What "Open Line" means on a Samsung phone
Open Line is a Samsung feature that lets you answer an incoming call by pressing a physical button or key instead of swiping the screen. On older Samsung phones, this was called "Answer with Key" or "Answer with Side Key". The feature is useful if your screen is cracked, wet, or unresponsive, or if you simply prefer not to touch the display to pick up a call.
The exact name and location of this setting depends on which Samsung model you own and which version of Android it runs. Newer phones (Galaxy S20 and later) call it "Side Key" or "Power Key Answer". Older phones may label it differently. The steps below cover the most common Samsung phones currently in use.
Key Takeaways
- Open Line (or Side Key Answer) lets you pick up calls by pressing the power button or side key instead of swiping the screen.
- The setting is found in Phone settings under Call or Calls, not in the main Settings app on most Samsung phones.
- You must enable the feature before it will work — it is usually turned off by default.
- If you cannot find the setting, your phone model may not support it, or it may be named differently in your version of Android.
How to turn on Open Line on Samsung Galaxy phones
Open the Phone app (the one you use to make calls). Tap the three-line menu icon (hamburger menu) in the top right corner, then tap Settings. Look for an option called Calls or Call Settings.
Inside Call Settings, scroll down and look for Answer with Side Key, Power Key Answer, Open Line, or Answer with Key. The exact wording varies by model. Tap the toggle or checkbox next to it to turn it on. You should see a confirmation message or the toggle will change color to show it is now active.
Once enabled, you can answer incoming calls by pressing your phone's power button (usually on the right side) or the volume up button, depending on your model. The button you use will be shown in the setting itself.
If you cannot find the setting in the Phone app
Some Samsung models put this setting in the main Settings app instead of the Phone app. Open Settings, then tap Apps or Applications. Scroll down and tap Phone. Then tap Permissions or Advanced, and look for call-related options there.
If you still cannot find it, your phone model may not support this feature. Very old Samsung phones (Galaxy S10 and earlier) sometimes do not have Open Line at all. Check your phone's manual or search "[Your Model Number] open line" online to confirm whether your specific phone supports it.
What to do if Open Line is not working after you enable it
First, make sure the setting is actually turned on. Go back to Phone Settings > Calls and confirm the toggle is switched to the on position. Sometimes the toggle appears on but does not save — try turning it off and back on again.
Second, test it with an actual incoming call. Some phones require you to press and hold the button, while others respond to a single press. If a call comes in, try pressing the power button or side key firmly and hold it for a moment. If nothing happens, the feature may not be working on your device.
If the feature still does not work after you have confirmed it is on, restart your phone. Power it off completely, wait 10 seconds, then power it back on. This clears temporary glitches that sometimes prevent settings from taking effect.
Differences between Samsung models and Android versions
Samsung phones running Android 10 and earlier often call this feature "Answer with Key" and place the setting in Phone > Settings > Calls. Samsung phones running Android 11 and later often call it "Side Key Answer" or "Power Key Answer" and may place it in the same location or in a slightly different menu path.
Galaxy A series phones (the budget line) sometimes have this feature under a different name or in a different location than Galaxy S series phones. If you own a Galaxy A phone and cannot find the setting using the steps above, try searching "Galaxy A[your model number] answer calls with side key" to find the exact path for your device.
Why Open Line might be turned off by default
Samsung disables this feature by default because it can cause accidental answers. If your phone is in your pocket or bag and the power button gets pressed, a call could be answered without you knowing. This drains your battery and can connect you to unwanted conversations.
If you turn Open Line on, be aware that you may accidentally answer calls if the power button gets pressed during normal use. Some people turn it on only when they know their screen is damaged and turn it back off once the screen is repaired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different button to answer calls?
On most Samsung phones, you can only use the power button or the volume up button — you cannot choose a different button. Which button works depends on your phone model. The setting will tell you which button to use once you enable it.
Will Open Line work if my screen is completely broken?
Yes, that is one of the main reasons to use this feature. If your screen is cracked or not responding to touch, you can still answer calls by pressing the power button. However, you will not be able to see who is calling or end the call using the button — you will need to use your voice or wait for the call to end naturally.
Does Open Line drain my battery?
No, enabling Open Line does not drain your battery. The feature only activates when a call comes in, and it uses the same amount of power as a normal call would. Accidental answers caused by the button being pressed in your pocket could drain battery, but the feature itself does not.
What if I want to turn Open Line back off?
Go back to Phone > Settings > Calls and toggle Open Line off. The setting will be disabled immediately, and you will need to swipe the screen to answer calls again.
Does this work on Samsung tablets?
Most Samsung tablets do not have a phone app or calling features, so Open Line is not available on them. This feature is designed for Samsung phones only.