Start with what is already in Settings. Add an app when a routine needs more.
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The best phone automation for a Samsung Galaxy phone is MacroDroid: it scores 8.0 out of 10, adds over 120 triggers and 200 actions, and runs 5 macros free1. Samsung's own Modes and Routines (7.6) costs nothing and is already in Settings, so start there for routines that only change settings6.
Requirement: runs on a Galaxy phone. IFTTT (6.1) also runs on Android13 and ranks below these four. Pixel Rules is a Pixel-only setting14.
Pick Best overall
Over 120 triggers, 200 actions and 80 constraints; free for 5 macros with ads, one-time Pro1. Its documentation names Samsung among the brands whose battery management can stop macros2. Pick it when a routine needs more than settings.
Price Free for up to 5 macros with ads; Pro is a one-time payment with no subscription1.
Full review of MacroDroidVisit MacroDroid (opens the MacroDroid website)
Pick Best free
Every feature free up to 30 running blocks; Premium is $4.99 once on Google Play US34. LlamaLab lists the Samsung battery settings to change5. Pick it for complex flows on no budget.
Price Free with every feature up to 30 running blocks; Premium is a one-time $4.99 in-app purchase on Google Play in the US34
Full review of AutomateVisit Automate (opens the Automate website)
Pick Built in
Free and already in Settings, with preset modes, recommended routines and Lock screen shortcuts that run while the phone stays locked6. Pick it for Do not disturb, app limits and wallpapers by activity, such as work, exercise or relaxing76.
Price Free and preinstalled on Galaxy phones; the Routines+ add-on is also free78
Full review of Samsung Modes and RoutinesVisit Samsung Modes and Routines (opens the Samsung Modes and Routines website)
Pick Most control
350+ actions and a Java Code action for $4.49 once910; its FAQ gives the Samsung battery steps11. Pick it if you want to program the phone.
Price A one-time $4.49 on Google Play in the US; the free direct-download trial expires after 7 days912.
Full review of TaskerVisit Tasker (opens the Tasker website)
Don't kill my app! reports that on Samsung phones an unused app cannot start from the background after 3 days, which stops alarms, and advises turning off Adaptive battery and Put apps to sleep15. A July 2024 update on the same page quotes Samsung's promise that from One UI 6.0, foreground services of apps targeting Android 14 work as intended15. Tasker's FAQ adds one Samsung step: Settings > Device Maintenance > Battery > Unmonitored apps, then add Tasker and its plug-ins11. For the built-in tool, Samsung's own guide says to check that power-saving modes are not restricting routines and modes16.
For anything past settings, yes on this site's rubric: MacroDroid scores 8.0 against 7.6, with over 120 triggers, 200 actions and 80 constraints, variables and webhooks1, and Samsung documents no variables for routines6. Modes and Routines is free, built in and scores higher on reliability, 7.5 against 7.0.
See the full ranking: Best phone automation apps in 2026