SIM card tray

Use micro SD card in Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+

Last updated on: October 19, 2017 · First published on: October 16, 2017 4 Comments

You can use micro SD card in Galaxy S8 and S8+ as portable storage to expand the storage if you want to keep a lot of offline media files with you in the phone.

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

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

Last updated on: October 19, 2017 · First published on: June 4, 2017 29 Comments

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

Package contents in Galaxy S8 box

Last updated on: April 23, 2017 · First published on: April 23, 2017 9 Comments

After unboxing Galaxy S8 or S8+, you need to know package contents in Galaxy S8 box so that you can understand the usage of each items.

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:

the phone, which is the top deck.
USB type-C cable;
adaptive fast wall charger;
USB connector;
micro USB connector;
ejection pin;
AKG earphone; and
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

Galaxy S8 SIM card guide

Last updated on: October 19, 2017 · First published on: April 9, 2017 33 Comments

You need to use the correct SIM card for Galaxy S8 and S8+, and use it correctly.

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:

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.
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. .
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.
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

Galaxy S8 layout and Galaxy S8+ layout

Last updated on: October 19, 2017 · First published on: April 7, 2017 16 Comments

Galaxy S8 layout (and Galaxy S8+ layout) guide shows you the location and explains the functions of the buttons, cameras, sensors, ports, SIM card slot, NFC antenna and other components in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

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