Galaxy S8 Guides

Two ways to block spammers and unwanted callers in Galaxy S8 and S8+ without using any apps

Use Samsung smart call and Android Nougat call blocking to block any unwanted calls and messages without using any apps.

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Galaxy S8 and S8+ offer two different ways to block spammers and unwanted callers without using any apps.

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 … Read the rest

How to set up and use Galaxy S8 iris scanner to unlock Galaxy S8 and S8+?

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Galaxy S8 iris scanner allows you to unlock Galaxy S8 and S8+ by looking at the phone (with your irises).

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

How to fix Galaxy S8 moisture problem?

Got "Check port, moisture has been detected... "? Here is the solution to the Galaxy S8 moisture problem!

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Galaxy S8 moisture problem can occur for any phones, even the phone is not in contact with water!

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+.

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.

What is Galaxy S8 moisture problem?

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 (less than 1.5m).

But water, especially seawater or swimming pool water may cause considerable corrosion if you do not rinse and dry the port timely.

Does it mean my Galaxy S8 or S8+

… Read the rest

How to show and hide Galaxy S8 navigation bar?

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With a recent Galaxy S8 and S8+ firmware update in June, you can now show and hide Galaxy S8 navigation bar in any apps in S8 and S8+.

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+.

show and hide Galaxy S8 navigation bar show and hide Galaxy S8 navigation bar

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 … Read the rest







How to use two SIM cards in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

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Dual SIM version Galaxy S8 and S8+ allows you to use two SIM cards in the phone. Although Galaxy S8 and S8+ are dual standby only, you can use dual SIM always on and will not miss any calls.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Galaxy S8 camera effects and camera decorations (stamps and stickers): access, download and manage them

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Galaxy S8 camera decorations (stamps, stickers and masks) are the new features of Galaxy S8 camera effects.

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+.

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 in Galaxy S8 specs page.

Instead, Samsung put most of the efforts to 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 set 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 in a PC, or Snapseed in 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 taking the photo and you can share it immediately.

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

How to access Galaxy S8 camera effects and camera decorations?

You can access Galaxy S8 camera effects and camera decorations in at least … Read the rest

How to use Galaxy S8 camera modes?

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Everything you need to know on using Galaxy S8 camera modes is explained: access, download, use and manage Galaxy S8 camera modes in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

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:

… Read the rest







How to use Galaxy S8 camera timer in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

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Galaxy S8 camera timer gives you a few seconds delay in taking photos after you tap the shutter button or the floating camera button.

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

Galaxy S8 camera settings

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Everything you need to know about Galaxy S8 camera settings are explained.

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

How to hide apps screen in Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+?

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If you want to show all apps in Home screen, you can choose to hide apps screen in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

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

Hot to use Galaxy S8 always-on display (AOD) in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

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You can use Galaxy S8 always-on display (AOD) to show time, notifications, today’s schedule, and next alarm after screen times out.

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







How to use and customize Galaxy S8 lock screen?

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Every owners of Galaxy S8 and S8+ owners will have to use Galaxy S8 lock screen!

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

How to use Galaxy S8 camera quick launch?

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You can use Galaxy S8 camera quick launch to open the camera app quickly from any screens.

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

Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover guide

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Galaxy S8 LED wallet coverAs one of the official Samsung accessories for Galaxy S8 and S8+, Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover offers moderate protection for your phone and some unique features at the same time.

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

How to access and use Galaxy S8 Home screen edit mode?

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To customize home screen in Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+,  you will need to enter Galaxy S8 Home screen edit mode.

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







How to create, use and manage app folders in Galaxy S8 Home screen?

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You can use app folders in Galaxy S8 Home screen to organize apps in the home screen so that you can access the apps faster.

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

How to use context menu in Galaxy S8 Home screen?

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Although Galaxy S8 and S8+ came with Android Nougat 7.0 pre-installed, the context menu in Galaxy S8 Home screen looks similar to the app shortcuts, which is a new feature in Android Nougat 7.1.

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.

use context menu in Galaxy S8 Home screenuse context menu in Galaxy S8 Home screen

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

How to use and customize Galaxy S8 Home screen?

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You cannot skip Galaxy S8 Home screen if you want to use Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+.  Samsung introduced some new features to Home screen in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

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

How to use Galaxy S8 floating camera button in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

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Galaxy S8 floating camera button was introduced in Galaxy S8 and S8+ when it is not convenient for your fingers to tap the camera (shutter) button.

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