Disable Glance on Samsung: Clear Steps to Turn Off Lock Screen Content

This guide explains how to turn off Glance on Samsung devices, covering the most common methods to disable lock screen content, remove or restrict the Glance app, and troubleshoot if the feature persists.

How to turn off Glance on Samsung — step-by-step

Check Lock screen and Always On Display settings

On many Samsung phones, visible content that resembles Glance can be controlled in the Lock screen or Always On Display settings. Open Settings > Lock screen and review options such as Lock screen widgets, Notifications on lock screen, or Content to show. For Always On Display, open Settings > Lock screen & security > Always On Display (or Settings > Display > Always On Display) and turn the toggle off to stop persistent screen content.

Disable or uninstall the Glance app via Settings > Apps

To remove Glance where possible: open Settings > Apps, find "Glance" or any app providing lock screen content, tap it, then choose Disable or Uninstall. If Uninstall is not available, the app may be preinstalled by the device or carrier; use Disable or Force stop and clear cache/data to reduce its activity.

Turn off lock screen personalization and content providers

Some phones use third-party lock screen content providers that appear as Glance. In Settings > Lock screen, look for personalization, content providers, or lock screen apps and remove or deselect any provider that supplies promotional material. Also check Settings > Notifications to block lock screen notifications from the specific app.

If Glance is preinstalled or cannot be removed

Limit app permissions and notifications

If the Glance app is preinstalled and cannot be uninstalled, remove unnecessary permissions and block notifications. In Settings > Apps > Glance, choose Permissions and revoke ones that are not required. Then open Notifications and turn off Show notifications or disable lock screen notifications for that app.

Check device admin settings and uninstall updates

Some system apps obtain extra control via Device admin settings. Open Settings > Security > Device admin apps or Settings > Biometrics and security > Other security settings to ensure the app is not listed. If the app has an Update option, uninstall updates in the app info page to revert to the factory version and then disable it.

Use Safe Mode to test

Booting into Safe Mode temporarily disables third-party apps. If the Glance content disappears in Safe Mode, the source is likely a downloaded app. To enter Safe Mode, press and hold the power button, then tap and hold Power off and choose Safe Mode (steps vary by model). If Safe Mode hides the content, uninstall recently added apps or those that provide lock screen features.

Troubleshooting, privacy, and safety considerations

Check for security concerns

Unexpected lock screen content can be a sign of unwanted preinstalled apps or adware. Run a security scan with Google Play Protect (or another reputable mobile security scanner) and review app behavior. If suspicious activity continues, gather model and software version information before seeking further help.

Factory reset and contacting support

A factory data reset can remove third-party apps and settings that are hard to change, but this will erase personal data; back up files beforehand. If the Glance feature remains after a reset or the app is locked by the carrier, contact Samsung support or the carrier for assistance. Official guidance for device settings and software updates is available from Samsung Support: https://www.samsung.com/support/.

When to seek professional help

If the device is managed by an employer or school, an administrator may enforce lock screen content; consult the administrator. For carrier-locked customizations, the carrier’s customer support can provide options available for that model and plan.

Preventing future lock screen content

Review app sources before installing

Install apps only from trusted sources such as the official app store, and review app permissions and reviews. Avoid installing unknown lock screen or personalization apps that request broad permissions or show ads on the lock screen.

Keep software updated

Keep the phone’s operating system and apps up to date for security patches and updated settings controls. Manufacturers occasionally add settings to give users more control over preinstalled content in newer software releases.

Documentation and official recommendations

For model-specific steps and official instructions, consult the device manual or the manufacturer’s support pages. Samsung’s support resources list device guides and contact options for persistent or preinstalled software issues.

FAQ

How to turn off Glance on Samsung devices?

Open Settings > Lock screen and Always On Display to remove lock screen content, or open Settings > Apps > Glance and choose Disable. If removal is not possible, revoke permissions, block notifications, or contact Samsung support.

Can Glance be uninstalled completely?

Some preinstalled apps cannot be fully uninstalled without root access. When Uninstall is not available, use Disable, clear data and cache, and turn off notifications to minimize the app’s presence. For carrier-installed apps, contact the carrier for options.

Will a factory reset remove Glance?

A factory reset removes user-installed apps and settings, which can eliminate unwanted third-party content. Preinstalled system apps may remain. Back up personal data before resetting and follow official instructions.

What if Glance keeps reappearing after disabling it?

Check for updates that re-enable the app, review device admin settings, and confirm whether a carrier or device administrator enforces the feature. If needed, contact Samsung support or the carrier for device-specific assistance.