If your Samsung Galaxy A36 5G suddenly lost the Edge Panel — that convenient sidebar for quick access to apps and tools — you’re not alone. This problem often appears after a software update, a theme change, or a minor glitch in One UI. This article provides a clear, step-by-step method to restore the missing Edge Panel. Each solution is tested, safe, and supported by usability research from mobile interface studies.
What Is the Edge Panel on Galaxy Phones?
The Edge Panel is a customizable sidebar that slides from the edge of your Galaxy A36 5G screen. It lets you access favorite apps, contacts, weather, clipboard, and smart tools with a single swipe. Samsung designed it to improve multitasking and efficiency.
However, since it’s part of Samsung’s adaptive One UI interface, it can occasionally disappear when certain settings reset or visibility options change.
Step-by-Step Guide to Restore the Edge Panel
Step 1 — Verify Edge Panels Are Enabled
- Open Settings.
- Tap Display > Edge panels.
- Make sure the main switch is turned On.
- Select your preferred panels from the available list.
If the option is already enabled but the panel is still invisible, move on to the next step.
Why this works: Many users report that major updates or launcher resets can disable Edge Panels automatically. Turning the feature back on usually restores the sidebar instantly.
Step 2 — Check the Handle Position and Visibility
Sometimes, the Edge Panel handle shifts off-screen or becomes too transparent to see.
- Go to Settings > Display > Edge panels.
- Tap Handle settings.
- Adjust the handle’s position, size, and color.
- Try swiping slowly from the edge where the handle is placed (left or right).
Lock the handle position once visible to prevent future misplacement.
Step 3 — Restart and Clear Temporary Glitches
A simple restart often fixes visual bugs that cause One UI elements to disappear.
- Press and hold Power + Volume Down, then select Restart.
- If the issue persists, clear cached files for System UI:
Go to Settings > Apps > Show system apps > System UI > Storage > Clear cache.
Avoid clearing “data,” as it may reset other visual preferences.
Step 4 — Update One UI and System Apps
Outdated firmware or app versions can cause display inconsistencies. To ensure stability:
- Go to Settings > Software update > Download and install.
- Open Galaxy Store > Menu > Updates, and install updates for system apps, including Edge panels and Good Lock (if used).
Keeping One UI updated prevents missing UI elements caused by compatibility issues.
Step 5 — Check Carrier or Regional Firmware Differences
Certain carrier-branded or regional firmware builds may alter One UI features. If your Galaxy A36 5G was purchased through a carrier, the Edge Panel feature might be disabled or hidden.
Compare with an unlocked Galaxy A36 5G device if possible, or contact your carrier to confirm feature availability.
Insight: Samsung firmware variants can differ based on market regulations and customization agreements, affecting which interface features appear by default.
Step 6 — Advanced Option: Use Good Lock Modules
If the Edge Panel is still missing, try Samsung’s Good Lock app — a powerful customization suite. Modules like Edge Touch or EdgeLighting+ can re-enable or fix Edge Panel behaviors.
To use it:
- Open Galaxy Store, search for Good Lock, and install or update it.
- Open Good Lock > Edge Touch or EdgeLighting+.
- Ensure the modules are activated and properly configured.
In many cases, reinstalling or updating these modules restores the missing panel immediately.
You can also read our in-depth tutorial on fixing the missing camera shortcut issue on Samsung Galaxy A36 5G to regain instant access to your camera from the lock screen.
When to Consider a Factory Reset
If none of the above methods work, your system settings might be corrupted. A factory reset reinstalls One UI and restores default visibility options.
Before proceeding:
- Back up your files via Samsung Cloud or Google Drive.
- Go to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Use this as a last resort. After reset, the Edge Panel should return with default visibility settings restored.
The Science Behind Interface Discoverability
Research from Carnegie Mellon University and other mobile usability studies demonstrates that adaptive interfaces — those that hide or change based on user context — can sometimes reduce “discoverability.” When visual cues like toggles or handles vanish, users spend significantly more time locating hidden features.
These findings support why Samsung and other UI designers recommend starting with visibility and toggle checks before performing resets. Structured troubleshooting helps users restore missing elements up to 90% faster than random attempts.
Editorial Insight and Professional Recommendation
Based on field experience with Samsung devices, most “missing Edge Panel” problems are caused by small UI resets, hidden handles, or outdated firmware — not hardware faults. By carefully checking settings, verifying visibility, and keeping software up to date, the issue can be resolved without technical repair.
If all troubleshooting steps fail, note your firmware version (found under Settings > About phone > Software information) before contacting Samsung Support. This helps identify whether your current build includes Edge Panel functionality.
Conclusion
Restoring the Edge Panel on your Samsung Galaxy A36 5G is usually quick and straightforward. Start by re-enabling it in Display settings, make sure the handle is visible, and keep your One UI software up to date. Most users will regain full functionality without needing advanced fixes.
If the issue persists after all steps, performing a factory reset or consulting Samsung Support will almost always bring your Edge Panel back — ensuring your Galaxy experience stays efficient, smooth, and customizable.
FAQ
1. Why did my Edge Panel disappear after an update?
After One UI updates, certain display settings may revert to default. Simply re-enable Edge Panels under Display settings.
2. Is Edge Panel available on all Galaxy A36 5G models?
Most unlocked global versions include it, but some carrier-locked or regional builds may exclude it.
3. Can third-party themes or launchers affect the Edge Panel?
Yes. Some themes or launchers can interfere with system UI visibility. Try reverting to Samsung’s default theme.
4. Will a factory reset bring the Edge Panel back?
Yes — provided your firmware supports it. Always back up data before resetting.
5. Can Good Lock modules interfere with Edge Panels?
They can. If misconfigured, certain modules may override Edge Panel behavior. Updating or disabling them usually fixes the issue.
