Samsung One UI Hides Notification Categories by Default, but the Setting Can Be Re-Enabled

Samsung has disabled the Notification Categories feature by default beginning with One UI 6.1, making per-app alert controls harder to access in current builds, according to Android Police.

This feature allows users to block or allow specific types of notifications within an app. It is still available in One UI 8.5 on current Galaxy devices, but must be found via search and enabled manually.

The feature is Samsung's equivalent to the Notification Channels system on Pixel and stock Android.

Notification Categories: Functionality and Accessibility Challenges

Notification Categories allows users to filter specific alert types within an app, rather than enabling or disabling all notifications. For example, Android Police notes users can keep forecast updates and breaking news from Samsung News and Google, while blocking sports scores or Gemini Live prompts.

The feature also works with third-party apps. Android Police explains it can be used to allow direct messages and essential alerts from apps like TikTok or Instagram, while blocking spam and video recommendations. Notification Categories is distinct from the newer Notification Highlights tool, as it is an older, separate utility for managing alerts.

Samsung disabled Notification Categories by default starting with One UI 6.1, and the setting is now located under several submenu layers.

Android Police reports that finding it requires using the AI-powered search in the Settings app, which returns two results: an integrated toggle within Galaxy Themes and a separate "Manage notification categories for each app" option. The correct setting is found in Advanced Settings with other notification toggles.

Android Police notes the setting is easy to access only if users know the exact search terms; otherwise, it is difficult to locate.

How to Enable Notification Categories, And What to Watch For

To turn on How to Enable Notification Categories and Key Considerations in recent One UI:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Search for "notification…