Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides

fingerprint scanner

How to hide Galaxy S21 password and PIN when typing?

hide Galaxy S21 password and PIN when typingYou can hide Galaxy S21 password or PIN when you type them to unlock the phone. So, the prying eyes will only see dots instead of the actual characters.

This Galaxy S21 guide explains why you should hide Galaxy S21 password or PIN when typing and how to hide Galaxy S21 PIN and password when unlocking your phone or when you type them on any apps.

Although there are some differences among the three Galaxy S21 models, this security feature applies to all of them.

Why should you hide Galaxy S21 password and PIN when typing?

By default, when you type your password or PIN to unlock Galaxy S21, the phone displays the characters briefly (about 1-2 seconds) on the screen. The purpose of showing what you typed briefly is for you to check whether you typed them correctly.

But this can be a security threat to your data and accounts.

For example, if you unlock Galaxy S21 on public transport, prying eyes can easily see the password or PIN.  The security cameras in the lift or other locations may also “see” the password or PIN.

You may argue it does not matter because you are holding the phone. … Read the rest

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 S21 models. 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 … 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 accessory, 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.

If you have updated your Galaxy S21 to Android 14 (One UI 6), you can reposition the clock on the lock screen.

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 … 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

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