How to use Now Bar on your Samsung smartphone

Samsung unveiled its latest Galaxy S25 series last night, and with it comes a host of design and functional upgrades for users this year. From updates to Gemini and Galaxy AI to talking about its One UI 7 beta program, this year, the brand seems to be heavily focusing on what’s under the hood.

One of these changes includes the Live Notifications feature, which the company calls ‘Now Bar’. Part of Samsung’s One UI 7 beta program, it is similar to Live Activities seen on Apple’s iPhones. Here’s everything you need to know.

Samsung Now Bar: What is it and how does it work?

Now Bar is a live notifications tracker that seamlessly integrates your everyday actions into your lock screen. It will also allow you to access apps and notifications from your lock screen and will give you an overview of transitions, updates or directions, based on the activity.

This means the next time you’re working while your favourite team is playing, you can look out for the live scores right on your lock screen. If you’re waiting for your cab, Now Bar can show you the progress while you do.

Samsung further explains how the Now Bar can also come in handy for times you’re embarking on an overseas trip, as the notifications bar will prompt you to create a folder with crucial apps and documents that you may need.

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It also uses Galaxy AI and calculates the exact time for you to leave for your flight, and once you’re on board, it will show you the total time elapsed during your journey. If that’s not all, Now Bar is also equipped to create a custom playlist for your trip!

Samsung Now Bar: How to use it

To access and modify the Now Bar on your Galaxy smartphone, these are a few steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Navigate to the Settings app on your phone

Step 2: Within this, you will find Lock Screen and AOD as an option

Step 3: Once it expands, tap on Now Bar in the list

Step 4: Next, you will see an option to ‘See All’ live notifications within Now Bar

Step 5: On doing this, you will be allowed to activate and customise your preferences

Step 6: Once you switch these apps on, they will automatically appear on your lock screen and Now Bar

Step 7: To know more, all you have to do is tap Now Bar on your lock screen for additional information

Samsung also mentions how Now Bar can be used with the Samsung Health app to track your daily workout, runs and other sports right from your lock screen.

Which Samsung devices will get Now Bar?

For now, the Now Bar can be found on Samsung’s latest flagships — including the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra. However, since it’s a One UI update, any eligible device will soon be able to make the most of this feature. That said, you may have to wait a little bit longer for the OS update to kick in if you have an older phone.