The Lock Screen is the first thing you see every time you pick up your OnePlus 15R. While it mainly keeps your phone protected, it can also give you quick access to useful apps without making you unlock the device first.

Samsung lets you customize the shortcuts that appear near the bottom of the Lock Screen. You can replace the default shortcuts with apps you use more often, remove a shortcut completely, or choose options that make everyday tasks a little quicker.

The exact menus can look slightly different depending on your One UI version, but the basic process is straightforward. In newer versions of One UI, Samsung provides a Lock Screen editor that lets you change the shortcuts directly from the Lock Screen.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to add, remove, and change Lock Screen shortcuts on OnePlus 15R, along with a few useful tips if the shortcut options aren’t showing up.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. What Are Lock Screen Shortcuts?
2. How to Change Lock Screen Shortcuts on OnePlus 15R
3. How to Add a Different App Shortcut
4. How to Remove a Lock Screen Shortcut
5. How to Use Lock Screen Shortcuts
6. Lock Screen Shortcut Problems and Fixes
7. Best Shortcuts to Add
8. Frequently Asked Questions
9. Conclusion

What Are Lock Screen Shortcuts?

Lock Screen shortcuts are small app icons positioned near the bottom of your Lock Screen. They provide quick access to selected apps without requiring you to first navigate through the Home screen.

For example, you might replace a shortcut you rarely use with Samsung Notes, Calculator, Internet, Messages, or another frequently used application.

Samsung’s current support documentation confirms that Lock Screen app shortcuts are customizable, although the available options can vary depending on the device, software version, and carrier.

Some OnePlus 15R devices may show shortcuts such as:

• Camera
• Phone
• Flashlight
• Other supported apps
• Additional shortcut options depending on your One UI version

The important thing to remember is that not every app necessarily behaves the same way from the Lock Screen. Samsung notes that apps marked as requiring an unlock will still ask you to authenticate before opening.

How to Change Lock Screen Shortcuts on OnePlus 15R

If you’re running a newer version of One UI, you can usually edit the shortcuts directly from the Lock Screen.

Step 1: Wake the Lock Screen

Press the power button or otherwise wake your OnePlus 15R so that the Lock Screen appears.

Step 2: Press and Hold the Lock Screen

Touch and hold an empty area of the Lock Screen.

If prompted, authenticate using your PIN, password, pattern, or other configured screen-lock method.

Step 3: Select the Shortcut

Once the Lock Screen editor opens, tap the shortcut you want to change.

Samsung’s current instructions use this direct Lock Screen editing method rather than requiring users to hunt through several Settings menus.

Step 4: Choose a New App

You’ll see available shortcut choices.

Tap the app you want to place in that position.

You may also see No app, which removes the shortcut completely.

Step 5: Tap Done

After making your selection, tap Done to save the Lock Screen changes.

That’s it. Your new shortcut should now appear on the Lock Screen.

How to Add a Different App Shortcut

Want something more useful than the default shortcut?

Here’s the easiest way to replace it.

1. Wake your OnePlus 15R.
2. Touch and hold the Lock Screen.
3. Unlock when requested.
4. Tap the existing shortcut.
5. Browse the available apps.
6. Select the app you want.
7. Tap Done.

The new app should now appear as a Lock Screen shortcut.

Samsung says you can use apps installed on the device for Lock Screen shortcuts, although some apps may require the phone to be unlocked before they can actually be used.

How to Remove a Lock Screen Shortcut

Don’t want an app shortcut on the Lock Screen at all?

You can remove it without changing the rest of your Lock Screen.

Method 1: Choose “No app”

1. Open the Lock Screen editor.
2. Tap the shortcut you want to remove.
3. Select No app.
4. Tap Done.

The shortcut will disappear from that position.

This is particularly useful if you prefer a cleaner Lock Screen and don’t regularly use the available shortcut.

How to Use a Lock Screen Shortcut

Once you’ve configured your shortcuts, using them is simple.

Instead of merely tapping the icon, swipe the shortcut toward the center of the screen.

Samsung explains that a swipe activates the shortcut, with a small vibration indicating that you’ve swiped far enough.

Depending on the app and your security settings, OnePlus 15R may either open the app immediately or ask you to unlock the phone first.

That’s intentional.

Your Lock Screen shouldn’t automatically give someone access to private information simply because an app has been placed there.

Lock Screen Shortcuts Not Showing? Try These Fixes

If you don’t see the shortcut options described above, don’t panic. The menu can move around after a One UI update.

1. Check Your One UI Version

Open:

Settings → About phone → Software information

Look for your One UI version.

Samsung changes the Lock Screen editor between major One UI releases, so instructions written for an older version may no longer match your screen.

Samsung also notes that available screens and settings can vary according to software version and device model.

2. Try the Lock Screen Editor

Instead of searching through Settings, wake the Lock Screen and touch and hold it.

This is the current Samsung-supported approach for editing Lock Screen shortcuts on compatible Galaxy devices.

3. Make Sure a Lock Screen Is Enabled

Some Lock Screen customization options won’t appear unless you have an actual Lock Screen configured.

4. Install Available Software Updates

Go to:

Settings → Software update → Download and install

If your device is running an older software build, updating may restore newer Lock Screen customization options.

5. Restart Your Phone

It sounds basic, but a restart can clear a temporary interface glitch after a major One UI update.

What About Lock Screen Widgets?

Don’t confuse shortcuts with widgets.

Newer One UI versions also support Lock Screen widgets, giving you another way to access information and functions without opening the phone completely.

Samsung’s One UI 7 documentation explains that users can add widgets to the Lock Screen and Always On Display.

To add them on supported software:

1. Press and hold an empty area on the Lock Screen.
2. Tap Add widgets.
3. Choose a widget.
4. Position it as desired.
5. Tap Done.

Available widgets depend on your device and One UI version.

Best Lock Screen Shortcuts to Use

There isn’t one perfect setup for everyone. The best shortcuts are the ones you actually use.

Here are some practical choices:

I’d avoid filling your Lock Screen with things you rarely use. The whole point is to make everyday access faster, not turn the Lock Screen into another crowded app drawer.

Are Lock Screen Shortcuts Safe?

Generally, yes, but there is an important distinction.

A shortcut being visible doesn’t necessarily mean that the associated app can be used without authentication.

Samsung specifically notes that apps marked Unlock required will require you to unlock the device before they open.

That’s useful because you can have convenient shortcuts while still keeping private apps and information behind your screen lock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the default Lock Screen shortcuts on OnePlus 15R?

Yes. On supported versions of One UI, wake the Lock Screen, touch and hold it, authenticate if necessary, and tap the shortcut you want to change.

Can I remove a Lock Screen shortcut?

Yes. Select the shortcut in the Lock Screen editor and choose No app where that option is available.

Why does an app ask me to unlock OnePlus 15R?

Some apps require authentication before they can be opened from the Lock Screen. Samsung specifically identifies these as apps marked Unlock required.

Why don’t my menus look like the instructions?

Your One UI version may be different. Samsung says Lock Screen options can vary by device and software version.

Can I add widgets to the Lock Screen too?

Yes. Compatible Galaxy phones running newer One UI versions support Lock Screen widgets in addition to app shortcuts.

Final Thoughts

Lock Screen shortcuts are a small feature, but they’re surprisingly useful once you set them up around the way you actually use your OnePlus 15R.

The old instructions for finding a dedicated Shortcuts menu may not apply to newer One UI versions. The easiest approach on current compatible software is to wake the Lock Screen, press and hold it, authenticate if requested, select the shortcut you want to modify, choose an app or No app, and tap Done.

If you regularly use the camera, flashlight, notes, browser, calculator, or another app, putting it on the Lock Screen can save a surprising number of taps over the course of a day.

And if Samsung changes the Lock Screen editor again in a future One UI update, don’t be surprised if the names or locations of these options move slightly. That’s one reason it’s worth checking the current software version before following older tutorials.

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