micro SD card

How to enable and use Galaxy S20 developer options?

You can enable and use Galaxy S20 developer options to access some advanced or experimental features.

This Galaxy S20 guide explains when you need to enable developer options, how to enable and use the options, and a complete list of Galaxy S20 developer options. Examples of using Galaxy S20 developer options to add developer tiles to the quick settings panel, and to customise the default USB configurations are also included.

Please note, in this guide, Galaxy S20 refers to all three Galaxy S20 models: Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, because the developer options on these three phones are identical.

What are Galaxy S20 developer options?

Traditionally, Android hides with some special additional features for developers so that they can test their apps on any supported Android devices while normal users may never notice such features.

Some beta, experimental, and even legacy features were also hidden in Andriod devices. Google has to make sure that such features are visible only to users who are aware of such features,

Developer options in Android devices is a collection of these features. Some Android vendors may add or remove a few entries on their devices.

Galaxy S20 developer options are very similar to those in stock Android 10. Only a few new entries were added by Samsung.

When do you need to enable and access Galaxy S20 developer options

If you are an Android developer, surely, you can use the developer options to test apps on Galaxy S20, instead of the virtual machines of Pixel or Nexus devices.

Samsung is the largest Android vendor. So, it is necessary to test apps on the latest Galaxy phones.

Besides developers, many Android enthusiasts may also try some experimental or beta features of Android 10 on Galaxy S20.

For typical Galaxy S20 owners, you may still occasionally need to enable and use the developer options to access certain features. For example:

You want to force all apps to be resizable so that you can use it in both pop-up view and split-screen view.
You want to force all apps (except system apps and pre-installed apps) to use the micro SD card. As explained in this guide, many app developers choose not to support the micro SD card. You can overwrite their settings on Galaxy S20! (read on)
You want to add a quick settings button to turn on and turn off all sensors when

… Read the rest

How to use a micro SD card on Galaxy S20?

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Samsung 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

How to take burst shot photos with Galaxy S20 burst mode like a pro?

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You can use Galaxy S20 burst mode to take burst shot photos in some important moments.

This Galaxy S20 camera guide explains when to use Galaxy S20 burst mode, how to enable Galaxy S20 burst mode, how to take burst photos on Galaxy S20, and how to manage photos taken in the b burst mode.

Galaxy S10 with Android 10 update also use the same gesture to take photos in the burst mode. So, this guide applies to both Galaxy S20 (all three models) and Galaxy S10 with Android 10 update.

When do you need to take burst shot photos with Galaxy S20 burst mode?

Galaxy S20 burst mode can take up to 100 photos successively to help you capture the important moments.

Normally, you can later select a few of the burst shot photos that capture the moment you want to.

You may use the burst mode during an event when the object is moving, or the background is changing, or the scene is brief.

Some Galaxy S20 owners may use the burst shot photos to make animations or even videos, which usually look better than the recorded video for the same event.

Please note, all photos taken in the Galaxy S20 burst mode are always saved in the phone storage even you set the photo storage location to the SD card in Galaxy S20 camera settings.

How to take burst shot photos with Galaxy S20 burst mode?

In old Galaxy phones, you can hold the shutter button to take burst shot photos.

But this is not the case for Galaxy S20, S20+, or S20 Ultra.

If you hold the shutter button on Galaxy S20 camera app, it will start to record a short video. The complete list of gestures on Galaxy S20 camera app is explained here.

On Galaxy S20, you have to swipe down from the shutter button to enter Galaxy S20 burst mode. Galaxy S20 will stop taking burst shot photos once you release your finger from the screen.

The gesture feels like swipe down the shutter button, then hold, as shown below.

Please note, if you are using navigation buttons, and swipe down too much to the Home button, you may end up returning to the Galaxy S20 home screen or launching Google Assistant.

So, you just need to swipe down a bit, then hold.

Galaxy S20 burst mode can … Read the rest

Meaning of status icons and notification icons on Galaxy S20

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Understanding 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 the notification icons or status icons that are different from 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 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 universal

… Read the rest

How to use and manage SIM card on Galaxy S20?

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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 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:

Tap the Camera app icon on Galaxy S20 lock screen (without unlocking the phone).
Tap the Camera app icon on Galaxy S20 Home screen or Apps screen.
Quickly press the Side key twice to open the camera app. This Galaxy S20 camera quick launch is enabled by default and can be configured in the Side key settings.
Tap the QR code button in the quick settings panel. If you launch the camera app in this way, it will ignore the scan QR code settings in Galaxy S20 camera settings (read on). If there are no QR codes in the frame, you can take normal pictures.

Once you are in the Camera app, you can tap the Settings (gear icon) as illustrated here.

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 frame. Samsung uses its own … Read the rest

How to use Galaxy S20 Clear View Cover (S View cover)?

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Galaxy S20 Clear View Cover (aka S View smart cover in some regions) lets you check notifications, accept/reject incoming calls, handle alarms, and control music play through the S View window without opening the case.

Samsung improved a lot for the Clear View (S View ) covers in recent years for the S-View window design and materials.

This Galaxy S20 accessories guide explains the improvements of the Galaxy S20 Clear View cover, how the S View cover works and unique features of the Clear View cover, shows you how to use the cover to show notification icons, to accept/reject calls, and to control music playing, The guide also shows you how to use the Always-on Display (AOD) on Galaxy S20 Clear View cover. At the end of the guide, a concise no-nonsense review of Galaxy S20 S View cover is included.

Due to the difference in dimensions and cutouts of Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, you need to get the Galaxy S20 cover based on your phone model. The features, functions, and usage of the cover are identical on all these 3 Galaxy S20 phones.

What is new in Galaxy S20 Clear View Cover (S View cover)?

Samsung changed the design of the Galaxy Note 10 Clear View cover dramatically (compared to S10 clear view cover) by introducing the long (and narrow) S View window.

Galaxy S20 clear view cover is clearly a refinement of Galaxy Note 10 clear view cover.

Here are the three new features or improvements of Galaxy S20 Clear View Cover.

#1. New S View window

The full screen S View window as in Galaxy S10 Clear View cover is a fingerprint magnet. Also, the cover only utilizes a small portion of the display (that is why it was named as S View window).

Galaxy Note 10 Clear View Cover is a good experiment for the new S View window. The long and narrow S View window is perfect for most owners. You can easily peek the S View window to see the notifications and time when it is on the desk.

Galaxy S20 Clear View Cover uses a similar S View window. But it is integrated into the front piece in a more natural way (read on),

#2. Improved design

In Galaxy S20, the new S View window is not on the edge of the front piece. Instead, it is embedded inside … Read the rest

Everything about eSIM support and use eSIM on Galaxy S20

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Galaxy 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.

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

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. GSMA does not limit the maximum Profiles you can save on one device. It is only limited by the storage capacity and the size of each Profile.

You can … Read the rest

Galaxy S20 LED View Cover (LED Wallet Cover)

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Galaxy S20 LED view cover (aka Galaxy S20 LED wallet cover) is one of the official accessories for Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra.

This Galaxy S20 accessories guide explains the unique features of the Galaxy S20 LED View cover, shows you how to use the cover (including assign and customise LED cions, accept and reject calls, control music), answers some questions you may have on this cover. A no-nonsense review of Galaxy S20 LED View cover is also included to help you decide whether this cover is for you.

The LED View cover works identically on Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra, although there are some differences among these three Galaxy S20 models. So, in this guide, Galaxy S20 refers to all of these 3 models.

How does the Galaxy S20 LED View Cover (LED Wallet Cover) work?

LED View cover, which is a successor of LED Flip cover, was first introduced with the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. Samsung changed the design and materials over the years.

But the fundamentals are still the same.

All Samsung LED covers, including the old LED Flip cover, LED View cover (LED Wallet cover in some regions), and the LED back cover, work through NFC technology.

There is no battery in the LED cover. The LED cover get power through NFC, NOT through wireless charging. But it does affect wireless charging (for safety reasons). When you charge Galaxy S20 battery with a wireless charging pad, the wireless charging will be paused automatically when LED icons are shown. And it resumes once the LED disappears.

The communication between the phone and the cover does NOT rely on the NFC settings. It is hardcoded in the firmware. Even you turn off NFC on your phone, the LED cover still works normally.

So, this is totally different from how S Pen on Galaxy Note devices works. S Pen does NOT use NFC.

The old S Pen (until Galaxy Note 8) does not have a battery. You do not need to charge it. These old S Pens get power from the screen (through electro-magnetic grid under the screen) when you use it.

The new S Pen in Note 9 has a supercapacitor and the S Pen in Note 10 has a real battery. Both of them will be charged when you put them in the S Pen slot. The “wireless charging” is … Read the rest

How to migrate data to Galaxy S20 from Android and iOS devices?

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You can easily migrate data to Galaxy S20 from your old Android phones or iPhones.

The data can be migrated to Galaxy S20 include photos, videos, music, messages, call logs, contacts, files, calendar events, alarms, and apps from Play Store and Galaxy Store

There are many solutions for you to migrate data to Galaxy S20 from your Android and iOS devices. Samsung Smart Switch is the best (and free) solution.

This Galaxy S20 guide explains the data and platform support of Samsung Smart Switch, shows you how to migrate data to Galaxy S20 from your Android phones and iPhones.

What are the platforms supported by Samsung Smart Switch?

Samsung offers a pre-installed tool, Samsung Smart Switch, on Galaxy S20 and most recent Galaxy phones. The tool is also available in the Google Play store for other Android phones including both Samsung and non-Samsung Android phones

You can migrate data to Galaxy S20 from the following mobile devices including:

Android (Android 4.3 or higher)
iOS (iOS 5 or higher)
Windows (Windows Mobile OS 8.1 or higher)
BlackBerry (BlackBerry 7 OS or later)

In addition to the Smart Switch app, the PC and Mac versions of Smart Switch are also available for Windows and Mac OS.

What data can be migrated to Galaxy S20?

When using Samsung Smart Switch, you can migrate the following data Galaxy S20 (depending on OS on the old phone).

Contacts
Call log
Photos
Music
Videos
Calendar events
Alarms
SMS
Documents
Device settings (for Galaxy phones, most settings including home screen settings can be migrated to Galaxy S20)
Apps (Android phones only, apps from the Google Play Store and Galaxy Store). In Android 10, some side-loaded apps can also be restored.

You can review and select items to be transferred before migrating data to Galaxy S20.

Please note, system apps (e.g., camera app, Gallery app) will not be migrated.

4 ways to connect Galaxy S20 to the old device for data migration

You can choose one of the 4 connection types when you migrate data to Galaxy S20 with Samsung Smart Switch

through a USB cable

You can connect Galaxy S20 to the old device with a USB cable. This is the fastest, easiest, and most reliable way to migrate data to Galaxy S20.

This connection method supports Android, iOS and BlackBerry devices. It is recommended for Android phones.

For Android smartphones with … Read the rest