The Samsung Galaxy S24 comes packed with powerful features designed to make your smartphone experience faster, smarter, and more efficient. One of the most underrated yet incredibly useful tools is the ability to long press app icons to quickly view notifications.
Instead of opening each app one by one to check for updates, this handy shortcut lets you peek at important alerts directly from your home screen or app drawer. Whether you’re waiting on a message, tracking a delivery, or checking social media updates, this feature can save you time and help you stay on top of things.
In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to long press app icons to see notifications on Samsung Galaxy S24, explain why it’s useful, and show you how to get the most out of it. Whether you’re new to Galaxy phones or just want to use your device more efficiently, this tip is definitely worth learning.
What Is the Long-Press Feature on Samsung Galaxy S24?
The long-press feature on the Samsung Galaxy S24 is a simple but powerful gesture that unlocks extra options when you touch and hold an app icon. Instead of just tapping to open the app, you press and hold the icon for about one to two seconds. This action brings up a small menu with quick shortcuts and, more importantly, notification previews if the app has recent alerts.
For example, if you have unread messages in WhatsApp or missed calls in the Phone app, a long press will show you those notifications instantly—no need to open the app. It’s a faster way to stay updated and manage your time better.
This feature is part of Samsung’s One UI interface, built on Android 14, which is designed to help users get things done quickly with fewer taps. It’s especially useful for multitasking, letting you access the most important parts of an app right from your home screen or app drawer.
Think of it like a shortcut menu that gives you access to useful functions—such as viewing recent chats, composing a new email, or checking delivery updates—all with just one long press.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Long Press App Icons to View Notifications on Samsung Galaxy S24
Accessing app notifications has never been easier on the Samsung Galaxy S24. With just a simple long press, you can instantly see updates without opening the app. Here’s a quick, step-by-step guide to help you master this feature:
First Enable Feature:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down, tap Home Screen.
- Scroll down, tap App icon badges.
- Enable Notifications on app icons feature
Step 1: Unlock Your Samsung Galaxy S24
Make sure your phone is on and unlocked. Navigate to your Home screen or open the App Drawer to view all your installed apps.
Step 2: Find the App You Want to Check
Look for an app that commonly receives notifications, such as:
- Messages
- Gmail
- Phone
Step 3: Long Press the App Icon
Touch and hold the app icon gently for about 1 to 2 seconds. Avoid tapping quickly—this gesture requires a steady press.
Step 4: View Notification Previews
After the long press, a pop-up menu will appear. At the top of the menu, you’ll see notification previews if there are any recent alerts from that app.
For example:
- Unread messages from WhatsApp
- Missed calls in the Phone app
- New emails in Gmail
Step 5: Tap to Open the Notification
If you want to read or respond to a notification, simply tap on the preview, and it will take you directly to that part of the app. This saves time and helps you respond faster.
Bonus Tip: Try It on Multiple Apps
Not all apps support this feature, but most popular ones do. Try long pressing icons like Facebook, Telegram, Calendar, or YouTube to see what shortcut options or notifications they offer.
Why It’s Useful
Using the long-press feature is a smart way to:
- Quickly check important alerts
- Avoid unnecessary app launches
- Save battery and time
- Stay organized with fewer distractions
This small feature can make a big difference in how efficiently you use your Galaxy S24. Now that you know how it works, give it a try with your most-used apps!
How to Enable Notification Dots (If Not Visible) on Samsung Galaxy S24
Notification dots are small, colored indicators that appear on app icons when you have unread notifications. On the Samsung Galaxy S24, these dots make it even easier to spot which apps need your attention—especially when using the long-press gesture to preview notifications.
If you’re not seeing these dots on your app icons, don’t worry. You can quickly enable them with just a few taps. Here’s how:
Step-by-Step: Turn On Notification Dots
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Swipe down from the top of your screen and tap the gear icon to access Settings, or
Find the Settings app in your app drawer and tap it.
Step 2: Go to Notifications
In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap Notifications.
Step 3: Tap on Advanced Settings
Inside the Notifications menu, tap on Advanced settings (you may need to scroll a little to find it).
Step 4: Select Notification Badges
Tap Notification badges or App icon badges (depending on your software version).
Step 5: Enable Notification Dots
- Make sure the toggle is switched ON.
- Select the “Dots” option if there’s a choice between dots and numbers.
- You can also choose whether tapping the app icon opens the notification or not.
Why Enable Notification Dots?
- Visual Alerts: Easily see which apps have new activity.
- Faster Navigation: Combine with the long-press feature to jump straight into unread content.
- Minimal Distraction: Dots are subtle and don’t take up screen space like banners or pop-ups.
Still Not Working? Try This:
- Make sure Do Not Disturb is turned off.
- Check App Notification settings for individual apps (some apps may have badges disabled).
- Restart your phone after enabling the feature.
Enabling notification dots on your Samsung Galaxy S24 helps you stay informed at a glance. It’s a small tweak, but it can make a big difference in how efficiently you manage your apps and alerts. Switch Between Standard and Compact S Pen Menu on Galaxy S24 Ultra
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is loaded with smart features, and the ability to long press app icons to view notifications is one that can really improve your day-to-day experience. It’s a fast, simple way to check alerts without opening every app—saving you both time and battery life.
Whether you’re checking for missed calls, new messages, or social media updates, this feature gives you more control over how you interact with your phone. Paired with notification dots, it becomes even more powerful—letting you spot unread alerts at a glance.
By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to unlock the full potential of this hidden gem in Samsung’s One UI. If you’re someone who values speed, productivity, and a clean user experience, this is one feature you’ll want to start using every day.
So go ahead—try long-pressing your favorite apps and take advantage of one of the Galaxy S24’s most convenient features!