Galaxy S23 Ultra: Hidden Trick Activates LED Notifications, Old School Samsung Style!
Samsung has a reputation for packing its Galaxy devices with features that cater to both tech enthusiasts and nostalgia seekers. With the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung has hidden a gem that harks back to the "old school" days of LED notification lights, once a hallmark of Samsung smartphones. While modern smartphones have largely moved on from physical LED indicators, the LED Notification Trick on the Galaxy S23 Ultra lets you relive the experience—digitally. Here’s a complete guide to enabling and using this hidden feature.
What Are LED Notifications?
LED notifications were small, colored lights on older smartphones that blinked or stayed lit to indicate missed calls, messages, app notifications, or battery status. They were a simple yet effective way to stay informed without unlocking the phone. While physical LEDs have disappeared, Samsung has cleverly reimagined this functionality using its Edge Lighting and Always-On Display (AOD) features.
Why Bring Back LED Notifications?
Enhanced Visibility: LED-style notifications provide instant, glanceable updates without unlocking your device.
Customizable Aesthetics: Users can personalize notification styles to suit their preferences.
Nostalgic Appeal: For long-time Samsung fans, this feature brings a touch of nostalgia, evoking memories of earlier Galaxy models.
How to Activate LED Notifications on Galaxy S23 Ultra
The LED Notification Trick on the Galaxy S23 Ultra uses a combination of the Edge Lighting feature and Always-On Display. Follow these steps to enable it:
Step 1: Enable Edge Lighting
Open Settings on your Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Navigate to Notifications > Brief Pop-Up Settings > Edge Lighting.
Toggle on Edge Lighting and select your preferred lighting style (e.g., "Glow," "Bubble," or "Loop").
Step 2: Customize Edge Lighting
Within the Edge Lighting settings, tap on Color to assign unique colors to specific apps.
Adjust Transparency and Duration settings to control the brightness and how long the effect lasts.
Step 3: Activate Always-On Display (AOD)
Go to Settings > Lock Screen > Always-On Display.
Enable AOD and customize the clock and notification styles to include icons or animations.
Choose "Show for New Notifications" to limit AOD activity to when notifications are received.
Step 4: Sync Notifications with Edge Lighting
Ensure Edge Lighting works seamlessly with AOD by turning on notification previews. Navigate to Settings > Notifications > Brief Pop-Up Settings and enable the feature.
Customizing LED Notifications for Specific Apps
Samsung lets you assign unique LED effects to specific apps, making it easier to identify notifications at a glance.
Open Settings > Notifications > App Notifications.
Select the app (e.g., Messages, WhatsApp, or Gmail).
Under the Edge Lighting settings, assign a distinct color and effect style to the app.
This customization helps you instantly recognize the app associated with a notification, adding convenience and efficiency.
Using LED Notifications with Other Features
1. Bixby Routines Integration
You can automate the LED Notification effect using Bixby Routines. For example:
Enable specific lighting effects during work hours.
Limit notifications to priority apps when "Do Not Disturb" is active.
2. Notification Reminders
Samsung’s notification reminder feature works perfectly with LED notifications. To enable it:
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Advanced Settings.
Turn on Notification Reminders and set intervals for repeated alerts.
Best Practices for LED Notifications
Save Battery:
Use darker colors or lower transparency levels for Edge Lighting to conserve battery life.
Limit Always-On Display activity to "Tap to Show" mode.
Prioritize Notifications:
Assign LED effects to only essential apps to avoid excessive interruptions.
Combine with Do Not Disturb (DND):
Sync LED notifications with DND settings to prevent distractions during quiet hours.
Comparison with Physical LEDs
| Feature | Digital LED Notifications | Physical LED Notifications |
|---|---|---|
| Customization | Highly customizable colors & effects | Limited to fixed colors |
| Battery Impact | Uses more battery due to screen usage | Minimal battery consumption |
| Visibility | Works on the entire screen edge | Restricted to a single light |
| Modern Aesthetic | Enhances device design | Outdated hardware style |
Samsung’s digital implementation combines the best of old-school functionality with modern aesthetics, offering greater versatility.
Troubleshooting LED Notifications
If you encounter issues with LED notifications on your Galaxy S23 Ultra, try these fixes:
Edge Lighting Not Working:
Ensure Edge Lighting is enabled for all apps or specific apps under Notifications > Brief Pop-Up Settings.
Battery Drain Concerns:
Use "Show for New Notifications" under AOD settings to minimize unnecessary activity.
Missing Notifications:
Check app notification settings and ensure permissions are granted for alerts.
Future Enhancements Samsung Could Introduce
While the current implementation of LED notifications is impressive, Samsung could further enhance it by:
Introducing Tap-to-Respond: Allow users to interact directly with notifications via Edge Lighting.
Adaptive Effects: Use AI to adjust notification styles based on usage patterns.
Integration with Themes: Sync notification effects with device themes for a cohesive look.
Why You Should Try This Hidden Feature
The LED Notification Trick on the Galaxy S23 Ultra is more than just a throwback to older Samsung devices. It enhances usability and adds a touch of personalization to your smartphone experience. Whether you’re a fan of nostalgia or someone who loves customizing their device, this feature is a must-try.
Conclusion
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra is a powerhouse of innovation, and the hidden LED Notification Trick exemplifies the brand’s commitment to blending nostalgia with modern technology. By enabling and customizing this feature, you can bring back the charm of old-school LED notifications while enjoying the advanced capabilities of a flagship smartphone.
Try it out today and experience the best of both worlds—past and present—on your Galaxy S23 Ultra!