5 Ways I Made My Samsung Phone Work Better With Good Lock

Note: Good Lock is a customization app from Samsung that adds many useful features that are otherwise not present in the phone.

1. Customize Lock Screen According to My Preference

I use the Lock Star module of the Good Lock app to customize the lock screen and the Always on Display. For instance, I use it to change the position of the lock screen clock. I have kept it at the top-left corner which increases the real estate of the lock screen. I have also added the weather widget to the bottom of the lock screen.

You can add any other widget anywhere on the lock screen and also move the notification area.

Step 1: Go to the LockStar module > enable the toggle above the Lock Screen.

Step 2: Then, tap on the Lock screen preview to customize it.

Step 3: To add a new widget to the lock screen, tap on any empty space and select Widgets. To customize the existing widget, tap on it and press the icon at the bottom-left corner or drag it to change its position.

2. Customize Recent Apps Screen

I like having app names mentioned along with their icons wherever possible. And that’s what Good Lock helps me do. With the Home Up module, one can show the app labels on the Recent apps screen. You can also change the layout of the Recent apps screen to List, Grid, Stack, Vertical List, etc.

Step 1: Go to the Home Up module in the Good Lock app and tap on Task Changer.

Step 2: Enable the toggle for App label and choose the preferred layout type.

3. Show the Date and Day in the Status Bar

Another thing that Good Lock has made possible for me is to show the date and day in the status bar. What’s more interesting is that it lets you change the date format. This can be done using the QuickStar module, which also lets you move the clock to the right side. Furthermore, you can even hide certain icons in the status bar, such as Airplane mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, volume, etc.

Step 1: Open the QuickStar module and tap on Clock Settings.

Step 2: Tap on Show Date. Then, enable it and select the date format.

4. View Old Notifications for Up to 1 year

I have a lot of notifications on my phone, and sometimes, I accidentally remove important notifications while clearing out unnecessary ones. The Good Lock app has a feature that lets me view old notifications, which is a lifesaver.

While all Android phones have a native feature to view old notifications, it’s limited to 24 hours. The NotiStar module allows me to view old notifications from 30 days ago—up to 1 year. You can also search by keywords or apps to find the notifications quickly.

Furthermore, the module lets you pick apps or keywords you want to track. You can view old notifications from within the GoodLock app or lock screen.

Tip: You can use the NotiStar module to view deleted messages on WhatsApp and Instagram.

5. Use the Power Button to Launch Google Assistant or Open Apps

I use the RegiStar module of the Good Lock app to open Google Assistant by long-pressing the side key. You can also use it to associate the side key with any other action, such as taking a screenshot, showing notifications, opening an app, muting or unmuting, and more.

Step 1: Go to the RegiStar module and tap on Side-Key press and hold action.

Step 2: Enable it and choose the preferred action.

Other things you can do with the RegiStar Module:

• Change the order of the Settings screen.
• Enable and customize the Back tap action. For instance, you can double-tap the back of your phone to take a screenshot.

Honorable Mentions: Good Lock Features I Like But Don’t Use

• The ClockFace module in the Good Lock app lets you add an animated clock to your lock screen or Always on Display.
• Use the voice changer feature to change your voice during voice calls or voice messages using the Sound Assistant module.
• The Sound Assistant module also lets you customize the volume panel. You can change its layout and style, such as making it animated.
• With the Sound Assistant module, you can also control the individual app volumes.
• The Keys Cafe module lets you customize and create your own Samsung keyboard layout. You can even change the order of buttons and add/remove buttons according to your preference.
• The One Hand Operation + module lets you control your phone using one hand by adding additional functionalities to the top and bottom sides of the screen. That is, you can swipe on them to perform preferred actions.

Tip: If your Samsung Galaxy phone doesn’t support the Good Lock app, try its alternatives, such as NiceLock and Fine Lock.