Understanding Finder on Galaxy phones

Finder is a powerful search feature on Galaxy phones, especially with the new Home Finder introduced in devices running One UI 8.5 or later, starting from the Galaxy S26 series. This guide explains the updates to Finder, including natural language search, reservation cards, and customization options. Whether you're new to Finder or looking to optimize its functionality, this article provides insights into its features and how to use them effectively.
A Galaxy S26 Ultra showing a Galaxy AI settings menu with the Finder toggle on on a wooden table.
A Galaxy S26 Ultra showing a Galaxy AI settings menu with the Finder toggle on on a wooden table.

Understanding Finder on Galaxy phones

Note
These instructions apply to devices running Android 8.5 or later. Screens and settings may vary depending on your carrier, software version, and device model.

Check the software version:

  1. Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to open the Quick panel, and then tap the Settings icon (gear).
  2. Swipe to and tap About phone, then tap Software information.
    Software information menu option highlighted from the About phone menu in Settings on a Galaxy phone.
  3. Look for the One UI version to confirm your device's current software.
Read more
Read less

How to enable Home Finder:

Finder can be enabled on Galaxy phones running One UI 8.5 or higher, though the steps may vary slightly depending on your device's software version. Follow the instructions below to ensure Finder is activated on your Home screen.

  1. Pinch, or touch and hold the center of the Home screen, and then tap Settings.
    A Galaxy S26 Ultra screen showing the home screen with a blue circle overlay indicating a touch target in the center.
  2. Enable the switch next to Show Finder on Home screen. If your device runs One UI 9 or higher, tap Show search on Home screen first, then enable the switch next to Finder.
    A Galaxy S26 Ultra screen showing the home screen settings menu with the Show Finder on Home screen option highlighted in blue.
  3. The Finder icon will now appear on the Home screen.
Read more
Read less

Key features of updated Finder:

Hands holding a Galaxy S26 Ultra typing a search query into the Finder tool with calendar and settings results displayed above the keyboard.

  • Search suggestions and recall cards: When you search for a keyword or phrase, relevant reservation information is displayed in a card format at the top. 
  • Personal data intelligence (PDI): This feature collects reservation details from notifications in apps like Messages, Gmail, Naver, Line, WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, and Wallet.
Read more
Read less

Natural language search:

Hands holding a Galaxy S26 Ultra typing next meeting into the Finder search bar with a Samsung Notes result displayed above.

  • Natural language search is activated for queries of 5 characters or longer or full sentences.
  • Supported content includes Voice Recorder, Recorded Calls, Calendar, Notes, Reminders, and My Files.
Read more
Read less

Customizing Finder:

To disable reservation information and recall cards:

  1. Tap the Finder icon on the Home screen.
    A Galaxy S26 Ultra home screen showing app icons and a search bar widget labeled Finder highlighted with a blue circle.
  2. Tap More options, and then tap Settings.
    A Galaxy S26 Ultra screen showing the Finder search interface with a menu option for Settings highlighted in blue.
  3. Swipe to the bottom and turn off Personal data intelligence under Finder settings.
    A Galaxy S26 Ultra screen showing a settings menu with the Personal data intelligence option highlighted in blue.
Read more
Note
Finder is disabled by default and needs to be manually enabled in the Home screen settings to appear on the Home screen.
Read less

App searches in Finder:

Note
  • The Choose apps to search in menu has moved in Finder starting with One UI 9.0.
  • Home Finder does not provide Suggested apps. For app searches, use the search bar directly from the Apps Finder for more efficient results.
  • Other entry points, such as DeX, Keyboard, and GoodLock OHO+, continue to provide the same results as Apps Finder.

A Galaxy S26 Ultra showing the Finder search tool screen with suggested apps and recent searches options.

The Choose apps to search in feature in Finder lets you customize which apps appear in your search results. 

  1. Tap Finder from the Home screen.
  2. Tap the More options icon (three vertical dots) in the corner of the search bar, and then tap Choose apps to search in. For devices running One UI 9 or higher, tap Settings, and then tap Choose apps to search in.
  3. Enable the switch next to the app(s) you want to include in your search results.

 

By following these steps, you can customize which apps are searched when using Finder, ensuring your search results are tailored to your needs.

Read more
Read less

Finder icon disappeared

If the Finder icon disappears from the Home screen after setup, you can re-enable it from the Home screen settings.

  1. Pinch, or touch and hold the center of the Home screen.
    A Galaxy S26 Ultra screen showing the home screen with a blue circle overlay indicating a touch target in the center.
  2. Tap Settings, and then enable Show Finder on Home screen. If your device runs One UI 9 or higher, tap Show search on Home screen first, then enable the switch next to Finder.
    A Galaxy S26 Ultra screen showing the home screen settings menu with the Show Finder on Home screen option highlighted in blue.
Read more
Read less

With these insights, you can make the most of Finder on your Galaxy phone. Whether you're using Home Finder or exploring natural language search, these features enhance your device's functionality and convenience.

Recommended Articles
Was this content helpful?
Previous Next
Table of contents
We're here for you

Contact Samsung Support

Contact us online through chat and get support from an expert on your computer, mobile device, or tablet. Support is also available on your mobile device through the Samsung Members App.
Get support
flag
Go to site