When you're playing on your phone, the last thing you need is a notification popping up in the middle of the game. On some older Galaxy phones, like the Note 20 Ultra, there was even a physical button or a very clear shortcut to lock everything while you played. On newer models, like the Galaxy S25, that shortcut has changed, but the option is still there: It's a matter of activating game mode and adjusting Game Launcher so that nothing bothers you..
In addition to ad blocking, there's another issue: the Game Launcher app itself can display promotions for games or recommended content. If this is happening to you, it's not a bug or a mystery; you're allowing it through an active option. Fortunately, It comes off in secondsSimply go to Game Launcher's settings and disable the "Promotional Information" option. In this article, we'll go over in detail how to avoid interruptions, what's changed between generations, and how to mute promotional content without losing useful features.
What is Game Launcher and why does it affect your notifications?
Game Launcher is the command center for your games on Samsung phones: it groups your titles in one place, offers statistics, and access to options designed to make playing more comfortable. It arrived with the Galaxy S7 and the Android Marshmallow update, and has been gaining features ever since. In practice, It serves to centralize the gaming experience and activate settings that help you minimize distractions..
One of those key features is limiting interruptions while you're in a game. Depending on the model and One UI version, this setting appears next to what Samsung calls modes or is integrated as a preference within Game Launcher. In either case, The goal is the same: to prevent notifications from the system or other apps from popping up over the game..
It's important not to confuse two things: on the one hand, the notification block during games; on the other, the promotional communications that Game Launcher itself can show you. The first affects notifications from any app while you're playing. The second is a specific setting within Game Launcher that you can disable. Both fronts are managed in different places, but are resolved quickly..
From Note 20 Ultra to Galaxy S25: What's Changed?
If you're coming from a Note 20 Ultra, you might remember a very clear shortcut to silently activate your phone when you opened a game. On the Galaxy S25, that obvious option isn't the same, and the default settings only let you rearrange notification priorities. This doesn't mean you can't block them; it's just a different path..
The starting point is now the Quick Panel: when you pull down the top bar, you'll see a button called "Modes." This is where Samsung groups profiles such as work, rest, and play. From this panel, you can open the available modes and activate game mode. By activating game mode, the system reduces or eliminates interruptions during your games..
Plus, you can automate it: when it detects you opening a game app, your phone can automatically activate that game mode. It's the most convenient way to ensure that every time you launch a title, notifications don't interfere with your session.
How to avoid interruptions when playing using Modes and Game Launcher
While each version of One UI presents its text and menu order with minor differences, the general idea is very similar. If you don't want anything to interrupt you when you start a game, follow this approach to make it look good:
- Slide the status bar to open the Quick Panel. Find the "Modes" button and tap it to see all your profiles.
- Locate Game Mode and activate it. Inside, review the options related to notifications and interruptions.
- Enable automation so that Game Mode kicks in when you open any app in your Games folder or ones you specify.
- Open Game Launcher and make sure all your games are there. This way, the system will more reliably recognize when you start playing.
Some people prefer their phone to simply "reduce" notifications instead of hiding them completely. If that's your case, Adjust priority in game mode to allow only critical notificationsIf you want zero interruptions, set it to the most restrictive level.
Remember, if you don't see the "modes" button in the Quick Panel, you can edit the tiles and add it. In some themes or layouts, this access may be on the second page of the panel. Once you have it visible, the game mode will be just a tap away..
Mute ads within Game Launcher: "Commercial Information"
Many Galaxy users report that, in addition to regular notifications, they receive promotional alerts or game suggestions from Game Launcher. This isn't a bug: by default, the service can show you related commercial content. The solution is straightforward: Disable the option called "Commercial Information" in the Game Launcher settings..
To get there, open Game Launcher from your app drawer or home screen and tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner. In the pop-up menu, go to SettingsYou'll see several sections, including one for communications. Look for the "Business Information" option and gray it out so it's no longer active.
- Open Game Launcher.
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner and go to Settings.
- Uncheck or disable “Commercial Information”.
By doing this, the app will stop showing you ads or promotional suggestions specific to the platform, which tend to generate the most buzz when you're not playing. This change does not affect your system notifications, only the advertising from Game Launcher itself..
What about Samsung.com communications? It's not the same.
On the Samsung.com website or through associated services, it's common to see subscription boxes for marketing information, events, and newsletters. These are the typical checkboxes indicating that you accept "Samsung Service Updates," including new product announcements and special offers. These boxes have no direct relation to Game Launcher notifications while you play..
By checking these boxes, you'll be authorizing marketing communications via channels such as email or notifications related to your Samsung account. However, what we disabled earlier is the advertising displayed by the gaming app. They are different layers: one is marketing for Samsung.com, the other is promotional content for Game Launcher.
Therefore, even if you uncheck "Commercial Information" in Game Launcher, you'll still receive communications you've agreed to on Samsung.com, and vice versa. If you want to adjust both options, you'll need to do so on each site: in Game Launcher for internal advertising and on your Samsung account or the web for marketing subscriptions.
Priority, total blocking or filtering: choose the level of distraction
Not everyone wants the same thing: some people need absolute silence; others prefer that if something really important comes in, it just slips through the net. With game mode and notification organization, you can choose. If you set it to strict mode, you won't see anything until you exit the game..
If you opt for filtering, you can allow priority notifications, such as calls or alarms, to pass. This setting varies depending on the One UI version, but the logic is identical: zero tolerance, or permissive with two or three categories. The key is to try it for a couple of games and adjust afterwards..
A practical note: when you finish playing and exit the app, Game Mode will no longer apply if you've set it to automatically activate. That way, you won't have to manually turn it on and off. Automating it is the most comfortable way to not think about it..
Quick tips to make Game Launcher the way you like it
- Check your settings after a major One UI update. Some options may be moved or reset.
- Group all your games in Game Launcher for more reliable detection.
- Check exceptions: Decide whether calls or alarms should interrupt, even in game mode.
- If you're using a headset or accessories, make sure the system's voice prompts are also muted during gameplay.
These small touches make a difference, because ideal behavior is not universal. Spending two minutes customizing it avoids surprises in the middle of a game..
If you don't see "modes" or you don't see Game Launcher, what can you do?
The "modes" tile may not be visible in your Quick Panel. In that case, edit the panel shortcuts and add it manually. If you still don't see it, swipe a second time to display all the tiles. In some designs it is on page 2 of the quick panel.
Something similar happens with Game Launcher: on some phones, it's hidden or disabled by default. Go to system settings and search for "Game Launcher." From there, you can activate it so it appears as an app. Once active, you will see the icon in the app drawer..
If you already have it, but the three dots don't appear or you can't find "Business Information," update all the system apps and reopen it. Menu labels may vary slightly depending on your region, but the setting is located in the communications section or similar. Look for any options related to promotions or commercial content.
Why am I getting game ads if I'm not playing?
The ads Game Launcher displays aren't limited to whether you're in the middle of a game. They can appear when you open the app or when the system decides to suggest content. So, if they bother you, disabling "Advertising Information" is the way to stop them. After doing so, no more recommendations or banners of that type should appear..
This doesn't affect your games folder or statistics. You'll still be able to view your grouped titles, open them from there, and view usage data. The only change is the presence of promotional content. Functionality intact, noise out.
The One UI community: a great place for questions and tips
If you like experimenting with tweaks or are stuck on something that doesn't appear the way it does on your model, the One UI user community is a great resource for ideas and solutions. There, you'll find comments and explanations from those who use Galaxy phones, tablets, or even watches with the Samsung skin on a daily basis. It's a space to share tricks, solve crashes, and learn useful settings..
Remember that One UI is deployed on a huge number of devices, and while the foundation is common, small changes by version or region mean the exact path to a tweak varies. That's why the examples serve as a general guide: If a tag doesn't match, search for similar terms or pull up the Settings magnifying glass..
Best practices: Check settings after installing or updating apps
Installing a new app, changing your phone, or receiving a major update is the perfect time to take a closer look at your settings. Between notification options, permissions, and modes, it's easy to find something default when you'd expect something else. Take a moment to fine-tune your settings and you'll avoid any issues..
In the case of gaming, this is doubly important: if you don't leave Game Mode and Interrupts disabled, any chat, email, or system notification can pop up at the worst possible time. Set it up once and forget it. The goal is to have nothing get in the way when you're about to win..
FAQs
Can I block everything and not even have the notification bubble appear? Yes, if you choose the strictest setting in Game Mode or in your notification settings while playing. This way, alerts arrive in the Notification Center, but don't interrupt your screen.
Does game mode affect performance or battery life? The focus here is on interruption management. Some versions of Game Launcher offer extra settings that are geared toward performance or optimization, such as guides for speed up games on AndroidBut the basics we've covered are ad blocking. If you leave the rest alone, your goal will be to avoid being bothered, without changing power settings.
What happens if I disable "Commercial Information"? You'll no longer see ads and promotional suggestions within Game Launcher. This won't change your gameplay or stats; it just removes that layer of commercial content.
Are Samsung.com communications the same? No. Samsung.com ads are marketing subscriptions you accept on the website or with your account, while "Commercial Information" is what Game Launcher displays. They are separate.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
There are three very common pitfalls. First, confusing Game Mode with the system's Do Not Disturb mode: they look similar, but they're not identical. Second, thinking that removing "Commercial Information" silences all notifications: no, that only affects Game Launcher ads. Third, forgetting to add games to the Game Launcher folder and expecting the automation to work the same. If you avoid these three mistakes, your experience will be much smoother..
If something continues to bother you, check that game mode is actually activating when you open apps. Try two or three different games and confirm the icon or indication that the mode is active. A minute of checking saves you interruptions the rest of the week.
Turn on Game Mode to prevent other apps from intruding on your game, and turn off "Advertising Information" if you don't want to see ads in Game Launcher. With these two settings, you leave your phone ready to play without interruptions or unwanted advertising..
