Galaxy S9 Guides

a community for owners of Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

Samsung announced Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, the 9th generation of Galaxy S phones, on February 25, 2018, in Barcelona, Spain, immediately ahead of  MWC 2018. You may want to know the new features of Samsung Galaxy S9.

As in previous Galaxy S phones, Samsung staffed some new features of Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ to lure new customers and keep existing customers.

This post details the top 10 new features of Galaxy S9 and S9+ to help you decide whether Galaxy S9 or S9+ is the right phone for you.

#1. Android Oreo

Android Oreo is the latest Android OS.

Samsung packed Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Oreo 8.0 out of the box.

You can enjoy many new features and improvements of Android 8.0 in Galaxy S9 and S9+, although Samsung tweaks a lot of the stock Android.

For Galaxy S9 notification dots (notification number badge, app icon badges) on Galaxy S9 and S9+, you may check this guide.

#2. Dual-aperture in the main camera: one of the most welcomed new features of Samsung Galaxy S9

Samsung tried to direct your attention to one of the best new features in Galaxy S9 and S9+: the camera.

And the most prominent features of the Galaxy S9 camera is dual-aperture.

In Auto mode, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ main camera can switch between two apertures of f/2.4 (under normal lighting conditions) and f/1.5 (in low-light conditions) automatically.

In Pro mode, you can set the two apertures manually. Unfortunately, you cannot set anything in between.

Essentially, the dual-aperture camera makes it easier to capture good photos in low-light conditions.

Galaxy S9 and S9+ are the only smartphones in the market with such a feature.

You may check this guide on how to use the two apertures in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

#3.  Intelligent scan

Iris scanner and face recognition is not new in Galaxy phones.  You can enable either of them to unlock the phone in your Galaxy S8, S8+ or Note 8.

Both methods work well in contrast conditions: iris scanner does not work well under the sun ( or under intense light), and face recognition refuses to work in darkness.

In Galaxy S8 and Note 8, these two methods are mutually exclusive: you can only enable one of them.

As another one of the top new features of Galaxy S9 and S9+,  these two methods … Read the rest

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Galaxy S9 and S9+, together with other Galaxy S devices (except Galaxy S6, S6 edge and S6 edge+), support SD card.  You can use a micro SD card on Galaxy S9 or S9+ to expand phone storage.

In addition to media files and documents, you can move some apps to the SD card on Galaxy S9 or S9 to free up some internal storage space.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains how to use SIM card on single SIM or dual-SIM versions of Galaxy S9 and S9+, how to move apps to SD card, how to manage SD card with the device maintenance utility, how to encrypt and decrypt SD card on Galaxy S9, and how to save photos to SD card or phone storage for Galaxy S9 camera.

For using a USB flash drive on Galaxy S9 or S9+, please check this guide.

How to insert micro SD card on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

There are two major variants (versions) of Galaxy S9 and S9+: single SIM version, and the dual-SIM version, depending on the market.

Both of these two variants of Galaxy S9 (and S9+) supports the micro SD card to expand the phone storage.

For the single SIM version of Galaxy S9, it is simple. The SIM card tray, as shown below, has two slots: slot 1 for the SIM card, and the slot 2 for the micro SD card.

But for the dual-SIM version of Galaxy S9 (and S9+), it is a bit complicated.

The SIM card tray, as shown below, also has only two slots. You can only fit a SIM card in the slot 1. The slot 2 can hold a SIM card OR a micro SD card, but not both simultaneously.

As explained in this guide:

• If you want to use two SIM cards on Galaxy S9 or S9+, then you cannot use the micro SD card.
• If you want to use a micro SD card, then you cannot use two SIM cards. You can only use one SIM card.

When you place the micro SD card on the SIM card tray, you need to make sure it is secured. The metal contact part should face downwards, same as the SIM card as explained in this guide.

What are the limitations of using micro SD card on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Although a micro SD card can expand the storage … Read the rest

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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

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Samsung added the Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

You can change Galaxy S9 home screen to landscape orientation when you hold Galaxy S9 and S9+ horizontally.  Of course, this also applies to Galaxy S9 apps screen (app drawer), which essentially is a special home screen.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains what Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode is, how to enable and disable Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode, and how to use Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode.

Update: in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, you can use the rotation toggle button to quickly change and lock screen orientation, including the home screen.  You may check this guide on using the rotation toggle to change and lock the Galaxy S9 screen orientation.

In addition, you can also lock the layout of Galaxy S9 home screen in Android Pie update as explained in this guide.

What is Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode?

By default, the home screen (and apps screen) was always in portrait mode on most Android phones even if you hold the phone horizontally, and if you turn on auto-rotate.

So, it is hard to use the home screen in landscape mode, and you may have to hold the phone in portrait orientation to use the home screen and apps screen.

Please do not confuse this limitation in home screen with the auto-rotate.

Most apps including system apps like Settings support landscape mode for a long time. When you turn on auto-rotate, you can use most apps in the landscape orientation.

In Android tablet, since Android Honeycomb 3.0, the home screen landscape mode has been supported.

However, on the phone, the home screen landscape mode is still new.

The larger screen aspect ratio beyond 16:9 in many recent flagship Android phones exacerbates the implementation of landscape mode for the home screen. The screen simply looks too narrow for the icons.

Anyway, Samsung now offers the option to use Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

This means the Galaxy S9 home screen can automatically rotate to landscape mode when you hold the phone in landscape position.

Undoubtedly, the app icons and widgets in Galaxy S9 home screen will be re-organised in landscape mode. Simple rotation is not enough due to insufficient height in the landscape mode.

In a nutshell, Galaxy … Read the rest

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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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In Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, you can use the night mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ to get the dark (black) theme at any time (not only in the night).

The night mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update is the combination of the dark theme and night mode. In the stock Android Pie, the settings of dark theme and night mode are independent of each other.

This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains the details of the night mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update, and how to use the night mode so that you can enjoy the phone in all situations.

What is the night mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?

In Android Nougat update, Samsung introduced the blue light filter to tint the screen so that you can use the screen comfortably for a long time (e.g., for reading), or in a dimmed environment.

Many owners also hate the default white theme, which looks great in the showroom. For day-to-day use, many owners preferred a dark theme.

Of course, you can use third-party themes to customize the Galaxy S9 home screen and Samsung apps. But most of the dark themes in the Galaxy Apps (theme store) are poorly designed.

In Android Pie, Google introduced a dark theme. But it does not apply to Settings or to most Google apps.

Besides, Android Pie also introduced the night mode in developer options. But it is independent of the theme settings if dark them is used already. You may refer to this guide on how to use the dark theme and night mode in stock Android Pie.

In the Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung added the night mode as an alternative to the default light theme.

The night mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update lets you:

• Set the display to the dark (black) theme.
• Apply the dark theme to Galaxy S9 Home screen, Apps screen, Settings, quick settings, notifications panel, power button options, Bixby home, most Samsung apps include Phone, Messages, Contacts, Camera, Gallery, Clock, Calendar, Calculator, Samsung Notes, Email, My Files, Internet, Bixby, Finder.
• Instantly turn on/off night mode in quick settings.
• Instantly change the night mode settings in the developer options as “always-on”

… Read the rest

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… Read the rest

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To effectively use your new phone, you need to know and understand the Galaxy S9 layout and Galaxy S9+ layout.

Sometimes, common sense works; sometimes it may not.

This Galaxy S9 how-to guide explains the layout of Galaxy S9 and S9+, the difference between the Galaxy S9 layout and Galaxy S9+ layout, and the meaning of essential parts in the layouts of Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Why do you need to know Galaxy S9 layout and Galaxy S9+ layout?

Although Galaxy S9 and S9+ are not a revolutionary product, the layout of Galaxy S9 and S9+ is substantially different from Android phones from other Android manufacturers.

Even compared to Galaxy S8 and S8+ layout, there are a few changes in the Galaxy S9 layout and Galaxy S9+ layout.

You need to know and understand Galaxy S9 layout when you want to know the functions of all buttons in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ layout can also help you find the locations of some parts. For example, a few Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners accidentally inserted the SIM card ejection pin into the top microphone hole. They may spoil the microphone.  Had they known the layout of Galaxy S9 and S9+, they wouldn’t have made this mistake.

Besides,  it is also beneficial to know the location of antennas and wireless charging coils when using some Galaxy S9 accessories.

Anyway, before using your Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+, you should spend a few minutes to learn and understand the layout of S9 and S9+ even if you are a seasoned Samsung phone user.

The difference between Galaxy S9 layout and Galaxy S9+ layout

Unlike Galaxy S8 and S8+, which differ only in size, Galaxy S9 and S9+ have a few considerable differences in the hardware configuration.

Due to dual rear camera configuration in Galaxy S9+, the back of Galaxy S9+ layout is different from that of Galaxy S9.

The second rear camera is the only difference between Galaxy S9 layout and Galaxy S9+ layout.

Galaxy S9 and S9+ layout: front view

The front view of Galaxy S9 layout is illustrated in the picture below. The front view of Galaxy S9+ is identical except the screen size.

As shown below, you can find in the front of Galaxy S9 and S9+:

• touchscreen;
• edge screens;
• front camera;
• LED indicator;
• top speaker (earpiece);
• proximity/light sensor;
• iris recognition camera;

… Read the rest

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You can use Galaxy S9 recovery mode to flash new ROMs, clear Galaxy S9 cache partition, and to check recovery logs.

Although Galaxy S9 recovery mode was designed for some advanced users, you may need some of the features, especially clearing the cache partition to fix some problems after a major update.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains to you the functions of Galaxy S9 recovery mode, the way to reboot Galaxy S9 or S9+ into recovery mode, usage of the recovery mode, and methods of clearing Galaxy S9 cache partition.

What is Galaxy S9 recovery mode?

All Android phones have a special mode: recovery mode, which allows you to fix any Android problems and perform some actions (for example, patch the system) to the Android system without loading Android OS.

In the phone storage layout, there is a special partition for recovery. This partition is protected from Android OS and other partitions.

Galaxy S9  is not an exception.

If you think you never used Galaxy S9 recovery mode, you are very likely wrong.

When you install updates (including monthly security updates) for Galaxy S9 and S9+, you may notice the phone will reboot twice automatically.

During this updating process, Galaxy S9 or S9+ would reboot into Galaxy S9 recovery mode first to apply the update, then reboot into Android OS so that you can use Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Of course, Galaxy S9 recovery mode offers more functions including:

• To apply Android OS update
• To reset (factory data reset) Galaxy S9 or S9+.
• To wipe/clear Galaxy S9 cache partition.
• To boot into bootloader (download mode).
• To flash official or third-party ROMs for Galaxy S9 and S9+.
• To mount /system partition manually.
• To check recovery logs.
• To run a graphics test.

Although Galaxy S9 recovery mode is seldom used for most Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners,  you may need to reboot into Galaxy S9 recovery mode to fix some problem with your S9 or S9+.

In fact, most Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners reboot the phone into Galaxy S9 recovery mode to clear the cache partition to fix some issues after a major Android update.

You should not confuse Galaxy S9 recovery mode with Galaxy S9 safe mode, which is a special mode of Android OS.

How to reboot into Galaxy S9 recovery mode?

The key combination to reboot into Galaxy S9 recovery mode is Bixby button+ … Read the rest

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Galaxy S9 adapt sound on Galaxy S9 and S9+ can significantly improve the sound quality of the phone.

The improvement is achieved through a personalized sound profile tailored to your ears.  Galaxy S9 adapt sound will conduct a hearing test for both of your ears to create that profile and compensate the frequencies you have problems with accordingly so that you can hear the “real” music and sound

This Galaxy  S9 guide explains in detail how the adapt sound on Galaxy S9 and S9+ works, and how to enable, customize and use the Galaxy S9 adapt sound to get the best audio quality on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Please note, adapt sound on Galaxy S9 and S9+ is almost identical to that on Galaxy S10, S10+, Galaxy S8+, S8, Note 10, Note 10+, Note 9, and Note 8. So, this guide also applies to these and other Samsung phones.

What is adapt sound on Galaxy S9 and S9+? How does adapt sound on Samsung phones works?

Adapt sound on Galaxy S9 and S9+ is NOT new.  Samsung first introduced adapt sound in Galaxy S4 in 2013.

In the recent launches of Galaxy devices, Samsung even forgot to mention this audio feature, although Samsung tuned this feature in each generation of Galaxy devices.

But in my opinion, the adapt sound is one of the most useful Samsung features. And adapt sound on Galaxy S9 and S9+ is probably the most underused feature.

You should be very excited once you start to use the adapt sound on Galaxy S9 or other Samsung Galaxy phones: how excellent the music can be!  You probably will blame yourself: why I didn’t use it before!

In a nutshell, adapt sound on Galaxy S9 creates a personalized sound profile (effects) based on your ear.

Every ear is different. Even your two ears may differ significantly in hearing capabilities.  At different ages, our ears also have different listening capabilities at different frequencies.

So, the question is: did you hear the “real” music or sound?

Galaxy S9 conducts a hearing test for your ears to create your hearing profile.  Then use this profile to compensate the audio output so that you get the “real” music or sound.

For example, if your left ear has problems to hear sounds at around 15KHz, but your right ear does not have any issues for the same frequency range, then normally, you … Read the rest

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As a 2018 flagship smartphone, Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ introduced some new features and improvement in multiple aspects.

Even some long-time Galaxy phone users may get confused on or fail to understand some cool new features.

These Galaxy S9 new features guide will help you master the new features in Galaxy S9 and S9+ so that you can get the maximum value from the phone.

What do Galaxy S9 new features Guides cover?

Galaxy S9 new features guides section covers only the new features in Galaxy SS9 and S9+, compared to Galaxy S8 and S8+.

For other detailed Galaxy S9 guides on how to use Galaxy S9 and S9, please check Galaxy S9 how-to guides page.

If you need help on using the cameras in Galaxy S9 and S9+, you may check the Galaxy S9 camera guides.

If you need some recommendations or reviews for accessories for Galaxy S9 and S9+, you may check Galaxy S9 accessories guides page.

Besides, you can download the official Samsung Galaxy S9 user guides in your local language in Galaxy S9 user guides page.

List of Galaxy S9 new features Guides

New guides for Galaxy S9 new features will be released here once we finish the testing.

So, the guides in this page will be updated regularly.

If you cannot find the guides you need, or if you have any questions on the new features of Galaxy S9 and S9+, you can let us know in the comments below.

The community will help you find the answer or the solution.

Here is the list of released and coming-soon (to-be-released) Galaxy S9 new features guides.

1. How to use Galaxy S9 AR emoji?

2. How to use intelligent scan to unlock Galaxy S9 and S9+?

3. How to use Galaxy S9 dual-aperture camera?

Dual aperture, which allows the system to choose the suitable Galaxy S9 camera aperture depending on lighting conditions,  is one of the significant improvements in Galaxy S9 (and S9+) camera compared to previous Galaxy phones.

This Galaxy S9 camera guide explains dual aperture feature in Galaxy S9 and shows you how to manually choose Galaxy S9 camera aperture in the Pro mode.

Read on …

4. How to use super slow motion mode (super Slow-mo) on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Galaxy S9 super slow motion mode (super Slow-mo) is a new camera feature on Galaxy S9 and … Read the rest

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You can transfer and migrate data to Galaxy S9 and S9+ from iPhones or Android phones through a USB cable, or wireless connection, or cloud storage.

For many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners, Galaxy S9 or S+ is not your first smartphone. You were very likely using an iPhone or an Android phone before getting Galaxy S9 or S9+.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains to you how to transfer and migrate data to Galaxy S9 and S9+ if you were using 1). an iPhone; or 2). a Samsung Galaxy phone, or 3). other Android phones.

What can be migrated to Galaxy S9 and S9+?  What cannot be?

Contacts, messages, call logs, photos, videos, music files, documents and stock calendar data in your old phone can be easily transferred and migrated to Galaxy S9 and S9+.

If you want to migrate data to Galaxy S9 from an iPhone, of course, apps cannot be transferred.  There is no one-to-one match in Google play store and Apple’s App Store.  Some app developers only release apps in App Store. Some may only release them in the Google Play store.

If you want to migrate data to Galaxy S9 from a Samsung Galaxy phone, then you can transfer and migrate almost all data. Apps from Galaxy apps and side-loaded apps can be transferred as well.  Phone settings including WiFi, wallpaper, home screen settings, and some system settings, will be migrated. The only data that cannot be transferred or migrated are some game progress data and login credentials (unless you use the Samsung Pass). Your email settings in the stock email app can also be migrated. But you need to re-enter the password for each account.

If you transfer and migrate data to Galaxy S9 or Note 9 from other Android phones, some phone settings will not be copied. Some side-loaded apps may also be ignored.

Transfer and migrate data to Galaxy S9, S9+ or Note 9 from an iPhone

If you want to migrate from iPhone to Galaxy S9, you need to have iOS 5 or higher on your iPhone.

The simplest way to migrate iPhone data to Galaxy S9 is through iCloud.  You back up everything you need to transfer in your iPhone to iCloud.

In your iPhone, go to Settings – YOURNAME –  iCloud – iCloud Backup (for iOS 10.2 or later) or Settings –  iCloud – Backup (for older iOS) … Read the rest

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The most efficient way to change settings of Galaxy S9 and S9+ is to use Galaxy S9 quick setting button.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains everything you need to know about the quick setting buttons on Galaxy S9 and S9+: what are Galaxy S9 quick setting buttons? How to access them, how to use them, and how to customize them.

Update:  after you update Galaxy S9 or S9+ to Android Pie, you can use the night mode to set the background color of quick settings panel to dark. You can also use the quick setting button to switch between using the new Android Pie navigation gestures and using the traditional navigation bar/buttons.

What are quick setting buttons on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Like other Android phones, Galaxy S9 and S9+ have quick settings buttons on the top of notifications in Galaxy S9 notification panel.

The quick setting buttons allow you to instantly turn on or turn off some features quickly without entering the complicated settings page.

For example, you can turn on or turn off mobile data or Bluetooth using Galaxy S9 quick setting buttons on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Since Android Nougat, stock Android also shows quick settings bar (the first a few quick setting buttons) in the notification panel, in addition to the full list of quick setting buttons.

But Samsung added the quick settings bar in Galaxy phones a long time back.

Anyway, quick setting buttons on Galaxy S9 and S9+ were designed to help you use the phone easily and efficiently.

The first 6 Galaxy S9 quick setting buttons (sometimes, it is referred to as quick settings bar) are shown above notifications in the notification panel as shown in this guide.

You can expand the list to show all quick settings buttons in Galaxy S9 notification panel.

How to access quick setting buttons on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

There are two methods to access all quick setting buttons on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Method 1: Swipe down from Galaxy S9 notification panel (or swipe down twice from the status bar)

In Galaxy S9 notification panel, you can swipe down, as shown below, to expand the quick setting buttons so that all buttons are shown.

When you are not in the notification panel, you can swipe down from the status bar twice to access the same Galaxy S9 quick setting buttons … 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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You can pin files to Galaxy S9 Home screen so that you can open them directly by tapping them without fiddling through apps.  For example, you can add a PDF file to the home screen and open it without opening the file explorer or storage manager.

After you add files to Galaxy S9 home screen (to be precise, you are actually adding file shortcuts to the home screen), you can use them just like using apps and widgets: open, relocate, delete them.

A file pinned on the home screen always occupies one spot (icon). This is different from adding and showing photos on Galaxy S9 Home screen as a widget, which is resizable.

This Galaxy S9 guide shows you how to pin files to Galaxy S9 Home screen, manage files added to the home screen, and how to add files to task edge in the edge screen.

When you may want to pin files to Galaxy S9 Home screen (add files to the home screen)?

Many owners who use Galaxy S9 or S9+ as a productivity tool often need to open or edit some files repeatedly.

By default, this means you have to open a file explorer (e.g., My files), navigate to the folder, find the file, tap on it to let the default app to open it.

But if you pin the file on Galaxy S9 home screen (i.e. add a shortcut of the file to Galaxy S9 Home screen), then you can tap the shortcut on the home screen to open it straight away.

If you want to show photos on Galaxy S9 Home screen, you may check this guide.

When you pin a file to the home screen, you actually add a shortcut of the file to the home screen. The file is still in the original folder and is NOT moved.  If you delete the icon in the home screen, the corresponding file will NOT be removed. But if you update the file, the file in the original folder will be updated.

Technically, the shortcut (the pinned file) in Galaxy S9 home screen is a symbolic (soft) link to the original file, not a copy of the file.

How to pin files to Galaxy S9 Home screen?

There are many third-party apps that allow you to add file shortcuts to Galaxy S9 Home screen. But you do not install any of them.

The pre-installed … Read the rest

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Galaxy S9 lock screen not only keeps your data safe but also offers some useful features and information to improve your productivity.

This Galaxy S9 how-to guide shows you how to set up, use and customise the lock screen of Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Please note although Galaxy S9 supports landscape mode in Galaxy S9 Home screen, Galaxy S9 lock screen is always in portrait mode.

What is Galaxy S9 lock screen?

Galaxy S9 lock screen likes a door to Galaxy S9 and S9+. You need this door to protect your data and info saved on the phone.

But Galaxy S9 lock screen is also an information centre for you so that you can get some essential info without unlocking the phone or opening any apps.

The information provided through Galaxy S9 lock screen varies depending on your customisation. By default, you can get at least the following info in Galaxy 9 lock screen:

• Time and date (clock).
• Carrier info.
• Media player controller.
• Your schedule.
• Notifications.
• Next alarm.

In addition, Galaxy S9 lock screen allows you to:

• Change a few settings (not related to data or privacy) of Galaxy S9 and S9+ through quick setting buttons, for example, turn on/off the blue light filter.
• Add up to 2 app shortcuts to lock screen.
• Use Galaxy S9 camera without unlocking the phone.
• Make emergency calls.

Of course, to protect your data in Galaxy S9 or S9+,  most of the settings can only be changed after you unlock the phone.

How to set up Galaxy S9 lock screen security?

By default, when you set up Galaxy S9 or S9+, it will ask you to set up the lock screen security.

If you skip that step, the default lock screen security, swipe, will be used.

Of course, you can change Galaxy S9 lock screen security at any time.

And you should NOT set Galaxy S9 lock screen security to swipe or none.

If you use either of the options, your data in Galaxy S9 or S9+ are at risk. Anyone, including thieves, can access your phone without restrictions. They can impersonate you.

To change Galaxy S9 lock screen security, you may follow these steps.

Step 1: Access Galaxy S9 Settings

There are a couple of ways to access Galaxy S9 settings, for example

• Using the Settings app icon in Galaxy S9 Home screen.
• Using the Settings app icon

… Read the rest

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In almost all regions, you still need a physic SIM card in Galaxy S9 0r S9+ to make calls or use mobile data connections.

Galaxy S9 SIM card guide will help you understand everything about using a SIM card in Galaxy S9 and S9+

The guide will cover the correct size of Galaxy S9 SIM card, how to use the two slots in Galaxy SIM card tray, insert or change SIM card for Galaxy S9 and S9+, change mobile network settings in Galaxy S9 and S9+, and check mobile network connection and signal strength in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Some questions related to using Galaxy SIM card are also answered.

What is the correct size of Galaxy S9 SIM card?

Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 and S9+ use nano-SIM cards, which is the smallest SIM card you can get from your phone company.

So, if you migrated to Galaxy S9 or S9+ from any of the following phones, you can use the existing SIM card for Galaxy S9 and S9+:

• Samsung Galaxy S6, S7 and S8 and all their variants (e.g., S8+, S7 edge, S6 edge and S6 edge+).
• Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Note 8.
• Any of Samsung Galaxy A series: Galaxy A3, A5, A7, A8 and A9.
• Galaxy J3 2017 and later, Galaxy J5 2017 and later, Galaxy J7 and later.
• iPhone 5, 6, 7, 8 and X (and all variants).
• Moto X (all generations).
• Pixel and Pixel XL (all generations).
• LG G5, G6 (all variants), V10, V20 and V30.
• many others phones released after 2016

If you are not sure whether your existing SIM card can be used in Galaxy S9 and S9+, please post your question in the comments box below.

We will check it for you.

You MUST use the correct size of Galaxy S9 SIM card because the slot in the Galaxy S9 SIM card tray can only hold nano-SIM cards.

In theory, there are four possible sizes of SIM cards:

1. Full-sizeSIM (1FF). Full-size SIM is  “giant” in size: 85.60 mm × 53.98 mm × 0.76 mm. No Android phones used it.
2. Mini-SIM (2FF). Mini-SIM usually is now often referred as “big” or “normal”  or “standard” SIM card in some countries. Most carriers and phone manufacturers phased out mini-SIM a few years ago.  Very few Android phones in the market now use this big SIM card.
3. Micro-SIM

… 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

The post How to use Galaxy S9 Apps screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+? 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

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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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