensure you revisit the settings and double-check that any changes were saved. Sometimes, settings can revert if the device has been restarted.
Additionally, make sure your Samsung S21 is updated to the latest software version. Outdated software can sometimes affect the functionality of custom settings. Check for any available updates by going to ‘Settings’ > ‘Software update’ > ‘Download and install.’ Updating your device may resolve any issues preventing the notification colors from changing.
Is it possible to set different colors for different apps?
Absolutely! One of the exciting features available on your Samsung S21 is the ability to set different notification colors for different apps. You can customize the notification colors for various applications through both the built-in settings and third-party apps. For built-in customization, go to ‘Settings,’ then ‘Apps,’ select the app you wish to customize, and explore the notification settings.
For more flexibility and options, consider using third-party apps that let you assign unique colors for different app notifications. Once you install such an app, you can choose specific notifications to change and set individualized colors. This functionality ensures that you can easily differentiate between important notifications at a glance.
Will changing notification colors drain my battery?
Changing notification colors on your Samsung S21 does not significantly drain the battery. The process of changing colors is a software setting and typically does not consume a large amount of power. However, keep in mind that if you are using features that involve changing colors frequently, such as live wallpapers or specific third-party apps that use constant updates, that might impact your battery life.
To ensure optimal battery performance, you can manage other background applications and settings as well. Adjusting screen brightness or reducing the frequency of notifications can also help conserve battery life. Overall, customizing notification colors in moderation should not lead to substantial battery drainage.
How do I reset notification settings to default?
If you would like to reset your notification settings back to their default state on your Samsung S21, the process is straightforward. Navigate to ‘Settings’ and go to ‘Apps.’ Here, you can select an individual app for which you want to reset notifications, or you can choose a more global reset by going to ‘Advanced settings’ within the app notification options.
To reset all notification settings, you may need to perform a factory reset as a last resort, which will erase all data on your device. Before doing this, make sure to back up all important data. You can go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General Management’ > ‘Reset’ > ‘Factory data reset’ to initiate the process. Remember, this will reset all settings, not just notifications, so use this option carefully.