You can use Android Pie lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie (Android 9) update to temporally disable biometric unlock and smart lock. PIN or password will be required to unlock the phones. The lockdown mode is a standard security feature in Android Pie (Android 9).  Luckily, Samsung did not mess up this feature in the One UI. This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains everything you need to know about the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update and shows you how to use it. You may also check this updated guide on using lockdown mode on Galaxy S9, S10, S20, S21, and S22. What is the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update? If enabled, Galaxy S9 and S9+ offer many ways to unlock the phone. In addition to PIN/password/pattern, you can also unlock Galaxy S9 and S9+ using: Fingerprints. Iris. Face. Trusted devices, trusted places, trusted faces, and matched voices through the smart lock. All these additional unlock methods are provided for your convenience.  Many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners enjoy these fast unlock methods. However, in some special situations, for example, someone attempts to force you to unlock the phone to get your data, you may try to disable these unlock methods temporally (and quickly), then type the wrong password/PIN a few times so that you have to wait longer and longer to try again. When the lockdown mode is enabled, notifications will not be shown on the Galaxy S9 lock screen. The lockdown mode is one of the new features in Android Pie.  Samsung kept the stock feature and did not mess it up this time in the Android update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, unlike what they did to the navigation gestures. How to enable the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update? By default,  the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update is not enabled. You need to enable it in the power button options (power menu) before you can use it. As shown in the screenshot below, tap Lock screen in Galaxy S9 Settings. As shown above, in the lock screen settings page, tap Secure lock settings. In the secure lock settings, as shown below, you can find the Show lockdown option. You can tap the switch next to it to enable it. If it was enabled,  you can tap it to disable it if you want. A short description of this feature was shown here: Display a Power button option that turns off Smart lock, biometrics unlock, and notifications on the lock screen. That is pretty self-explanatory. Now, you can compare the power button options before and after enabling the lockdown mode. As shown below, the first screenshot was taken when the lockdown mode was turned off on Galaxy S9.   There are 3 buttons: Power off.  You can also use it to reboot Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus into the safe mode. Restart. Emergency mode on/off. In some regions, this button is not available. The second screenshot was taken when the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 was enabled. You can easily find the button for lockdown mode. Please note, you can access power button options (power menu) by pressing the holding the power button for about 2 seconds. It works on any screens (including the lock screen when the phone is locked, home screen, apps screen, Bixby home) and any apps. How to use the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update? So far, you only enabled Android Pie lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 or  S9+. Once enabled, the lockdown mode button will be shown in the power button options and i+t is ready for you to use. To use the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 or S9+,  you just need to hold the power button for about 2 seconds, then tap the lockdown mode in the power button options as shown above. Now, after you tap the lockdown mode, Galaxy S9 or S9 enters the lockdown mode. You can only unlock the phone with PIN/password/pattern.  Notifications will also NOT be shown on the lock screen. If you unlock the phone with PIN/password/pattern after you use the lockdown mode, Galaxy S9 or S9+ will automatically exit the lockdown mode. You can unlock with any of the methods again. In other words, the lockdown mode only locks the phone once. After a successful unlock, the phone automatically exits the lockdown mode. You can tap the button again to lock down the phone whenever you want. The lockdown mode button will always be in the power button options unless: You disabled the option to show lockdown option, or The phone is currently in the lockdown mode. This means the button will disappear from the power menu after you tap it. It appears when the phone exit…

In Android update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung did not implement the stock Android Pie navigation gestures. Instead, they added their own new navigation gestures as one of the new features in the One UI. Some owners may get confused on the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, especially those who tried the navigation gestures in the stock Android Pie. This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains the details of the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+,  the difference between the Android Pie navigation gestures and the full-screen navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, and show you how to enable and use them. What are the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+? In Android Pie (Android 9), Google introduced a set of gestures for the home buttons, Android Pie navigation gestures, to help users to navigate and switch apps very quickly. Essentially, in stock Android Pie, if the navigation gestures are enabled, the Recents/Overview button will be removed. The back button appears only if it is needed. This creates a very clean UI with one Home button as explained in this page. Of course, Samsung thought they have a better solution. In the Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung chooses to collapse the 3 navigation buttons into 3 lines on the bottom of the screen. You then just swipe up from these 3 lines to replace the function of pressing the buttons. So, you will find the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ are substantially different from the Android Pie navigation gestures. The major differences between Android Pie navigation gestures and the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ include: In the stock Android Pie, all navigation gestures are based on the home button. In Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, there are 3 lines for the gestures. In the stock Android Pie, you have 5 touch screen gestures for the home button: press (tap), long press (long tap), swipe upwards, slow swipe upwards (or double swipe upwards), swipe to the right, swipe to the right and hold. But in Galaxy S9 and S9+, swipe upwards is the only gesture for the right and left lines. The line in the middle accepts only swipe up and long press. In the stock Android Pie, you can directly switch to the most recent app by swiping to the right side. If you swipe to the right side and hold, you can select from recently closed apps and re-open it. Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ do not have this option. Anyway, Samsung's implementation may be good for new users who are still trying to figure out Back and Recents (Overview) buttons.  It apparently makes the usable screen larger. But for experienced users, the stock Android Pie gestures are probably more useful. Please note, with the new navigation gestures in the Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung removed two of the popular navigation bar features: The background color customization option. You cannot customize the background color for the navigation bar after updating Galaxy S9 or S9+ to Android Pie. The show/hide navigation button option. You cannot hide the navigation buttons. How to enable and disable the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+? By default, the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ are not enabled. You need to enable it manually after updating the phone to Android Pie. As shown in the screenshot below, in the Settings page, tap Display. In the Display settings, tap Navigation bar as shown above. In the navigation bar settings, you can find two options under navigation type: Navigation buttons. Full-screen gestures. If the option of navigation buttons is enabled, you can see the 3 buttons as shown in the screenshot below. Please note, the graphic design of the navigation buttons was updated. The button with 3 vertical lines is the new Recents button. Tap the switch for full-screen gestures to turn on gesture navigation as shown below. Once the navigation gestures are enabled, as shown above, you can find the 3 buttons turn into 3 lines. At any time, you can disable the navigation gestures and revert to navigation buttons. Please note if you turn off auto-rotate and holding the phone in landscape orientation, you may also see the rotation toggle button in the navigation bar for about 3-5 seconds.  You can use the button to change and lock the screen orientation as explained in this guide. How to use the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+? As mentioned, the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ are very simple. Swiping up from the lines equals…

In this page, you can find the updated official user manuals for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android update in your local language. Android Pie (Android 9) update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ brought lots of new features. You may check this post for the top 9 new features in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+. Detailed how-to guides for new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 plus can be found here.  You can also post your questions on Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 plus in this page. If your Galaxy S9 or S9+ is still running Android Oreo (Android 8), you can find the official user manuals here. If you cannot find the official user manuals for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in your language, please let us know in the comment box below. We will try to add them as early as possible. #1. Official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in the English language (UK)  for the international versions of Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ (Android Pie 9, UK English, SM-G960F/DS, and SM-G965F/DS; Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, and Asia) The official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in English language (UK)  is for Samsung Galaxy S9, and Samsung Galaxy S9+ sold to in international market including Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia with Android Pie (Android  9) update. The corresponding model number is SM-G960F,  SM-G960F/DS, SM-G965F, and SM-G965F/DS. If you cannot find the Galaxy S9 user guide in your language for your Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+, you may try this one. Download link (in PDF): Official user manuals for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in the English language (UK)  for the international versions of Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ (Android Pie 9, UK English, SM-G960F/DS, and SM-G965F/DS; Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Africa, and Asia) #2.  Official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in the French language (le français) (Android Pie 9, French language (le français), SM-G960F/DS and SM-G965F/DS, France) The official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in the French language (le français) is for Samsung Galaxy S9, and Samsung Galaxy S9+ sold to customers in France with Android Pie (Android  9) update. The corresponding model number is SM-G960F,  SM-G960F/DS, SM-G965F, or SM-G965F/DS. If your Galaxy S9 or S9+ was not bought in France, this French language (le français) version of the official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update might be not for your Galaxy S9 or S9+. Please try the carrier-specific Galaxy S9 user manuals, or the first one (#1). Download link (in PDF): Official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in the French language (le français) (Android Pie 9, French language (le français), SM-G960F/DS and SM-G965F/DS, France) #3.  Official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in the German language (Deutsch) (Android Pie 9, German language (Deutsch), SM-G960F/DS and SM-G965F/DS, Germany) The official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in the German language (Deutsch) is for Samsung Galaxy S9, and Samsung Galaxy S9+ sold to customers in Germany with Android Pie (Android  9) update. The corresponding model number is SM-G960F,  SM-G960F/DS, SM-G965F, or SM-G965F/DS. If your Galaxy S9 or S9+ was not bought in Germany, this German language (Deutsch) version of the official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update might be not for your Galaxy S9 or S9+. Please try the carrier-specific Galaxy S9 user manuals, or the first one (#1). Download link (in PDF): Official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in the German language (Deutsch) (Android Pie 9, German language (Deutsch), SM-G960F/DS and SM-G965F/DS, Germany) #4.  Official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in the Dutch language (Nederlands) (Android Pie 9, Dutch language (Nederlands), SM-G960F/DS and SM-G965F/DS, Netherlands) The official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in the Dutch language (Nederlands) is for Samsung Galaxy S9, and Samsung Galaxy S9+ sold to customers in the Netherlands with Android Pie (Android  9) update. The corresponding model number is SM-G960F,  SM-G960F/DS, SM-G965F, or SM-G965F/DS. If your Galaxy S9 or S9+ was not bought in the Netherlands, this Dutch language (Nederlands) version of the official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update might be not for your Galaxy S9 or S9+. Please try the carrier-specific Galaxy S9 user manuals, or the first one (#1). Download link (in PDF): Official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in the Dutch language (Nederlands) (Android Pie 9, Dutch language (Nederlands), SM-G960F/DS and SM-G965F/DS, Netherlands) #5.  Official user manual for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in the Slovenian Language (slovenski jezik) (Android Pie 9, Slovenian Language…

If your Galaxy S9 or S9+ was updated to Android Pie, you should enjoy many new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ As the first major update of Galaxy S9 and S9+, Android Pie (Android 9) update brings not only Android Pie features to Galaxy S9 and S9+ but also a totally new UI (One UI).  Some  Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners may be overwhelmed by so many new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+. If you haven't updated your Galaxy S9 or S9 to Android Pie (Android 9), you may follow this guide to check whether the update is available in your region. If you want to download the official user manuals for Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update, please check this page. This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains the top 9 most useful new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+: One UI, night mode, lift to wake, floating keyboard, lock home screen layout, lockdown mode, new camera app, navigation gestures, and adaptive battery. # 1. One UI: the most eye-catching new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ In the Android Pie update, Samsung debuted the new UI: One UI, to replace the old Samsung Experience. Do not confuse one UI with Android One. They are totally unrelated. The One UI was designed to make the phone look beautiful and help the owner focus on what really matters. In addition to a new set of app icons for Samsung apps (phone, camera, contact, messages, gallery, My files, calendar, smart switch, clock), the default font and the use of white space deliver a fresh look. The new full-screen navigation gestures were also added and they are even different from the stock Android Pie navigation gestures. You can also use the rotation toggle button in the navigation bar to change and lock screen orientation on-the-fly very easily. #2. Night mode: the most wanted new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ for night owls Many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners complained about the white color scheme.  It is painful to use the white theme in low-light conditions. Although you can change the Galaxy S9 home screen theme to a dark one, some Samsung apps may not follow the theme. Blue light filter may alleviate the pain without solving the issue. In Android Pie, the dark theme was introduced. But it does not affect the Settings app and quick settings panel.   Anyway, Samsung did not use it. The night mode in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ works perfectly for night owls. Please check this guide on how to use the night mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update. #3. Lift to Wake If Lift to Wake is enabled, the Galaxy S9 screen will turn on automatically for a short while when you pick up the phone. Some other Android manufacturers and stock Android has offered a similar feature (e.g., ambient display) for a long time. Samsung finally added this feature in the One UI. Please refer to this guide on using the lift to wake feature after updating Galaxy S9 or S9+ to Android Pie. #4. Floating keyboard In the Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung also revamped Samsung keyboard. Some cool features were added to the Samsung keyboard. For example, you can resize and change the transparency of the keyboard. One of the most useful new features in the Samsung keyboard is that you can make the keyboard floating in ALL apps. Of course, you can also choose the other two modes: standard mode and one-hand mode. For all Samsung apps, Samsung keyboard actually brought the most exciting new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+. You may check this guide on how to enable, use and customize the floating keyboard on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update. #5. Lock home screen layout and icons Sometimes, you may accidentally move the app icons on Galaxy S9 home screen or even remove some app icons inadvertently. Also when you customize the Galaxy S9 home screen, often some app icons may be relocated or removed unintentionally. Now, in the Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, you have the option to lock the Galaxy S9 home screen layout. #6. Lockdown mode For most Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners, biometric (fingerprint, iris) unlock is usually enabled. Some owners may also enable smart lock. Biometric unlock and smart lock are very useful because they are faster than typing password/PIN and are convenient. But in some special situations, for example, when you are under threat, you may want to disable biometric unlock and smart lock, and even disable notifications on the lock screen. Now, in the Android Pie update for Galaxy…

Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ has been rolled out since December 2018. More and more Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners are enjoying the new features of Android Pie update.  Samsung also updated the official user guide with Android Pie update. Android Pie (Android 9) is a major update for Android. There are many new features in Android Pie. On top of the standard Android Pie features, Samsung also updated the UI for Galaxy S9 and S9+ to One UI. So, many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners sometimes get confused on how to use the new features in Android Pie (Android 9) update for Galaxy S9 and S9+. A series of guides on new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ have been prepared and tested since December 2018. Now, we are releasing these Android Pie guides for Galaxy S9 and S9+ here. This is a live post. A new guide is released only after it passes all our testing and verifications. We will update this post once a new guide is released. Here is the list of released or coming-soon guides on the new features of Android Pie (Android 9) update for Galaxy S9 and S9+. If you cannot find the Android Pie guides you need, or if you have any questions on Android Pie features on Galaxy S9 and S9+, please let us know them in the comment box. We will try to release the guide earlier, and the community will help you get the answer or solution. 1.  Top 9 new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ As the first major update of Galaxy S9 and S9+, Android Pie (Android 9) update brings not only Android Pie features to Galaxy S9 and S9+ but also a totally new UI (One UI). This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains the top 9 most useful new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ including One UI, night mode, lift to wake, floating keyboard, lock home screen layout, lockdown mode, new camera app, navigation gestures, and adaptive battery Read on ... 2. The official Galaxy S9 and S9+ user guides with Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+  You can read online or download the official user manuals for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update in your local language for your Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus. Read on ... 3. How to update Galaxy S9 or S9+ to Android Pie? This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains why and how to update Galaxy S9 or S9+ to Android Pie, and answers some questions you may have on Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+. Read on ... 4. How to use the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+? In Android update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung did not implement the stock Android Pie navigation gestures. Instead, they added their own new navigation gestures as one of the new features in the One UI. This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains the details of the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+,  the difference between the Android Pie navigation gestures and the full-screen navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, and show you how to enable and use them. Read on ... 5. How to use Android Pie lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update? You can use Android Pie lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie (Android 9) update to temporally disable biometric unlock and smart lock. PIN or password will be required to unlock the phones. This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains everything you need to know about the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update and shows you how to use it. Read on ... 6. How to use the night mode in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+? In Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, you can use the night mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ to get the dark (black) theme at any time (not only in the night). This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains the details of the night mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update, and how to use the night mode so that you can enjoy the phone in all situations. Read on ... 7. How to use the lift to wake feature in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+? The lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update lets the phone be ready when you want to use it. This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains the details of the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update and shows you how to enable and…

A USB flash drive is often the most convenient tool to quickly share files between Galaxy S9, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S10, Galaxy S20  and other devices. So, in addition to using a micro SD card, you can further expand Galaxy S9 and other Galaxy phones storage with a USB storage. This Galaxy S9 guide explains when you need to use a USB flash drive, the limitations of using USB storage on Galaxy S9 and other Galaxy phones, how to use and manage USB storage on Galaxy S9 and S9+. Since Galaxy S8, Samsung has moved to USB-C port on all Galaxy S and Galaxy Note phones. So, this guide applies to all Galaxy phones with USB-C port, including Galaxy S8, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S10, Galaxy S20, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy Note 10, and Galaxy Note 20. In this guide, we use SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive in some examples. You may get a detailed guide on how to use SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive here. When do you need to use external USB storage on Galaxy S9 and S9+? Although you can expand Galaxy S9/S9+ storage with a micro SD card as explained in this guide, sometimes you may find you have to use a USB flash drive or using a flash drive is more convenient than other tools/methods. For example, if you use two SIM cards on Galaxy S9 or S9+, you then cannot use the micro SD card because slot 2 in the SIM card tray was used by the SIM card already. Or if you want to share some large videos on your phone with others and you do not want to hand over the phone to that person, you can then directly transfer files from Galaxy S9 to a USB flash drive, or even an external USB drive. Or when you want to transfer some large files between Galaxy S9 and the PC/notebook without using the USB cable, then a USB flash drive probably is the fastest solution. Some Galaxy S9 owners also use a USB flash drive to save offline videos and music files.  They can use the drive on multiple devices without making copies on each device. What are the limitations of using a USB flash drive on Galaxy S9 and S9+? Although a USB flash drive is a plug-and-play (PnP) device, sometimes you may find the USB flash drive simply refuses to work with your Galaxy S9 or S9+. Before you try to get a USB flash drive for Galaxy S9 or S9, you need to know the following limitations of using such a drive on Galaxy S9 and S9+: The NTFS file system is NOT supported. You should format USB flash drive in exFAT file format (or FAT32). By default, most vendors format the drive in FAT32 format when it is shipped out of the factory. If you format the drive on a Windows PC, by default, the NTFS format may be used. But for external USB drives, most vendors formatted them in NTFS. If you want to use such drives on both the PCs and Samsung phones, you have to back up the data on the drive, then format them as FAT32 or exFAT. 4GB file size limit on the FAT32 file system If your USB drive is formatted in FAT32 file format, then the maximum size of an individual file is 4GB. If you attempt to copy files larger than 4GB to such a USB drive, it will fail. So, if you need to save files large than 4GB, use exFAT format instead. Some USB connectors may not work with Galaxy S9 or S9+. If your USB flash drive does not have a USB-C connector, you should try the USB C connector included in Galaxy S9 package. Micro USB to USB C connector generally does not work for USB storage. If you have a dual USB flash with a micro USB connector, you should try to use the normal USB side with the USB C connector in your Galaxy S9 box. If you are just planning to buy a USB flash drive for your Samsung Galaxy S9 or S9+ or other Samsung phones, then you should consider dual USB flash drive with a USB-C connector (for mobile devices) and a USB Type-A connector (for PC). You may try this one. How to use a USB flash drive on Galaxy S9 and S9+? If your USB flash drive has a USB C connector (like this one), then when you insert the drive into the multifunctional USB-C port, Galaxy S9 or S9+  (or other Samsung phones with a USB-C port) will recognize it immediately. As shown in the screenshot below,  you will see the notification about the USB storage. For example, in this case, a SanDisk USB drive was detected. At the same time, you will see a USB icon in…

Samsung DeX Pad lets you instantly transform Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9 into an Android PC. Compared to Samsung DeX Station, Samsung DeX Pad has an improved design and offers generous accessories in the box.  For a detailed comparison of the Samsung DeX Pad, DeX Station and DeX Cable, please check this guide. This Galaxy S9 accessories guide shows you the contents in the Samsung DeX Pad box, the layout of the DeX Pad, and how to use Samsung DeX Pad. What is Samsung DeX Pad? Samsung DeX Pad, announced together with Galaxy S9 and S9+, is the 2nd generation of Samsung DeX dock accessories. But it is NOT a replacement of Samsung DeX Station. Rather it is a compliment to the DeX Station. DeX Pad features a smaller footprint than its predecessor (DeX Station). And one of the significant changes is your phone can lay down on the DeX Pad.  So, it is very easy to use the phone screen as a touchpad. Samsung DeX Pad works with all DeX-enabled devices: Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8, Note 9 and Tab S4. It also offers identical Samsung DeX features as the DeX Station and DeX cable. For the detailed comparison of three current DeX accessories DeX Pad vs DeX Station vs DeX cable, please check this page. What is included in the Samsung DeX Pad package? Samsung DeX Pad package includes the essentials you need to use Samsung DeX. You can find the following items in the package: One Samsung DeX Pad. One HDMI cable. One USB cable. The USB-A to USB-C cable is for you to connect the power adapter/wall charger to the DeX Pad. It can also be used for data transfer between your phone and a PC (e..g, for backing up Galaxy S9). The cable itself is similar to the USB cable included in Galaxy S9 box. One USB power adapter/wall charger. In most regions, the included wall charger is identical to that in your Galaxy S9 box. Of course, you can use this power adapter to charge Galaxy S9 battery. One quick start guide in multiple languages. Basically, you just need a monitor to try Samsung DeX immediately.  Remember Samsung DeX Station package does not include the cables and power adapter as explained in this guide. The layout of Samsung DeX Pad Samsung DeX Pad layout is illustrated below. You can find 4 ports under the rubber support as shown below: Two USB (type-A) ports These two normal USB ports are designed for a USB mouse and a USB keyboard. Of course, you can use other USB accessories through these two USB ports. For example, you can connect portable storage or a thumb drive to the DeX pad. Please note, the USB port is rated at USB 2.0, not 3.0. If you use it for data transfer, the speed may be limited by  the speed limit of USB 2.0 (48Mbps) One HDMI port You need to connect the DeX Pad to a monitor or a TV using the HDMI cable. Oner USB -C port The USB-C port is for you to connect the power adapter/wall charger to the DeX Pad. There is a male USB-C connector for you connect your phone to Samsung DeX Pad. You can also find fan vents on top and bottom for the DeX Pad to dissipate heat generated when using Samsung DeX. You should NOT block the vents. Please note, compared to Samsung DeX Station, Samsung DeX Pad lacks an Ethernet port. You have to use WiFi or mobile data for the internet. Some USB  (USB 2.0) to Ethernet adapters (like this one) may also work well. You need to insert such USB 2.0 dongles into one of the normal USB ports. How to use Samsung DeX Pad with Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9, Note 8 and Note 9? Although Samsung DeX is a plug-and-play device, you may avoid unnecessary problems if you connect all components in the correct order. You may follow these steps to use Samsung DeX Pad with Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9, Note 8 and Note 9. Step 1: Power up the DeX Pad You need to power up the DeX Pad with the included USB wall charger (power adapter).  Of course, you can use other USB wall chargers. But you need to make sure the power adapter has at least one of the output ratings: 9V/1.67A (15W) or 9V/2A (18W) or 12V/2.1A (25W). The wall charger should be connected to the USB-C port with the included USB cable. Step 2:  Connect the DeX Pad to a monitor/TV Now, you can use the HDMI cable in the DeX Pad box to connect the DeX Pad to your monitor or a TV. Please note, only HDMI connection is officially supported. If your monitor does not have an HDMI port, you may…

Samsung DeX Station works with all Samsung DeX-enabled devices: Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9. You can instantly convert your phone as an Android PC (or a Linux PC if you enable Linux on DeX beta) with a DeX Station. Although Samsung DeX Pad, Dex Station and DeX cable (for Note 9 and Tab S4) share identical DeX features, the design of these DeX accessories is substantially different. You may check this guide on using Samsung DeX Pad, and this guide (coming soon) on using Samsung DeX cable on Galaxy Note 9.  For the comparison of Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX cable, please check this guide. This Galaxy S9 accessories guide explains everything you need to know about Samsung DeX Station: contents in the package (box), the layout of the DeX Station, step-by-step guide on using the DeX Station. Frequently asked questions on Ethernet port, display resolution, charging and covers are also covered. What is Samsung DeX Station? Samsung DeX Station, as shown above,  is the first DeX accessory required by Samsung DeX. It was announced together with Galaxy S8 and S8+ in 2017. Although it was announced as a companion to Galaxy S8/S8+, Samsung DeX Station works with all DeX-enabled devices: Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9+, Note 8, Note 9 and Tab S4. The design of the Samsung DeX Pad is similar to Samsung's fast wireless charging stand.  You need to push the top part so that it stands up to support the phone. You may check this guide on the differences among three Samsung DeX accessories: Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX Cable. What is included in the Samsung DeX Station package? In the Samsung DeX Station package, there are only two (maybe one if you find the quick start guide is useless) useful items: Samsung DeX Station (aka multimedia dock). Quick start guide in multiple languages. Nothing else. No cables. No power adapters. So, you need to prepare the following items to use Samsung DeX Station: A Samsung fast wall charger (adaptive wall charger). The wall charger included in your Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9 is sufficient. An HDMI cable. (optional) A USB (or wireless)  mouse/keyboard. You can use the phone screen as the trackpad. But unlike Samsung DeX Pad,  it is not comfortable to use the phone screen as the touchpad when it is in the Samsung DeX Station. Anyway, unlike Samsung DeX Pad, Samsung DeX Station does NOT work out of the box. The layout of Samsung DeX Station As shown below, in the back of Samsung DeX Station, there are 5 ports: Two (2) normal (Type A) USB ports. Although these two ports were designed for USB mouse and keyboard, you can also connect other USB devices (e.g., connect a USB drive) to the Samsung DeX Station One LAN (Ethernet) cable port (if you want to use a wired network). One HDMI port. You need to connect your monitor to the Station using an HDMI cable, which is not included in the box. One USB C port. You need to connect a fast wall charger to power the DeX Station.  At the same time, you can charge the phone. When not in use, the phone support panel works as a cover for the Station. If you push back the cover (with the Samsung logo facing you) to slide up cover as shown below. You can then find the USB  Type C connector as shown below. This USB connector is for you to connect your phone to the DeX Station. You need to make sure USB C port of your S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 or Note 9 is inserted into this connector. Once the cover is up, you can find the fan vents in the back of the cover as shown below. Do not block these holes as they are designed to dissipate heat when using Samsung DeX. How to use Samsung DeX Station with Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9, Note 8 and Note 9? You may follow these steps to use Samsung DeX Station with Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9, Note 8 and Note 9. Step 1: Connect to a wall charger A fast (adaptive) charger is required. Samsung DeX Station needs the wall charger to power it up. You may also want not to drain your battery when using Samsung DeX. And you must connect the wall charger to the USB-C port in the station. Do NOT connect wall charger to any of the USB A ports in the station!! You may damage the station. Unfortunately, Samsung does not include a wall charger or a USB cable in the box. It is recommended to use your phone's Samsung adaptive charger (15w). However, if you want to enjoy fast charging while…

Samsung DeX is one of the best productivity features offered in Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9.  You need either a Samsung DeX Station, or a Samsung DeX Pad, or a Samsung DexX cable to enjoy this feature. But these 3 accessories may work differently in the supported devices. Please check this guide on how to use Samsung DeX Station and this guide on how to use Samsung DeX Pad. This Galaxy S9 accessories guide explains the difference among the Samsung DeX accessories: Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX cable, to help you get the correct DeX accessories for your phone. What are the available Samsung DeX accessories needed to use Samsung DeX? To use Samsung DeX, you need one of the following official accessories: Samsung DeX Station; or Samsung DeX Pad; or Samsung DeX cable. Samsung DeX Station was released in 2017 for Galaxy S8 and S8+. So, in addition to Galaxy S8 and S8+,  Samsung DeX station works with all later devices: Galaxy S9, S9+ Note 8 and Note 9. Samsung DeX Pad was released in 2018 for Galaxy S9 and S9+. So, it officially supports Galaxy S9, S9+ and Note 9. But in Android Oreo update, Galaxy S8, S8+ and Note 8 can also use Samsung DeX  Pad to enjoy Samsung DeX.  So, Samsung DeX Pad supports similar devices as Samsung DeX Station unless you haven't updated your S8 (or S8+ or Note 8) to Android Oreo. Samsung DeX cable was released in 2018 for Galaxy Note 9. Currently, it only supports Galaxy Note 9 (and Tab S4)  in DeX mode. For Galaxy S8, S8+, S9, S9+ and Note 8, the cable is identical to other normal USB-C to HDMI cable: you can only use it for screen mirroring without a Chromecast (or Miracast device). Which phones support Samsung DeX? As mentioned, currently, you can use Samsung DeX in the following devices: Galaxy S8 Galaxy S8+ Galaxy Note 8 Galaxy S9 Galaxy S9+ Galaxy Note 9 Galaxy Tab S4 To use Samsung DeX Pad, Galaxy S8, S8+, and Note 8 must upgrade to Android Oreo. DeX Station does not have this requirement. Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad: what are the differences? If your Galaxy S8, S8+ or Note 8 are still using Android Nougat, then  Samsung DeX Station is the only choice. However, in almost all regions, Android Oreo update was released for Galaxy S8, S8+ and Note 8 already, very likely, most owners can use both Samsung DeX Pad and Samsung DeX Station. If you compare Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad, here are the major differences. Samsung DeX Station has an Ethernet port, DeX Pad doesn't. Samsung DeX Pad package includes all you need to use the DeX Pad: power adapter (wall charger) and HDMI cable; while Samsung DeX Station only includes a station, nothing more. If you don't use a mouse and keyboard and need to use your phone as a touchpad, then you will feel Samsung DeX Pad is more comfortable when using the touchpad. DeX Station allows you to use the phone as a touchpad, but it is a bit awkward due to the orientation of the phone when connected the USB C port to the DeX Station. For Samsung DeX features, the DeX Pad and DeX Station have no differences. Why is Samsung DeX cable for Galaxy Note 9 only (in DeX mode)? With a Galaxy Note 9 (and Tab S4), you can use Samsung DeX mode with a Samsung DeX cable. Samsung DeX Pad or DeX Station is NOT required. But if you use the same cable on Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+ or Note 8, you can only access screen mirroring mode, not the DeX mode (extended mode). Galaxy Note 9 has an improved thermal management system (both hardware and software) so that it has no issues to launch DeX mode and you can use the phone at the same time. Samsung mentioned, but not promised Galaxy S9, S9+ or other devices may get this feature through an update in the future. Please note, when you use the Samsung DeX cable for DeX mode on Galaxy Note 9, you have to use a Bluetooth mouse (and keyboard) or use the phone screen as a touchpad. You have no place to plug any USB devices. You also cannot charge Galaxy Note 9. When you use the DeX cable, the USB C port will be occupied by the cable, and therefore you cannot use a USB drive to expand the phone storage. While for the DeX Pad and DeX Station, you can use the USB port to connect an external USB drive for Galaxy S9 or S9+. Can I use a normal USB-C to HDMI cable on Galaxy Note 9 to use Samsung DeX Mode? Yes,…

App pair on Galaxy S9 and S9+ allows you to launch and use two apps as a pair in the split-screen view of the Multi Window mode. Samsung first introduced app pair on Galaxy Note 8 on 2017. It was then available for all newer Galaxy phones including Galaxy S9, S9+ and Note 9. App pair was also backported to Galaxy S8 and S8+ in the Android Oreo update. This Galaxy S9 guide explains how app pair works on Galaxy S9 and shows you the two methods of creating app pairs. The guide also shows you how to manage app pairs and how to use app pair together with dual messengers. As mentioned, the app pair is not an exclusive feature of Galaxy S9 or S9+. Instead, it is a standard Multi Window feature on Samsung phones with Android Oreo. So, this guide applies to other Samsung Galaxy phones including Galaxy Note 8, S8, S8+ and Note 9 as well. What is app pair on Galaxy S9 and S9+? As explained in the Galaxy S9 Multi Window guide, you can use two apps in the split screen view simultaneously. You may need to use a certain pair of apps often. App pair is to address this demand: you create a pair so that the two apps are launched in the split screen view directly. Of course, this is faster than the old workflow: entering Multi Window mode,  then selecting apps. Even better, you can use app pair in Galaxy S9 edge screen to launch the two apps without navigating to the home screen. Essentially, app pair on Galaxy S9 is a shortcut to the split-screen view of two apps. You can put the shortcut on Galaxy S9 home screen or edge screen. If you are using the dual messenger feature to run two copies of messenger apps (e.g., WhatsApp), you can put these two copies of the messenger app in the app pair so that you can check messages in two accounts simultaneously. Two ways to create an app pair on Galaxy S9 and S9+? There are at least two methods to create an app pair on Galaxy S9 or S9+: Converting the current split-screen view to an app pair; Manually creating an app pair in the apps edge of Galaxy S9 edge screen settings. Method 1: Converting current split-screen view to an app pair When you are using the split screen view (please check this guide on how to use the multiwindow mode on Galaxy S9 if you are not sure about it), tap the spacer icon as shown below. As shown in the screenshot above, you can find the additional options for the split screen view. Tap the first icon as shown above to create an app pair, AND add the app pair to Galaxy S9 Home screen immediately. On Galaxy S9 Home screen, you can see the app icon as shown below. If you tap the icon, you will launch the two apps concurrently in the split screen view. Method 2: Manually creating an app pair in the apps edge You can also manually create an app pair in the apps edge of Galaxy S9 edge screen. As shown below, in the edge screen, once you navigate to the apps edge, tap the EDIT button to enter the edit mode of the apps edge. Now, in the apps edge settings, you can: Add apps to one of the 10 slots in the apps edge. Remove apps from apps edge. Create app pairs. Delete app pairs. Add app pairs to one of the 10 slots in the apps edge. Remove an app pair from apps edge (without deleting it so that you can re-use it in the future). Rearrange the apps and app pairs in the apps edge. Tap Create app pair as shown above to create a new app pair. You need to select two apps from all apps installed on the phone to create an app pair. Please note, you are NOT allowed to run two copies of the same app in app pair except for dual messenger apps. So, after you select one app, for example, Google Analytics, then you have to select another app for the second app. Of course, one app can be used many times in different app pairs. After selecting two apps, you can tap DONE as shown in the screenshot above to create an app pair for these two apps. For example, in the screenshot above, Google Analytics and WordPress were selected. After tapping the Done button, as shown below, a new app pair for these two apps were created. Please note, the newly created app pair will not be added to the apps edge automatically. If you want to use the app pair in the apps edge, you need to tap and hold (long tap) the…