Galaxy S9 Guides

a community for owners of Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

You need to consider a few Galaxy S9 accessories once (or even before) you get the phone.

Proper Galaxy S9 accessories can add considerable value to your investment in Galaxy S9 or S9+.

But there are so many accessories for Galaxy S9 and S9+ in the market. You may wonder which Galaxy S9 accessories can match your needs.

Galaxy S9 accessories guides will help you make wise decisions based on your needs and budget.

Why Galaxy S9 accessories guides?

When you try to get accessories for Galaxy S9 or S9+, you will find you have too many options.

Some Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners are overwhelmed by the choices.

For example, when you look for a case or cover for Galaxy S9 or S9+, you can find hundreds, maybe even thousands if you consider colour variations,  of Galaxy S9 cases in Amazon online store.

Then, how to choose a case for your Galaxy S9 or S9+?

When you search for a wall charger or wireless charging pad for Galaxy S9 or S9+, you also have about 100 options. Which one can meet your needs within your budget?

You can find answers to such questions in Galaxy S9 accessories guides.

Simply put, Galaxy S9 accessories guides check and compare some noteworthy Galaxy S9 accessories, then recommend you the most suitable option based your needs.

About Galaxy S9 accessories guides

Covering all accessories for Galaxy S9 and S9+ is impossible. Therefore, Galaxy S9 accessories guides focus on:

• Galaxy S9 cases and covers
• Galaxy S9 wall chargers
• Galaxy S9 wireless charging pad
• Galaxy S9 camera modules
• Galaxy S9 screen protectors
• Micro SD card for Galaxy S9 and s9+
• Ethernet adapter for Galaxy S9 and s9+
• USB storage for Galaxy S9 and s9+
• Headphones and earbuds for Galaxy S9 and S9+
• Selfie stick for Galaxy S9 and S9+
• Galaxy S9 Bluetooth keyboard guide
• USB-C cable guide
• and others

We will try to give unbiased reviews and recommendations for accessories we tested. You will then be able to make well-informed decisions.

List of Galaxy S9 accessories guides

New guides on Galaxy S9 accessories will regularly be added.

So, if you do not find the accessories guide you need, you may check this page later.

At the same time, you can also post your questions or problems with accessories for Galaxy S9 and S9+. We will try to help you find the answers.

We may also … Read the rest

The post Galaxy S9 accessories guides appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

You can not bypass or hide Galaxy S9 Home screen on your Galaxy S9 or S9+. You have to use the home screen unless you power off the phone.

Although it is not complicated, many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners are not fully aware of all functions and features of Galaxy S9 Home screen.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains the meaning and usage of all components you may find in the Home screen of Galaxy S9 and S9+. The differences between apps screen and home screen were also detailed.

What is Galaxy S9 Home screen?

Like all other Android phones, Galaxy S9 home screen, by default, is the first screen after you unlock  Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+.

You can start apps, access notifications, check the phone status, use widgets,  open edge screen in Galaxy S9 Home screen, which is the centre (home) of your Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Generally speaking, in Galaxy S9 and S9+, you have 4 types of pages:

• Lock screen. You need to unlock the phone before you can use Galaxy S9 ort S9+. Always-on display screen usually is considered as a special lock screen overlayed over Galaxy S9 lock screen.
• Home screen. The centre or starting screen of Galaxy S9 and S9+. It is the home of select apps and widgets.
• Apps screen.  Galaxy S9 apps screen is a special home screen.  It is an app drawer for all apps on Galaxy S9 and S9+.
• Individual apps.

Besides, edge screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+ is enabled by default. You may check this guide on how to use Galaxy S9 edge screen.

You will have to use Galaxy S9 Home screen if you use Galaxy S9 or S9+. There are no alternatives. You cannot bypass it.

How to access Galaxy S9 Home screen?

Galaxy S9 and S9+ are protected by Galaxy S9 lock screen to prevent unauthorized access to your apps and data.  Galaxy S9 home screen is always “behind” the lock screen.

In other words, you can access Galaxy S9 Home screen only after you unlock the phone.

You can access Galaxy S9 Home screen in many ways:

• After unlocking Galaxy S9 or S9+, you should get Galaxy S9 home screen directly.
• When you are using any apps, tap the Home button in Galaxy S9 navigation bar to access the Home screen directly.
• When you are using any

… Read the rest

The post Understand and Use Galaxy S9 Home screen appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

The lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update lets the phone be ready when you want to use it.

Although it is a minor feature, many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners like this feature in the Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ because it is very practical.

This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains the details of the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update and shows you how to enable and use it on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

What is the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Often, when you pick up the phone, you actually want to use the phone.

Now, in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung finally added this lift to wake feature. So, when you pick up (lift) the phone, the screen will wake up automatically. You do not need to press any buttons.

Surely, this is extremely useful when you just want to check time or notifications on Galaxy S9 lock screen.

If iris scanner or face recognition was enabled, it may unlock the phone at the same time when the screen wakes up (if you are staring at the screen).

Of course, many other Android manufacturers introduced similar features for some time already. For example, Motorola added the active display in the first-gen of Moto X.  Samsung now is now catching up in adding more cool features in the One UI.

Please note, the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ will not work if you are using the LED cover or the clear view cover when the cover is closed. These two cases are designed to lock the screen when they are closed.

How to enable and use the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

By default, the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update is disabled after you update the phone.

You need to enable it if you intend to use this feature on Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus.

In Galaxy S9 settings, tap the Advanced features as shown in the screenshot below.

In the advanced features page, tap Motions and gestures as shown above.

Now, in the motions and gestures page, you can find the lift to wake.

As shown below, you can tap the switch on … Read the rest

The post How to use the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update? appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

Galaxy S9 notification panel allows you to check, snooze, dismiss and manage all notifications on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Without Android Oreo preloaded, Galaxy S9 and S9+ come with some new Android  Oreo notification features like notification channels and notification snooze.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains to you what Galaxy S9 notification panel is, how to access it, the layout of the notification panel and how to use notification panel in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

What is Galaxy S9 notification panel?

Like other Android phones, Galaxy S9 notification panel is an integrated part of Galaxy S9 and S9+.

There is no way to avoid it. You can access Galaxy S9 notification panel regardless what you are doing on the phone.

Galaxy S9 notification panel is a centralized location for all app notifications in Galaxy S9 and S9+.  In other words, all apps  “post” or push their notifications to the notification panel.

Apps can send or push notifications even when you do not use the app in the foreground.

In short, Galaxy S9 notification panel is a special panel for you to check, dismiss, snooze and manage all notifications in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

How to access Galaxy S9 notification panel?

You can swipe down from the status bar to access Galaxy S9 notification panel, as illustrated below.

If the status bar is hidden (e.g., when you are in full-screen mode), you can just swipe down from the top of the screen.

You can access Galaxy S9 notification panel even when the screen is locked. Of course, in Galaxy S9 lock screen settings, you can choose how notifications are shown.

In Galaxy S9 and S9+, there is another way to access Galaxy S9 notification panel quickly on Galaxy S9 Home screen.   The feature was named as quick-open notification panel.

You can swipe down on Galaxy S9 Home screen to access Galaxy S9 notification panel. This method, however, is turned off by default. You need to enable it.

In fact, by default, when you swipe up or swipe down in Galaxy S9 Home screen, you will access Galaxy S9 Apps screen.

To use the swipe down gesture for Galaxy S9 notification panel, you need to enable it Galaxy S9 Settings.

As shown below, in Galaxy S9 settings, tap Display.

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

In Home screen … Read the rest

The post How to use Galaxy S9 notification panel on Galaxy S9 and S9+? appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

… Read the rest

The post Newsletter appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

Samsung Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover is one of the official accessories for Galaxy S9 and S9+.

In addition to protecting your Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover offers a few unique features to make it fun and effective to use your Galaxy S9 and S9+.

This Galaxy S9 accessories guide shows you everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover: unique features, how does the cover work, pros, and cons of the cover, how to customize and use the cover.

Update: Added a new section of How to solve Samsung Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover problems after Android Pie update? If you get any issues with the LED cover after you update Galaxy S9 or S9+ to Android Pie, you may check this section. It solves two possible problems:

• The LED wallet cover is not recognized by the phone.
• Notifications are not shown on the LED cover.

For other new features in Galaxy S9 Android Pie update, for example, new navigation gestures, lockdown mode, night mode, screen orientation lock (rotation toggle), new Recents screen, lock Galaxy S9 Home screen layout, floating keyboard, remap the Bixby butt, Bixby quick commands, updated camera app, lift to wake, tap to show (display mode) for Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) screen, are discussed here.

What are the unique features of Samsung Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover?

The official Galaxy S9 accessories were designed to enhance some features or improve the user experiences of Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Unlike the Galaxy S9 clear view cover, Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover does not have a translucent front. It is opaque.

So, Galaxy S9 LED cover uses LED dots on the cover to display icons for calls and notifications on the front cover.

The unique features of Samsung Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover includes:

• LED icons for incoming calls, notifications, alarms, battery status, clock, and music controls. You can assign different LED icons for different contacts and different apps so that you can know who is calling or where is the notification from without opening the cover.
• LED with colors. You can assign border colors to the LED icons for Galaxy S9 LED cover. In previous generations of LED cover, there is no border color option.
• Powered by the phone battery through the NFC connection

… Read the rest

The post Samsung Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover guide appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

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

The post How to pin files to Galaxy S9 Home screen (add file shortcuts to Galaxy S9 Home screen)? appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

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

The post How to lock Galaxy S9 home screen layout on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update? appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

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

The post How to reboot Galaxy S9 and S9+ if Galaxy S9 hangs? appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

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.

Please note, the Writing Assistant on Samsung Keyboard requires the Android 12 update, which Galaxy S9 will not get. You have to use the third-party keyboard if you need the grammar check (in addition to the spelling check).

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

By default, the 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 has become 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 … Read the rest

The post How to use the floating keyboard on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update? appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

The official Samsung Galaxy S9 user guides for Galaxy S9 and S9+ are the best reference book if you want to get more from your Galaxy S9 or S9+.

Update: Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ is out.  You may check this page for the updated user manuals for Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update, and this page for how-to guides on new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus.

All official Samsung Galaxy S9 user guides for Galaxy S9 and S9+ are in PDF format.  You can download to your phone or PC. Then you can read on the device, or print it out.

You can download the PDF reader app on your Galaxy S9 or S9+ if you are not happy with the default PDF reader.

Why may you need official Samsung Galaxy S9 user guides?

Galaxy S9 and S9+, like other flagship phones, are probably as powerful as your PC.

There are so many functions and features in Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+. They can also perform so many tasks.

It is hard for a Galaxy S9 or S9+ owner to know all of the features.

And it is also not necessary.

But sometimes, you may need some special features, or you need help to use some specific features of Galaxy S9 or S9+.

The official Samsung Galaxy S9 user guides can be your lifesaver.

You can quickly get the hint or answer from the Galaxy S9 user guide.

Of course, these official Samsung Galaxy S9 user guides compliment to our Galaxy S9 how-to guides.

Our Galaxy S9 guides target individual features and functions; while the official Galaxy S9 user guides give you an overview of the features and functions of Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Please note, Galaxy S9 and S9+ share the same user manual. All user manuals listed on this page applies to both Galaxy S9 and S9+.

List of official Samsung Galaxy S9 user guides?

We organize these official Samsung Galaxy S9 user guides in different languages.

Usually, you can find the local language version of Galaxy S9 user guides.  Such a local language version Galaxy S9 user manual usually matches your Galaxy S9 or S9+.

If you cannot find the language you want, you may:

• Try the English version of Galaxy S9 user guide (#1), which is for the international market.
• Post your request

… Read the rest

The post Official Samsung Galaxy S9 user guides appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

You can use Android Pie lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie (Android 9) update to temporally disable biometric unlock and smart lock. PIN or password will be required to unlock the phones.

The lockdown mode is a standard security feature in Android Pie (Android 9).  Luckily, Samsung did not mess up this feature in the One UI.

This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains everything you need to know about the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update and shows you how to use it.

You may also check this updated guide on using lockdown mode on Galaxy S9, S10, S20, S21, and S22.

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

If enabled, Galaxy S9 and S9+ offer many ways to unlock the phone.

In addition to PIN/password/pattern, you can also unlock Galaxy S9 and S9+ using:

• Fingerprints.
• Iris.
• Face.
• Trusted devices, trusted places, trusted faces, and matched voices through the smart lock.

All these additional unlock methods are provided for your convenience.  Many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners enjoy these fast unlock methods.

However, in some special situations, for example, someone attempts to force you to unlock the phone to get your data, you may try to disable these unlock methods temporally (and quickly), then type the wrong password/PIN a few times so that you have to wait longer and longer to try again.

When the lockdown mode is enabled, notifications will not be shown on the Galaxy S9 lock screen.

The lockdown mode is one of the new features in Android Pie.  Samsung kept the stock feature and did not mess it up this time in the Android update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, unlike what they did to the navigation gestures.

How to enable the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?

By default,  the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update is not enabled.

You need to enable it in the power button options (power menu) before you can use it.

As shown in the screenshot below, tap Lock screen in Galaxy S9 Settings.

As shown above, in the lock screen settings page, tap Secure lock settings.

In the secure lock settings, as shown below, you can find the Show lockdown option.… Read the rest

The post How to use the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update? appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

After unboxing Galaxy S9 or S9+, you need to understand the package contents in your Galaxy S9 box or S9+ box so that you can properly use them when needed.

The package contents in Galaxy S9 box, and in Galaxy S9+ box are identical except the phone.

Also, the Galaxy S9 package contents may slightly vary in different regions.

This Galaxy S9 guide shows you the contents of Galaxy S9 box and Galaxy S9+ box. It also explains how to use these items in the Galaxy S9 box.

What are the Galaxy S9 package contents in Galaxy S9 box and S9+ box?

You can find Galaxy S9 package contents in Galaxy S9 box and S9+ box as shown in the picture below.

They include (corresponding to the numbers  marked in the picture):

1. The sealed box.
2. The phone.
3. Wall charger (adaptive charger, aka fast charger).
4. USB cable (USB-A to USB-C).
5. USB connector.
6. SIM card ejection pin.
7. AKG earphone.
8. Additional earbud cups (large and small).

There is also a getting-started booklet (leaflet) together with a safety manual (not shown in the picture below).

In some regions, printed stickers with IMEI number and serial number may also be included in the box.

For the official Galaxy S9 user manual, you may check and download it in your language in the official Samsung Galaxy S9 user guides page.

You can also get the online version of the user manual from Settings – User manual. This service may be unavailable in some regions.

How to use the items included in Galaxy S9 package contents?

Galaxy S9 box (or Galaxy S9+ box)

Everything is in the box.

Some vendors in some regions may offer additional free accessories. But they should be not in the box.

You need to check and make sure the seal is not broken.

Galaxy S9 phone or S9+ phone

The phone should have some protective plastic films on all sides. You should remove them before using the phone.

In almost all regions, the camera lenses are also covered by the plastic film, which must be removed before you take any photos.

In some regions, Samsung does not offer a 1-to-1 exchange if the new phone has any problems.  They only offer repair services under warranty.

If this is the case in your region, you should power on the phone to test it before leaving the counter.

The … Read the rest

The post Unbox Galaxy S9: understand package contents in Galaxy S9 box and S9+ box appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

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

The post How to use the rotation toggle to change and lock screen orientation in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus? appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

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

The post Understand and use Galaxy S9 notification number badge (notification dots, app icon badge) appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

In the leftmost of Galaxy S9 Home screen, Samsung reserved it for the Bixby Home. But  Many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners are not impressed with Bixby. They want to remove Bixby Home from Galaxy S9 Home screen.

By removing Bixby Home from Galaxy S9 Home screen, you would at least get a cleaner Galaxy S9 Home screen.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains how to remove Bixby Home from Galaxy S9 Home screen, and how to access Bixby Home when it is removed.

Why may you want to remove Bixby Home from Galaxy S9 Home screen?

Bixby Home is supposed to show you the most relevant info for you when you open it.  The info is pulled from both your data (e.g., calendar) and news feed based (e.g., Linkedin).

Such an informational page can be very useful when you are busy. You can just glimpse the Bixby Home to get informed quickly.

By default, there are at least two quick ways to access Bixby Home:

1. Navigating to the leftmost panel of Galaxy S9 home screen.
2. Pressing Bixby button once.

It is obvious that method 2 is faster and more intuitive to access Bixby Home, and therefore method 1 is redundant.  You may want to remove Bixby Home from Galaxy S9 Home screen to clean up Galaxy S9 home screen.

In addition,  some Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners are not fans of Samsung’s Bixby. Google Assistant, which is available on almost all Android phones now, in most cases can be a better job.

They may feel it is annoyed when they accidentally access the Bixby Home when they want to access the home panel of Galaxy S9 home screen.

Although it is almost impossible to disable Bixby in Galaxy S9 and S9+, it is easy to remove Bixby Home from Galaxy S9 Home screen.

You can also easily disable Bixby button in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

How to remove Bixby Home from Galaxy S9 Home screen?

As shown below, in Galaxy S9 and S9+, the leftmost panel in Galaxy S9 Home screen is reserved for Bixby Home.

The double-line icon (marked in the red rectangle) in the panel indicator (indicating panel you are in currently) suggests Bixby Home is active.

To remove Bixby Home from Galaxy S9 Home screen, you may follow these steps.

Step 1: Tap and hold (long tap) any empty space in Galaxy S9 Home

… Read the rest

The post How to remove Bixby Home from 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.

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

The post How to use Galaxy S9 dual messenger to run two accounts of messenger apps simultaneously on Galaxy S9 and S9+? appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

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

The post How to use quick setting buttons on Galaxy S9 and S9+? appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.

Like other Android phones, Galaxy S9 and S9+ use some Galaxy S9 home screen panels to host apps, app shortcuts, app folders and widgets.

You can add, delete, move, and re-arrange Galaxy S9 home screen panels based on your needs. You can also assign one panel as the home panel for Galaxy S9 Home screen.

This Galaxy S9 guide shows you how to work with and manage Galaxy S9 home screen panels.

What are the Galaxy S9 Home screen panels?

Galaxy S9 Home screen, by default, has at least two pages with Bixby Home (you may hide it) on the leftmost and a “home” page, which you access by tap the Home button.

These pages are usually referred to as Galaxy S9 Home screen panels.

As you may know, you can use more Galaxy S9 Home screen panels to accommodate more app icons, app folders, widgets, app shortcuts and file shortcuts on Galaxy S9 Home screen.

You can also show photos on Galaxy S9 home screen as explained in this guide.

Besides, if you hide apps screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+, more panes will be added automatically so that all apps are added to the Home screen.

How to assign a panel as the home panel for Galaxy S9 Home screen?

Among Galaxy S9 Home screen panels, one and only one panel is always the “home” panel for Galaxy S9 Home screen. When you tap the home button once or twice, you will be directed to this specific panel.

For example, you open an app from one of the home screen panels.  If you tap the home button once, you will be brought back to the panel you started the app.

If you tap the home button again, the system should bring you back to the home panel.

By default, the panel next to Bixby Home is assigned as the home panel for Galaxy S9 Home screen.

Of course, you can change the home panel and assign any of the Galaxy S9 home screen panels as the home panel.

To assign a new home panel for Galaxy S9 Home screen, you may follow these steps.

Step 1: Enter Edit mode of Galaxy S9 Home screen

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… Read the rest

The post How to manage Galaxy S9 Home screen panels on Galaxy S9 and S9+? appeared first on Galaxy S9 Guides.