Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Side sense feature
IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.
Q: What is Side sense?
A: Side sense feature allows you to double-tap the side of the screen to show predicted apps based on how you use your device. Side sense makes it easy to use your device with one hand.
Q: How do I launch or exit the Side sense menu?
A: Double-tap either side of the screen. To close the Side sense menu, tap the screen anywhere outside the Side sense menu.
Q: Can I use Side sense on both sides of my device?
A: Yes, Side sense can be enabled on both sides, or only on the right-side or left-side. Follow the steps below:
- For 2019 models: Settings → Display → Advanced → Side sense → Configure Side sense bar → Show the bar to interact with Side sense.
- For other models: Settings → Display → Advanced → Side sense → Sensor enabled.
Q: I used the Side sense menu to launch an app, how do I return to the previous screen?
A: To return to a previous screen, slide your finger up or down along the side of the screen, or tap the back button.
Q: Why isn’t the Side sense menu launched when I double-tap the side of the screen?
A: Try the following:
- Hold your device with one hand and use your thumb to double-tap the side of the screen.
- Note: An animation of this procedure is found in Settings → Display → Advanced → Side sense.
- Double-tap a little further up on the side of the screen.
- Adjust the sensor sensitivity in Settings → Display → Advanced → Side sense → Sensor sensitivity or Side sense bar sensitivity → Double-tap speed.
Q: I've tried everything but the Side sense menu still doesn’t launch, why?
A: Side sense is automatically disabled in the following scenarios:
- The device in landscape view.
- Glove mode is on.
- Charging the device with a wireless charger.
- Ultra STAMINA mode is activated.
- During incoming or outgoing calls.
Q: Why does the Side sense menu seem to launch and disappear when I’m just holding the phone?
A: Adjust the sensor sensitivity. Follow the steps below:
- Select Settings → Display → Advanced → Side sense → Sensor sensitivity or Side sense bar sensitivity → Double-tap speed
- Select Settings → Display → Advanced → Side sense → Sensor sensitivity or Side sense bar sensitivity → Slide length.
Q: Will the side sensor react when I use a phone cover?
A: You can enable Side sense for only one side:
- For 2019 models: Settings → Display → Advanced → Side sense → Configure Side sense bar → Show the bar to interact with Side sense.
- For other models: Settings → Display → Advanced → Side sense → Sensor enabled.
Q: Can I disable Side sense for specific apps, such as games?
A: Yes, you can enable or disable Side sense for specific applications:
- Settings → Display → Advanced → Side sense → Apps with Side sense enabled.
- Tap the switch beside an app to enable or disable Side sense for that particular app.