Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides

Galaxy S21 Home screen

How to set and resize photo size on Samsung Galaxy S21, S20, S10, and S9 without using any third-party apps?

set and resize photo size on Samsung Galaxy S21, S20, S10, and S9 without using any third-party appsThe default photo size on Galaxy phones is fine most of the time. But occasionally,  you may want to reduce photo size for various purposes.

This Galaxy S21 camera guide explains how to set photo size on Galaxy phones including Galaxy S21, S20, S10 and S9, how to use the Gallery app to resize photo size on these Samsung Galaxy phones, and how to revert back to the original photo size.

How to set photo size on Galaxy S21?

When Samsung switched from Samsung Experience (Samsung Launcher) to One UI with (Android Pie), the camera app was overhauled.  One of the casualties is the photo size settings.

In the old Camera app, you can set different sizes (resolutions) for the photos to be taken, as in the Galaxy S7 Camera app. If the storage is limited and you mainly share the photos through social media, you can choose a smaller photo size (lower resolution). Of course, if you may need to print the photo or view the photo on a large screen (e.g., an 8K TV), you should choose a higher resolution.

But with the Android Pie update, the user can only set the aspect ratio … Read the rest

How to Customize Galaxy S21 Home Screen?

Customize Galaxy S21 Home Screen in Galaxy S21 Home screen edit modeYou can customize most aspects of the Galaxy S21 Home screen in the Galaxy S21 Home screen edit mode.

This Galaxy S21 guide explains what the Galaxy S21 Home screen edit mode is, how to use it, how to add/remove/manage home screen panels, and how to assign the one panel as the “home” of the Galaxy S21 Home screen.

How to access Galaxy S21 Home screen edit mode?

There are two gestures for you to access the Galaxy S21 Home screen edit mode.

Method 1: Pinch to access Galaxy S21 Home screen edit mode

As shown in the picture below, you can pinch (moving two fingers together) on the Home screen to access the edit mode of the Galaxy S21 Home screen.

The pinch gesture only requires you to move two fingers together, as explained in detail here. It does not matter whether you do it vertically or horizontally. It does not matter where your fingers are placed (as long as on one of the home screen panels).

You can use this gesture to enter Galaxy S21 Home screen edit mode on any home screen panel.

use pinch gesture to access the edit mode of Galaxy S21 Home screen

Method 2: Long tap (tap and hold) to access Galaxy S21 Home screen

… Read the rest

Master Galaxy S21 Lock Screen Settings

Master Galaxy S21 Lock Screen SettingsUnderstanding the Galaxy S21 lock screen settings helps you secure the phone and improve your productivity. You can also customize the locks screen as you want after mastering the Galaxy S21 lock screen settings.

This Galaxy S21 guide explains all items on the Galaxy S21 lock screen settings page. Typical usage of some settings is also illustrated and demonstrated.

This guide applies all Galaxy S21 models (Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra).

How to access Galaxy lock screen settings?

Galaxy S21 lock screen settings page is a sub-page of Galaxy S21 Settings.

There are a few different ways to access Galaxy S21 Settings, for example:

Once on the Galaxy S21 Settings page, as shown below, tap the Lock screen to access the Galaxy S21 lock screen settings page.

Galaxy S21 Settings

What is included on Galaxy S21 lock screen settings?

As shown in the screenshot below, the following 11 items on the Galaxy S21 lock screen settings page are included:

  1. Screen lock type.
  2. Smart lock.
… Read the rest

How to use widgets on Galaxy S21?

widgets on Galaxy S21You can use widgets on Galaxy S21 to instantly access some info or specific features of some apps instead of fiddling around the app.

This Galaxy S21 guide explains what widgets on Galaxy S21 are, how to add widgets to the Galaxy S21 Home screen, and how to resize and customize widgets on Galaxy S21.

With Android 13 (One UI 5) update for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20, you can now use the stackable widgets, i.e., stacking widgets in the same location. For example, you can stack two or more copies of the Gallery Widget to show more photos concurrently on the Home screen. You can also stack multiple camera widgets (with Android 14/One UI 6 update) to access different camera modes directly.

What are widgets on Galaxy S21?

Some Galaxy S21 owners may think widgets are something new because Apple only added home screen widgets to iOS 14 last year.

In fact, widgets are a built-in feature in Android. Android users have used widgets since Android Cupcake (Android 1.5) in 2009. In other words, iPhone users are 11 years behind Android users in terms of using widgets on the home screen.

So, what are widgets on … Read the rest

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 power on, power off, and reboot Galaxy S21,even when the phone hangs?

power on, power off, and reboot Galaxy S21,even when the phone hangsYou need to power on, power off, or reboot Galaxy S21 once in a while. Sometimes, you may have to reboot Galaxy S21 without accessing the power-off menu if the phone hangs.

This Galaxy S21 how-to guide explains how to power on, power off, and reboot Galaxy S21 even if the phone hangs and how to access the power-off menu.

In this guide, Galaxy S21 refers to all Galaxy S21 models, including Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. The features discussed in this guide are common on all these Galaxy S21 phones.

Why and when do you need to power on, power off, and reboot Galaxy S21?

To set up Galaxy S21 or migrate from an old phone to Galaxy S21, you have to power on the phone first.

It is a dead brick when it is powered off. So, you need to keep it on if you want to use your Galaxy S21.

Sometimes, you may need to power off Galaxy S21. For example, when you enter some sensitive locations, you may be asked to power off the phone and lock it in the locker.  On the aeroplane, during taxing and landing, normally, you are asked to power … Read the rest

How to use Galaxy S21 quick settings panel?

use Galaxy S21 quick settings panelGalaxy S21 quick settings panel (aka Galaxy S21 quick panel or Galaxy S21 quick setting buttons) lets you turn on/off some features or change some settings quickly from a dropdown panel without navigating through the Galaxy S21 Settings.

This Galaxy S21 guide explains what Galaxy S21 quick settings panel is, how to access the Galaxy S21 quick panel, the components in the quick settings panel on Galaxy S21, how to customize the layout of the quick settings panel, and how to add (and remove) buttons to Galaxy S21 quick panel.

Update: in the Android 14 (One UI 6) update for Galaxy S21, S22, and S23, the quick settings panel was greatly improved with a new button layout, smart flight mode, and instant access to the quick settings.

What is Galaxy S21 quick settings panel?

Galaxy S21 quick settings panel (aka Galaxy S21 quick panel, quick settings buttons) is a special page with some buttons for you to access or turn off some features directly without digging into the Galaxy S21 Settings page.

Just like other Android phones, you can turn on or turn off some features quickly on the quick settings panel of Galaxy … 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 updates, including Galaxy S20, Galaxy S10, Galaxy Note 10, and Galaxy Note 20.

This guide focuses on customizing Galaxy S21 navigation buttons. If you want to customize the navigation gestures on Galaxy S21, S20, S22, or S23, please check this guide.

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 to seasoned Samsung phone owners, Samsung put most of the available customizations into NavStar, which is NOT pre-installed. Most Galaxy S21 owners who… 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.

In the Android 14 (One UI 6) update for Galaxy S21, S22, and S23, you can now use the Camera Widget to access individual camera modes directly.

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 … 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

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.

If you have updated your Galaxy S21 to Android 13 (One UI 5), you will see the new entry of Watermark, which lets you enable and customize watermarks on photos taken with the Galaxy S21 camera app.

If you have updated your Galaxy S21 to Android 14 (One UI 6), you should see some of the new camera settings, e.g., turn off swipe up/down to switch cameras, document scan (Auto Scan), quality level selection, auto FPS. Please refer to this guide (coming soon) on the new camera features in the Android 14 (One UI 6) update for Galaxy S23.

How to access Galaxy S21 Camera

… 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.

Update: Android 12 update for Galaxy S21 (S20 and S10) brought a new camera and microphone indicators icon when the camera or microphone is accessed.

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 … 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 (you SHOULD set up lock screen security for Galaxy S21). 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 … 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