Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides

How to lock Galaxy S21 screen?

set screen lock type to lock Galaxy S21 screenYou need to lock Galaxy S21 screen to protect your data and privacy. Just like that, you need to close the gate or door of your home.

This Galaxy S21 how-to guide explains why you must lock Galaxy S21 screen, available screen lock types on Galaxy S21 and how to use them. The guide also explains the relationship and differences among  PIN/password/password, smart lock, and biometric unlock (face or fingerprint).

This screen lock feature is identical on all three Galaxy S21models. So, this guide applies to all of them (Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra).

Why you MUST lock Galaxy S21 screen?

Screen Lock is a security feature on almost all smartphones. It is like the lock for your door.

Of course, the “door” of the phone is the Galaxy S21 lock screen.

So, the screen lock is actually a “lock” for the lock screen.

If you do not set up a screen lock for the door (lock screen), anyone who manages to get the phone can access all your messages, photos, call logs, apps, and even many data saved on the cloud.

Some Galaxy S21 owners may assume the phone will be held only … Read the rest

How to use NavStar (Good Lock) to customize navigation buttons and navigation bar on Samsung Galaxy phones?

You can customize Galaxy S21 navigation buttons and navigation bar with NavStar (a module of the Good Lock app) if you are not satisfied with the default navigation buttons and navigation bar.

This Galaxy S21 how-to guide explains what NavStar is, how to install and enable NavStar through Good Lock,  and how to use it to customize Galaxy S21 navigation buttons and navigation bar.

Because NavStar works identically on all Samsung Galaxy phones with Android 11, this guide applies to not only Galaxy S21 but also other Galaxy phones with Android 11 update, including Galaxy S20, Galaxy S10, Galaxy Note 10, and Galaxy Note 20.

What is NavStar (and Good Lock)?

Samsung removed most of the navigation bar customizations (e.g., as in Galaxy S8) when One UI was introduced. On Galaxy S21, by default, you can only customize the button layout, as discussed here.

To cater for seasoned Samsung phone owners, Samsung put most of the available customizations into NavStar, which is NOT pre-installed. Most Galaxy S21 owners, who migrated from iPhone or other Android phones, may not know that the Galaxy S21 navigation bar and navigation button are fully customizable through the official NavStar app.

In … Read the rest

How to Use Galaxy S21 Camera Modes?

How to Use Galaxy S21 Camera ModesSooner or later, you will find the default camera mode (Auto mode) is not sufficient. You may want to try other Galaxy S21 camera modes to get desired photos or videos.

This Galaxy 21 camera guide explains what Galaxy S21 camera modes are, the meaning of all (15) available Galaxy S21 camera modes, when to use them, how to use them, and how to manage them on Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra.

Although Galaxy S21 Ultra differs significantly from Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+, in terms of the camera lens and capabilities, they all share an almost identical camera app. The camera models in these three Galaxy S21 phones are almost identical. So, this guide applies to all of them.

What are Galaxy S21 camera modes? Why do you need them?

By default, when you open the camera app on Galaxy S21 from the home screen or lock screen, you are in the Photo (Auto) mode. Of course, you can set it to the last used camera mode in Galaxy S21 camera settings.

Please note, you can also use Galaxy S21 camera quick launch to start the camera app without unlocking the phone.

In most scenarios, … Read the rest

How to use Galaxy S21 Smart Clear View Cover (S-View Flip Cover)?

How to use Galaxy S21 Smart Clear View Cover (S-View Flip Cover)Galaxy S21 Smart Clear View Cover (aka Galaxy S21 S-View Flip Cover in some regions) offers some unique features and decent protection for Galaxy S21. And it is “officially” designed and manufactured by Samsung.

This Galaxy S21 accessories guide explains the unique features and layout of the Galaxy S21 Smart Clear View Cover and demonstrates how to use the Galaxy S21 S-View Flip Cover, including attaching to or removing the cover from Galaxy S21 properly, adjusting the text orientation on the cover, accepting or rejecting calls without opening the cover, and controlling music play on the Galaxy S21 Smart Clear View Cover.

Due to the differences in size and camera lens in Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, the Galaxy S21 Smart Clear View Cover is NOT interchangeable among these 3 phones. In other words, if your Galaxy S21 is a Galaxy S21+, you MUST buy the clear view cover for Galaxy S21+.  If it is Galaxy S21 Ultra, you need to buy the one for S21 Ultra.

What are the unique features of the Galaxy S21 Smart Clear View Cover (S-View Flip Cover)?

As an official Galaxy S21 accessories, compared to most third-party flip covers, Galaxy S21 Smart Clear … Read the rest

Understand and Use Galaxy S21 Lock Screen

Understand and Use Galaxy S21 Lock ScreenYou have to use the Galaxy S21 lock screen to secure your Galaxy S21 and control access to your phone and data.

This Galaxy S21 how-to guide explains the role of the Galaxy S21 lock screen, pages, layout and the meaning of each item on the Galaxy S21 lock screen, and how to use gestures on the lock screen.

The lock screen is identical on all Galaxy S21 phones (Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra). So this guide applies to all Galaxy S21 phones.

The role of the Galaxy S21 lock screen

The lock screen is an essential part of a smartphone.  It is part of the security system of the phone.

You can think Galaxy S21 lock screen as the only entrance for your Galaxy S21. It is an analogy of the main door of your home.

Therefore, you need to secure the lock screen on Galaxy S21 so that only you can “unlock” it. You should set up a screen lock (PIN, password, or pattern) to lock down the lock screen.

But at the same time, you may want to check some info (e.g., check the time or notifications) or control music … Read the rest

How to use navigation gestures on Galaxy S21?

how to use navigation gestures on Galaxy S2You can use navigation gestures instead of the default navigation buttons on Galaxy S21.

In fact, Galaxy S21 offers two sets of navigation gestures, and you can choose any of them and switch between them (or switch back to navigation buttons if you want) at any time.

This Galaxy S21 how-to guide explains the two sets of navigation gestures on Galaxy S21, how to use them, and how to switch between navigation gestures and navigation buttons on Galaxy S21.

Navigation gestures are identical n all Galaxy S21 models. So this guide applies to Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra.

Navigation buttons vs navigation gestures: who needs what?

Prior to Android 9, Android uses 3 navigation buttons (Back, Home, Recents/Overview) for you to navigate through pages (panels) and apps.

Google introduced the two-button navigation gestures in Android 9 (Android Pie). Full-screen navigation gestures were introduced in Android 10.

In Google’s view, the future is navigation gestures, not navigation buttons. It is a natural evolution from physical navigation buttons (like this one) to software (on-screen) navigation buttons, and now to navigation gestures.

Of course, it is merely Google’s perspective. Many Android users still prefer the old-school navigation buttons … Read the rest

Ultimate Guide for Galaxy S21 Camera Settings

Galaxy S21 Camera SettingsGalaxy S21 camera settings let you fine-tune the camera so that you can take desired photos with Galaxy S21.

This Galaxy S21 camera guide explains everything you need to know about Galaxy S21 camera settings, the meanings and usage of Galaxy S21 camera settings, and how to reset Galaxy S21 camera settings.

Although Galaxy S21 Ultra has significantly more powerful camera sensors than Galaxy S21 and S21+, the camera app is almost identical on all these three Galaxy S21 phones. So, this guide applies to all 3 Galaxy S21 models.

How to access Galaxy S21 Camera Settings?

You can access Galaxy S21 camera settings from the Camera app.

As shown below, you can tap the gear (settings) icon in the Galaxy S21 camera app preview screen to open Galaxy S21 camera settings.

access Galaxy S21 Camera Settings

Of course, you can open the Galaxy S20 camera app in multiple different ways, as explained here, for example:

Please note, there are no entries for camera settings … Read the rest

Master Meaning of Galaxy S21 Status Icons and Notification Icons

Meaning of Galaxy S21 Status Icons and Notification IconsYou need to understand the meaning of Galaxy S21 status icons and notification icons to use the phone properly and effectively.  Galaxy S21 status icons and notification icons can tell you rich information about the status of the phone status, phone health, and notification from individual apps.

This Galaxy S21 how-to guide first explains the differences between Galaxy S21 status icons and notification icons, then explains the meaning of Galaxy S21 status icons and notification icons you may find in Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra.

Because Samsung uses slightly different icons in different regions or for some carriers, you may get Galaxy S21 status icons and notification icons that are different from those shown in this guide. This is normal. If you cannot figure out the meaning of those icons, you may share the screenshot on our FaceBook page so that the community can help you identify them.

What is the difference between Galaxy S21 status icons and notification icons?

Like all other Android phones,  Galaxy S21 use the top part of the screen as the status bar to display some icons indicating the system status, alerting you about possible issues and notifying you about incoming notifications.

These icons … Read the rest

How to use touchscreen gestures on Galaxy S21?

use touchscreen gestures on Galaxy S21You cannot skip touchscreen gestures when using Galaxy S21.  Even if you choose to use navigation buttons, you still need to use the touchscreen gestures for many operations on Galaxy S21.

This Galaxy S21 how-to guide explains the 8 supported touchscreen gestures on Galaxy S21 and demonstrates how to use them. Some advice on taking care of the Galaxy S21 screen is also covered.

This guide applies to all models and variants of Galaxy S21 phones because the touchscreen gestures are a common software feature on these phones.

What are the supported touchscreen gestures on Galaxy S21?

Galaxy S21 supports 8 touchscreen gestures:

  1. Tap (single tap).
  2. Double-tap.
  3. Triple tap.
  4. Long tap (tap and hold).
  5. Swipe (slide).
  6. Drag.
  7. Pinch.
  8. Spread.

These are touchscreen gestures supported at the system level. Some apps may support other fancy gestures.

Tap (single tap)

Tapping is the simplest and most frequently used touchscreen gesture on Galaxy S21.

You touch (tap) somewhere on the Galaxy S21 screen once, then move your finger away from the screen, as illustrated below.

Galaxy S21 touchscreen gestures: Tap (single tap)

When using DeX with a mouse, the corresponding operation is  “click”.

The action of the tapping gesture depends on the object you touched and the app you … Read the rest

How to Use Galaxy S21 Home Screen?

Galaxy S21 Home screenGalaxy S21 Home screen is an essential part of your phone. It is a convenient location for you to open apps and check widgets.

This Galaxy S21 how-to guide explained what the Galaxy S21 Home screen is, why you need it, the meaning and usage of all items you may find on the Galaxy S21 Home screen, and how to use gestures on the Galaxy S21 Home screen.

Although Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra differ in hardware configurations and a few software features, the home screen is identical on these 3 phones. So, this guide applies to all Galaxy S21 phones.

What is the Galaxy S21 Home screen? Why do you need it?

Galaxy S21 Home screen is the centre of the phone. You always start from the home screen after you unlock the phone. It is like your desktop on a PC.

Like on other Android phones, the Galaxy S21 Home screen can be used to hold frequently used apps, app folders, and widgets. You can also use it to pin files and pictures.

So, the Galaxy S21 Home screen can help you use the phone more efficiently.

You can quickly open a file without navigation … Read the rest

Ultimate Guide for Using SIM Card on Galaxy S21

SIM Card on Galaxy S21You need to use a SIM card on Galaxy S21 if you want to use mobile data, receive SMS, or make voice calls through a cellular network.

This Galaxy S21 how-to guide explains everything you need to know about using a SIM card on Galaxy S21: the supported SIM card size, eSIM support, insert or change SIM cards, use two SIM cards, and check SIM card status on Galaxy S21.

This guide applies to all three Galaxy S21 models (Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra). But in different regions or on different carriers, the mobile network features may slightly different.

What’s the supported SIM card size for Galaxy S21?

Galaxy S21 supports nano-SIM cards only (for the physical card) and eSIM (if your carrier supports it).

A nano-SIM is currently the smallest SIM card for mobile phones. Most phones released in the last few years adopted nano-SIM already.

So, you can use your existing SIM card if you migrated to Galaxy S21 from the following phones (just some examples):

  • Samsung Galaxy S6, S7, S8, S9, S10, S20 and all their variants.
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 5,  Note 7 FE, Note 8, Note 9, Note 10, Note 10+, Note 10 Lite, Note
… Read the rest

How to use LED icon editor to customize LED icons for Smart LED View Cover and LED Back Cover?

use LED icon editor to customize LED icons for Smart LED View Cover and LED Back CoverYou can use the LED icon editor app to assign LED icons for individual contacts or apps, or create your own LED icons, if you use any of Samsung’s LED cover (e.g., Galaxy S21 Smart LED View Cover or the Galaxy S21 LED back cover).

This Galaxy S21 how-to guide shows you how to customize LED icons for individual contacts and apps, create your own LED icons in the LED icon editor, disconnect LED icons from some contacts and apps, and delete LED icons.

Please note, Galaxy S21 Smart LED View Cover are for all three models of Galaxy S21(Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21Ultra). But the LED Back Cover are not available Galaxy S21 Ultra.

What is the LED Icon Editor?

When you attach the Galaxy S21 Smart LED View (Wallet) Cover to the phone, the LED icon editor app will be activated immediately.

In other words, the app is pre-installed on all Galaxy S21 phones. But it is hidden unless a compatible LED cover is detected.

For Galaxy S21, there are two types of LED cover  compatible with the LED icon editor:

  • Galaxy S21 LED View (Wallet) Cover for Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra.
  • Galaxy S21
… Read the rest

How to use and customize Galaxy S21 navigation buttons and navigation bar?

use and customize Galaxy S21 navigation buttons and navigation barSamsung offers both Galaxy S21 navigation buttons and navigation gestures on Galaxy S21. So, you choose what you like to navigate through different pages and apps.

This Galaxy S21 how-to guide explains the options for Galaxy S21 navigation buttons and navigation gestures, shows you how to enable and use navigation buttons on Galaxy S21, and how to customize the Galaxy S21 navigation buttons layout.

The navigation system options on all Galaxy S21 phones are identical. So this guide applies to Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra.

Galaxy S21 navigation buttons vs navigation gestures

Traditionally, Android adopts 3 navigation buttons. Google ditched the Overview (Recents) button and switched to navigation gestures for the stock Android since Android Pie (Android 9.0).  And in Android 10, the Home button and Back button were removed, and navigation gestures fully replaced the buttons.

Samsung adopted a conservative approach. They offered both navigation buttons and two types of navigation gestures on Galaxy S21. So, all owners can own choices.

On Galaxy S21, you can choose one of the following three navigation types:

  1. Navigation buttons.
  2. Swiping from the bottom (Samsung style).
  3. Swiping from sides and bottom (similar to stock Android 10 and
… Read the rest

How to use Galaxy S21 Camera App?

Galaxy S21 Camera AppYou need to understand the meaning of all icons and buttons in the Galaxy S21 Camera app to take desired photos with Galaxy S21 camera.

This Galaxy S21 camera guide explains everything you need to know about the Galaxy S21 Camera app: how to access (open) the Camera app, the layout and meaning of all buttons in the app, and touchscreen gestures supported in Galaxy S21 Camera app.

Although Galaxy S21 Ultra has a more sophisticated camera system, compared to Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+,  the Camera app on all these 3 models of Galaxy S21 phones are almost identical. So, this guide applies to all Galaxy S21 phones.

How to access Galaxy S21 Camera app?

There are a few different ways to access (open) the Galaxy S21 Camera app, including:

  1. Tap the camera icon on the Home screen or Apps screen.
  2. Quickly press the side key twice  (Quick Launch).
  3. Swipe the camera app icon on the lock screen.
  4. Use voice commands (Google Assistant or Bixby).

You can choose any of these methods based on different scenarios.

Method 1: Tap the camera icon on the Home screen or Apps screen

The traditional way to open Galaxy S21 Camera app … Read the rest

Master Google Discover and Samsung Free on Galaxy S21

Master Google Discover and Samsung Free on Galaxy S21Samsung replaced the unpopular Samsung Daily (formerly Bixby Home) with Google Discover (or Samsung Free) on the Galaxy S21 Home screen.

This Galaxy S21 new features guide explains what Google Discover and Samsung Free are, how to switch between them, and how to disable Discover and Samsung Free on Galaxy S21 Home screen.

Google Discover and Samsung Free are common software feature on all three models of Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. So this guide applies to all of these 3 Galaxy S21 models.

What is Google Discover on Galaxy S21?

Google Discover is a rebranded Google Feed for mobile devices.  You can get customized contents from various sources.

It is more than the news service. Google Discover also offers evergreen contests based on your browsing history and interest. Videos and visual contents are also included.

Of course, it does not include your calendar events or schedules on the page. So, you will feel the Discover page less intrusive.

You can consider Google Discover as an extended version of Google News with additional interest-based evergreen contents.

On stock Android phones (e.g., Android One phones) or Pixel phones, you can find a slightly different version of the Discover … Read the rest

How to Use Galaxy S21 Smart LED View Cover (LED Wallet Cover)?

Use Galaxy S21 Smart LED View Cover (LED Wallet Cover)Galaxy S21 Smart LED View Cover (aka Galaxy S21 LED Wallet Cover in some regions) is one of the official accessories for Galaxy S21 with some exclusive features.

This Galaxy S21 accessories guide explains the unique features of the Galaxy S21 Smart LED View Cover, the layout of the LED View flip cover, how to attach and remove the LED Wallet Cover, how to answer or reject calls without opening the cover, how to control music playing on the cover, the difference between Smart LED View Cover and LED back cover. A concise review of Galaxy S21 Smart LED View Cover (LED Wallet Cover) highlights the pros and cons of the cover.

Due to the physical dimension differences of Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra, you must use the cover for your model. For example, you cannot use the LED wallet case for Galaxy S21+ on Galaxy S21 Ultra. It simply does not fit.

What are the unique features of Galaxy S21 Smart LED View Cover (LED Wallet cover)?

First, Galaxy S21 Smart LED View Cover is a flip-cover for your GalaxyS21 (S21+, or S21Ultra). So, it offers all functions of a normal flip cover, e.g., back and front … Read the rest

How to use Galaxy S21 camera quick launch?

How to use Galaxy S21 camera quick launch?You can use Galaxy S21 camera quick launch to open the camera app instantly without looking at the phone, even without unlocking the phone.

This Galaxy S21 camera guide explains what Galaxy S21 camera quick launch is, how to use it, and how to disable or enable it on Galaxy S21, S21+, or S21 Ultra.

Galaxy S21 camera quick launch is a standard feature of Galaxy S21. So it works identically on all three models of Galaxy S21 (S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra).

What is Galaxy S21 camera quick launch and how to use it?

Sometimes, you may need to take a photo or record a video as soon as possible because the perfect moment may go forever if you miss it.

But opening the camera app on Galaxy S21 by locating and tapping the camera app icon on the Galaxy S21 Home screen or Lock screen can take considerable time and therefore you may miss some precious moments.

Voice commands may let you open the camera app without looking at the screen. But it is not fast. The voice command (through Google Assistant, or Bixby) needs to be “processed” before it opens the camera app.

If … Read the rest

How to charge Galaxy S21 battery properly?

How to charge Galaxy S21 battery properly?You need to charge Galaxy S21 battery properly to slow down the degradation of battery performance over time.

This Galaxy S21 how-to guide explains everything you need to know on how to charge Galaxy S21 battery properly. The two charging modes (USB cable, wireless charging) are explained and illustrated with detailed steps. Questions related to charging Galaxy S21 battery, including the first time charging, disabling fast charging, overnight charging, topping up the battery, draining up the battery,   are answered.

All three Galaxy S21 models (Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra) use identical battery and charging technology. So, this guide applies to all these 3 models.

Two charging modes to charge Galaxy S21 battery

You can charge Galaxy S21 battery in two different modes:

  1. USB  cable charging.
  2. Wireless charging.

These two modes are based on different technologies. And there are different standards for these two charging methods.

USB cable charging

USB cable charging is common among smartphones. Almost all smartphones support USB cable charging.

But charging speed differs dramatically due to various charging protocols supported and wall chargers (adapters) used. Occasionally, even the USB cable may play a role.

Current smartphones support at least 5W USB charging. Of course, … Read the rest

Layout of Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra

Layout of Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 UltraYou need to know the layout of Galaxy S21, S21+ or S21 Ultra to locate and use the buttons, ports, and key components properly.

This Galaxy S21 how-to guide explains everything you need to know on the layout of S21, S21+ or S21 Ultra. The name and function of each button, port, and components are illustrated in the front view and rear view of the three phones.

Why you should know the layout of Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra?

You need to know your phone before using it.  It is simple.

If you do not know where the SIM card slot is located, you may try hard to pierce the microphone at the bottom of Galaxy S21.

Or if you are a seasoned Galaxy S phone user, you may assume the SIM card slot on Galaxy S21 is on the top and therefore, pierce another microphone at the top.

Of course, you need to know the location of the Side key to power on or off Galaxy S21,  or the volume key to change the volume when playing media.

Besides, Galaxy S21( all three models) uses the in-display ultrasonic fingerprint reader (BTW, this is one of the worst … Read the rest