Galaxy S9 Guides

a community for owners of Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

After updating Galaxy S9 or S9+ to Android Pie, you can use the new rotation toggle to change screen orientation on-the-fly when auto-rotate is turned off.  You can even lock the screen orientation to landscape mode with this toggle (aka orientation lock).

Many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners find this feature extremely useful once they realize the functions of the small rotation toggle icon.

This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains the functions of the rotation toggle, and how to use it to change and lock the screen orientation on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update.

What is the rotation toggle in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Most smartphone owners hate the auto-rotate. It often rotates the screen when you are not intended to do so.

So, most smartphone owners disable the auto-rotate and use the portrait mode.

However, occasionally, you may want to switch to landscape mode temporally for some apps. For example, you may want to show others the photos or videos shot in the landscape mode.

In this case,  without the rotation toggle,  you have to go to quick settings (this is the fastest router prior to Android Pie ), tap the auto-rotate button, rotate the phone, then show the photos. Once you finish it, you need to disable auto-rotate in the quick settings.

In the stock Android Pie, Google added the rotation toggle (orientation lock) to solve this issue.  The toggle will appear (and animates) in the navigator bar once the phone detects the orientation is different from the “locked” one.  You can tap the toggle to change the orientation. Of course, you can ignore the toggle (and do not change the orientation).

Samsung customized this feature a bit in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+. The rotation toggle animates only twice in Galaxy S9 and S9+, then disappear if you do not tap it.

It is unclear why Samsung decided not to show the toggle all the time.

How does the orientation lock work?

The rotation toggle (orientation lock) in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ works only when auto-rotate is off (it is obvious).

So, you will see the rotation toggle in the navigation bar (if you are using the new navigation gestures, the toggle will appear in a simialr location.) only when:

• Auto-rotate is disabled.
• The phone detects that you

… Read the rest

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Samsung DeX Station works with all Samsung DeX-enabled devices: Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9. You can instantly convert your phone as an Android PC (or a Linux PC if you enable Linux on DeX beta) with a DeX Station.

Although Samsung DeX Pad, Dex Station and DeX cable (for Note 9 and Tab S4) share identical DeX features, the design of these DeX accessories is substantially different. You may check this guide on using Samsung DeX Pad, and this guide (coming soon) on using Samsung DeX cable on Galaxy Note 9.  For the comparison of Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX cable, please check this guide.

This Galaxy S9 accessories guide explains everything you need to know about Samsung DeX Station: contents in the package (box), the layout of the DeX Station, step-by-step guide on using the DeX Station. Frequently asked questions on Ethernet port, display resolution, charging and covers are also covered.

What is Samsung DeX Station?

Samsung DeX Station, as shown above,  is the first DeX accessory required by Samsung DeX. It was announced together with Galaxy S8 and S8+ in 2017.

Although it was announced as a companion to Galaxy S8/S8+, Samsung DeX Station works with all DeX-enabled devices: Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9+, Note 8, Note 9 and Tab S4.

The design of the Samsung DeX Pad is similar to Samsung’s fast wireless charging stand.  You need to push the top part so that it stands up to support the phone.

You may check this guide on the differences among three Samsung DeX accessories: Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX Cable.

What is included in the Samsung DeX Station package?

In the Samsung DeX Station package, there are only two (maybe one if you find the quick start guide is useless) useful items:

• Samsung DeX Station (aka multimedia dock).
• Quick start guide in multiple languages.

Nothing else. No cables. No power adapters.

So, you need to prepare the following items to use Samsung DeX Station:

• A Samsung fast wall charger (adaptive wall charger). The wall charger included in your Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9 is sufficient.
• An HDMI cable.
• (optional) A USB (or wireless)  mouse/keyboard. You can use the phone screen as the trackpad. But unlike Samsung DeX Pad, 

… Read the rest

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Galaxy S9 themes allow you to customise many aspects of the UI in Galaxy S9 and S9+.  It is no longer necessary to customise the colour scheme, wallpaper, icons or always-on display (AOD) screen individually.

You can find many excellent free Galaxy S9 themes in Samsung themes to meet your needs.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains everything you need to know about Galaxy S9 themes: What are they? How to get them? How to access them in Samsung themes? How to install and use them? How to manage or delete Galaxy S9 themes.

What are Galaxy S9 themes?

Galaxy S9 themes are “skins” for your Galaxy S9 and S9+.

You can use Galaxy S9 themes to customise the user interface of Galaxy S9 or S9+. The customisation usually includes:

• Colour scheme for the UI. The default white scheme in Galaxy S9 and S9 UI can be annoying when you are using the phone in darkness.
• Wallpapers for Galaxy S9 Home screen (including Galaxy S9 Apps screen), Galaxy S9 edge screen,  and Galaxu S9 lock screen.
• App icon pack for pre-installed Samsung apps to replace the stock icon.
• Font, style and background settings for Settings, Phone, Messages, Internet, Contacts, Clock, My Files and a few (about 30 to 40) other Samsung system apps.
• Galaxy S9 always on display (AOD) themes.

Please note, Galaxy S9 themes work with the default launcher. If you are using a third-party launcher, Galaxy S9 themes unlikely will work as expected.

Besides, themes for other Galaxy phones (e.g., Galaxy S8/S8+) will NOT work on Galaxy S9/S9+.

Where to get Galaxy S9 themes?

As a security measure, you should get new themes for Galaxy S9 and S9+ ONLY from Samsung’s Theme store, which is embedded in Galaxy Apps.

You probably should never get any themes from other sources.

How to access Galaxy S9 themes?

You can access Galaxy S9 themes from Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode.

In Galaxy S9 home screen, you can enter the edit mode by:

• Pinch gesture.
• Long tap (tap and hold) on any blank area.

Once in the edit mode of the Galaxy S9 Home screen, as shown below,  tap Themes to access Galaxy S9 themes.

In Galaxy S9 themes page, as shown in the screenshot above, tap Themes to enter themes tab.

Besides, you will get the notification about Galaxy S9 themes in the notification panel when … Read the rest

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You may already know to use the power button to power on, power off and reboot Galaxy S9 or S9+.

But occasionally, the power button may be not working as expected. You may have to use button (key) combinations to power off, power on or restart Galaxy S9 or S9+.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains how to reboot, power on and power off Galaxy  S9 and S9+ in both normal situations and abnormal situations (e.g. when Galaxy S9 or S9+ hangs.).

Please note, in this guide, we do not differ reboot and restart.  They are used interchangeably.

Why do you need to reboot Galaxy S9 or S9+ periodically?

You may know you have to reboot Galaxy S9 when you update the phone (for example, updating Galaxy S9 or S9+ to Android Pie).  In this case, some system files being used have to be replaced. Therefore, you need to “stop” the system, then restart the system with the updated files.

For apps, normally, it is not necessary to reboot Galaxy S9 if you update them. Apps in Android are running in its own container. The system can destroy the container and then reload the app with updated apps on Galaxy S9 or S9+. Therefore rebooting Galaxy S9 or S9+ is generally not required for updating apps on the phone.

But some tech guys may tell you to reboot Galaxy S9 or S9+ periodically (from once a month to once a week, NOT daily) to make the phone more responsive.

This is actually a valid suggestion.

When you reboot Galaxy S9 or S9+, all app leftovers (some apps sometimes may fail to clean up their own files after you close them) and ghost processes will be cleaned.

How to automatically reboot Galaxy S9 or S9+?

Samsung added the feature of “auto restart” feature in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

You can enable auto restart on Galaxy S9 and S9+ in Settings — General management — Reset— Auto Restart.

As shown in the screenshots below, you can enable auto restart so that Galaxy S9 or S9+ will be rebooted automatically within one hour of the specified time.

You can only set the schedule as once a week only. Frequently restarting/rebooting Galaxy S9 and S9+ will not be helpful.

How to power off and reboot Galaxy S9 and S9+ with the power button options?

The safest way to power off or reboot … Read the rest

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Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ allows you to lock Galaxy S9 home screen layout so that you will not lose you customization due to accidental touches.

Although it sounds trivial and can be found in some other Android phones, many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners will find this is one of the very useful features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+.

This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide shows you how to lock Galaxy S9 home screen layout on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update, and what the caveats are if you lock the home screen layout.

Why you may need to lock the home screen layout?

You can customize the Galaxy S9 home screen in many ways. You can use third-party themes, remove Bixby Home from the home screen, change wallpapers, adjust the grid layout, add app folders, pin individual files to the home screen, show photos on Galaxy S9 home screen (using widgets), and manage home screen panels.

Besides, Galaxy S9 and S9+ also support landscape mode of the Galaxy S9 home screen.

But very easily, the customization can be instantly wiped by accidental taps.  For example, your kids may delete the widgets from the screen if they get their hands on the screen.

Many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners want to lock the customization after the initial setup because most owners seldom change the home screen after one or two months.

Now, in the Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, you can lock Galaxy S9 home screen layout so that you will not lose your customization so easily.

Of course, it only locks the layout. You cannot add or delete app icons or widgets once you lock Galaxy S9 home screen layout. But you can still use Galaxy S9 home screen edit mode to customize the home screen.

How to lock the Galaxy S9 home screen layout?

As other new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, the lock home screen layout feature is not enabled by default.

You need to enable this feature to lock the home screen layout.

In Galaxy s9 Settings, tap Display as shown below.

In the display settings page, as shown in the screenshot above, tap Home screen.

In the home screen settings page, you can then find … Read the rest

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How will Galaxy S9 How-to Guides help you?

Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ are so powerful that nobody can master all of the functions and features. Galaxy S9 how-to guides can be your lifesaver.

No matter you are a seasoned or a new user of Samsung Galaxy phones, you may find these Galaxy S9 how-to guides can save you a lot of time and help you use the phone more effectively.

Some of the guides will directly address questions or problems you may encounter when using Samsung Galaxy S9 or S9+.

For example, what should you do when the S9 or S9+ hangs? Or how to use the new camera modes in S9+? Or how to customize the performance mode of Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Some of the Galaxy S9 how-to guides will help you explore some useful Galaxy S9 and S9+ features that you are not aware of, and therefore you can get more from your Galaxy S9 and S9+.

For example, how to use the secure folder in Galaxy S9 and S9+?  How to use the pop-up view multiwindow in Galaxy S9 and S9+? How to use face recognition in Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Anyway, you will find these Galaxy S9 guides not only solve the problems you encountered but also help you explore some useful features you never used before.

List of Galaxy S9 How-to Guides

New Galaxy S9 guides are released once we finish the extensive testing on various devices.

So, this page is a live page with new guides added frequently.

If you cannot find the guide you want, you can post your questions or requests in the comment box below.

We will try to find a solution for you in the comments.

Also, we will try to release any relevant guides earlier so that more Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners can benefit from these guides.

Your involvement in this community is critical for all our fellow owners of Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Here is the list of released or coming-soon Galaxy S9 how-to guides.

1. How to transfer and migrate data to Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Samsung smart switch allows you to transfer and migrate data to Galaxy S9 and S9+ from iPhones or Android phones through a USB cable, or wireless connection, or cloud storage.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains to you how to transfer and migrate data to Galaxy S9 and … Read the rest

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In Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung keyboard can be in the floating mode, and therefore, you can put the keyboard anywhere on the screen and use the keyboard on Galaxy S9 and S9+ flexibly.

The floating keyboard on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update works on all apps, once enabled.

This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains how to enable, use, and customize the floating keyboard on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update.

What is the new resizeable keyboard on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?

By default, Samsung keyboard or keypad is fixed on the bottom of the Galaxy S9 or S9+ regardless of the orientation (portrait or landscape) of the phone, just like in other Android phones.  The screen area occupied by the keyboard will not be used by the app.

This means the keyboard may waste a lot of screen space for the app.

When you hold the phone is the landscape mode (FYI, Galaxy S9 Home screen supports landscape mode as well), the keyboard will have to stretch a lot and waste even more screen space. So, the screen size is not fully utilized.

The problem has been exacerbated in the last few years because the aspect ratio of smartphones becomes larger and larger.

Of course, the solution already exists on some Samsung tablets: using a freely resizable keyboard.

Now, in Android update for Galaxy  S9 and S9+, Samsung brought the resizeable (free form) to Galaxy S9 and S9+ so that you can type easier.

The floating keyboard allows you:

• To let the keyboard poping over any apps when using it. Therefore you will get more usable screen space when using the keyboard.
• To put keyboard anywhere you want.
• To relocate the keyboard when you typing.
• To resize the keyboard  (subject to minimum and maximum size).
• To switch back to standard mode (fixed mode) at any time.
• To switch back to the one-handed keyboard,

Basically, if you feel the keyboard affects your usage of any apps, you should try the floating keyboard after updating Galaxy S9 or S9+ to Android Pie.

How to enable the floating keyboard on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?

By default, the Samsung keyboard is fixed. If you want to use the resizable keyboard, you need to enable it … Read the rest

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You can use Galaxy S9 safe mode to identify possible causes of some problems or strange behaviours of Galaxy S9 and S9+.

This safe mode is safe for your data, settings and apps. They will not be affected or altered when using the safe mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

This Galaxy S9 how-to guide shows you when you may need Galaxy S9 safe mode, two ways to enter the safe mode for Galaxy S9 and S9+, and how to use and exit Galaxy S9 safe mode.

What is Galaxy S9 safe mode? And when do you need Galaxy S9 safe mode?

Like most other Android phones, Galaxy S9 and S9+ have a special Galaxy S9 safe mode letting you troubleshoot possible problems caused by third-party apps.

In Galaxy S9 safe mode, all third-party apps installed by you were temporally disabled so that you can determine whether the problem is caused by such apps.

Your data, settings, and app data are not affected when you reboot Galaxy S9 or S9+ into Galaxy S9 safe mode

Galaxy S9 safe mode can only determine whether some strange behaviours or problems are caused by third-party apps.  It is not able to pinpoint the app.

Unlike Galaxy S9 recovery mode which is not part of Android OS, Galaxy S9 safe mode is a special mode of Android OS.

So, under the Galaxy S9 safe mode, you can still make and receive calls,  connect to the Internet, use pre-installed apps. The safe mode only prevents you from using apps installed by you.

You need to try Galaxy S9 safe mode before you visit the service centre because technical support in most service centres does not solve issues due to third-party apps. They only diagnose problems in the firmware and pre-installed apps.

Although Galaxy safe mode does not change your data and settings, you may lose some home screen customizations after you exit the safe mode. So, you may still consider to back up Galaxy S9 before rebooting into the safe mode.

How to reboot into Galaxy S9 safe mode?

There are two ways to reboot into Galaxy S9 safe mode:

1. Use the power button options if Galaxy S9 or S9+ is currently powered on.
2. Use buttons if the phone is powered off.

Method 1: Use power button options to reboot into Galaxy S9 safe mode

If the phone is powered on, you can… Read the rest

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As explained in the new features of Galaxy S9 and S9+, the camera in both phones was significantly improved with an updated Galaxy S9 camera app.

Samsung revamped the user interface of Galaxy S9 camera app to make it more user-friendly (arguably) with different ways to access Galaxy S9 camera modes and effects. This new Galaxy S9 camera app interface is different from that in Galaxy S8.

This Galaxy S9 camera guide explains the items in Galaxy S9 camera app user interface (UI) and how to use them.

How to access Galaxy S9 camera app?

There are at least 6 different ways to access Galaxy S9 camera app in Galaxy S9 and S9+:

1. Galaxy S9 camera quick launch;
2. App icon in Galaxy S9 lock screen;
3. App icon in Galaxy S9 Home screen;
4. App icon in Galaxy S9 Apps screen;
5. Bixby voice command;
6. Google Assistant voice command.

You can also access the camera app from Galaxy S9 edge screen.

Although the identical Galaxy S9 camera app will be used, there are some restrictions if you access the camera without unlocking Galaxy S9 or S9+.

How to use Galaxy S9 camera app?

By default, when you start the Galaxy S9 camera, the Auto mode is activated as shown below.

In the Auto mode, in addition to the navigation bar in the bottom, you can find at least 11 items as marked in the screenshot:

1. Shutter button.
2. Video recording button.
3. Shortcut to Gallery app.
4. Galaxy S9 camera modes.
5. Switch between two rear cameras  (Galaxy S9+ only).
6. Bixby vision.
7. Galaxy S9 camera settings.
8. Full-screen view.
9. Turn on/off the flash.
10. Galaxy S9 camera effects.
11. Switch between front and rear cameras.

1. Galaxy S9 camera spp Shutter button

You can press this shutter button to take photos immediately.

If you tap and hold (long tap) the shutter button, the camera will take photos in burst mode.

Photos taken in Galaxy S9 burst mode will be always saved in the internal storage even you set photo location in the micro SD card.

2. Video recording button

You can tap the video recording button to record a video immediately.

You can also tap and hold the recording button to frame the video.

3. Shortcut to Gallery app

To the right of the shutter button, the shortcut to Gallery app allows you to access the Gallery app directly from … Read the rest

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Galaxy S9 edge screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+ is one of the productivity features associated with the curved screen.

Although the edge screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+ is not a new feature, many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners still know little about using edge screen to improve their experiences with the phone.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains the details of Galaxy S9 edge screen, and how to use and customize edge screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Since Galaxy S8, the edge screen features are unified on Galaxy S and Note devices. So this guide also applies to edge screen on Galaxy S8,  S8+, Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy Note 9.

What is Galaxy S9 edge screen? The history of the edge screen on Samsung Phones

Galaxy S9 edge screen can be traced back to Galaxy Note Edge (Note 4 Edge), on which Samsung introduced a separate physical screen on the right edge of the standard screen in 2014.

But the reception of a dedicated edge screen was not as warm as expected. So, Samsung introduced the new “shared” edge screen in Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+. The edge screen was further polished in Galaxy S7 edge. Since Galaxy S8, Samsung has used curved screens on all flagship phones (Galaxy Note and Galaxy S series),

Galaxy S9 edge screen is a more or less matured feature in both Galaxy S9 and S9+.

There is no dedicated edge screen. Instead, you can trigger some useful features in the (curved) edge part of the main screen.

Edge screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+ is actually a productivity and software feature. It allows you to quickly access some features like opening apps, access tasks or contact your favourite friends.

Although the edge screen is conceptualized with the curved screen, only edge lighting utilizes the curved display. Other Galaxy S9 edge screen features (edge panels) do not rely on the curved edges of the infinity display and therefore can be easily implemented on a flat screen,

By default, edge screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+ was enabled when you got the phone.

In the right edge of the screen, as shown below, you can find edge screen handle.

Swipe to the left side to access Galaxy S9 edge screen features.

For example, you may open apps edge to quickly start a favourite app you added to … Read the rest

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Galaxy S9 Apps screen is an integral part of Galaxy S9 and S9+. Unless you hide the apps screen, you have to work with it.

Although Galaxy S9 apps screen is just a special version home screen, there are some major differences between Galaxy S9 Home screen and Apps screen.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains what Galaxy S9 apps screen is, how to access it, how to use it and how to manage apps and app folders on it.

What is Galaxy S9 Apps screen?

Galaxy S9 Apps screen is the placeholder for all apps installed on your phone. All other Android phones also have a similar apps screen.

Sometimes, apps screen is referred to as the app drawer. In the old versions of Android, widgets were normally hosted in the apps screen as well.

Galaxy S9 Apps screen actually is a special version of Galaxy S9 Home screen.

You can find apps, hide apps, sort apps, manage apps in Galaxy S9 apps screen.

By default, all apps will be listed in the apps screen unless you hide them.

How to access Galaxy S9 Apps screen?

By default, there are a couple of different ways to access Galaxy S9 Apps screen.  These include:

• Use the apps screen button (apps button) in the favourite apps tray of Galaxy S9 Home screen, if you did not hide apps screen button on Galaxy S9 or S9+.
• Swipe upwards on Galaxy S9 Home screen.
• Swipe downwards on Galaxy S9 Home screen, if you did not enable quick-open notification panel.

Of course, if you hide the Galaxy S9 Apps screen, then you are working with Galaxy S9 Home screen only, and the apps screen will not be explicitly available.

How to use  Galaxy S9 Apps screen interface?

On Galaxy S9 apps screen, if you tap on any app icons, the app will start. This is similar to that on the home screen.

If you tap and hold (long tap) an app icon without moving your fingers, you will get the context menu as shown in the following two screenshots.

For all apps, there are at least 3 options in the context menu:

• Select items. You can then continue to select more app icons in the selection mode. You can use the selected apps to create an app folder. Or you can uninstall them in batch.
• Add to home

… Read the rest

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If you upgraded your old Galaxy phone to Galaxy S9 or S9+, you might be frustrated with the new Galaxy S9 notification number badge (notification dots, aka Galaxy S9 app icon badges).

Galaxy S9 notification number badge (notification dots) simply does not work like the old number badge with which you are familiar.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains the differences between Galaxy S9 notification number badge (notification dots) and the old number badge and shows you how to customize Galaxy S9 notification number badge (notification dots).

What is Galaxy S9 notification number badge (notification dots)?

When you get a notification in Galaxy S9 notification panel, by default, you will find a number badge on the top right corner of the corresponding app icon in Galaxy S9 Home screen and Apps screen.

For example, as shown below, when you have 3 notifications for the Internet app (browser app), you will find the number (3) in the top right of the browser app icon.

This number badge is usually referred to as Galaxy S9 notification number badge. In old Galaxy phones, there has been a number badge which looks similar to Galaxy S9 notification number badge.

Because Galaxy S9 notification number badge corresponds to notification dots in stock Android, the notification number badge was sometimes referred as Galaxy S9 notification dots.

If you think the new Galaxy S9 notification number badge (notification dots) is just a beautified version of the old number badge, you are then totally wrong.

What are the differences between Galaxy S9 notification number badge (notification dots) and the old number badge?

Although they look similar, Galaxy S9 notification number badge and the old number badge are two entirely different things.

The major differences include:

• Galaxy S9 notification number badge is actually the notification dots introduced in Android Oreo. The old number badge in Samsung’s phones is Samsung’s proprietary implementation in TouchWiz (now Samsung Experience).
• Galaxy S9 notification number badge directly links to notifications in Galaxy S9 notification panel. The old number badge is not linked to the notification panel.
• Galaxy S9 notification number badge works for all apps. The old number badge only works with selected apps, usually Samsung apps and a few pre-installed apps.
• Galaxy S9 notification number badge only counts notifications, nothing else. The old number badge may count both notifications and unread messages depending on apps.
• For Galaxy S9

… Read the rest

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As in January 2019, you can update Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus to Android Pie (Android 9) in most regions.

Of course, for carrier-locked phones, Android update always arrives slower than unlocked ones.

This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains why and how to update Galaxy S9 or S9+ to Android Pie, and answers some questions you may have on Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Should I update Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus to Android Pie (Android 9)?

The short answer is yes, for most owners.

Once the update is available, you should update Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus to Android Pie for the following reasons:

• Security. All future monthly security update/patch will be based on Android Pie. Samsung will not release Galaxy S9 and S9+ security patches for Android Oreo after Android Pie update is released in your region.
• Performance. Android Pie address not only some security but also performance issues.  Especially, Android Pie has improved a lot in battery management to extend the battery life (screen-on time, SOT) for Galaxy S9 and S9+.  Of course, Android Pie cannot increase the battery capacity, or make the CPU run faster. But it does make the power consumption and CPU usage more efficient.
• New Android Pie features. Besides the underhood improvements, Android Pie brought many useful new features for most users as explained in this page. For example, you can use the lockdown mode to temporally disable biometric unlock and smart lock. Or you can use the magnifier when selecting text.
• New One UI features.  Samsung changed the Samsung Experiences to One UI (FYI, it has nothing to do with Android One) in the Android Pie update.  In addition to the visual (UI)changes, there are many functional updates as well. For example,  you can try the navigation gestures on Galaxy S9 or S9+ (which is different from the navigation gestures in stock Android Pie). The night mode in Galaxy S9 and S9+ works better than the stock Android Pie dark theme (+night mode).

Of course, you cannot expect “stock” Android Pie in the Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+.  As an Android manufacturer, Samsung has to customize the OS to differentiate itself from other manufacturers.

For a very small portion of owners of Galaxy S9 and S9+, you may have to withhold a while if:

• You are using

… Read the rest

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You can customize the look and feel of Galaxy S9 Home screen after entering Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode.

The default Galaxy S9 Home screen may be OK for most users. But if you want, you can customize almost everything of Galaxy S9 Home screen without leaving the home screen.

You just need to switch to Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode.

This Galaxy S9 how-to guide explains to you the features in Galaxy S9 home screen edit mode and how to enter the edit mode from Galaxy S9 Home screen.

What is Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode?

By default, the Galaxy S9 Home screen is in the “presentation” mode.  What you see on the screen, and some behaviours, are the result of home screen settings.

If you want to change anything on the home screen, then you need to leave the normal mode and enter the particular edit mode of Galaxy S9 Home screen.

Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode allows you to customize the home screen of Galaxy S9 and S9+ without leaving the home screen.

Some customization can be done through Galaxy S9 Settings.  But some customization can only be done through Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode.

In short, Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode allows you:

• To change the wallpapers for Galaxy S9 home screen and Galaxy S9 lock screen.
• To add widgets to Galaxy S9 Home screen. For example, you can show photos on Galaxy S9 Home screen as a full-screen widget.
• To use a new Galaxy S9 theme for Galaxy S9 or S9+.
• To align app icons in the home screen.
• To assign home panel for Galaxy S9 Home screen.
• To add or delete a panel in Galaxy S9 home screen.
• To re-arrange panels in Galaxy S9 Home screen.
• To set grids for Galaxy S9 home screen and apps screen.
• To enable or disable number badge (app icon badges) on the home screen.
• To hide/unhide Bixby Home on Galaxy S9 Home screen.
• To customize other Galaxy S9 Home screen settings.

You will need the edit mode of Galaxy S9 Home screen if you want to customize the home screen of Galaxy S9 or S9+ quickly.

How to enter Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode?

To enter Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode, you can simply tap and hold (aka long tap) any blank area on Galaxy S9 … Read the rest

The post How to use Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode to customize Galaxy S9 Home screen? appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

Bixby quick commands allow you to use your own phrases to execute a set of commands (tasks) defined by you. No other voice assistant systems have this feature yet.

You can execute Bixby quick commands using voice, or just tap an icon on the home screen without using your voice.

This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update explains everything you need to know about Bixby quick commands and shows you how to create, modify and use Bixby quick commands on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

The Bixby quick commands feature are also available on all Galaxy phones with Android Pie update. So, this guide also applies to Galaxy S8, S8+, Note 8, Note 9, and S10 (all 4 S10 models).

What are Bixby quick commands on Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8, and Note 9 with the Android Pie update?

In a nutshell, a Bixby quick command lets you encapsulate multiple commands in one simple phrase you choose. Once created, you can use the simple phrase (which becomes one of your Bixby quick commands) to execute all commands encapsulated in sequence (as you defined).

You can also make a long command shorter with a Bixby quick command.

In fact, this is NOT a new feature in Android Pie update.  The feature is available before the Android Pie update. But it was buried deep in My Bixby. So, many Bixby users are not aware of the feature.

In the Android Pie update for Galaxy phones, in addition to allowing you to remap the Bixby button, Samsung made the Bixby quick commands feature more prominent and improved it significantly.

For example, after the February update, you can even add any of the Bixby quick commands to the Home screen and use it without using your voice. You can use it just like using an app.

Another improvement of the Bixby quick commands feature in the Android Pie update is that some examples were added.  You can add them to your Bixby quick commands directly, or modify them as a template to create your own quick commands.

How to create, modify, and manage your Bixby quick commands on Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8, and Note 9 with the Android Pie update?

Bixby quick commands are tied to your Samsung account. By default, there are no quick commands in your account.

So, you have to create your quick commands … Read the rest

The post How to use Bixby quick commands on Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8, and Note 9 with the Android Pie update? appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

Samsung DeX lets you turn your Galaxy S9, S9+, S10, S10+ S8, S8+, Note 8, Note 9, and Note 10  into a PC with a big screen, a full-size keyboard, and a mouse.

For Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9+ and Note 8, a Samsung DeX station or Dex Pad is needed to use the DeX mode.  For Galaxy Note 9 and S10, a USB-C to HDMI cable is sufficient.

This Samsung DeX guide explains the details of the Samsung DeX, shows you how to use Samsung DeX, answers questions you may have on it.

This guide applies to Samsung Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy Note 9, and Galaxy Note 10, although most of the screenshots were taken from Galaxy S9.

Galaxy Note 10 added the DeX for PC. You can use the DeX screen on your PC or laptop with a USB cable. This feature is currently only available on Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+. Please check this guide on how to use DeX for PC.

We will update this page once DeX for PC is enabled on other Samsung devices.

Update 1:  Samsung DeX for PC is now also available on Galaxy S10 (including S10+, and S10e) after the September update as explained on this page.

What is Samsung DeX? What do you need to use Samsung DeX?

For Galaxy S and Galaxy Note phones, it is always easy to connect to external monitor or TVs using a micro USB MHL adapter (for Galaxy S or Note devices prior to Galaxy Note 7 with a micro USB port), or a USB C to HDMI cable (for Galaxy S or Note devices with a USB type C port like Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ and Galaxy Note 9).

In addition to MHL support, Samsung also incorporated Micracast support in most in these devices. In recent versions of Galaxy S and Note devices, the Miracast support is limited to  Samsung’s implementation only.

So, for Galaxy S9 and S9+, you can use at least the following three methods to mirror the phone screen to a TV or external monitor:

• Use a USB-C to HDMI cable (like the official Samsung USBC to HDMI cable).
• Use Miracast to cast the screen to a Samsung TV or monitor through WiFi direct.  It may not

… Read the rest

The post How to use Samsung DeX with Galaxy S9 and S9+ and other Samsung phones? appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

You should back up Galaxy S9 or S9+. Period.

The data saved in galaxy S9 or S9+ may be lost for many reasons: hardware failure, inadvertent operation/deletion, malware or virus, loss of the phone…

This Galaxy S9 guide shows you how to back up Galaxy S9 data to the Samsung Cloud, and back up photos on Galaxy S9 or S9+ too Google Drive (through Google Photos).

Why do you need to back up Galaxy S9 and S9+?

If the data (photos, documents, notes and others) in your phone are important, you should back up them.

The storage of the phone including the internal storage and micro SD card, like other modern electric components, may fail at any time.

You do not know when it will fail. It can be tomorrow, or after 10 years.

You may accidentally delete a file or a photo. In Android, by default, there is no undo option, and there is no recycle bin to keep deleted files.

You should never try your luck if the data are important.

The good news is that it is easy and straightforward to back up Galaxy S9 or S9+, and it is free.

What are the available methods to back up Galaxy S9 and S9+ data without using any third-party apps?

In fact, there are at least three free solutions for backing up the data on Galaxy S9 and S9+ without using any third party apps (Google Photos is preinstalled).

1. Use Samsung Cloud to back up Galaxy S9 and S9+ fully.
2. Use Samsung Cloud to back up (except photos) Galaxy S9/S9+ fully, and Google Photos to back up photos and videos.
3. Use Google Drive to back up Galaxy S9 and S9+

Method 1: Use Samsung Cloud to fully back up Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Some owners may be not aware that Samsung offers 15GB (free) for each Samsung account.  And you can back up almost everything to Samsung cloud.

If you have multiple Galaxy phones (as old as Galaxy Note 4 and S6),  you can access the back up from any of the supported devices with one Samsung account. This means you can migrate old phone data to Galaxy S9 or S9 using Samsung cloud without using Smart Switch.

The only drawback is the storage is limited 15GB per account (NOT per device). In most regions, Samsung does not sell additional storage.… Read the rest

The post How to back up Galaxy S9 and S9+? appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

If your Galaxy S9 or S9+ was updated to Android Pie, you should enjoy many new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+

As the first major update of Galaxy S9 and S9+, Android Pie (Android 9) update brings not only Android Pie features to Galaxy S9 and S9+ but also a totally new UI (One UI).  Some  Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners may be overwhelmed by so many new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+.

If you haven’t updated your Galaxy S9 or S9 to Android Pie (Android 9), you may follow this guide to check whether the update is available in your region.

If you want to download the official user manuals for Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update, please check this page.

This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains the top 9 most useful new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+: One UI, night mode, lift to wake, floating keyboard, lock home screen layout, lockdown mode, new camera app, navigation gestures, and adaptive battery.

# 1. One UI: the most eye-catching new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+

In the Android Pie update, Samsung debuted the new UI: One UI, to replace the old Samsung Experience.

Do not confuse one UI with Android One. They are totally unrelated.

The One UI was designed to make the phone look beautiful and help the owner focus on what really matters.

In addition to a new set of app icons for Samsung apps (phone, camera, contact, messages, gallery, My files, calendar, smart switch, clock), the default font and the use of white space deliver a fresh look.

The new full-screen navigation gestures were also added and they are even different from the stock Android Pie navigation gestures.

You can also use the rotation toggle button in the navigation bar to change and lock screen orientation on-the-fly very easily.

#2. Night mode: the most wanted new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ for night owls

Many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners complained about the white color scheme.  It is painful to use the white theme in low-light conditions.

Although you can change the Galaxy S9 home screen theme to a dark one, some Samsung apps may not follow the theme.

Blue light filter may … Read the rest

The post Top 9 new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

Samsung DeX is one of the best productivity features offered in Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9.  You need either a Samsung DeX Station, or a Samsung DeX Pad, or a Samsung DexX cable to enjoy this feature.

But these 3 accessories may work differently in the supported devices. Please check this guide on how to use Samsung DeX Station and this guide on how to use Samsung DeX Pad.

This Galaxy S9 accessories guide explains the difference among the Samsung DeX accessories: Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX cable, to help you get the correct DeX accessories for your phone.

What are the available Samsung DeX accessories needed to use Samsung DeX?

To use Samsung DeX, you need one of the following official accessories:

• Samsung DeX Station; or
• Samsung DeX Pad; or
• Samsung DeX cable.

Samsung DeX Station was released in 2017 for Galaxy S8 and S8+. So, in addition to Galaxy S8 and S8+,  Samsung DeX station works with all later devices: Galaxy S9, S9+ Note 8 and Note 9.

Samsung DeX Pad was released in 2018 for Galaxy S9 and S9+. So, it officially supports Galaxy S9, S9+ and Note 9. But in Android Oreo update, Galaxy S8, S8+ and Note 8 can also use Samsung DeX  Pad to enjoy Samsung DeX.  So, Samsung DeX Pad supports similar devices as Samsung DeX Station unless you haven’t updated your S8 (or S8+ or Note 8) to Android Oreo.

Samsung DeX cable was released in 2018 for Galaxy Note 9. Currently, it only supports Galaxy Note 9 (and Tab S4)  in DeX mode. For Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9+ and Note 8, the cable is identical to other normal USB-C to HDMI cable: you can only use it for screen mirroring without a Chromecast (or Miracast device).

Which phones support Samsung DeX?

As mentioned, currently, you can use Samsung DeX in the following devices:

• Galaxy S8
• Galaxy S8+
• Galaxy Note 8
• Galaxy S9
• Galaxy S9+
• Galaxy Note 9
• Galaxy Tab S4

To use Samsung DeX Pad, Galaxy S8, S8+, and Note 8 must upgrade to Android Oreo. DeX Station does not have this requirement.

Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad: what are the differences?

If your Galaxy S8, S8+ or Note 8 are still using Android Nougat, then  Samsung DeX … Read the rest

The post Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX cable appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

What is Galaxy S9 guides community?

Galaxy S9 guides is an online community for owners of Galaxy S9 or S9+ to help fellow owners.

If you have any questions on or encounter any problems with Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, you can get answers and solutions quickly from the community.

Galaxy S9 guides community is not affiliated with Samsung in any means.  It is simply an owner-help-owner community.

If you need any “official” technical support or need to contact Samsung for warranty or sales related issues,  please approach the local distributor or local Samsung office directly.

We are not able to relay any messages to Samsung.

What does Galaxy S9 guides community offer?

Galaxy S9 guides community offers various how-to guides to help you use Galaxy S9 and S9+.

These Galaxy S9 guides are organized into the following five sections:

1.  Galaxy S9 new features guide.  The section covers detailed guides for all new features and functions in Galaxy S9 and S9+.
2. Galaxy S9 how-to guides.  This section is a collection of high-quality how-to guides on how to efficiently use Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+,
3. Galaxy S9 camera guides. There are many improvements and new features in Galaxy S9 (especially S9+) camera. This section has all the guides you need to use major features of Galaxy S9 camera properly.
4. Galaxy S9 accessories guides. This section shows you the useful and affordable Galaxy S9 accessories to help you use and improve Galaxy S9 and S9+.
5. Galaxy S9 user guides. This section is a collection of the official Samsung Galaxy S9 user guides in various languages. You can read and download the official user guide in PDF format in your local language.

Besides, comments are open on all pages.  So, everyone can ask questions if they are not addressed in the guides,  The community will and help them get the answer or solution.

In a nutshell, Galaxy S9 guides community offers a platform for all owners of Galaxy S9 and S9+ to discuss and share the usage and experiences of the phone.

How can you contribute to the Galaxy S9 guides community?

There is no join button in Galaxy S9 guides.  There are no signup forms either.

All Galaxy S9 guides are open to the public.

And of course, it is free.

We do not collect any of your personal info.  You can post your Galaxy S9 … Read the rest

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