As a major update, Android Pie update for Galaxy S8 and S8+ brings many Android Pie features and a brand new One UI.

This Galaxy S8 guide shows you how to use the new features in Android Pie update for Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Because Android Pie update for Galaxy S8 and S8+ shares almost an identical code base with Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 (and S9+), almost all of the new features in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 also apply to the Android Pie update for Galaxy S8 and S8+.

 What are the new features in Android Pie update for Galaxy S8 and S8+?

There are so many new features in Android Pie update for Galaxy S8 and S8+ that many owners feel they got a new phone.

The new features arising from two domains:

• Android Pie features. Of course, Samsung tweaked some Android Pie features so that they may look different from those in the stock Android.
• One UI features. The new One UI was specially built for Android Pie. It is substantially different from Samsung Experience and the older TouchWiz.

In this post, the top 9 new features in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S8 were summarized as:

• One UI
• Night mode
• Lift to wake
• Floating keyboard
• Lock home screen layout
• Lockdown mode
• New camera app
• Navigation gestures
• Adaptive battery

If you are a Bixby user, you may also be excited about the new Bixby features: remap the Bixby button and Bixby quick commands.

How to update Galaxy S8 or S8+ to Android Pie?

By default, you should get a notification about … Read the rest

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App shortcuts let you access some features of supported apps very quickly from Galaxy S8 Home screen.

This Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update guide shows you how to add app shortcuts to Galaxy S8 Home screen (pinned app shortcuts) and how to use them.

What are app shortcuts in Galaxy S8 Home screen in Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+?

App shortcuts are actually not a new feature in Android Oreo. Google introduced app shortcuts in Android Nougat 7.1.

Because Samsung’s Android Nougat firmware was based on Android 7.0, app shortcuts were not implemented in all Samsung phones with Android Nougat. Instead, Samsung offered own context menu in Android Nougat. But it is different from app shortcuts as explained in this guide.

App shortcuts give you quick access to some features of the corresponding apps.

For example, you want to check missed calls in Galaxy S8 with Android Oreo update.

The traditional way to get the list of missed calls includes these 5 steps:

1. Tap the Phone icon;
2. Tap Recents tab in the Phone app;
3. Tap the menu key;
4. Tap calls to show;
5. Tap missed calls.

You need 5 taps to get the list of missed calls.

But if you use app shortcuts in Galaxy S8 Home screen in Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+, you can get it with just 2 taps:

1. Tap and hold (long tap) the Phone app icon;
2. Tap Missed calls (which is one of the available app shortcuts for the Phone app).

That’s it.

App shortcuts in Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update also work on Galaxy S8 apps screen identically

In Android Oreo, Google added the support … Read the rest

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You may find the new notification number badge (aka app icon badges) does not work as what you expected.

This Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update guide explains the new features and behaviours of the n0n Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update. We also show you how to manage and customize notification number badge in Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update.

What’s new in notification number badge in Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update?

One of the prominent new features in Android Oreo is the notification dots, which shows a dot in the app icon for unattended notifications.

You may think this is nothing new because Samsung has the notification number badge for a long time.

But you may not know there are some substantial changes in the notification number badge in Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update.

Compared to the number badge in previous versions of Android in Galaxy phones, the new number badge in Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update has the following changes:

1. It is renamed officially as App icon badges.
2. You can now customize the notification number badge in Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update.
3. You can use dots, or numbers for the notification number badge.
4. You can turn on/off notification number badge for individual apps.
5. All apps are supported.
6. Only unattended (not dismissed) notifications are counted.
7. Unread messages (SMS, MMS, emails) are NOT counted.
8. If you dismiss the notification in Galaxy S8 notification panel, the notification number badge in the corresponding app icon will be reset (cleared). You should snooze the notification if you need to check it later.
9. You can turn on/off notification info in Galaxy S8 Home screen and Apps screen

… Read the rest

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Typically, Samsung only releases two major updates for flagship phones in most regions in their lifetime.

This Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update guide shows why and how to install Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+. A few questions you may have about installing the Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+ are also answered in the guide.

Why should you install Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+?

Galaxy S8 and S8+ are powered by Android OS.  In each version of Android, Google adds some new features and improvements to match the hardware development, R&D achievements and user demands.

Android Oreo is currently the latest version of Android. Galaxy S8 and S8+ were released with Android Nougat (Android 7.0).

So, without the Android Oreo update, Galaxy S8 and S8+ will not be able to enjoy the new features and improvements in Android Oreo.

Secondly, the monthly Android security update is an important part to keep your Galaxy S8  or S8+ safe from prying eyes. Samsung will release the security update for Galaxy S8 and S8+ based on Android Oreo only.

So, if your Galaxy S8 or S8+ is still running Android Nougat, unlikely you will get any security updates after Q2 2018. You are putting your phone at risk if you skip the Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Thirdly, Samsung also updated Samsung Experience 8.0 to 9.0 with the Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update. Samsung Experience is the UI in Samsung Galaxy phones released in last two years.

In Samsung Experience 9.0, which is used in Galaxy S9 … Read the rest

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This Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update guide explains two of the frequently encountered new status icons in Android Oreo update forGalaxy S8 and S8+: data saver icon and no preferred SIM card icon (for dual-SIM versions of Galaxy S8 and S8+ only).

Please note, these two new status icons can be found in all Samsung Galaxy S, Note, and A series phones with Android Oreo update. They are not limited to Galaxy S8 or S8+.

New status icons in Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+

As mentioned in the new features of Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+, Android Oreo update brought a new version of  UI: Samsung Experience 9.

In addition to changes and improvements in some features, Samsung also updated some icons, including the status icons.

Most of the updates of status icons in Android Oreo update are trivial. They are either similar to corresponding icons in previous versions of Samsung Experience (TouchWiz), or similar to those in the stock Android.

But there a few exceptions. Some of the new status icons are substantially different from those in the old versions or in stock Android

For example, Samsung used a new status icon for data saver in Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Samsung also added one more icon for preferred SIM card when you choose to select SIM card when making calls (for the dual-SIM version of Galaxy S8 and S8+ only)

Data Saver status icon in Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+

The icon shown on the … Read the rest

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We only cover new features or changes in the Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update. For other features, you can check the Galaxy S8 how-to guides.

Some of the features discussed in Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update guides may be not a generic feature of Android. Therefore, these guides may apply to Samsung phones with Android Oreo.

For generic Android Oreo features and the guides, please refer to this page.

List of Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update guides

This is a live page with a list of Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update guides.

The individual Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update guide is added once we finish to test it on our phones.

So, if you cannot find the Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update guides, you may check back later.

You can also post your questions or requests in the comment box below.

We will try to find a solution for you, and we will try to release relevant guides earlier.

Here is the list of released and t0-be-released-soon Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update guides

1. Top 10 new features of Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+

This Galaxy S8 Oreo update guide explains the top 10 new features of Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+: notification channel (categories);  app shortcuts support in Home screen; notification number badge links to the notification panel; tweaks for the edge screen; manage photos and notes saved in Samsung cloud; Bluetooth AAC and LDAC codecs support; dual messenger; game launcher for DeX station; showing currently running apps in the notification panel; and icons at the bottom of … Read the rest

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Update: Super slow-motion camera mode (960 fps)is available on Galaxy S8 and S8+ now. Please check this super slow-motion mode guide on how to use it.

Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+ has been rolled out in some regions. More and more Galaxy S8 and S8+ owners want to know how to use the new features of Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+.

In this Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung updated the UI (Samsung Experience 9.0) and added Android Ore0 8.0.

This Galaxy S8 guide explains the top 10 new features of Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+.

You may check this Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update guides page for step-by-step guides on how to use these new features.

For new features of Android Oreo 8.0, you may check this guide.

#1. Notification channel (categories)

In Android Oreo, notification channels (notification categories) were introduced so that the app developer can “categorize” their notifications.

These categorized notifications can then be pushed through notification channels, just like radio channels. You, as an app user, can then turn on/off individual notification channel to get what you want to receive and block what you don’t.

You may find more info on notification channel on Android Oreo here.

#2. App shortcuts support in Home screen

When you tap and hold (long tap) an app icon in Galaxy S8 home screen, you have some options.

In Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+, you get additional options to launch some special features of the app directly (if the app developer enabled this feature).

Compared to the traditional way to access such app features, app shortcuts are faster.

Such app shortcuts are shortcuts to certain features of the corresponding apps.… Read the rest

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You can also use Secure Folder to hide any apps and private data on the phone.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide explains everything you need to know about the Secure Folder in Galaxy S8 and S8+: what Secure Folder is, when you will need Secure Folder, how to enable it in Galaxy S8 and S8+, how to add apps and files to the Secure Folder, how to add shortcuts of Secure Folder app to Galaxy S8 home screen, how to customize app icon and name for the Secure Folder, how to hide the Secure Folder, and how to reset and uninstall Secure Folder in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Because the Secure Folder is similar in all Samsung Galaxy devices, this guide also applies to secure folder in Galaxy S20, Galaxy S10, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S6, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy Note 9, and Galaxy Note 10.

What is Galaxy S8 Secure Folder?

Usually, you can secure your Galaxy S8 and S8+ with Galaxy S8 lock screen using a pattern, PIN, password, fingerprint or iris scanner.

But for some owners, this may be not sufficient.

Galaxy S8 Secure Folder allows you to create a private and encrypted space for your apps and files on Galaxy S8 or S8+.

Apps and files in Galaxy S8 Secure Folder are independent of the same app outside of the Secure Folder. These apps and files are secured with Samsung KNOX framework.

Essentially, you can run another copy of any apps in a secured environment.  You can also … Read the rest

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Samsung introduced the feature of adjustable screen resolutions in Android Nougat firmware.  This is not a feature of stock Android Nougat.

This Galaxy S8 how-t0 guide explains the rational behind setting Galaxy S8 screen resolution and how to set screen resolution in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

What are the supported Galaxy S8 screen resolutions in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

According to the Galaxy S8 hardware specs, both Galaxy S8 and S8+ have a screen resolution of 2960×1440 (WQHD+).

This is the hardware limit of the number of pixels in Galaxy S8 and S8+ dispaly.

Because the pixel density (570PPI for S8 and 529 for S8+) is too high for normal human eyes, it is possible the scale down the resolutions to save battery and users may not notice the difference.

3 different screen resolutions are supported in Galaxy S8 and S8+:

1. WQHD+ (2960×1440).
2. FHD+ (2220×1080).
3. HD+ (1480×720)

By default Samsung set the screen resolution in Galaxy S8 and S8+ as FHD+, not the highest resolution because most owners actually do not need such a high resolution in a 5.7″ or  6.3″ screen.

Why you may want to change screen resolution in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

For normal human eyes, for a 6.3″ screen, full HD is probably the limit when you watch the screen from a distance of 8″.

This is one of the reasons why Samsung preset the screen resolution to FHD+ in new Galaxy S8 and S8+.

When you lower Galaxy S8 screen resolution, there will be less pixels to handle for the GPU/CPU. This translates to battery saving.

If you want to save battery aggressively when you cannot charge Galaxy S8 or S8+ for an extended … Read the rest

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The procedure to move apps to SD card in Galaxy S8 and S8+ is different from that in old Galaxy devices with Android Lollipop or earlier.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide shows you how to move apps to SD card in Galaxy S8 and S8+. It is assumed that the SD card was added to Galaxy S8 or S8+ already.

Why only some apps can be moved to SD card in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

Whether an app can be moved to SD card or not is determined by the app developer, not your Galaxy S8 or S8+. For example,  some apps like WhatsApp do NOT allow you to save anything to external SD card.

Some apps like Google Music allow you to save downloaded contents to SD card. Other app data must be in the internal storage.

You can check whether an app can be moved to SD card in Galaxy S8, and move it to micro SD card if supported,  through application manager.

Anyway, if you cannot move an app to the SD card in Galaxy S8 application manager, it means the app developer disabled the usage of external SD card. You can try to feedback to the app developer.

After I move apps to SD card in Galaxy S8, the space freed is far smaller than the app used?

When you move apps to SD card in Galaxy S8 or S8+,  actually only part of the app data, not the whole app, were moved to SD card.

So, it usually frees less space in internal storage than you expected.… Read the rest

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In dual SIM version of Galaxy S8 (and S8+), slot 2 in the SIM card tray can be used for either a SIM card or a micro SD card, but NOT both. In other words, if you are using two SIM cards in Galaxy S8 and S8+, you cannot use micro SD card.

Since Android Marshmallow, adoptable storage, i.e., using micro SD card as internal storage, has been introduced. But Samsung blocked this feature and therefore, you can only use micro SD card in Galaxy S8 and S8+ as portable storage, not internal storage. For the differences of using SD card as portable storage and using it as internal storage, please check this guide.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide explains how to add and remove micro SD card in Galaxy S8 and S8+, how to move app data to SD card in Galaxy S8, and how to manage the SD card storage in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

How to add SD card in Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+?

In Galaxy S8 and S8+, micro SD card is placed in slot 2 of the SIM card tray.

To add SD card in Galaxy S8 and S8+, you may follow these steps.

Step 0: Power off Galaxy S8 or S8+.

It is recommended to power off Galaxy S8 or S8+ when adding or removing a micro SD card, although it is not required.

You can hold (aka long press) the power button for more than 2 seconds to get the power button option, then choose to power off the phone.

Step 1:

… Read the rest

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It is also the last method in solving software related problems before resetting your Galaxy S8 and S8+.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide first explains what Galaxy S8 cache partition is and why and when you may need to wipe Galaxy S8 cache partition, then shows you how to clear Galaxy S8 cache partition.

What is Galaxy S8 cache partition?

Galaxy S8 cache partition in Galaxy S8 and S8+ is a special (and reserved) part of the phone storage. But it is not user accessible in normal mode.

As suggested by the name, this special partition stores and serves the cached files for the phone. This is needed in all Android phones to speed up the apps.

For most owners of Galaxy S8 and S8+,  it is not necessary to know the existence of such a cache partition. Of course, they do not need to wipe Galaxy S8 cache partition in the lifespan of the Galaxy S8 and S8+.

The cache partition is normally well managed by the Android system. The partition will be refreshed automatically for example, when a major update is applied.

But occasionally, something in your Galaxy S8 or S8+ may go wrong and you may try to clear Galaxy S8 cache partition to avoid a factory data reset.

When you may need to wipe Galaxy S8 cache partition?

As mentioned, normally Android is smart enough to properly manage the cache partition in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

But in some cases, you may need to manually wipe cache partition in Galaxy S8 and S8, for example:

• after a major update. Although any major update should clear and refresh cache partition when you

… Read the rest

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Many Galaxy S8 and S8+ owners are not fans of Samsung’s half-baked Bixby Assistant.  One of the most disturbing features of Bixby is the Bixby button in the left side of Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Often you may press the button accidentally when you want to adjust volume. This can be very annoying.

Samsung also quietly blocked the possibility of remapping Bixby button to other features.

Anyway, you can now fully disable Bixby button in Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+ and Galaxy Note 8. This Galaxy S8 how-to guide will show you how to disable the annoying Bixby button completely.

What is Galaxy S8 and S8+ Bixby button?

As shown in Galaxy S8 layout, Bixby button is located in the left side of the phone, below the volume keys.

The Bixby button have at least two basic functions currently:

1. Press it once (short press) to launch Bixby Home page at any time even after you hide Bixby home from Galaxy S8 home screen. If you are on Bixby Home page already, you can press Bixby button to exit Bixby home. By default, Bixby Home page is in the leftmost panel of Galaxy S8 home screen.

Of course, you can hide or remove Bixby Home from Galaxy S8 home screen as explained in this guide. But this does not disable Bixby Home page. You only hide/remove it from the home screen.

2.  Long press (press and hold) Bixby button to launch Bixby voice assistant.

After Bixby voice assistant is activated, you can … Read the rest

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You can identify whether the problem is caused by the system or by third-party apps.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide explains the details of Galaxy S8 safe mode in Galaxy S8 and S8, two ways to reboot Galaxy S8 or S8+ into safe mode,  and how to use and exit Galaxy S8 safe mode.

What is Galaxy S8 safe mode?

Sometimes, your Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+may behave in some odd ways.

And you want to find out whether such problems are caused by third-party apps or pre-installed apps.

Galaxy S8 safe mode is the right tool for such problems.

Like in other Android phones,  Galaxy S8 safe mode is a special mode for Galaxy S8 and S8+. Within this mode, all third-party apps (including some pre-installed Google apps) will be disabled temporally.

So, only some essential apps from Samsung and Google are enabled in Galaxy S8 safe mode.

If you still experience the problem in Galaxy S8 safe mode, then you can conclude that the problem is caused by the firmware or some of the  essential apps. You may have to reset Galaxy S8 or S8+.

If the problem disappears in safe mode, you can then conclude that the problem is very likely caused by some apps installed by you.

Unfortunately, Galaxy S8 safe mode can only tell you whether the problem is caused by third-party apps or not. It is unable to tell you which app is causing the problem.

Two ways to reboot the Galaxy S8 or S8+ into Galaxy S8 safe mode?

There are at least two different ways to boot into Galaxy S8 safe mode.

Method 1: Use power button options to reboot Galaxy S8 and S8+ into safe

… Read the rest

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This Galaxy S8 how-to guide shows you how to find, download, install, apply, and manage Galaxy S8 themes. It also shows you how to disable the annoying Samsung themes notification in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Please note, Galaxy S8 themes applies to Galaxy S8 and S8+ only.  You cannot use Galaxy S8 themes in Galaxy S7 or any future Galaxy phones either.

What are Galaxy S8 themes?

Since Galaxy S6, Samsung introduced themes for owners to customize the phone systemically.

But at that time, there were very limited support from developers and the choices are very limited for third-party themes.

Now, for Galaxy S8 and S8+, you have so many choices of Galaxy S8 themes.

Galaxy S8 themes allow you:

• to change the system color schemes of Galaxy S8 notification panel, Galaxy S8 quick settings panel and Galaxy S8 Settings;
• to change wallpapers for Galaxy S8 Home screen, apps screen, and lock screen;
• to change app icons of some pre-installed Samsung apps;
• to add “effects” of other app icons in Galaxy S8 and S8+.
• to change the color scheme of Phone, Contacts and Messages app.
• to change the look of Galaxy S8 always-on display (AOD).

For example, some Galaxy S8 owners may not like the default white color scheme. They may prefer a dark theme.

Galaxy S8 themes will solve such issues and demands.

If you are using official Samsung covers (cases), for example, Galaxy S8 clear view cover, you will be prompted to choose a Galaxy S8 theme to match your Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Although Galaxy S8 themes can change the look of your Galaxy S8 and S8+, third-party apps will NOT be changed.  … Read the rest

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But sometimes, it is a bit overwhelming to read so many options in Galaxy S8 settings.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide shows you how to access Galaxy S8 settings in 4 different ways, how to use Galaxy S8 Settings and the relationship between Galaxy S8 quick settings and Galaxy S8 settings.

What are Galaxy S8 Settings?

Galaxy S8 and S8+ have so many features and there are so many customization possibilities.

So, you need to use Galaxy S8 settings to change and settings and customize the phone to meet your needs.

Galaxy S8 Settings may have two interconnected meanings:

1. A system app named Settings.
2. All settings in Galaxy S8 (or S8+).

Actually, in all Android phones, there is a system app named Settings.

Galaxy S8 (and S8+) is not an exception.

Inside the Galaxy S8 Settings app, you can then find all entries of Galaxy S8 settings.

4 different ways to access Galaxy S8 settings in Galaxy S8 and S8+

Because Galaxy S8 Settings are used very frequently, Samsung made it is very easy to access them with different methods.

Method 1:  use settings (gear) icon  in notification panel

As shown in the screenshot below, you can find the gear icon (settings icon) in notification panel.

You can access notification panel in Galaxy S8 and S8+ by swiping down from the status bar.

Tap the icon to open Galaxy S8 settings.

Method 2:  use settings (gear) icon  in quick settings panel

You can find the same gear icon in Galaxy S8 quick settings panel as shown below.

To access quick settings panel, you can swipe down from status bar with two fingers, or swipe down twice (with … Read the rest

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But in Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, the brightness control bar was relocated from notification panel as in previous generations Galaxy devices to quick settings panel.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide shows you how to customize the location of Galaxy S8 brightness control bar and move it back to Galaxy S8 notification panel.

What is Galaxy S8 brightness control bar?

Although auto brightness in Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ is extremely useful, sometimes, you may still need to manually adjust Galaxy S8 brightness level.

For example, Galaxy S8 or S8+ may vibrates when you get an emergent call in the cinema. The default brightness level in Galaxy S8 display is probably too high in this case.

To make it easily adjust Galaxy S8 display brightness, the Galaxy S8 brightness control bar is included in the quick settings panel.

You can use Galaxy S8 brightness control bar to quickly adjust the screen brightness of Galaxy S8 and S8+ without fiddling around the  Galaxy S8 Settings.

In previous generations of Galaxy devices, the brightness control bar is usually in the notification panel (and below the quick settings bar). And there is no customization for its location.

But in Galaxy S8 and S8+, by default, you will not find the Galaxy S8 brightness control bar.

Where is Galaxy S8 brightness control bar?

In Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung makes the location of Galaxy S8 brightness control bar customizable.

The default location of Galaxy S8 brightness control bar, as mentioned earlier, is located in Galaxy S8 quick settings panel, not notification panel.

This means you need swipe twice to access Galaxy S8 brightness control bar.

But it is very easy to … Read the rest

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Galaxy S8 screen zoom is a customized Android Nougat feature of display size.  But they are different in adjusting the size of app icons in home screen and apps screen, and in controlling the size of the lock screen keypad.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide explains you what Galaxy S8 screen zoom is, when you need it, and how to use this feature in Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+.

What is Galaxy S8 screen zoom? Why you need it?

Prior to Android Nougat,  you can only adjust the font size for the system display (e.g., text size in Settings page).

And some system display settings are even hard-coded and you cannot change them at all. For example, the notification text does not change with font size in most Android phones.

So, in Android Nougat 7.0, Google added a feature named display size, with which you can adjust all display elements. And it works in all apps.

In Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung, as usual,  customized display size and rebrand it as Galaxy S8 screen zoom.

In addition to changing the name from display size to screen zoom, Samsung also changed a few features in display size. For example:

• Screen zoom does NOT affect lock screen keypad size in Galaxy S8 and S8+. Samsung hard-coded the keypad in Galaxy S8 lock screen. In stock Android Nougat, you can adjust the keypad size with display size.
• Screen zoom does NOT affect app icon size in Galaxy S8 Home screen and Apps screen. In Galaxy S8, you need to use screen grid to adjust the app icon size. In stock Android Nougat, app icon

… Read the rest

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Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ also have a full-page quick settings panel with more quick setting buttons for you to change the phone settings conveniently without opening phone settings.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide explains the difference between quick settings bar and quick settings panel in Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+, and how to use and customize Galaxy S8 quick settings in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

What is Galaxy S8 quick settings in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

Although you can change almost all settings of Galaxy S8 and S8+ in the Settings page, you may want to access some settings quickly, e.g., quickly toggle on/off WiFi or Bluetooth very often.

Galaxy S8 quick settings in Galaxy S8 and S8+ are exactly designed to address such demands.

Actually, this is a feature in almost all Android phones nowadays, although the implementation differs from manufacturers to manufacturers.

In Android Nougat, an additional quick settings bar was officially added to the notification panel.

But Samsung has used the quick settings bar for many years, together with the quick settings panel.

Anyway, Galaxy S8 quick settings includes two components:

• Quick settings bar in notification panel.
• Dedicated quick settings panel.

The quick settings bar offers more convenience for you to turn on/off some features. You may consider it as an quicker  feature of quick settings panel.

Another commonly used, but unrelated “quick” feature is Galaxy S8 camera quick launch.

How to access Galaxy S8 quick settings bar in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

You can swipe down from top of the screen (status bar) to access Galaxy S8 quick settings bar  as shown below.

This is actually the notification panel. As mentioned, quick settings bar … Read the rest

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You can do it with one tap.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide explains to you what you can do with device maintenance, and how to use these features.

What is device maintenance in Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+?

Device maintenance in Galaxy S8 and S8+ is not a new feature.

In Galaxy S6, Samsung introduced controversial smart manager. In Galaxy S7, Samsung corrected the mistakes in smart manager and rebranded it as device maintenance.

In Galaxy S8,  new features were added and old features were further polished.

Most Galaxy S8 owners use device maintenance to clean up the phone.

But device maintenance in Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ can do more.  Some commonly used features include:

• You can optimize (clean up) the phone with one tap.
• You can check battery usage.
• You can enable and customize battery saving modes.
• You can enable and customize different performance modes.
• You can check memory usage of all apps and clean up the memory.
• You can manage the storage in Galaxy S8 and S8+, and to free up the storage.
• You can scan the phone for malware.

So, device maintenance in Galaxy S8 and S8+ actually is a collection of tools to manage and optimize the phone.

How to access device maintenance in Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+?

There are at least three different ways to access  device maintenance in Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

Method 1: from Galaxy S8 Settings

You can start Settings app, or tap Settings icon in notification panel to access Galaxy S8 settings.

In the Settings page as shown below, you then tap Device maintenance… Read the rest

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In addition, there are several new features in Galaxy S8 apps screen. For example, you can access apps screen using touch screen gesture and hide apps screen button.  You can also hide Galaxy S8 apps screen.

Please note, although Galaxy S8 is used in this page, Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ share the identical home screen and apps screen.

The differences between Galaxy S8 apps screen and Galaxy S8 Home screen

In all Android phones, in addition to home screen,  there is always an apps screen, aka app drawer, where all apps are listed.  But some launchers may hide this screen and show all apps in home screen.

Technically,  apps screen is just a special page of Android Home screen.

Galaxy S8 apps screen is different from Galaxy S8 Home screen. The differences include:

• Apps (app icons) in Galaxy S8 Home screen are just shortcuts to the app. While Galaxy S8 apps screen is a holding place for all apps.
• You can add multiple copies of the same app in Galaxy S8 Home screen. But in Galaxy S8 apps screen, you can only have one copy.
• You can set wallpapers, themes, screen grid and other settings in Galaxy S8 Home screen, but not from apps screen.
• You can add widgets to Galaxy S8 Home screen. In Galaxy S8 apps screen, widgets are hidden by default.
• You can create empty panels (pages) for Galaxy S8 home screen. In Galaxy S8 apps screen, empty pages will be removed automatically.
• You can hide Galaxy S8 apps screen; but you cannot hide Galaxy S8 Home screen.

Many third-party launchers may have additional features for home … Read the rest

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Although Alcantara is not new, but an Android phone case made by Alcantara is new to most users.

This Galaxy S8 accessories guide explains what is Alcantara, the advantages (and disadvantages) of  Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover and whether such Alcantara covers are the right case for your Galaxy S8 and S8+.

What is Alcantara in Galaxy S8 Alcantara Cover for Galaxy S8 and S8+?

Alcantara actually refers to 3 related and different entities:

1. Alcantara is a proprietary synthetic composite material.
2. Alcantara is the trademark of this material.
3. Alcantara is the company manufacturing this material and owning the trademark. The full name of the company is Alcantara S.p.A.

For Galaxy S8 Alcantara cover, we are interested in the “material” of Alcantara.

Alcantara was developed by a Japanese scientist in early 1970s.  The recipe is still a secret and only Alcantara S.p.A. produces and distributes the material.

Alcantara emulates the organic material of suede, but offers greater stain and abrasion resistance than suede.

Instead of offering one “material”,  Alcantara can be easily customized in color, thickness,  technical properties (e.g., water repellence, fire retardancy and breathability), and surface finishing  (e.g., printing, embossing, embroidery and electro-welding).

In short, Alcantara feels like suede with even better abrasion resistance and durability, and more customization options.

In many high-end cars, Alcantara were used in spots which were susceptible to stains.  You can also find Alcantara in yachts, airplanes, furnitures, consumer electronics (e.g., Sennheiser’s Momentum On-Ear headphone and Surface Pro Signature Type Cover) and  accessories.

Advantages of Galaxy S8 Alcantara Cover for Galaxy S8 and S8+

Compared to other back covers for Galaxy S8 and S8+, Galaxy S8 Alcantara … Read the rest

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You can use Android Nougat native call blocking feature, and Samsung smart call to block unwanted calls and SMS.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide shows you how to use these two methods to block spammers and unwanted callers in Galaxy S8 and S8+, and explains why you should enable both of them.

What are the two ways to block spammers and unwanted callers in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

In Galaxy S8 and S8+, there are two different ways to block spammers and unwanted callers.

1. use Android Nougat native call blocking feature.
2. use Samsung smart call

The first method requires you to build up your own block list.

The second method uses Samsung’s database (and some third-party databases in some regions) to identify possible spammers and fraud callers.

It is recommend to enable both methods to block spammers and unwanted callers in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Both methods work on all SIM cards if you are using two SIM cards in Galaxy S8 and S8+. You cannot set such blocking for individual SIM card. In other words, this feature works at the phone level.

Use Android Nougat call blocking feature to block spammers and unwanted calls in Galaxy S8 and S8+

As explained in this page, Android Nougat introduced call blocking feature natively. You can use this feature to block calls and messages from spammers and unwanted contacts.

In the past, you have to rely on third-party apps or customization of Android manufacturers to block calls and text messages.

In Galaxy S8 and S8+, you can use this Android Nougat call blocking feature to block spammers and unwanted calls and messages.

To use Android Nougat call blocking feature, you may … Read the rest

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You can also use Galaxy S8 iris scanner for secure folder, Samsung account, Samsung pay and Samsung pass.

This Galaxy S8 new features guide explains you the biometric data security in Galaxy S8 and S8+, how Galaxy S8 iris scanner works, how to set up iris scanner and use it in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

What is Galaxy S8 iris scanner?

Samsung first introduced iris scanner in the defunct Galaxy Note 7.

But due to the recall, many Galaxy Note 7 owners even did not find time to try the nerdy feature. So,  Galaxy S8 iris scanner is still a new feature for many owners..

You can use Galaxy S8 iris scanner for some tasks in Galaxy S8 and S8+. For example:

• Unlock Galaxy S8 and S8+. Because of the awkward location of fingerprint reader in Galaxy S8 and S8+, the usage of Galaxy S8 iris scanner will increase significantly.
• Unlock secure folder. Secure folder, which is based on Samsung KNOX, allows you to keep a secret copy of files and apps. You can unlock it with iris scanner.
• Authenticate for Samsung account.
• Authenticate for Samsung Pay.
• Authenticate for Samsung pass.

In Galaxy S8 layout and Galaxy S8+ layout, you can find the iris scanner camera next to the front facing camera.

There is also a LED for this camera in the left side next to the normal LED indicator. When Galaxy S8 iris scanner is scanning, the LED will turn red.

Are my irises data secured when using Galaxy S8 iris scanner?

Biometric data cannot not be reset!

If your password is stolen, you can reset it. But if your … Read the rest

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When you have the moisture problem in Galaxy S8 or S8+, you cannot charge the phone through USB cable.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide explains the causes of Galaxy S8 moisture problem and shows you the solution for such a moisture problem in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Moisture problem message appears on many other Samsung phones. So, this guide also applies to the moisture problem on Galaxy S9, S9+, Note 8 and Note 9, and many other Samsung phones.

What is Galaxy S8 moisture problem? Isn’t Galaxy S8 waterproofed?

If you Galaxy S8 or S8+ was in contact with water, the USB port (multipurpose USB Type C port) in the bottom (see Galaxy S8 and S8+ layout) may be wetted.

Samsung equipped Galaxy S8 and S8+ with a humidity/moisture sensor to detect moisture buildup in the charging port.

Once the sensor detects the moisture is higher than a preset level,  it will believe you get the Galaxy S8 moisture problem.

When you try to connect this Galaxy S8 or S8+ with moisture problem to the charger, the phone will refuse to charge the battery, and you will get a warning as shown below:

Check port

Moisture has been detected. To charge your device, make sure your charger/USB port is dry.

Preventing Galaxy S8 or S8+ from charging when moisture is detected in the USB port is a preventative measure to prevent more corrosion.

It is also a security measure.

Please note, Galaxy S8 moisture problem has nothing to do with waterproofing feature in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

The USB port is not sealed in Galaxy S8 and S8+. It is safe even if the USB port is immersed in water … Read the rest

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To use this new feature, Samsung added a small dot in Galaxy S8 navigation bar for you to turn on and turn off navigation bar in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

For other customization for Galaxy S8 navigation bar, for example, customize the background color of the navigation bar and navigation button layout, please check this guide.

What is the dot in Galaxy S8 navigation bar?

After you updated your Galaxy S8 and S8+, you may notice there is a dot in Galaxy S8 navigation bar as shown below.

The dot corresponds to a new feature that allows you to turn off (hide) or turn on (show) the Galaxy S8 navigation bar in any apps except home screen and apps screen.

The official name of this dot is show and hide button.

Since Android KitKat (Android 4.4),  developers are able to enable immersive full screen mode to hide navigation bar when using the specific app.  But most app developers haven’t used this feature in their apps.

Now,  Samsung allows Galaxy S8 and S8+ user to hide or show navigation bar in Galaxy S8 and S8+ without relying on individual app developers.

You can tap the dot in the left side of the navigation bar to hide the navigation bar in Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+.

How to turn on or turn off the show and hide button (dot) in Galaxy S8 navigation bar?

You can turn on and turn off the show and hide button based on your needs and habits.

As shown above, you can go to Settings —Display —Navigation bar to find the option for the … Read the rest

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This Galaxy S8 guide explains the limitations of using two SIM cards in Galaxy S8 and S8+, how to use and customize dual SIM card settings, how to enable dual SIM always on to avoid missing calls.

When you can use two SIM cards in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

In many international markets, Samsung released dual SIM version of Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

For these dual SIM Galaxy S8 and S8+, you can use up to 2 SIM cards. Of course, they are dual standby only, not dual active because there is one modem shared by two SIM cards.

You can use two SIM cards only in dual SIM version of Galaxy S8 and S8+.

As explained in the Galaxy S8 SIM card guide, the SIM card tray for single SIM and dual SIM version of S8 and S8+ is different.

But the difference is not only in the SIM card slot. The firmware (software) is also different.

In addition, the metal contact part inside the phone is also different in dual SIM version and single SIM version of Galaxy S8 and S8+.

So, there is no easy way to convert single SIM version of Galaxy S8 or S8+ to dual SIM version. Don’t waste time and money on this.

What are the limitations of using two SIM cards in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

As dual SIM version of Galaxy S8 or S8+ is dual standby only. In theory, two SIM cards are both active only when the phone is in standby.

This means you can receive and … Read the rest

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This guide explains the meaning of Galaxy S8 status icons and notification icons in Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+.

What are Galaxy S8 status icons and notification icons?

As explained in Galaxy S8 Home screen, the top part of the phone screen is called status bar as shown below.

Of course, the status bar is in all screens (home screen, lock screen and apps screen) and in all apps. Even in full-screen mode, you can swipe down to bring back the status bar.

Anyway, Android does not allow you to disable status bar. You can only temporally hide it.

In the status bar,  in addition to the time in the rightmost, you can find icons grouped in the left and right side of the status bar.

Normally, icons on the right side are called status icon which indicating status of system related features, like battery and network.

Icons on the left side are usually named as notification icons, which are usually (not always) associated with a notification message.

Third-party app notification icons will always appear on the left side.

Meaning of Galaxy S8 status icons and notification icons in Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+

To use Galaxy S8 or S8+ effectively, you need to understand the meaning of Galaxy S8 status icons and notification icons, because they offer quick info on what’s going on in the hone.

In this guide, we group status icons and notification icons into 6 parts.

Part 1: Mobile network related status icons in Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+

You can use Galaxy S8 or S8+ without a SIM card. You can use most of the apps with WiFi connections. But this means … Read the rest

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This guide explains the new features in Galaxy S8 camera effects and shows you how to access, download, install, and manage Galaxy S8 camera effects and Galaxy S8 camera decorations in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Please note that stickers were relocated to Photo Editor (inside Gallery app) in the Android 10 update.

What are Galaxy S8 camera effects and camera decorations (stamps and stickers)?

Galaxy S8 and S8+ did not improve much in camera hardware, as explained on the Galaxy S8 specs page.

Instead, Samsung put most of its efforts into the software.

One of the most prominent new features in Galaxy S8 camera app is the new Galaxy S8 camera decorations, which allow you to add masks, stamps and stickers to the photos directly when they are taken.

Galaxy S8 camera effects, aka Galaxy S8 camera filters, are some software processing algorithms that alter photos in some special ways with special effects.

In some cases, Galaxy S8 camera effects can also mimic physic optical filters for cameras.

Galaxy S8 camera decorations are sets of stamps, stickers, and masks that can be added to photos automatically when they are taken.

Of course, both Galaxy S8 camera effects and Galaxy S8 camera decorations can be achieved with some photo editing apps.  For example, Adobe Photoshop on a PC or Snapseed on a phone can give you an edited photo with similar effects and results.

The advantage of using Galaxy S8 camera effects and camera decorations is that you get it when you take the photo, and you can share it immediately.

Most Galaxy S8 and S8+ owners simply do not want to spend time editing photos.

How to access Galaxy S8

… Read the rest

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This Galaxy S8 camera guide also shows you how to add Galaxy S8 camera modes to Home screen so that you can access them directly.

What are Galaxy S8 camera modes? Why you may need them?

By default, when you use Galaxy S8 camera app, you are in Auto mode (for rear camera) or Selfie mode (for front camera).

The default Galaxy S8 camera modes are usually good enough for most scenarios.

But sometimes, you may want to take photos for some special objects, e.g., fast moving objects in sports activities, or take photos with special features, e.g., panorama photo.

In these scenarios, you may have to use some special Galaxy S8 camera modes to get desired photos.

Galaxy S8 camera modes usually are some pre-defined camera settings for special occasions or for special objects.  They will help you get perfect pictures if used properly.

In addition, Galaxy S8 and S8+ also include a Pro mode which gives you very detailed control and allows you to save photos as RAW format for further adjustment.

How to access Galaxy S8 camera modes in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

As explained in this guide, there is no button for Galaxy S8 camera modes.

You have to access these camera modes in Galaxy S8 and S8+ with a touch screen gesture.

First, open camera app with any of the following methods:

• Tap Camera icon in Galaxy S8 Home screen; or
• Tap Camera icon in Galaxy S8 Apps screen; or
• Tap Camera icon in Galaxy S8 lock screen; or
• Use Galaxy S8 camera quick launch by pressing power button twice and

… Read the rest

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You can also take 3 photos automatically, instead of 1, in a row when camera timer reaches 0.

This Galaxy S8 camera guide shows you how to enable, set up and use Galaxy S8 camera timer in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

What is Galaxy S8 camera timer in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

Galaxy S8 camera timer, aka, camera delay timer, functions just like self timer in normal cameras.

It allows you to take photos automatically with Galaxy S8 or S8+ a few seconds (you set it) after you press the shutter button or the floating camera button.

Within these a few seconds, you can prepare yourself for the photo.

You may want to use Galaxy S8 camera timer:

• when you want to include yourself in a group photo, but your arm is not long enough to cover all heads.
• when you want to take a selfie without revealing that it is taken by yourself.

Please note, when Galaxy S8 camera timer is activated, you cannot use the burst mode in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

In addition, a few Galaxy S8 camera modes do not work with Galaxy S8 camera timer (read on)

How to enable and set Galaxy S8 camera timer in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

In previous generations of Galaxy phones, camera timer usually can be accessed as a quick settings icon in the camera preview screen.

But this changed in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Galaxy S8 camera timer can only be enabled/disabled in camera settings.

To enable and set Galaxy S8 camera timer in Galaxy S8 and S8+, you may follow these steps.

Step 1: Start camera … Read the rest

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This Galaxy S8 camera guide explains to you when you need to use use Galaxy S8 camera settings, and the meanings of all entries in Galaxy S8 camera settings.

Why you need to understand Galaxy S8 camera settings?

Most of the time, you may find the default Galaxy S8 camera settings are sufficient. You can just use Auto mode with rear camera or selfie mode with front camera to capture desired photos.

You can also apply Galaxy S8 camera effects to any photos without accessing Galaxy S8 camera settings in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

But sooner or later, you will find you have to change some settings for the camera app in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

For example, when taking selfies, you may want to avoid the mirrored photo, and want to get the photo as previewed..

Or, you may want to use the timer for Galaxy S8 camera.

Or, you may want to use the floating camera button to take photos with Galaxy S8 camera app.

Or, you may want to enable Galaxy S8 camera quick launch to start camera app from any screen by pressing power button twice quickly.

Or, you may just want to change the photos size or photo aspect ratio.

Or,…

For any of these, you need to access and use Galaxy S8 camera settings.

In Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung moved some options from camera app interface to camera settings. For example, in previous Galaxy phones timer and photo size can be accessed from the camera interface instantly. But in S8, they can only be accessed in Galaxy S8 camera settings.

Actually, Samsung started this change in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S6.

How to access Galaxy S8

… Read the rest

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This guide shows you how to hide Galaxy S8 apps screen and how to search apps after you hide apps screen in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Why you may want to hide apps screen in Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+?

In Android phones, there is an apps screen, aka app drawer,  which lists all apps installed on the phone.

While home screen lists any of the installed apps, and holds some widgets.

So, apps screen and home screen in Android phones serve different purposes.

But due to the popularity of iPhone, which does not have separate apps screen and home screen, more and more Android vendors try to mimic the look of iPhone.

Samsung introduced a new feature allowing users to hide apps screen in Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

Now, in Galaxy S8, Samsung again allows you to hide apps screen in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

By hiding apps screen in Galaxy S8 and S8+, you can:

• get a simple interface. Many new Android users have difficulties in understanding the difference between apps screen and home screen. Especially for owners who seldom use widgets, they did not see the necessity of an apps screen at all.
• show all apps in Galaxy S8 Home screen without adding them manually.  In Google Play store, you can configure it in such a way that all newly installed apps are added to home screen automatically.  But by default, some of the pre-installed apps were not added to Galaxy S8 Home screen. Also, if you install apps from third-party app store, e.g., Amazon Appstore for Android, apps will not be added to home screen automatically.
• find

… Read the rest

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Galaxy S8 always on display also allows you to customize the clock style, use your own photos in AOD screen, use edge clock, or schedule AOD screen.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide shows you how to use and customize Galaxy S8 always-on display (AOD) in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Update 1: New Galaxy S8 always-on display settings for clear view cover section was added.

What is Galaxy S8 always-on display (AOD)?

In most Android phones, when screen times out, the display will be turned off to save battery.

But sometimes, you may want to see a screen with a clock or other info when the phone is seat on your desk next to you.

Galaxy S8 always-on display (AOD) can serve you on this.

Actually, Samsung first introduced always-on display (AOD) in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

Galaxy S8 always-on display (AOD) is a special lock screen that can be turned on all the time or turned on based on your schedule.

With always-on display in Galaxy S8 and S8+, you can show some relevant info in the screen without waking up the phone.

You may wonder whether using AOD drains Galaxy S8 battery significantly.

The answer is Galaxy S8 always-on display (AOD) does drain battery, but not significantly due to the Super AMOLED display used in Galaxy S8 and S8+.  Super AMOLED is very power efficient especially when displaying black colors.

The additional battery drain of Galaxy S8 always-on display should be less than 0.5% per hour.

For example, if you leave always-on display on overnight, it may drain additional about 4-5% battery.

Without AOD, Galaxy S8 0r S8+ normally drains about 2%-5% … Read the rest

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This guide explains to your components of Galaxy S8 lock screen in Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, and how to use them.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide also shows you how to customize Galaxy S8 lock screen: customize notifications in lock screen, customize information and FaceWidgets and customize app shortcuts in the lock screen of Galaxy S8 and S8+.

What are the components of Galaxy S8 lock screen?

Galaxy S8 lock screen is an integral part of Galaxy S8 and S8+. You cannot avoid it.

As shown below, there are several common components in Galaxy S8 lock screen (the numbers match the those in the screenshot).

0. Status bar

Status bar is in all screens of Galaxy S8 and S8+, not just lock screen.

In Galaxy S8 lock screen, you can swipe down from status bar to access quick setting buttons and notifications.

Please note, when the screen is locked, some quick settings buttons will not function before you unlock Galaxy S8 or S8+.

For example, if you tap the WiFi button from lock screen, it will ask you to unlock Galaxy S8 or S8+ first.

This is a security consideration, not a bug.

Other quick setting buttons should work without unlocking the phone.

For example, you can turn on and off always-on display or blue-light filter without unlocking Galaxy S8 or S8+ because accessing such features does not impose any security risks.

1. Clock  and faceWidgets

By default, the clock is displayed in this area when music is not playing in background.

When you are roaming, a local clock will be shown here side by side.

You can swipe right or left to access other FaceWidgets.

When music is playing in the … Read the rest

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As Galaxy S8 and S8+ removed the physical Home button, you now have to use power button for Galaxy S8 camera quick launch.

This Galaxy S8 camera guide shows you how to enable, disable and use Galaxy S8 camera quick launch.

What is Galaxy S8 camera quick launch?

There is no physical button for camera app in Galaxy S8 and S8+, as in many other Android phones.

The new physical button below volume rockers in Galaxy S8 and S8+ is for Samsung Bixby, not camera app.

But Samsung does offer a quick way for you to launcher camera app.

In Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, you can press Home button twice consecutively to launch camera app in Galaxy S7 or S7 edge as explained in this guide.

Now, Samsung replaced the physical Home button with software buttons in Galaxy S8 and S8+ as explained in this post.

So, power button was assigned for Galaxy S8 camera quick launch: press the power button twice quickly to launch camera app.

You can use Galaxy S8 camera quick launch to fire camera app at any time and from any screen.

You can start camera app almost instantly even when the screen is turned off and locked.

Please note, you can use camera app without unlocking the Galaxy S8 or S8+ (e.g., in lock screen), but you cannot access any photos taken or saved on the phone before the screen is locked.  This is a security measure to protect your private data in case your phone is lost or stolen.

Remember, you need to press the power button twice quickly. If you press power button too slow, you may … Read the rest

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This Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover guide explains the unique features of the cover, how to use this cover, how to customize LED icons for individual contacts and apps, and the advantages and disadvantages of this cover, to help you decide whether this case (cover) is right for you.

Please note, Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover for S8 and S8+ are different in size.  The features of the two covers are identical although in this guide Galaxy S8 is used.

So you need to make sure you get the correct one (for S8 pr for S8+) when you order a Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover.

Unique features of Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover?

Samsung Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover is more than a smartphone cover.

There is an interior pocket that can store cards.  On the outside,  Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover can show your notifications with special LED icons.

Compared to other Galaxy S8 covers or cases, Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover offers some unique features including:

• Notifying incoming calls, messages, time, battery charging, low battery alert, music playing.
• Storing your cards.
• Answering or rejecting calls by swiping on the cover without opening the cover.
• Turning off alarms with a swipe on the cover without opening the cover.
• Designating special LED icon for individual contacts so that you know who is calling you without opening the cover.
• Designating special LED icon for individual apps so that you can know which app is sending notifications.
• Creating your own LED icons with the LED icon editor.
• Waking up Galaxy S8 screen when you opening the

… Read the rest

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Some Galaxy S8 home screen customization options are only available in this special mode. For example, you have to use Galaxy S8 Home screen edit mode if you want to add more pages (panels) for Galaxy S8 Home screen.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide explains what you can do with Galaxy S8 Home screen edit mode, and how to enter and use this special mode to customize Galaxy S8 Home screen in S8 and S8+.

What is Galaxy S8 Home screen edit mode?

By default, you can start apps from Galaxy S8 Home screen, which is usually a start point for using Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Sometimes you may want to customize the home screen in Galaxy S8 or S8+ to meet your needs.  Some settings and customization can be accessed in phone Settings app.

But most customization options for Galaxy S8 Home screen cannot be found in the phone settings.

Instead, you can edit Galaxy S8 Home screen directly in edit mode.

In short, Galaxy S8 Home screen edit mode (aka editing mode, or editing Galaxy S8 Home screen)  is a special mode for Galaxy S8 Home screen. In this editing mode, you can directly edit or customize the home screen for Galaxy S8 or S8+.

Editing home screen or home screen editing mode is a native part of Android phones. But different Android phone manufactures implemented it differently. The common features of all Android phones in the edit mode usually include setting wallpapers, and adding widgets to home screen.

How to enter Galaxy S8 Home screen edit mode?

You can enter Galaxy S8 Home screen edit mode (editing mode) with two different touchscreen gestures in … Read the rest

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App folders in Galaxy S8 Home screen also help you reduce the number of home screen pages (panels) so that you can scroll through Galaxy S8 Home screen panels faster.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide shows you how to create (3 different methods) , use, delete and manage app folders in Galaxy S8 Home screen for your Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

What are app folders in Galaxy S8 Home screen?

As explained in this page, app folder is one of the most frequently used components in the home screen of Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

Basically, an app folder is a placeholder for multiple app icons in Galaxy S8 Home screen.

Without app folders in Galaxy S8 Home screen, each app icon will occupy one spot. Now, you can put several apps with similar functions or from same developer into an app folder.

This will help you increase your productivity in Galaxy S8 and S8+:

• App folders will reduce the number of Home screen pages (panels) needed in Galaxy S8 and S8+. You can then cycle through home screen panels faster.
• App folders can group apps so that you can find individual apps quickly.
• You can remove all apps inside the app folder from Galaxy S8 Home screen by deleting the app folder, instead of selecting them individually.
• You can clear number badges of all apps inside an app folder with one tap.

Please note, app folders in Galaxy S8 and S8+ do not support nested app folders. In other words, you cannot add an app folder to another app folder.

This is similar to other Android devices.

But, the implementation … Read the rest

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This Galaxy S8 how-to guide will explain to you what is the context menu in Galaxy S8 home screen and the difference between this context menu and app shortcuts in Nougat 7.1.

We will also show you how to use the context menu in Galaxy S8 Home screen to manage apps and app folders in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

What’s context menu in Galaxy S8 home screen?

In Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung revamped their infamous TouchWiz launcher again.

One of the noteworthy new features in the launcher is the context menu in the home screen of Galaxy S8 and S8+.

As shown below, when you tap and hold (long tap) an app icon in Galaxy S8 Home screen, you will get the context menu somewhat related to that app.

If you tap and hold an app folder, you will get a different context menu as shown below.

Of course, you can ignore context menu, and drag the app icon or app folder to other locations or other home screen panels as you did in previous Galaxy phones.

What’s the difference between context menu on the home screen of Galaxy S8 and S8+ and App shortcuts in Android Nougat 7.1?

As mentioned, Android Nougat 7.1 introduced app shortcuts, which allows app developers to define shortcuts to specific actions for their apps in supported launchers.

App shortcuts in Android Nougat 7.1 make it possible for users to quickly start common or recommended tasks within the specific app.

For example, as shown below, in Android Nougat 7.1 device, if you tap and hold Google Keep … Read the rest

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This Galaxy S8 how-to  guide explains to you the new features of Galaxy S8 Home screen and the meaning of all items in Galaxy S8 Home screen.

What is Galaxy S8 Home screen?

All Android phones have a home screen, which is usually the default screen after the phone is unlocked.

In addition, all Android phones have a hardware or a software home button which will bring you to the “home” of the home screen if there are more than one home screen page.

Galaxy S8 or S8+ is not an exception.

But in Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung ditched the hardware Home button and used software based navigation buttons as explained in this guide.

Although you can customize the navigation buttons and navigation bar in Galaxy S8 or S8+,  the Home button (as shown in Galaxy S8 layout and S8+ layout) is always in the center (between Recents and Back buttons).

Another new feature in Galaxy S8 and S8+ is the quick switch between Galaxy S8 Home screen and Galaxy S8 Apps screen (aka app drawer).

As explained in this guide, you can quickly switch between Galaxy S8 Home screen and Apps screen by swiping upwards or downwards.

Although Galaxy S8 or S8 was shipped with Android Nougat 7.0, not Android 7.1, Samsung introduced the context menu in Galaxy S8 Home screen. The context menu is similar, and even more powerful than app shortcuts introduced in Android Nougat 7.1.

Components of Galaxy S8 Home screen

To use Galaxy S8 or S8+, you need to understand the meaning and usage of each … Read the rest

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The floating camera button offers an alternative location on the screen for you to tap to take photos.

This Galaxy S8 camera guide shows you how to enable the floating camera button in Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, and how to move it around in the screen to relocate the Galaxy S8 floating camera button.

What is the Galaxy S8 floating camera button? and why you may need it?

Occasionally, you may find it is not convenient to reach the camera shutter button to take a photo.

You may want a hardware button or relocate the camera button to other locations in the screen.

Galaxy S8 or S8+, like other smartphones, does not offer a hardware camera button. The hardware button below volume key is for Samsung Bixby, not for camera.

But Samsung  did offer a new floating camera button, which can be placed anywhere in Galaxy S8 camera app interface, to help you in this situation.

The Galaxy S8 floating camera button is just a duplicate of the camera button with identical size and color as the camera shutter button.

You may want to use Galaxy S8 floating camera button when your fingers have some difficulties to reach the camera button.

How to enable Galaxy S8 floating camera button?

By default, Galaxy S8 floating camera button is NOT enabled in any Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

You need to enable it if you want to use the floating camera button in Galaxy S8 or S8+.

To enable Galaxy S8 floating camera button, you can tap settings icon in Galaxy S8 camera preview screen as shown below to access Galaxy S8 … Read the rest

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Update 1: Galaxy S8 clear view standing cover  is now fully compatible with always-on display following the always-on display update on June 1, 2017. You can enable always-on display for the Galaxy S8 clear view cover.

Galaxy S8 clear view standing cover is an updated version of Samsung’s clear view cover series. In some regions it is also referred to as S View flip cover.

This Galaxy S8 accessories guide explains you the main features of Galaxy S8 clear view standing cover and how to use them. We also explain to you the advantages and disadvantages of Galaxy S8 clear view cover.

Although Galaxy S8 is used in the guide, Galaxy S8+ has an equal Galaxy S8+ clear view standing cover with identical features, but with different size.

When ordering a cover, you need to make it clear it is for Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+. They are not interchangeable due to different sizes of Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Main features of Galaxy S8 clear view standing cover

Galaxy S8 clear view standing cover is a flip cover, which covers both front screen and back panel (also glass) of Galaxy S8 or S8+.

The key features of Galaxy S8 clear view cover include:

• Front of Galaxy S8 clear view standing cover is translucent.
• You can view the time, battery life, notification counts, incoming calls and messages without opening your case.
• You can respond to incoming calls, alarms and events when the cover is closed.
• Built-in kickstand. You can easily watching videos when your hands are busy.
• You can use it as a spare mirror when screen is off (not serious, but not joking).
• Galaxy S8 clear view cover automatically recommends Galaxy S8 themes matching the color of the phone and the cover.

Compared to clear … Read the rest

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This Galaxy S8 how-to guide explains to you the 7 Galaxy S8 touchscreen gestures and when you need to use them.

Galaxy S8 touchscreen gestures are similar to other Android phones. So, this guide applies to not only other Samsung phones, but also other Android phones.

What are the 7 Galaxy S8 touchscreen gestures?

Although Samsung Bixby and Google Assistant offer some alternative ways to control and access Galaxy S8 and S8+, most owners prefer touchscreen gestures.

Once you get used to Galaxy S8 touchscreen gestures, you will find these gestures are the most efficient way to control and use the phone.

Like other Android phones, there are 7 Galaxy S8 touchscreen gestures:

• Tapping
• Long tapping (tapping and holding)
• Dragging
• Double tapping
• Swiping
• Spreading
• Pinching

Please note, although touchscreen gestures are more or less universal in all Android phones, the functions of the same gesture in different apps and different phones can be different. Some apps and some phones may offer additional features to a touchscreen gesture.

Tapping

When you tap the touchscreen (as shown below), Galaxy S8  will respond to the touchscreen gestures depending on the items being tapped, for example:

• when you tap the navigation buttons, you will be directed to different destination: previous screen or exit the app (Back button), recent apps screen (Recents button), or Galaxy S8 home screen (Home button).
• when you tap an app icon in Galaxy S8 home screen or apps screen, the app will be started.
• when you tap a menu item inside an app, you will access the corresponding item inside the app.
• when

… Read the rest

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This guide explains to you what data can be transferred, what data cannot be transferred, and how to transfer  data from old device to Galaxy S8 and S8+ in different ways: with USB cable, through wireless connection (WiFi direct), through a PC, or through Samsung cloud.

What data can be transferred? What data cannot be transferred?

Before migrating to Galaxy S8 or S8+, it is important to know what can be transferred, and what cannot.

In this guide, we are going to use Samsung Smart Switch, which was pre-installed in Galaxy S8 and S8+, to migrate or transfer data from old device to Galaxy S8 or S8+.

Your old device was very likely pre-installed with Smart Switch if it is newer than Galaxy S6 (for example, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy 6 edge plus, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S7,  Galaxy S7 edge, and many other Galaxy devices released in last 2 years).

If your device is older, or is other brands, you can install SmartSwitch app from Play store. The minimum requirement for Smart Switch app is Android 4.0, which is actually hard to find.

Basically, you can transfer almost everything from old device to Galaxy S8 and S8+.

The data can be transferred from old device to Galaxy S8 and S8+ include:

• Contacts;
• Messages;
• Samsung Calendar (S Planner) events;
• Memos;
• Call logs;
• Alarms and world clock settings (if you are using Samsung clock app);
• Internet (browser) app settings (only for Samsung’s browser app);
• Email account settings (only for Samsung Email app);
• S Health (Samsung Health) settings;
• Apps. Apps from all sources including Play store, Amazon appstore, Galaxy Apps,  can be transferred.
• App data of most

… Read the rest

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Please note, in different regions, the package contents in Galaxy S8 box may be slightly different.

For Galaxy S8 and S8+, the package contents are identical except the phone.

In this guide, although we often just refer to Galaxy S8, everything also applies to Galaxy S8+.

What are the package contents in Galaxy S8 box?

As shown in the picture below, in a Galaxy S8 box you can find at least 8 items, including:

1. the phone, which is the top deck.
2. USB type-C cable;
3. adaptive fast wall charger;
4. USB connector;
5. micro USB connector;
6. ejection pin;
7. AKG earphone; and
8. additional earphone gel tips.

Of course, there are some get-started leaflets and safety manual not shown in the picture below.

Usage of package contents in Galaxy S8 box

In addition to the Galaxy S8 phone (or Galaxy S8+ phone), all of the accessories in the Galaxy S8 box can help you in some special ways.

USB type-C cable

You need to use the USB type-C cable to charge Galaxy S8 battery unless you use wireless charging.

USB cable can also be used to connect to your PC or other devices to transfer data.

Please note, Galaxy S8 and S8+ use USB type-C port. The USB cable in the package is a USB type-C cable (normal Type-A to Type-C). You should never insert your old micro USB cable directly into Galaxy S8 or S8.

The USB Type-C connector is symmetric.  You can insert the cable into the phone in either orientation.

Wall charger

The included wall charger in Galaxy S8 box is an adaptive fast charger.

You can … Read the rest

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Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ use a non-removable battery, which can only be replaced at Samsung service center.  It is impossible to carry a spare battery for Galaxy S8 or S8+.

So, it is important to charge Galaxy S8 battery properly to let the battery serve you at least one to two years.

What chargers can be used to charge Galaxy S8 battery?

In your Galaxy S8 (or S8+) box,  you can find the adaptive wall charger (and the USB cable).

Of course, you can use other chargers to charge Galaxy S8 battery.

Namely, you can use any of the 4 types of chargers to charge the battery in Galaxy S8 and S8+:

• adaptive wall charger (fast charger) included in the Galaxy S8 box;
• standard USB wall charger;
• wireless charging pad; or
• fast charging wireless charging pad.

Adaptive wall charger (fast charger)

The bundled wall charger in the box is an adaptive charger, which can adjust its output based on feedback from the phone.

In other words, the adaptive wall charger will automatically adjust the charging power to offer fast charging.

For Galaxy S8 and S8+, the adaptive wall charger can charge Galaxy S8 battery at 9v 1.67A when the battery level is lower than about 60%.

When battery level is higher than about 60%, the wall charger will automatically switch charging voltage to 5V and charging current  up to 2A.

So, … Read the rest

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The interface of Galaxy S8 camera app interface looks similar to that in Galaxy S7 with Android Nougat update.

This Galaxy S8 camera guide will explain to you how to use Galaxy S8 camera app, and how to use touchscreen gestures in Galaxy S8 camera app in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Galaxy S8 camera app preview screen

When you launch Galaxy S8 camera app in Galaxy S8 or S8+, you will first get the Galaxy S8 camera preview screen as shown below.

Please note, you can use Galaxy S8 camera quick launch to get this interface directly without tapping the camera app icon.

Galaxy S8 camera preview screen is the centralized interface for using the camera in Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

1.  Shutter button

Tap the shutter button (marked as 1 in the screenshot below) to take a picture.

Please note, in Galaxy S8 camera, you can also enable a floating shutter button in addition to this fixed button.

You can also slide (right and left)  the shutter button to zoom in and out.

2. Video recording button

You can start to record a video by tapping the video recording button (marked as 2 in the screenshot below)

Once the recording starts, you can pause or stop.

You can also take photos when recording.

3. Gallery shortcut button

You can access Gallery app directly by tapping this Gallery app shortcut button (marked as 3 in the screenshot below).

By default, the thumbnail of the latest photo will be shown in the preview screen.

4. Animated filters button

Galaxy S8 camera app allows you to choose from 34 stickers and 50 stamps for your … Read the rest

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Then you may wonder how to enter Galaxy S8 recovery mode in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

In Galaxy S8 and S8+,  you need to use Bixby button +Volume up button + Power button to reboot  into Galaxy S8 recovery mode.

Why you need to enter Galaxy S8 recovery mode in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

All Android phones should have a special mode called recovery mode, which allows you to perform device maintenance.

You may need to enter Galaxy S8 recovery mode when:

• you want to clear cache partition.
• you want to install updates from SD card.
• you want to install update with ADB.
• you want to reset Galaxy S8 0r S8+.
• you want to reboot the phone into Galaxy S8 download mode (boot loader).
• you want to check recovery logs.
• you want to mount /system partition.
• you want to run graphics test.

Although most Galaxy S8 owners and Galaxy S8+ owners never use the Galaxy S8 recovery mode, you may need to use it one day.

For example, after applying Android a major update to Galaxy S8 or S8+, you may find the phone behaves oddly.  In this case, you may just reboot the phone into Galaxy S8 recovery mode and clear the cache partition. It should solve most of the update related problems without resetting Galaxy S8 or S8+.

How to enter Galaxy S8 recovery mode in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

Each Android phone manufactures may use different ways to enter recovery mode.

Traditionally, Samsung used Power button+ Home button + Volume up button to reboot Galaxy devices into recovery mode.… Read the rest

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But do you know how to power off Galaxy S8 and S8+ if your Galaxy S8 or S8+ hangs and does not respond to power button?

This guide will show you how to power on, power off and reboot Galaxy S8 and S8 at any situations, including when the phone hangs (power button is not responsive).

Use power button to power on Galaxy S8, power off Galaxy S8, and to reboot Galaxy S8 and S8+

When Galaxy S8 or S8+ is powered off, you can always press and hold power button for a few seconds to power on (turn on) the phone as shown below.

Please note, Galaxy S8 (and S8+) power button is located in the right side of the phone as explained in Galaxy S8 layout and Galaxy S8+ layout page.

Some owners may press the Bixby button, which is located in the left side of Galaxy S8 and S8+ and below volume buttons,  mistakenly for power button.

When the phone is powered on, if you press and hold power button for more than 7 seconds, you will then reboot Galaxy S8 and S8+.  This is considered as forced reboot.

If you press and hold the power button for 2-4 seconds, you will get the Galaxy S8 power button options:

• Power off. Tap this button (marked as 1 in the screenshot below) to power off Galaxy S8 and S8+.
• Restart. Tap this button (marked as 2 in the screenshot below) to reboot Galaxy S8 or S8+. This essentially is powering off Galaxy S8, then powering it on.
• Use emergence mode.

Using power button options is the safest way to reboot Galaxy S8 or … Read the rest

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This is actually a new feature in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

This Galaxy S8 guide first shows you how to use Galaxy S8 apps screen with gesture. Then the guide explains to you how to show apps button and how to hide apps screen button in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

How to use gestures to access Galaxy S8 apps screen?

When you get you Samsung Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+, you will find there is no apps screen button (app drawer button).

Then you may wonder how to access Galaxy S8 apps screen (apps drawer).

The quick answer is that you can use touchscreen gestures to access Galaxy S8 apps screen directly in home screen of Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Of course, the apps screen button is just hidden. You can enable the setting to show apps button (read on).

The gestures you can use to access Galaxy S8 apps screen include is just a swipe.

Swipe upwards from bottom part of the home screen as shown below.

This will bring up the apps screen (app drawer) in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Once in apps screen of Galaxy S8 or S8+, you can swipe left and right to scroll apps screen panels as you did in previous Galaxy phones.

If you swipe up again in the apps screen, you will be brought back to home screen.

In other words, the swipe up gesture will cycle you through Home screen –> Apps screen –> Home screen –> Apps screen—>.

Another way to return to Home screen is to press Home button or Back button.

How to show and

… Read the rest

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All these 3 methods work on all models of Galaxy S8 and S8+.

And of course, it is NOT necessary to install any apps.

Use physical buttons to take screenshot on Galaxy S8 and S8+?

Samsung ditched the physical Home button in Galaxy S8 and S8+, and switched to on-screen navigation buttons as explained in new features of Galaxy S8 and S8+.

You can even change the location of the Recents and Back buttons.

But missing physical Home button means the old method of using Home button and Power button to take screenshot will not work on Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Now, Samsung gives you a new button combination to take screenshot on Galaxy S8 and S8+:  Volume down button and  Power button.

You may check Galaxy S8 layout page if you are not familiar with the location of these buttons.

So, to take a screenshot on Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+, you just need to hold down both the  Volume down button and  Power button simultaneously as shown below.

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This method actually is from stock Android. Most other Android vendors already implemented this method in their Android devices.

In the past, because of the physical Home button, Samsung did not implement this method for taking screenshots in Galaxy phones.

Use palm swipe to take screenshot on Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+

The second method to take screenshot on Galaxy S8 and S8+ (and all other Samsung Galaxy devices as well) is to use the side of your palm to swipe across the screen as shown below.

You may need to enable this feature … Read the rest

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This guide shows you how to easily turn off or remove Bixby Home page in Galaxy S8 and S8+ home screen.

If you want to disable Bixby button in Galaxy S8 and S8+, you may follow this guide.

What is Bixby Home page in Galaxy S8 and S8+ home screen?

Prior to Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung added Flipboard briefing to the leftmost panel of home screen.

This is one of the least popular features. It seems nobody except Samsung likes this annoying feature.  Luckily, you can disable flipboard briefing in all previous Galaxy phones.

Now, in Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung replaced the Briefing page with Bixby Home page as shown below.

Samsung Bixby is actually a good new feature in Galaxy S8 and S8+ and it works mainly locally on the phone.

But Samsung wants to stuff you with Bixby everywhere in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Bixby Home (Hello Bixby) is Bixby’s claimed territory in Galaxy S8 home screen.

The Bixby Home page is very similar to Google Now page comes with Google Now launcher or Pixel launcher. You can personalize Bixby Home page to show your preferred apps, news and reminders.

It sounds great.

But what disturbs many owners is that the Bixby Home page occupy a dedicated panel in Galaxy S8 home screen.

Can I remove Bixby Home page in Galaxy S8 and S8+ home screen?

Yes, you can remove Bixby Home page from Galaxy S8 and S8+ home screen, just like what you can do with Briefing page in previous Galaxy phones… Read the rest

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This Galaxy S8 SIM card guide shows you what the correct SIM card size is for Galaxy S8 and S8+, how to insert and change Galaxy S8 SIM card, and how to use two SIM cards in Galaxy S8 dual SIM versions.

What is the correct Galaxy S8 SIM card size for S8 and S8+?

To make phone calls or to use mobile data with Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+, you need a SIM (subscriber identity module) card, which is issued by your carrier to identify each customer.

Over the years, different sizes of SIM card have been used for mobile phones. You may wonder the correct SIM card size for Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Technically, there are 4 different sizes of SIM card for mobile phones:

1. Full-size SIM. Full-size SIM is often referred as 1FF (1st form factor). It is “giant” in size: 85.60 mm × 53.98 mm × 0.76 mm. Anyway, you probably cannot find one in the market and none of the Android phones used it.
2. Mini-SIM (2FF). Mini-SIM usually is referred as “big” or “normal”  or “standard” SIM card in some countries. Most carriers and phone manufactures phased out mini-SIM a few years ago. .
3. Micro-SIM (3FF). Micro SIM is still the most popular size of SIM card for smartphones. Most middle range and budget smartphones are using micro SIM card. In some regions, micro-SIM is referred as “small” SIM card.
4. Nano-SIM (4FF). Nano-SIM is the smallest SIM card available for smartphone today. Most flagship smartphones requires nano-SIM

Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ use nano SIM card.

The good news is most carriers offer 3-in-1 SIM card, which … Read the rest

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But Samsung did one step further to allow you to customize Galaxy S8 navigation buttons and navigation bar.

Update 1: You can now even choose to hide or show the navigation bar in any apps in Galaxy S8 and S8+.!

This Galaxy S8 new feature guide will show you how to use and customize the on-screen Galaxy S8 navigation buttons, and the Galaxy S8 navigation bar.

What can you do to customize Galaxy S8 navigation buttons and navigation bar?

In stock Android, the on-screen navigation buttons are fixed, although a few vendors, for example, LG, may allow you to add more buttons in the navigation bar.

Samsung used not only different (and a bit confusing as well) icons for the three standard buttons (Recents/Overview, Home and Back), but also made the layout of these navigation buttons customizable in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

For Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ on-screen navigation buttons and the navigation bar, you can:

• switch locations of the Recents and Back button.
• customize the background colour of Galaxy S8 navigation bar.
• adjust Galaxy S8 Home button pressure level sensitivity.

Please note, the fingerprint scanner was decoupled from the Home button in Galaxy S8 and S8+, and is now relocated to the back of the phone (next to the main camera) as detailed on Galaxy S8 layout page.

How to customize Galaxy S8 navigation buttons layout?

In stock Android, the Back button is to the left of the Home button and the Recent … Read the rest

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You should spend a few mins to familiarize yourself with Galaxy S8 layout when you get the phone so that you can use Galaxy S8 and S8+ properly and effectively.

Please note, as explained in Galaxy S8 specs and Galaxy S8+ specs, the only difference between Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ is the size of the two phones (Galaxy S8+ is bigger with a bigger battery).

The layout of Galaxy S8 is identical to Galaxy S8+ layout.

Galaxy S8 layout: front view

The front view of Galaxy S8 layout is illustrated below.

Screen and edge screen

Samsung touts the infinity display as one of the major new design features of Galaxy S8 and S8+. This is evidenced by the front view of Galaxy S8 and S8+.

About 85% of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ front is occupied by the screen.

Because curved screen is used in Galaxy S8 (and S8+), edge screens can be found in both sides.

Hardware buttons

Power key is still in the right side and volume keys in the left in the front view of Galaxy S8 layout. If you have problems to power on Galaxy S8 or S8+, you may check this guide.

A new Bixby button was added below volume button.

If you often hit the Bixby button inadvertently, you may disable the Bixby button in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Navigation buttons

There are no capacitive buttons in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

The back and recent buttons are software based as shown above. You can re-order Galaxy S8 navigation buttons.

Home button is embedded … Read the rest

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Actually, the sales number of Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ will surely beat all other Android phones. But this does not mean Galaxy S8 and S8+ are perfect  or the best.

You may notice that some important features are missing in Galaxy S8 and S8+.  These missing features of Galaxy S8 may be relevant to some users.

So, we hope this list of the top 8 missing features of Galaxy S8 and S8+ can help you make the decision before pre-ordering the phone.

#1 of top 8 missing features of Galaxy S8: smaller battery

As a reaction to the failure of Galaxy Note 7 battery, Samsung is extremely careful with Galaxy S8 and S8+ battery.

They apparently did not push the design and engineering limit for a bigger battery for S8 and S8+. And if Galaxy S8 battery fails again, Samsung will probably be in the death spiral in smartphone market.

The result is the smaller battery.

It is so small that you should concern about the battery life, although Samsung claimed similar battery life as Galaxy S7.

As a comparison, the 5.8-inch Galaxy S8 has a 3000mAh battery, whose capacity is identical to that of the 5.1-inch Galaxy S7.

And the 6.2-inch Galaxy S8+ has a 3500mAh battery, which is even smaller than that (3600mAh) in the 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 edge.

The new 10nm processor may help save some battery. But the screen, which is bigger now, usually is the major battery drainer. There are no new technologies in the Super AMOLED screen for battery saving.

So, … Read the rest

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But is the 5.8″ Galaxy S8 or 6.2″ S8+ a right phone for you?

Here we summarized the top 10 new features of Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ to help you make the decision before you can get one on April 21.

#1.  Galaxy S8 Infinity Display

One of the most important new features of Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ is the infinity display.

The screen size of Galaxy S8 (5.8″) and S8+(6.2″) is bigger than last year’s Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

But the difference is not just the size. The most obvious change is the aspect ratio.

Both Galaxy S8 and S8+ have a unique aspect ratio of 18.5:9. FYI, all previous generations of Galaxy S phones had a screen ratio of 16:9 since Galaxy S3.

This aspect ratio is similar to that in LG G6 which has a similar aspect ratio of 18:9.

Compared to the 5.1″ Galaxy S7, Galaxy S8’s display is about 18 per cent larger (in the area).

Galaxy S8 infinity display is good for:

• watching 21:9 movies. You will get less black bar area compared to the 16:9 screen.
• browsing websites. You will scroll less due to larger area. But this is only good for mobile-responsive websites.
• multi window in portrait orientation. But it is terrible in landscape mode when using split-screen view multi window mode. You may check this guide on how to use multiwindow on Galaxy S8 and S8+.
• Edge screen. Please check this guide on using Galaxy S8 edge screen.

Of course, the aspect ratio of the Galaxy S8 infinity display could be a disaster for taking photos.… Read the rest

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There are of course some exciting new features and annoying missing features in Galaxy S8 and S8+. This post is focusing on hardware specs of Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Specs of both Galaxy S8 and S8+ are almost identical except the size and battery capacity.

What is the difference between  Galaxy S8 specs and Galaxy S8+ specs?

There are only three differences between Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+:

1. Screen size. Galaxy S8 has a 5.8″ screen and Galaxy S8+ 6.2″.
2. Battery capacity. Galaxy S8 has a 3000mAh battery inside, and Galaxy S8+ 3500mAh.
3. Dimensions and weight. Galaxy S8+ is larger and 18g heavier than Galaxy S8.

All other components used in Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are identical.

So is the software.

Galaxy S8 specs: design and dimensions

The design of Galaxy S8 and S8+ differs sharply from Galaxy S7 or S7 edge.

Both Galaxy S8 and S8+ use curved screens. But the curve is more sharp than Galaxy S7 edge.

So, the curved screen used in S8 and S8+ is very similar to that in Galaxy Note 7, not Galaxy S7 edge.

The bezels in Galaxy S8 and S8+ is also dramatically smaller than all previous Galaxy phones. The hardware capacitive buttons below the screen was also replaced with software buttons.

Home button is also embedded under the touch screen. The fingerprint scanner is relocated to the back of the phone next to the camera.

The metal-glass build is similar to Galaxy S7 and Note 7 with waterproof rated as IP68.

The dimensions of Galaxy S8 (148.9 x 68.1 x 8.0 mm, 155 g)  and S8+ (159.5 x 73.4 x 8.1 mm, 173 g) are illustrated below.

Galaxy S8

… Read the rest

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About Galaxy S8 camera guides

Camera is one of the most used functions of almost all smartphones nowadays.

Although you can get decent photos from Galaxy S8 without any settings (i.e., in auto mode) most of the time, you may from time to time need to adjust some settings to meet your needs.

For example, you may want o use your voice to control the Galaxy S8 camera when your fingers have problems to tap the shutter button.

Or, you may want to use Pro mode when you want to take photos for some moving objects or the ambient light is not too low.

If you are a long-time Samsung Galaxy phone user, you may find out the camera app is substantially different from previous versions. For example, you have to use gestures to access other Galaxy S8 camera modes.

These detailed Galaxy S8 camera guides were prepared to help you:

• use the camera app.
• customize camera settings to meet your needs.
• understand various options and settings in Galaxy S8 camera app.
• explore some new features in Galaxy S8 camera.
• learn some tips and tricks of getting the best possible photos for various scenarios.

All Galaxy S8 camera guides show you the detailed steps so that any owners of Galaxy S8 and S8+ can easily follow through.

List of Galaxy S8 camera guides

New Galaxy S8 camera guides will be released regularly.  All these guides were carefully tested in both Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

You can bookmark this page and visit later to explore new Galaxy S8 camera guides.

If you have any questions, or encounter any issues, on using Galaxy S8 camera app, you can let … Read the rest

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About Galaxy S8 accessories guide

Most Galaxy S8 or S8+ owners use the phone with some sort of accessories, for example, cases, screen protectors, wireless chargers.

Samsung also introduced some “official” Galaxy S8 accessories including cases, wireless chargers, battery packs, Gear VR, DeX, Gear 360 camera.

And, there are many more Galaxy S8 accessories in the market to make your phone even more useful.

When considering Galaxy S8 accessories, the major problems for most owners of Galaxy S8 and S8+ include:

1. There are too many choices for Galaxy S8 accessories. You need someone to help you to make the correct decision based on your needs and budget.
2. There are many low-quality Galaxy S8 accessories in the market.  You need someone to give you unbiased recommendations.
3. There may be large price difference for similar accessories. You need someone to tell you whether the Galaxy S8 accessory worth the money.

Galaxy S8 accessories guide will address these problems for you.

We will try to cover all conventional Galaxy S8 accessories, as well as some creative or futuristic accessories.

Galaxy S8 accessories guide will also try to recommend some accessories in all price levels so that all Galaxy S8 owners can get desired accessories within their budget.

List of Galaxy S8 accessories guide

This is a  live page.

New Galaxy S8 accessories guide will be added regularly after we test the accessories.

If you cannot find the Galaxy S8 accessories guide you want, please let us know in the comment box below.

Other community members will share their experiences and solutions with you. We may also add a new Galaxy … Read the rest

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About Galaxy S8 user manuals

When you open the box for Galaxy S8 and S8+, you cannot find the printed user guide.

This is normal. The box obviously cannot hold the 200-page official Samsung Galaxy S8 user manuals (user guide).

Nowadays, smartphone manufactures only offer short (a few pages) quick start guide in the box.

But for many geeks, a user manual in local language is always anticipated.

So, we collected official Samsung Galaxy S8 user manuals for Galaxy S8 and S8+ in all available languages and shared them in this page.

How to download Galaxy S8 user manuals?

All of the official Samsung Galaxy S8 user manuals are served from this website directly (locally).

This means you can download these user guides if you can read this page. We also manually check each download link.

To download Galaxy S8 user manuals:

• if you are reading this page on a PC with mouse,  you can click the download link to open the PDF file. Almost all browsers can open PDF files. You can then save the PDF file from the browser. Alternatively, you can right click the link, then choose save link as.
• if you are reading this page on a mobile device with a touch screen. You can tap and hold the link, then tap “download link” to download a copy. If you tap the link, the browser will ask you whether you want to download the PDF file.

After downloading the Galaxy S8 user manual, you can use it in any devices with a PDF reader (for PC; for Android).

Of course, … Read the rest

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Galaxy S8 and S8+ can do too many things including something which you may not know.

Galaxy S8 how-to guides can help you to use and explore the features and functions of Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

Sometimes, you may want to customize the settings of Galaxy S8 to meet your needs, but you do not get what you want.

Or, you may want to do something with Galaxy S8 or S8+, but you do not know how to do it.

Or, you may hear about some Galaxy S8 features and functions, but you cannot find them in your Galaxy S8 or S8+.

Or, you encounter some problems when using Galaxy S8 or S8+

Or ……

Always, Galaxy S8 how-to guides will help you find the answer and solution!

Lists of Galaxy S8 how-to guides

We release Galaxy S8 how-to guides regularly after they are tested vigorously.

If you cannot find the guide you want, you can post your questions or requests in the comment box below.

We will try to find a solution for you, and we will try to release relevant guides earlier.

Here is the list of released or coming-soon Galaxy S8 how-to guides.

1. Meaning of Galaxy S8 status icons and notification icons

Galaxy S8 status icons and notification icons in the status bar offer you a quick glimpse of system status and notifications.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide explains the meaning of Galaxy S8 status icons and notification icons in Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Read on …

2. How to take screenshot on Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+?

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide shows you three different methods to take a screenshot on Galaxy S8 and S8+ without using any apps: physical buttons (Volume down+Power), palm … Read the rest

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Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ have some interesting and useful new features.  These Galaxy S8 new features guides show you how to use them!

Some new features are unique to Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ and you may not even be able to find them in any Android Nougat phones.

For example, arranging the navigation buttons, using IRIS scanner, Bixby, face recognition are so new even many geeks may have problems to use them properly or effectively.

Galaxy S8 new features guides will solve the problems for all owners of Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+: new Samsung phone users, new Android phone users, seasoned Samsung phone users.

Please note, although Galaxy S8 and S8+ are running on Android Nougat 7.0,  Samsung added some own features to Galaxy S8 and S8+. So some Galaxy S8 new features are not available in stock Android Nougat.

All of the Galaxy S8 new features guides come with a detailed explanation and step-by-step instructions.  We try to make sure even your grandma can follow.

List of released and coming-soon Galaxy S8 new features guides

We release Galaxy S8 new features guides only after we test them.

So, if you cannot find the guides for Galaxy S8 new features, please let us know in the comment box below. We will try to release them in the fast track.

We can also try to answer your questions and help you find the solution for your problems.

1.  Top 10 new features in Galaxy S8 and S8+

This Galaxy S8 new features guide explains to you the most interesting and useful new features of Galaxy S8 and S8+, including infinity display,  software navigation buttons, Android Nougat 7.0, adjustable screen resolution, USB Type-C,  iris scanner and face recognition, … Read the rest

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Galaxy S8 Guides is a community for Galaxy S8 and S8+ owners.

Here, owners of Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ help each other.

To kick-start the discussion, and to benefit all Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ owners, many high quality, detailed, and step-by-step guides are being released regularly.

If you have any questions or encounter any problems with Galaxy S8 or S8+, you may check these guides.

You can contribute to the community by answering comments or giving us feedback.

In addition, you are welcomed to share your experience or thoughts on using Galaxy S8 or S8+.

How to navigate through Galaxy S8 Guides?

To make it easy to find the Galaxy S8 guides you want, the how-to guides are organized in 4 categories:

Galaxy S8 new features guides

This section focuses on new features unique to Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Detailed guides not only show you detailed steps to use these new features, but also explain to you some background info or technologies related to the specific new feature.

Galaxy S8 how-to guides

You can find detailed how-to guides on using Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ in this section.  All aspects of using Galaxy S8 and S8+ are covered except camera, which is covered in Galaxy S8 camera guides section.

All Galaxy S8 how-to guides are carefully prepared for all levels of users.  Even your grandma can follow.

Galaxy S8 camera Guides

One of the most frequently used features in smartphones is camera.

Galaxy S8 camera guides section will show you how to use main camera features in Galaxy S8 and S8+ in detailed guides.

Galaxy S8 accessories Guides

Most Galaxy S8 and S8+ owners will use some accessories.

Good accessories can boost your productivity and give you additional values for the … Read the rest

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As an owner-help-owner community, we are here to help all owners of Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ phones.

If you have any questions or encounter any problems on using Galaxy S8 or S8+,  the fastest way to get the answer or solution is to post the question or problems in relevant guide pages. Comments are always open on all guides.

Many other Galaxy S8 and S8+ owners are ready to help you.

You can also post the question or problem to our Facebook page to get a quick reply.

As Facebook page allows you to share screenshots, it is very useful to post to Facebook page if you need to show a screenshot for your problems.

Please check our latest guides:

• Galaxy S8 new features guides for any new features in Galaxy S8 and S8+.
• Galaxy S8 how-to guides for detailed step-by-step guides on using Galaxy S8 and S8+.
• Galaxy S8 user manuals to download the official user manual for Galaxy S8 and S8+ in your own languages.
• Galaxy S8 accessories guides to get suggestions to find out the best accessories based on your budget.
• Galaxy S8 camera guides to get the most from the camera in your Galaxy S8 and S8+.

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You can contact us though email as well

If you want to talk to us privately, you can use the contact form below to send us a message.

We will try to reply as early as possible. But this will be slower than through comments or Facebook page.

Please note, due to email settings, we can ONLY reply to your Gmail. If you use other email accounts, our reply will not be delivered.

So, provide gmail address only in the contact form … Read the rest

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