Galaxy S9 Guides

a community for owners of Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

Some Galaxy S9 and S9 owners are not excited about Samsung Bixby and the dedicated button.  They may want to disable Bixby button in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

You can easily disable Bixby button in Galaxy S9 and S9+ if you frequently pressed the button inadvertently, or if you do not want to use Bixby.

Update: After updating Galaxy S9 or S9+ to Android Pie, you cannot disable the Bixby button. Instead, you can remap the Bixby button to any third-party apps or any Bixby quick commands.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains the functions of Bixby button in Galaxy S9 and S9+, and shows you how to disable Bixby button in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

What is Bixby button? Why may you want to disable Bixby button in Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Since Galaxy S8 (and S8+), Samsung added a dedicated button for Bixby with the hope of boosting the usage of Samsung's AI assistant.

As shown in Galaxy S9 and S9+ layout, Bixby button is located on the left side of the phone below the volume keys.

By default,

• If you press the Bixby button on Galaxy S9 or S9+,  the phone will open Bixby Home.
• If you long press (press and hold) the Bixby button, the phone will open Bixby Voice.

Samsung does not allow you to map the Bixby button on Galaxy S9 and S9+ to any other apps. It can only be used for Samsung Bixby unless you root the phone and mess up a few system settings.

Although Samsung Bixby has been dramatically improved since the initial release with Galaxy S8, in many aspects, it is still not comparable to Google Assistant, which can be enabled in Galaxy S9 or S9 by long tapping  (tap and hold) the Home button. Some Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners may not want to use Samsung's Bixby at all. They are happy with Google Assistant.

Some other owners may do not use either Google Assistant or Bixby. But they may press the Bixby button accidentally when they want to press the volume button or the power button.

Even some Bixby users may not want to use the Bixby Home, which comes out when you press the Bixby button. You can use other Bixby features without the button.

So, there are sizeable Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners who may want to disable … Read the rest

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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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Galaxy S9 and S9+ allow you to hide Galaxy S9 apps screen so that you can use all apps in the home screen if you do not want to use two screens: home screen and apps screen.

If you use Galaxy S9 apps screen, you can hide the apps screen button (apps button) so that you can just swipe up on Galaxy S9 Home screen to access Apps screen.

This Galaxy S9 how-to guide explains to you how to hide/unhide Galaxy S9 apps screen and how to hide/unhide Galaxy S9 apps screen button.

How to hide Galaxy S9 apps screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

If you want to use all apps in one central location, you may want to hide Galaxy S9 apps screen.

After you hide Galaxy S9 apps screen, you can then access all apps in Galaxy S9 Home screen. It is not necessary to manually add apps to the home screen.

To hide Galaxy S9 apps screen, you may follow these steps.

Step 1: Enter Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode

You can tap and hold (long tap) any blank area in Galaxy S9 Home screen to enter the edit mode for Galaxy S9 Home screen.

You can also pinch on  Galaxy S9 Home screen to enter the edit mode.

Step 2: Access Home screen settings

In the edit mode, tap Home screen settings as shown below.

The home screen settings page should be shown up.

Alternatively, you can access the same home screen settings page through Galaxy S9 Settings: Settings — Display —Home screen.

Step 3: Choose to unhide or hide Galaxy S9 apps screen

In Galaxy S9 Home screen settings page, as shown in the screenshot above, tap Home screen layout.

In Home screen layout page, you can find two options:

1. Home and Apps screen.
2. Home screens only.

Option 1 is the default. It means you have both Galaxy S9 Home screen and Apps screen. In other words, the apps screen is not hidden.

Option 2 will let you hide Galaxy S9 apps screen. All apps will be added to the home screen automatically.

So, you can use these two options to hide or unhide Galaxy S9 Apps screen.

Step 4: Apply the settings

After you change the settings (either hide the apps screen or unhide the apps screen), you need to tap Apply as shown above to … Read the rest

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In Android update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung did not implement the stock Android Pie navigation gestures. Instead, they added their own new navigation gestures as one of the new features in the One UI.

Some owners may get confused on the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, especially those who tried the navigation gestures in the stock Android Pie.

This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains the details of the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+,  the difference between the Android Pie navigation gestures and the full-screen navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, and show you how to enable and use them.

What are the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+?

In Android Pie (Android 9), Google introduced a set of gestures for the home buttons, Android Pie navigation gestures, to help users to navigate and switch apps very quickly.

Essentially, in stock Android Pie, if the navigation gestures are enabled, the Recents/Overview button will be removed. The back button appears only if it is needed. This creates a very clean UI with one Home button as explained in this page.

Of course, Samsung thought they have a better solution.

In the Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung chooses to collapse the 3 navigation buttons into 3 lines on the bottom of the screen. You then just swipe up from these 3 lines to replace the function of pressing the buttons.

So, you will find the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ are substantially different from the Android Pie navigation gestures.

The major differences between Android Pie navigation gestures and the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ include:

• In the stock Android Pie, all navigation gestures are based on the home button. In Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, there are 3 lines for the gestures.
• In the stock Android Pie, you have 5 touch screen gestures for the home button: press (tap), long press (long tap), swipe upwards, slow swipe upwards (or double swipe upwards), swipe to the right, swipe to the right and hold. But in Galaxy S9 and S9+, swipe upwards is the only

… Read the rest

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Understanding the meaning of Galaxy S9 status icons and notification icons in Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ will help you to use the phone efficiently.

You can get quick system info and new notifications by checking Galaxy S9 status icons and notification icons in the status bar.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains the differences between Galaxy S9 status icons and notification icons, and the meaning of these icons in the status bar in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

What is the difference between Galaxy S9 status icons and notification icons?

Android uses the top of the screen as the status bar, where Galaxy S9 status icons and notification icons are shown.  It applies to Galaxy S9 Home screen, lock screen and all apps.

The following screenshot is an example of the Galaxy S9 status bar with notification icons on the left and status icons on the right.  When you use Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode or any apps in landscape mode, the status bar is also in the top of the screen.

Galaxy S9 status icons and notification icons give you quick info about the system status (e.g., mobile network signal strength) and notifications from apps or the system.

When an app is in the immersive full-screen mode, the status bar will be hidden temporally. In this case, you can swipe down from the top of the screen to bring up Galaxy S9 status bar (and Galaxy S9 navigation bar as well)

The differences between Galaxy S9 status icons and notification icons include:

• Galaxy S9 status icons are always related to the system; while Galaxy S9 notification icons are always linked to specific apps (including a few system apps and third-party apps).
• Galaxy S9 status icons are normally shown on the right side of the status bar; while Galaxy S9 notification icons always appear on the left side of the status bar.
• Galaxy S9 status icons are more or less universal in all regions; while Galaxy S9 notification icons depend on individual apps, whose developers can use whatever they want.

Typically, when you see an icon on the left side of the status bar in Galaxy S9 or S9+, there are usually at least one or more corresponding notifications in Galaxy S9 notification panel.

But if you see a Galaxy S9 status icon, there is seldom a corresponding notification.

Meaning of Galaxy S9 status icons

… Read the rest

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Galaxy S9 camera settings will help you get the desired photos and effectively use the camera in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

This Galaxy S9 camera guide explains the meaning and usage of all entries in Galaxy S9 camera settings.

Why do you need to understand Galaxy S9 camera settings?

Many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners probably just start the camera app, shoot the photo, then share it.

It works well in most situations owing to the decent Auto mode in Galaxy S9 and S9+ cameras.

But sometimes, you may need to change some Galaxy S9 camera settings, e.g., using the timer, changing the video size to save storage, taking motion photos ……

Galaxy S9 camera settings allow you to customize the camera app so that you can take the desired photos and videos.

In the new Galaxy S9 camera app, the simplified interface means more customizations in Galaxy S9 camera settings.

How to access Galaxy S9 camera settings?

You can start the camera app in Galaxy S9 in different ways as explained in this guide.

• Galaxy S9 camera quick launch.
• The camera app shortcut on Galaxy S9 lock screen.
• The camera app icon in Galaxy S9 home screen.
• The camera app icon in Galaxy S9 apps screen.
• Bixby voice command.
• Google Assistant.

Once you are in Galaxy S9 camera app interface, you can tap the gear icon as shown below to open Galaxy S9 camera settings.

How are Galaxy S9 camera settings organized?

As shown in the following 3 screenshots, Galaxy S9 camera settings are organized into 3 sections/groups.

• Rear camera (#1-#6)

This section includes settings related to the rear camera only.

For Galaxy S9+, there are two rear cameras. But there are no separate settings for the individual rear camera.

In fact, Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ have the identical camera settings.

• Front camera (#7-#13)

This section covers the front camera specific settings.

Some of the second level setting pages, e.g., timer and HDR settings,  are similar to those of the rear camera.

The purpose of such settings is to keep separate settings for the front and rear cameras.

• Common (#14-#25)

The settings in this section apply to both the front and rear cameras.

Understand and use Galaxy S9 camera settings

Corresponding to the numbers in the previous 3 screenshots, here are the explanations of Galaxy S9 camera settings.

1.

… Read the rest

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After unboxing Galaxy S9 or S9+, you may want to charge Galaxy S9 battery so that you can start to set it up and use it.

When Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ left the factory, the battery is charged to about 50% of the capacity, which is sufficient for you to inspect the phone on the counter.

Because the only difference between Galaxy S9 battery and Galaxy S9+ battery is the size (capacity), charging Galaxy S9 battery is identical to that for Galaxy S9+. Therefore, we use Galaxy S9 to refer to both Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Two ways to charge Galaxy S9 battery

You can charge the Galaxy S9 battery in two ways:

1. Using a USB cable (USB charging).
2. Using a wireless charging pad (wireless charging).

All Android phones now support USB charging. The charging port in most Android phones has been shifting from micro USB to USB-C.

Both Galaxy S9 and S9+ have a USB-C port for charging and data transfer (e.g., back up Galaxy S9/S9+).

In your Galaxy S9 box, you can find the wall charger and the USB cable to charge Galaxy S9 battery.

Galaxy S9 and S9+ also support wireless charging. Samsung has added the wireless charging to Galaxy phones since Galaxy S6.

You can put Galaxy S9 or S9+ on a wireless charging pad to charge the phone.

Besides, you can also charge Galaxy S9 or S9+ when using Samsung DeX. In this situation, the adaptive wall charger is connected to a Samsung DeX Station or a Samsung DeX Pad.  Galaxy S9 or S9+ is connected to the USB-C connector of the DeX Station or DeX pad.

What is fast charging for Galaxy S9 and S9+?

A normal USB wall charger has a rated output current ranging from 500mA (0.5A/5V, 2.5W)  to 2000mA (2A/5V, 10W).

When using such USB wall chargers to charge Galaxy S9 and S9+, the charging voltage does not change. It is fixed at 5V. And Galaxy S9 and S9+ battery can take up to 2A current for this type of wall charger.

In addition to “normal” USB charging, Galaxy S9 and S9 also support fast charging when an adaptive wall charger (aka fast charger) is connected.

An adaptive wall charger can communicate with Galaxy S9 and S9+. Galaxy S9 and S9+ can then choose two charging modes:

1. Fast charging

… 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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In this page, you can find the updated official user manuals for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android update in your local language.

Android Pie (Android 9) update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ brought lots of new features. You may check this post for the top 9 new features in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Detailed how-to guides for new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 plus can be found here.  You can also post your questions on Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 plus in this page.

If your Galaxy S9 or S9+ is still running Android Oreo (Android 8), you can find the official user manuals here.

If you cannot find the official user manuals for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in your language, please let us know in the comment box below. We will try to add them as early as possible.

#1. Official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in the English language (UK)  for the international versions of Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ (Android Pie 9, UK English, SM-G960F/DS, and SM-G965F/DS; Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, and Asia)

The official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in English language (UK)  is for Samsung Galaxy S9, and Samsung Galaxy S9+ sold to in international market including Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia with Android Pie (Android  9) update. The corresponding model number is SM-G960F,  SM-G960F/DS, SM-G965F, and SM-G965F/DS.

If you cannot find the Galaxy S9 user guide in your language for your Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+, you may try this one.

Download link (in PDF): Official user manuals for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in the English language (UK)  for the international versions of Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ (Android Pie 9, UK English, SM-G960F/DS, and SM-G965F/DS; Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, and Asia)

#2.  Official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in the French language (le français) (Android Pie 9, French language (le français), SM-G960F/DS and SM-G965F/DS, France)

The official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in the French language (le français) is for Samsung Galaxy S9, and Samsung Galaxy S9+ sold to … 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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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 may have to reset Galaxy S9 or S9+ when the phone does not work as expected.

There are 3 levels of resetting for Galaxy S9 and S9+: reset network settings, reset Galaxy S9 settings (system settings) and factory data reset (FDR) Galaxy S9 or S9+.

This Galaxy S9 guide shows you how to use these three levels of resetting for your Galaxy S9 and S9+, and explains what you should do before trying to factory data reset Galaxy S9 or S9+.

What are the three levels of resetting for Galaxy S9 and S9+?

When you consider resetting Galaxy S9 or S9+, there are three levels of resetting:

1. Reset network settings.
2. Reset Galaxy S9 settings.
3. Factory data reset (FDR).

Factory data reset (FDR, level 3) would erase everything on Galaxy S9 or S9+. You will get a “new ” phone to start with. You must back up all data on Galaxy S9 or S9+ before trying the factory data reset.

But remember, factory data reset will NOT roll back system updates.

Reset Galaxy S9 settings (level 2) removes the system settings added/customized by you,  but it does not erase your files and third-party app data.

Reset network settings (level 1) only remove network (mobile, WiFi, Bluetooth) settings. Other settings and user files are untouched.  You may use this resetting level when your phone has problems to connect to connect WiFi or mobile networks.

What should you do BEFORE trying Galaxy S9 factory data reset?

If you have to factory data reset Galaxy S9 or S9+,  you must be aware that all data and settings will be erased.  All apps installed by you will be removed as well.

And there is no undo option.

Before you factory data reset (FDR) for Galaxy S9 or S9+,  you should try to finish the following 3 tasks.

• Back up, back up and back up your Galaxy S9 or S9+.

All your data, documents,  photos, other media files and apps will be erased.

So, it is important to back up your Galaxy S9 or S9+. You can use the Samsung Cloud and Google Photos to back up Galaxy S9 or S9+ to the cloud.

If you prefer backing up to your PC, you can install Smart Switch on the PC. Then you can back up everything to your PC.

Factory data reset will not erase files on the SD card. But app data … Read the rest

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Galaxy S9 dual messenger makes it possible to have two accounts of the supported messenger apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Telegram, Viber…) and Facebook accounts in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

You can use these two messenger accounts simultaneously on Galaxy S9 or S9+.

Galaxy S9 dual messenger works on all Galaxy S9 and S9+ phones. It does NOT require the dual-SIM version of Galaxy S9 or S9+.

Dual messenger was first introduced in Galaxy S8. You can use the identical dual messenger feature on Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9+, Note 8 and Note 9.

This guide shows you how to use Galaxy S9 dual messenger to enable two accounts of messenger apps on Galaxy S9 and S9+. It also shows you how to disable individual messenger apps on Galaxy S9 dual messenger.

Why may you need to have two accounts of WhatsApp and other messenger apps in Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Many Galaxy S9 or S9+ owners may have different social profiles when they are in office, and when they are at home.

You may never want to mess up your personal WhatsApp or Facebook account with the account for work.

Some owners may want to show themselves differently in social media to buddies and to parents or teachers or supervisors.

Many Android apps support multiple profiles. For example, you can add multiple Google accounts to Galaxy S9. In Google+, you can quickly switch to different profiles.

But some apps limit one account on one device.

WhatsApp has been notoriously enforcing this policy since day 1. Facebook also requires you to sign out if you want to switch the account on the same phone.

But with more and more Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners use two SIM cards on the phone, there is a genuine need for running two messenger accounts concurrently on the phone.

Anyway, two or more WhatsApp (and other messenger apps) accounts can make your life easier by separating different aspects of your daily life.

How does Galaxy S9 dual messenger work?

Samsung initially tried to solve the work-life separation issue with the secure folder, which is a Knox-based container (like a small virtual machine, but not full Knox), in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

Secure folder works well in creating two spaces in one phone. But most owners do not use this feature because it is not so convenient. You … Read the rest

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You can use Galaxy S9 Do Not Disturb (DND) to keep you undisturbed by any apps.

You can also allow selected apps or specific contacts to reach you when the Do Not Disturb on Galaxy S9 or S9+ is activated.

This Galaxy S9 guide shows you how to turn on/off and schedule Galaxy S9 Do Not Disturb (DND) and how to manage exceptions for the DND on Galaxy S9 and S9+. App rules and Do Not Disturb access were also discussed.

What is Do Not Disturb on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

In some situations, you may want not to get disturbed by the phone. Do Not Disturb on Galaxy S9 or S9+ was designed to help you escape from annoying notifications and sounds.

With DND on Galaxy S9 or S9+, you can silence the phone during a scheduled period, or at any time you need it. You can also allow certain apps or certain contacts to bypass the Galaxy S9 Do Not Disturb settings.

Google introduced Do Not Disturb (DND) in Android Marshmallow (Android 6.0). It is an extension of Downtime introduced in Android Lollipop (Android 5.0).

As usual, Samsung tweaked the Do Not Disturb on Galaxy S9 and S9+. Therefore, the Do Not Disturb on Galaxy S9 and S9+ may not work as in stock Android, or other Android phones.

How to enable and disable Do Not Disturb on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

By default, Galaxy S9 Do Not Disturb (DnD) is off. You need to enable it if you want to use it.

There are a couple of ways to turn on and turn off Do Not Disturb on Galaxy S9 and S9+. Here let's try two of them.

Method 1: Use quick setting buttons

In quick setting buttons, you can find the Do Not Disturb button as shown in the screenshot below.

You may check this guide on how to use Galaxy S9 quick setting buttons.

Tap the button to enable (if currently off) or disable (if currently on) Galaxy S9 Do Not Disturb.

If you tap and hold (long tap) the button, you will get the settings page for Do Not Disturb.

Method 2:  Use Galaxy S9 Settings

The traditional (not so efficient) way to turn on DND on Galaxy S9 is through Settings — Sounds and Vibration.

As shown above, in the sounds and vibration page, you can use the switch to turn … 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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You can use two SIM cards on Galaxy S9, S9+, S10, S10+, S10e, S10 Lite, S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra,  if your phone is the dual-SIM version of Galaxy S9/S10/S20.

However, the dual-SIM version of Galaxy S9 and S9+ is dual standby only, not dual active. Therefore, you may encounter some limitations when you use two SIM cards in the Galaxy S9 and S9+.

This Galaxy S9 guide answers all questions you may have on using two SIM cards on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

As the dual SIM features in Galaxy phones are similar, this guide applies to the dual SIM version of Galaxy S10 (all models) and the dual SIM version of Galaxy S20 (all models).

Is your Galaxy S9/S9+ capable of using two SIM cards?

Only the dual-SIM version Galaxy S9/S9+ can use two SIM cards. Don't waste time or money to use two SIM cards if you got a single SIM version of Galaxy S9 or S9+.

If you bought your Galaxy S9 or S9+ in the US, very likely, it is a single SIM phone only. You cannot use two SIM cards on these phones sold in the US (through carriers and official distributors).

In most international markets, your Galaxy S9 or S9+ is very likely a dual-SIM version. And therefore, you may use up to two SIM cards on the phone.

You should always check with the seller on whether you can use two SIM cards on the phone you want to buy.

You can also check the Galaxy S9 box to see whether the Galaxy S9 or S9+ is dual SIM or single SIM version.

In most regions, the dual-SIM capability is usually marked as “duos” on the left side of the official Galaxy S9 box as shown below.

What are the limitations of using two SIM cards on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

The dual-SIM Galaxy S9  and S9+ are dual standby only, not dual active. This means both SIM cards are reachable when in the standby mode.

When you are talking through one SIM card,  the other SIM card, by default, will be unreachable unless you enable dual SIM always on.

For the explanation of the differences between dual standby and dual active dual SIM phones, you may check this guide.

The limitations of using two SIM cards on Galaxy S9 and S9+ include:

• When you are talking

… Read the rest

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Galaxy S9 camera Pro mode gives you full control of your shootings: ISO, aperture, shutter speed, autofocus mode,  filters, white balance, and exposure. If you properly use the Galaxy S9 camera Pro mode, you may get far better pictures than using the Auto mode (default).

But for many users without photographic backgrounds, sometimes, it is overwhelming to adjust the settings for Galaxy S9 camera Pro mode to get the desired photos.

This Galaxy S9 camera guide explains the what Galaxy S9 camera Pro mode is, when you may need it, and all settings for Galaxy S9 camera Pro mode.

Please note, Galaxy S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9 have a similar Pro mode to that on Galaxy S9 and S9+.  So, this guide also applies to the Pro mode in these Samsung phones.

What's Galaxy S9 camera Pro mode? When do you need it?

In the old days, smartphone cameras are usually inferior to many middle-range (sometimes, even entry-level) point-and-shoot cameras. And it is impossible to compare them to DSLRs.

But in recent years, with the advances in camera sensor technology and software, more and more high-end smartphones can replace middle-range point-and-shoot cameras. Some Android phone vendors started to offer some photographic features that used to be exclusive in DSLR cameras

Since Galaxy S6, Samsung has included the Pro mode in many of its phones. But the quality of photos taken in the Pro mode depends on the phone hardware and software.

With Galaxy S9 camera Pro mode, some users now can easily get many far better photos than in the Auto mode.

Galaxy S9 camera Pro mode allows you:

• Adjust the ISO value
• Adjust the aperture to use the dual apertures as explained in this guide.
• Adjust the shutter speed.
• Adjust the autofocus mode.
• Choose camera filters.
• Adjust the white balance.
• Adjust exposure compensation.
• Save photos in RAW format.

You may want to try the Pro mode whenever you are not satisfied with photos taken in the Auto mode or other camera modes.

For example, in the low-light conditions, you may play with the ISO value and shutter speed to get less noisy photos in Pro mode. The Auto mode in this situation sometimes works well; sometimes not.

Or, if the lighting conditions vary dramatically in different parts of the photo, you can choose the proper ISO value,  shutter speed, white balance, … Read the rest

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After the February update of Bixby (version 2.1.04.18), you can now remap Bixby button to an app or a Bixby quick command.

This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains the new features of Bixby in Android Pie update, and how to remap the Bixby button to other apps or a quick command.

New gestures for the Bixby button on Galaxy S9 and S9+ after updating to Android Pie

Traditionally, the Bixby button in Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8, and Note 9 only supports one gesture: press.

You can choose to press to open Bixby (Bixby Home), or do nothing (this essentially disables the Bixby button).  Of course, you cannot remap the press gesture to anything else, or disable Bixby in your phone.

In Android Pie update for Galaxy S19, S9+, Note 9, Note 8, S8, and S8+, Bixby was updated to a new version with new gestures for the Bixby button. Now, the Bixby button supports 3 gestures:

1. Single press.
2. Double press.
3. Long press.

The long press is reserved for Bixby Voice command.  You cannot change it.  When you long press the Bixby button, you can continue with voice commands immediately.

The single press OR the double press MUST be assigned to Bixby Voice page.  For example, if you assign the single press to Bixby Voice, then you can customize (remap) the double press to something else.

Please note, Bixby Voice page, which is different from Bixby Home,  is new in Galaxy S9 Android Pie update. Bixby Home still exists in Galaxy S9 Home screen, and you can still hide it if you want.

Major changes of Bixby in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8, and Note 9

In Android Pie update for Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8, and Note 9, Bixby Service, Bixby Voice, and Bixby Vision, were bumped to version 2.1.x, and Bixby Home to version 3.x.

The major changes of Bixby in the Android Pie update include:

• New gestures for the Bixby button. Remapping the Bixby button to third-party apps was added in February update of Bixby.
• New Bixby quick commands.
• New Bixby Vision integration in the new camera app.
• New Bixby Voice page (showing tips, features, and suggestions for Bixby Voice, and accessing Bixby Voice settings).

You can update Bixby in Galaxy Store.

How to remap Bixby button on

… Read the rest

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Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) is an extension of the lock screen. You can choose to display some useful info after the lock screen times out.

Update: a new section explaining the changes of Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ was added. The new display mode (tap to show) was added.

This Galaxy S9 how-to guide explains everything you need to know about Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) on Galaxy S9 and S9+: how to turn on/off the AOD, how to use and customize Galaxy S9 AOD screen, how to customize clock style for AOD screen, how to pin photos to Galaxy S9 AD screen, and how to use AOD themes.

What is Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Traditionally, the phone screen will be turned off after you lock the screen, or if the screen times out.

But more and more smartphone owners use the phone to check time. Some Android phone manufacturers came out the idea of the always-on display (AOD), which shows selected info after the screen times out.

Samsung first introduced the always-on display on Galaxy S7 and S7  Edge.  Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) offers an evolutionary update for this feature.

Besides the clock, notification icons, music control, next calendar event and next alarm can also be shown on the Galaxy S9 AOD screen.

Compared to Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) on Galaxy S9 and S9+ does NOT offer the following features:

• App shortcuts in the bottom.
• Notification preview.
• Quick setting buttons.

You can consider Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) is a slimmed-down version or an extension of the lock screen.

How to turn on/turn off Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

By default, in some regions, Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) is turned off on Galaxy S9 and S9+. In other markets, it is on.

Anyway, you can easily turn on or turn off Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) whenever you want.

And there are at least 3 different methods to turn on and turn off AOD on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Method 1: Use quick setting buttons to turn on/turn off Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) on Galaxy S9 and S9+

By default, Always-on display button is included in Galaxy S9 quick setting buttons as shown in the … 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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