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How to Use Samsung Smart Alert and Direct Call

By Eric Butow Eric Butow Writer California State University Former Lifewire writer Eric Butow, is also a web designer and social media marketer and the author of 30+ computing books. Eric develops computer training courses. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 21, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Samsung Samsung Quick Tips

What to Know

Smart Alert (6.0 through 8.0): Select Apps > Settings > Advanced Features > Smart Alert > toggle On.Direct Call (6.0 through 8.0): Select Apps > Settings > Advanced Features > Direct Call > toggle On.Android 4.4 and 5.0: Select Apps > Settings > Motions and Gestures > Smart Alert/Direct Call > toggle On. This article explains how to use Samsung's Smart Alert and Direct Call features in Android 8.0 (Oreo) back through Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).

Turn Smart Alert On and Off in Marshmallow Nougat and Oreo

Smart Alert is a Samsung feature that alerts you to missed calls and text messages by vibrating your phone when you pick it up. These features aren’t enabled by default, but it’s easy to turn them on and off. Here’s how to turn on Smart Alert on a Samsung smartphone running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), 7.0 (Nougat), or Android 8.0 (Oreo): On the Home screen, tap Apps. In the Apps screen, swipe to the page that contains the Settings icon (if necessary) and then tap Settings. Tap Advanced Features. In the Advanced Features screen, swipe up on the screen until you see the Smart Alert option. Tap Smart Alert. In the Smart Alert screen, move the toggle button in the upper-right corner of the screen from left to right. The Smart Alert status at the top of the screen is On. Now you see that the Smart Alert feature is On. You can return to the Advanced Features screen by tapping the < icon in the upper-left corner of the screen. If you want to turn off Smart alert, repeat Steps 1 through 5 above. Then, in the Smart Alert screen, move the toggle button in the upper-right corner of the screen from right to left. The Smart Alert status at the top of the screen is Off.

Enable Direct Call in Marshmallow Nougat and Oreo

If you have the Direct Call feature on, and you see a message from or contact information for a contact stored on your smartphone, you can call that contact just by bringing the phone close to your ear. Here’s how to turn on the Direct Call feature on a Samsung smartphone running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), 7.0 (Nougat), and 8.0 (Oreo): On the Home screen, tap Apps. In the Apps screen, swipe to the page that contains the Settings icon (if necessary) and then tap Settings. Tap Advanced Features. In the Advanced Features screen, swipe up on the screen until you see the Direct Call option. Tap Direct Call. In the Smart Alert screen, move the toggle button in the upper-right corner of the screen from left to right. The Smart Alert status at the top of the screen is On.

Activate Direct Call on KitKat and Lollipop

With a smartphone running Android 4.4 (KitKat) or Android 5.0 (Lollipop), here’s how to activate the features: On the Home screen, tap Apps. In the Apps screen, swipe to the page that contains the Settings icon (if necessary) and then tap Settings. In the Settings screen, swipe up in the screen until you see the Motions and Gestures option. Tap Motions and Gestures. In the Motions and Gestures screen, tap Direct Call to turn Direct Call on, and tap Smart Alert to turn Smart Alert on. Repeat this step to turn these features off.

Activate Direct Call on Jelly Bean

To activate Direct Call and Smart Alert on a Samsung smartphone running Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean): Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification panel. Tap the Settings icon at the top of the screen. Tap My Device. Tap Motions and Gestures. In the Motions and Gestures screen, tap Motion. In the Motion screen, tap Direct Call to turn Direct Call on, and tap Smart Alert to turn Smart Alert on. Repeat this step to turn these features off.

Activate Direct Call on Ice Cream Sandwich

Here’s how to activate Direct Call and Smart Alert on a Samsung smartphone running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich): Press the Menu button to the left of the Home button. Tap Settings in the menu. Tap My Device. Tap Motion. Tap Direct Call to turn Direct Call on, and tap Smart Alert to turn Smart Alert on. Repeat this step to turn these features off.

Testing Smart Alert and Direct Call

It’s easy to test both Smart Alert and Direct Call to make sure they work after you’ve activated those features. You can have someone send you a text message while your smartphone is on your desk and you’re doing something else. Then, when you check your smartphone again, it should vibrate when you pick it up. With a Direct Call, all you have to do is go into your Contacts app, select someone to call, then hold the smartphone up to your ear. You should hear your smartphone dialing the number as soon as the speaker above the screen reaches your ear. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The Official Android Versions Guide: Everything You Need to Know How to Reset Your Samsung Device How to Use Samsung's Do Not Disturb Mode How to Take a Screenshot on Android What is Smart Stay? How to Use Android Night Mode What is Samsung Easy Mute? How to Use Picture-in-Picture on Your Android How to Play YouTube in the Background on Your Phone How to Turn Off Driving Mode on iPhone How to Turn Off Motion Photo on Android How to Show Battery Percentage on the iPhone 12 The 18 Best Tips to Get More iPad Battery Life (Updated for iPadOS 15.5) How to Set Up and Use Focus Mode on iPhone and Apple Watch What Android Auto Is and How to Use It How to Manage Android App Permissions Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies