Samsung Galaxy S20 Guides

Everything about Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra

eSIM on Galaxy S20

How to use SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C on Galaxy S20, S10, S9 and S8?

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SanDisk Ultra Dual DriveYou can simply plug SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C in and immediately use it on Galaxy S20, S10, S9 and S8  to transfer files, back up your data, or enjoy media saved in the drive.

This Galaxy S20 accessories guide explains how Sandisk Ultra Dual Drive USB work on Galaxy S20 and computers, when you may need this thumb drive, how to mount, unmount and access Sandisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C on Galaxy S20, S10, S9 and S8, and when you should use the companion Memory Zone app and when not.

This is a continuation of this post which shows how to use the external USB drive on Galaxy S8, S9, S10, and S20 and explains the limitations and caveats of using a USB thumb drive. In this post, we focus on a specific product: Sandisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C. It is one of the most reliable dual USB thumb drives that work on both PC and smartphones.

A brief review of using thumb drives and portable drives on smartphones

Traditionally, a USB device can be a master (host) or a salve (peripheral). When using a smartphone as a USB device, traditionally, the smartphone will be a slave device. For example, when you connect Galaxy S6 to the PC, it will be shown as a storage device. You cannot access the PC storage from the phone.

USB OTG (USB On-The-Go) standard allows a device to perform both master and slave roles.

To use USB accessories or peripherals (for example, USB Ethernet, USB MIDI)  on the smartphone (which becomes a USB host),  you need to meet two requirements:

  • The smartphone must support USB OTG. Most Android phones, including Galaxy phones, support USB OTG.
  • You need to use a USB OTG cable (or a USB OTG adapter). Some USB peripherals may have proper connector already. In this case, you do not need a cable or an adapter.

So, it is a bit complicated to use a thumb drive on the phone with a micro USB port. If the phone does not support USB OTG, then you cannot use it at all.

USB-C (USB Type C) dramatically simplifies it.

In USB -C specifications, the smartphone just needs to support the dual-role port (DRP). Then all USB accessories with a USB-C connector/port can be paired to the phone as a slave device.  So, you can use the USB … Read the rest

How to customize Galaxy S20 ringtone quickly without using any third-party apps?

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customize Galaxy S20 ringtone quickly without using any third-party appsYou can use Galaxy S20 ringtone to identify calls from which SIM card, or from which contact without looking at the phone.

This Galaxy S20 guide explains how to set and customize Galaxy S20 ringtones for each SIM card (if you are using two SIM cards) without installing any third-party apps, and how to customize ringtone for individual contacts so that you can “hear” who is calling when the phone rings.

This guide works on not only all Galaxy S20 (Galaxy S20, 20+, and S20 Ultra), but also all Galaxy phones with Android 10, including Galaxy S10, Galaxy Note10, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy S9, and Galaxy Note 9.

When do you need to change the ringtone on Galaxy S20?

The default Galaxy S20 ringtone can cause confusion when there are a couple of Samsung phone users in the same room because most Galaxy phones use the same default ringtone.

So, in this case, it is wise to change the default ringtone to something else.

Sometimes, you may want to know who is calling without looking at the phone. Especially, you don’t want to miss some calls from a few important contacts.  A customized ringtone for individual contact can solve your problem.

Some owners of the dual SIM versions of Galaxy S20 may use the two SIM cards (including eSIM) for different purposes. Of course, you may want to set a memorable ringtone for each SIM card so that you can hear which SIM card is called.

In short, you may consider to change or customize Galaxy S20 ringtone:

  • To distinguish your phone calls from others in the room.
  • To know who is calling you, just from the ringtone.
  • To know which SIM card is called without looking at the phone.

Galaxy S20 allows you to choose from many pre-installed ringtones, or select your own music or audio files.

How to set Galaxy S20 ringtone for each SIM card?

You may follow these steps to change Galaxy S20 ringtone for individual SIM card.

Step 1: Open Galaxy S20 Settings

You can open Galaxy S20 setting in many different ways, for example:

As shown in the screenshot below, in Galaxy S20 Setting page, tap Sounds and … Read the rest

Master Mobile Networks Settings on Galaxy S20

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Although most owners do not need to change mobile networks settings on Galaxy S20,  it is crucial to understand the options for the mobile networks so that you can solve some mobile network related issues when it happens suddenly.

This Galaxy S20 guide explains the mobile networks settings on Galaxy S20, shows you when and how to use them, and illustrates how to check the mobile network status and SIM card status on Galaxy S20.

Most of the mobile networks settings on all three Galaxy S20 models are almost identical. So, this guide applies to all Galaxy S20 phones (Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra).

When do you need to change the mobile networks settings on Galaxy S20?

The default mobile networks settings on Galaxy S20 are usually sufficient for most owners. They may never touch the mobile network settings at all.

But from time to time, due to some carrier’s configurations, or some software glitches, you may have to change or check the mobile networks settings on Galaxy S20.

Here are a few example scenarios when you need to head to the mobile networks settings on Galaxy S20

#1. Enable/disable data roaming

Data roaming can be costly if you do not have a particular roaming plan with your carrier.

By default, data roaming is disabled. But once you enabled, it will be on until you disable it.  When your phone is roaming, you should see the roaming icon (R added to the signal strength), as explained in here.

#2. Add or edit APN settings

APN (Access Point Name) is essential for mobile data connections.  In addition to internet access,  MMS also replies on correct APN settings.

If you need to edit or add APN settings, you need to access Galaxy S20 mobile networks settings. Read on.

#3. Select a network operator (especially when roaming)

If your SIM card can use more than one mobile network, you can manually choose one. This also has to be done under mobile networks settings on Galaxy S20.

When your Galaxy S20 is roaming, your carrier may have multiple local roaming partners. Some may offer better coverage. Some may offer a better connection. Some may offer a lower roaming price.

Understand mobile networks settings on Galaxy S20

You can access Galaxy S20 mobile networks settings from Galaxy S20 Settings.

As shown in the screenshot below, tap Connections… Read the rest

How to use a micro SD card on Galaxy S20?

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use a micro SD card on Galaxy S20Samsung always supports the micro SD card support on all Galaxy S and Galaxy Note phones except on Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5. Galaxy S20 can support a micro SD card up to 1TB.

But the support of the micro SD card on Galaxy S20 is different from that in stock Android.

This Galaxy S20 guide explains the supported micro SD card features on Galaxy S20, the requirements of using a micro SD card, how to add and manage the SD card, how to move apps to the micro SD card and how to mount and unmount the SD card on Galaxy S20, and how to choose an SD card for Galaxy S20.

In this guide, Galaxy S20 refers to Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+, and Galaxy S20 Ultra.

Does Galaxy S20 support adoptable storage so that I can use the micro SD card as internal storage?

No, Galaxy S20 does not support the adoptable storage. But Galaxy S20 does support moving apps to the micro SD card.

Since Android Marshmallow (Android 6), Google introduced the adoptable storage to let you use the micro SD card as internal storage. It essentially increases the internal storage capacity at a far lower price.

Of course, due to performance limitations of the micro SD card, most flagship Android phones do not support the adoptable storage. Some, for example, Google Pixel phones, do not have a micro SD card slot at all. The adoptable storage support can be found in many middle-range and budget Android phones.

The other option is to use the micro SD card as portable storage, where you can save your own files, for example, your music or media collections. Apps can also request to access the portable storage to download and save large files.  The “flagship” (usually means expensive and overpriced) Android phones with a micro SD card support, often only support the portable storage.

Unlike other Android vendors, Samsung chose a proprietory way to support micro SD card. It is somewhere between adoptable storage and portable storage.

  • You cannot format the micro SD card as the internal storage on Galaxy S20.
  • But you can move most apps to the micro SD card if you want.

Actually, this is a better implementation than the adoptable or portable storage, because

  • The micro SD card is portable.  You can share the media files on the SD card on any
… Read the rest

Meaning of status icons and notification icons on Galaxy S20

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Meaning of status icons and notification icons on Galaxy S20Understanding the meaning of status icons and notification icons on Galaxy S20 can help you get quick information about the phone status, system health, and notifications.

This Galaxy S20 guide first covers the differences between status icons and notification icons on Galaxy S20, then explains the meaning of Galaxy S20 status icons and notification icons in Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra.

Because Samsung uses slightly different icons in different regions or for some carriers, you may get notification icons or status icons that are different from those shown in this guide. It is normal. If you cannot figure out the meaning of those icons, you may share the screenshot on our FaceBook page so that others can help you identify them.

What is the difference between status icons and notification icons on Galaxy S20?

All Android phones including Galaxy S20 use the top part of the screen as the status bar to display some icons indicating the system status, alerting you to possible issues and notifying you about incoming notifications.

Traditionally, a status icon refers to the icons telling you the phone status (e.g., mobile network status, WiFi status, battery percentage, or battery charging status), They are typically displayed on the right side of the status bar and aligned to the right side of the screen.

The status icons on the Galaxy S20 are always shown on the left side of the status bar, as shown below. These notification icons include notifications from all apps(system apps and normal apps).

Since Android 9, Google has moved the time to the left side of the status bar.  The notch or hole-punch for the front camera usually are located in the status bar. So, the space for notification icons becomes very limited.

To avoid the overcrowded notification icons, Galaxy S20 allows you to customize how the notifications are shown (all notification icons, the 3 most recent icons, or just the number of notification icons) as explained in this guide.

The differences between status icons and notification icons on Galaxy S20 include:

  • Status icons are always related to the system; while notification icons are usually linked to specific apps (including a few system apps and third-party apps).
  • Status icons are shown on the right side of the status bar; while Galaxy notification icons always appear on the left side of the status bar.
  • Status icons are more or less
… Read the rest

How to use and manage SIM card on Galaxy S20?

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How to use and manage SIM card on Galaxy S20?You need a SIM card on Galaxy S20 if you want to connect the phone to a mobile network for voice,  or data, or both.

Of course, you can use Galaxy S20 without a SIM card (you can use WiFi/Bluetooth/USB for connections). But it does not make sense to buy a Galaxy S20 if you plan to use it without a SIM card. You can get a WiFi-only tablet at a far cheaper price.

This Galaxy S20 guide explains the size of the SIM card on Gallaxy S20, possible configuration for the SIM card tray, how to use the SIM card on Galaxy S20 with or without a micro SD card,  and how to use two SIM cards and eSIM on Galaxy S20.

The detailed explanation of eSIM support on Galaxy S20 can be found here.

What is the SIM card size on Galaxy S20?

Like most other phones released in recent years, Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra all use nano-SIM cards only.

A nano-SIM card is the smallest one among the 4 possible SIM card sizes for mobile phones:

  • Standard.
  • Mini.
  • Micro.
  • Nano.

Most carriers now issue 3-in-1 SIM cards (as shown below).  In this case, you can detach the largest part as a mini-SIM. Then you can get a micro-SIM card from the mini-SIM. A nano-SIM card can be detached from the micro SIM card.

You should keep the “waste” because they can be used as an adapter for micro-SIM (from nano-SIM card), or mini-SIM adapter (from micro-SIM). Some old tablets and MiFi (mobile router) may still require a larger SIM card.

If you are using a phone bought within the last 10 years, very likely,  the phone is using a micro SIM card or a nano-SIM card.

It is possible (and simple) to trim a nano-SIM card from a micro-SIM card. But it is recommended to do it in the handphone shop using a properly-sized clipper. Do not use scissors.

Here is a list of some popular phones that use nano-SIM card already. If you want to migrate to Galaxy S20 from these phones, you can keep using the existing SIM card.

  • Samsung Galaxy S6, S7, S8, S9, S10 and all their variants (e.g., S10, S10+, S10e, S9, S9+, S8,  S8+, S7, S7 Edge, S6, S6 Edge, and S6 Edge+).
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 5,  Note 7 FE, Note 8, Note 9, Note 10, Note 10+,
… Read the rest

Understand and use Galaxy S20 Camera Settings

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Galaxy S20 camera scene optimizerGalaxy S20 is all about cameras. But some features are not working out of the box. You need to understand and tweak some Galaxy S20 camera settings to get the most from the camera.

This Galaxy S20 camera guide explains all items of Galaxy S20 camera settings and shows you how and when to use them to shoot great pictures and videos with the Galaxy S20 camera.

The camera settings on Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra are identical. This guide applies to all these 3 Galaxy S20 phones, although we use “S20” in the text.

How to access Galaxy S20 camera settings?

You need to open the Galaxy S20 camera app to access the Galaxy S20 camera settings. There are no camera setting shortcuts in Galaxy S20 Settings page.

There are a couple of ways to launch (open) the Camera app on Galaxy S20, for example:

Once you are in the Camera app, you can tap the Settings (gear icon) as illustrated here to access Galaxy S20 camera settings.

Understand and use Galaxy S20 camera settings

By default, after tapping the gear icon in the camera app, you will see the following 19 items in Galaxy S20 camera settings.

Please note, if you are using the Easy mode (Galaxy S20 Settings— Display —Easy mode), some settings are not available. By default, the Easy mode is off on Galaxy S20.

The Galaxy S20 camera settings are grouped into 4 groups: intelligent features, pictures, videos, and useful features.

Now, let’s go through all of the 19 items one by one.

#1. Scene optimizer

The scene optimizer of Galaxy S20 camera can automatically adjust the exposure, contrast, white balance, and some other settings based on what is detected in the camera … Read the rest

Everything about eSIM support and use eSIM on Galaxy S20 and Galaxy S21

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Galaxy S20 eSIM support and use eSIM on Galaxy S20Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra have eSIM support in most regions.  But your carrier may not support eSIM on Galaxy S20.

This Galaxy S20 guide explains what eSIM is, the advantages of using eSIM on Galaxy S20, how to check eSIM support on Galaxy S20, how to add eSIM Profiles on Galaxy S20, and how to use eSIM on Galaxy S20 together with physical SIM cards.

Galaxy S21 also supports eSIM. This guide also applies to Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra.

You may check this guide on how to use the SIM card tray and the physical SIM cards on Galaxy S20, and this guide on how to use SIM cards on Galaxy S21.

What is eSIM?

Traditionally, you need to get a SIM card from your phone company to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages, and use mobile data.

The SIM card is your ID. It is unique in the whole global mobile networks. The mobile operators use the SIM card to identify the company issued the card, whether this card can connect to their network or not, and what resources (mobile plan) you can use if you can connect to the network.

As the SIM card is unique, you have to get the physical card from the carrier. When you change carrier, you cannot use the old SIM card, and you have to get a new SIM card from the new carrier.

The process can be painful. Sometimes, you have to visit a physical store and queue there for one or two hours for the tiny SIM card. Or sometimes, you have to wait a few days before it is delivered to your mailbox.

It is even more painful or some frequent travellers who prefer using a local SIM card (to avoid exacerbate roaming charges). Every time, when you reach the destination airport, you have to walk around the airport to get a local SIM card. In some countries, the SIM card sold in airports is usually not good for value.

eSIM, embedded-SIM (or more officially, embedded universal integrated circuit card, eUICC), was proposed to tackle this issue (and other provisioning issues). The standard is maintained by GSMA.

In a nutshell, eSIM is embedded storage for SIM cards in your phone. You can save each SIM card info as a Profile.

And, you can save multiple Profiles on it. … Read the rest