12 Samsung Galaxy Tips and Tricks You Need to Know
Samsung phones offer a ton of useful features, but ironically, the sheer volume of these features makes it hard to actually find them in the settings. This leads to many of them being left unused and you not being able to get the full value out of your device.
In this guide, we’ll show you 12 of the best features on Samsung phones that will improve your user experience, enhance your security, and make your life easier. Let’s get started.
1. Lift Your Phone to Wake
Your phone can detect when you pick it up using the sensors in it, so you may instantly get to the Lock screen and unlock the device without needing to push the power button.
To enable the feature, go toSettings > Advanced features > Motions and gesturesand toggle onLift to wake. Now you don’t have to push the power button every time.
2. Double-Press the Power Button to Launch the Camera
it’s possible to set your Samsung phone to quickly launch the camera without unlocking the device, so you don’t miss any photo op. To do this, go toSettings > Advanced features > Side keyand toggle onDouble press. Now selectQuick launch camerafrom the menu.
3. Use Power Saving Mode to Extend Your Battery Life
it’s possible to maximize battery life on your Samsung phone by going toSettings > Battery and device care > Battery > Power savingand toggling onLimit apps and Home screen. Doing this limits your phone to selected apps, turns the wallpaper to pitch black, and halts additional features such as Edge panels.
All this combined maximizes power saving. You won’t want it turned on all the time, but it’s vital when your battery is getting low.
If you’re curious, you could also check out thesetips to extend battery life on Android.
4. Hide Private Albums in Your Photo Gallery
One of thebest features of the Samsung Gallery appis the ability to hide albums containing sensitive content. To do so, just open the app, go to theAlbumstab, tap the three-dots menu, and tapHide albums. Here, select all the albums that you want to hide by tapping the toggle switch next to them.
5. Answer Calls Hands-Free Over Bluetooth
Picking up a call while you’re, say, cooking or driving, is a major pain. Luckily, Samsung phones come with a really useful accessibility feature that allows you to answer incoming calls hands-free when wearing a Bluetooth device.
To activate it, go toSettings > Accessibility > Interaction and dexterity > Answering and ending callsand toggle onAnswer automatically. you may go a step further by enablingRead caller names aloud, so you can know exactly who’s calling beforehand.
6. Unlock Your Phone Without Opening the Lock Screen
it’s possible to unlock your phone slightly faster by going toSettings > Security and privacy > Biometrics > Fingerprintsand toggling onFingerprint always on. Doing this allows your phone to read your fingerprint even when the screen is off, so you don’t necessarily have to press the power button and go to the Lock screen.
7. Set Up and Use Edge Panels
Edge Panels is one of the best features on Samsung phones, and makes it so much easier to navigate your device. it’s possible to enable it by going toSettings > Displayand toggling onEdge panels. Once enabled, a handle should appear at the side of your screen which you can pull inwards to access your Apps panel where you can store your favorite apps for quick access.
Once you learn the basics, you can follow thesetips to use Edge Panels like a pro.
8. Move Items to the Secure Folder
Most Samsung phones come with the Secure Folder app; it’s a sort-of digital vault that you can use to store your sensitive photos, videos, documents, and more. You can find it underSettings > Security and privacy > Secure Folder.
Make sure to read our full guide onhow to use Secure Folder on Samsung phones.
9. Instantly Delete Shared Screenshots
Screenshots you share with other people are stored in your gallery and clutter it up. You can set your phone to automatically delete shared screenshots to save space. To do this, go toSettings > Advanced features > Screenshots and screen recorderand toggle onDelete after sharing from toolbar.
For the feature to work, you need to share the screenshot from the image toolbar that appears right after you capture it. Otherwise, the screenshot will be saved in your gallery as usual.
10. Create a Custom Sound Profile for Your Ears
Everyone’s ears are different, and if you find that the sound quality of your Samsung phone is not satisfactory, you can create a custom sound profile according to your ears. Follow these steps to get started:
Check out how toimprove the sound quality on Samsung phonesfor more info.
11. Access the Hidden SOS Flashlight
Samsung phones come with a hidden SOS flashlight feature that allows you to attract attention if you’re lost and need help. If you’re curious to test it out, it’s possible to check out our guide on how toenable the SOS flashlight on Samsung phones.
12. Automate Your Device With Modes and Routines
Modes and Routines (formerly Bixby Routines) is perhaps the most underrated feature on Samsung phones. It’s an automation feature that allows you to set commands and have your phone execute them based on certain triggers such as the time, your location, or the device status.
it’s possible to access the feature by going toSettings > Modes and Routines. Check out our full guide on how touse Modes and Routines on Samsung phonesif you need help setting up the feature.
Discover the Best of Your Samsung Phone
Your Samsung Galaxy phone is a lot more capable than you realize, and it’s a good idea to explore the settings to discover features you may have previously missed.
With every new update, Samsung adds more features to One UI to enhance your experience, so if you’re a fan, make sure to always keep an eye out for the latest announcements.
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