Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides

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 be slightly different.

Galaxy S21 supports 5G SA and 5G NSA, as explained in this post.

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 have 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
… 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 the 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.

Update: if you updated your Galaxy S21 to Android 12, there are a few new features for the Galaxy S21 camera.

Update 2: In the Android 14 (One UI 6) update for Galaxy S23, S22, and S21, there are many new features you should try. For the Camera app, there is a new resolution button. You can also use the camera widget to access any specific camera mode from the Home screen. Document scan (Auto Scan) is also separated from the Scene Optimizer.… 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).

If you have updated your Galaxy S21 to Android 14 (One UI 6), you can now use the camera widget to launch the camera app quickly with any specific camera mode from the Home screen.

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 on 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 … 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.

Update: in the Android 14 (One UI 6) update for Galaxy S23, S22, and S21, the battery settings are separated from the Device Care.

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 … 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 … Read the rest

Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21+ vs Galaxy S21 Ultra

Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21+ vs Galaxy S21 UltraLike Galaxy S20, Samsung released 3 models of Galaxy S21: Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. Many potential buyers are not sure which one to get when considering Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21+ vs Galaxy S21 Ultra.

This Galaxy S21 guide explains the major differences of Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21+ vs Galaxy S21 Ultra and explains which model is the right one for you.

Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21+: the difference is on the size and material of the back cover.

Among the 3 models, Galaxy S21 and S21+ share almost identical components except for the size of the screen and the material used for the back cover.

Galaxy S21+ has a 6.7″ flat OLED screen. The screen of Galaxy S21 is noticeable smaller at 6.2″.

Except for the size, the displays on Galaxy S21 and S21+ are identical. The resolution is FHD+ (1080 x 2400, 20:9). The same Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with brightness up to 1300nits is used. Both support a 120Hz refresh rate (adaptive refreshing 48-120Hz). HDR 10+ is also supported.

The biggest difference between the Galaxy S21 and S21+ is about the material of the back cover.  Galaxy S21 has a plastic back cover and … Read the rest

Top 6 disappointments of Galaxy S21 Ultra

Top 6 disappointments of Galaxy S21 UltraGalaxy S21 Ultra is Samsung’s only hope to reverse the declining sales of Galaxy S phones since Galaxy S10. But it seems Samsung lost the opportunity due to the numerous disappointments of Galaxy S21 Ultra.

This post summarizes the top 6 disappointments of Galaxy S21 Ultra: curved screen, no micro SD card support, lack of essential accessories, no 45W superfast charging,  with S Pen support but without an S Pen, inferior under-display fingerprint sensor.

Curved screen: the No.1 disappointment of Galaxy S21 Ultra

Since Galaxy S6 Edge (or even Galaxy Note Edge), Samsung tried hard to sell the curved screen.  It is unique.

But most Galaxy phone owners don’t like it.  Very few Galaxy phone owners bought the phone because of the curved screen.

Initially, Samsung told us they would add some new and innovative features like Edge screen. Now, it is purely cosmetic (infinity display).

If Samsung had listened to customers, they should have stopped using the curved screen on any mainstream phones 3 or 4 years ago.

Unfortunately, Samsung is too stubborn and try luck on the most important flagship phones.

On the three Galaxy S21 models, Galaxy S21 … Read the rest

Official Samsung Galaxy S21 User Manual

Official Samsung Galaxy S21 User ManualThe official Samsung Galaxy S21 user manual (PDF) in different languages help you use the Galaxy S21 properly and effectively.

You can download the PDF files or read them online. All of them are free.

About the official Samsung Galaxy S21 User Manual (PDF)

The official Samsung Galaxy S21 User Manual is the “official” user guide for Galaxy S21 (Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra) owners. They were prepared and written by Samsung, not by us.

But Samsung does not ship a hardcopy of the Samsung Galaxy S21 User Manual with the phone. The softcopy of these manuals is freely available from Samsung.

On Galaxy S21, you can find the HTML version of the official Samsung Galaxy S21 User Manual in Settings — Tips and user manual — User manual.

You can use the official Samsung Galaxy S21 user manual as a reference book if you are patient enough.

All official Samsung Galaxy S21 user manual is in PDF format. Galaxy S21 can open it without installing any third-party apps. Actually, several pre-installed apps can open PDF files and you can set a default app for opening PDF files on Galaxy S21.

You may also download the official … Read the rest