Galaxy S9 Guides

a community for owners of Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

Galaxy S9 Accessories Guides

How to use a USB flash drive on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

You can use a USB flash drive or even a 2TB USB drive to expand Galaxy S9 storage

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use USB flash drive on Samsung phonesA 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 … Read the rest

How to use Samsung DeX Pad for Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9?

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use Samsung DeX Pad for Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9Samsung 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 … Read the rest

How to use Samsung DeX Station for Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9?

Everything you need to know about Samsung DeX Station.

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use Samsung DeX Station for Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9Samsung 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, 
… Read the rest

Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX cable

Which one do you need to use Samsung DeX on Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9?

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Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX cableSamsung 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 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 … Read the rest

How to use micro SD card on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

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use micro SD card on Galaxy S9 and S9+Galaxy S9 and S9+, together with other Galaxy S devices (except Galaxy S6, S6 edge and S6 edge+), support SD card.  You can use a micro SD card on Galaxy S9 or S9+ to expand phone storage.

In addition to media files and documents, you can move some apps to the SD card on Galaxy S9 or S9 to free up some internal storage space.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains how to use SIM card on single SIM or dual-SIM versions of Galaxy S9 and S9+, how to move apps to SD card, how to manage SD card with the device maintenance utility, how to encrypt and decrypt SD card on Galaxy S9, and how to save photos to SD card or phone storage for Galaxy S9 camera.

For using a USB flash drive on Galaxy S9 or S9+, please check this guide.

How to insert micro SD card on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

There are two major variants (versions) of Galaxy S9 and S9+: single SIM version, and the dual-SIM version, depending on the market.

Both of these two variants of Galaxy S9 (and S9+) supports the micro SD card to expand the phone storage.

For the single SIM version of Galaxy S9, it is simple. The SIM card tray, as shown below, has two slots: slot 1 for the SIM card, and the slot 2 for the micro SD card.

use the SIM card slot

But for the dual-SIM version of Galaxy S9 (and S9+), it is a bit complicated.

The SIM card tray, as shown below, also has only two slots. You can only fit a SIM card in the slot 1. The slot 2 can hold a SIM card OR a micro SD card, but not both simultaneously.

insert micro SD card on Galaxy S9 and S9+

As explained in this guide:

  • If you want to use two SIM cards on Galaxy S9 or S9+, then you cannot use the micro SD card.
  • If you want to use a micro SD card, then you cannot use two SIM cards. You can only use one SIM card.

When you place the micro SD card on the SIM card tray, you need to make sure it is secured. The metal contact part should face downwards, same as the SIM card as explained in this guide.

What are the limitations of using micro SD card on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Although a micro SD card can expand the storage … Read the rest

Samsung Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover guide

Everything you need to know about Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover: unique features, how does the cover work, pros and cons of the cover, how to customize and use the cover.

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Samsung Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover guideSamsung Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover is one of the official accessories for Galaxy S9 and S9+.

In addition to protecting your Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover offers a few unique features to make it fun and effective to use your Galaxy S9 and S9+.

This Galaxy S9 accessories guide shows you everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover: unique features, how does the cover work, pros, and cons of the cover, how to customize and use the cover.

Update: Added a new section of How to solve Samsung Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover problems after Android Pie update? If you get any issues with the LED cover after you update Galaxy S9 or S9+ to Android Pie, you may check this section. It solves two possible problems:

  • The LED wallet cover is not recognized by the phone.
  • Notifications are not shown on the LED cover.

For other new features in Galaxy S9 Android Pie update, for example, new navigation gestures, lockdown mode, night mode, screen orientation lock (rotation toggle), new Recents screen, lock Galaxy S9 Home screen layout, floating keyboard, remap the Bixby butt, Bixby quick commands, updated camera app, lift to wake, tap to show (display mode) for Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) screen, are discussed here.

What are the unique features of Samsung Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover?

The official Galaxy S9 accessories were designed to enhance some features or improve the user experiences of Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Unlike the Galaxy S9 clear view cover, Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover does not have a translucent front. It is opaque.

So, Galaxy S9 LED cover uses LED dots on the cover to display icons for calls and notifications on the front cover.

The unique features of Samsung Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover includes:

  • LED icons for incoming calls, notifications, alarms, battery status, clock, and music controls. You can assign different LED icons for different contacts and different apps so that you can know who is calling or where is the notification from without opening the cover.
  • LED with colors. You can assign border colors to the LED icons for Galaxy S9 LED cover. In previous generations of LED cover, there is no border color option.
  • Powered by the phone battery through the NFC connection
… Read the rest

How to use Samsung Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover (S-view cover)?

A definite guide for Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover (aka S View cover): Pros and cons, main features, how to use, and how to customize Galaxy S9 clear view cover.

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Samsung Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover (S-view cover)Samsung Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover, aka Galaxy S9 S-View cover in some regions, is one of the official Samsung Galaxy S9 accessories for Galaxy S9 and S9+.

The Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover is available in almost all regions, and available for both Galaxy S9 and S9+. You need to make sure you get the correct one.

This Galaxy S9 accessories guide explains main features of Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover, pros and cons of Galaxy S9 clear view cover, how to use it, and how to customise it.

What is Samsung Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover (aka Galaxy S9 S View cover)?

Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover has been a successor for S View covers since Galaxy S8.

The whole front cover of the Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover is translucent. You can consider the whole front cover is a big S View window as in Galaxy S7 S View cover.

You can control some features of the Galaxy S9 and S9+ through this translucent front cover. You can pick up or reject phone calls without opening the cover. You can also control the music with the cover closed. Dissminig or snoozing an alarm is also available directly from the cover

The double-layer back part of the clear view cover offers decent protection for the phone and the camera modules as shown below.

front of Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover (aka Galaxy S9 S View cover) back of Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover (aka Galaxy S9 S View cover)

You can fold the back cover (actually separate the two layers)  of the Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover to make a stand for Galaxy S9 and S9+ in landscape orientation. There is only one viewing angle in the standing mode as shown below.

This viewing angle is good for watching videos or having a hands-free video call.

Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover (aka Galaxy S9 S View cover)

Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover is:

  • an updated (with an enlarged S View window) S View cover for Galaxy S9 and S9+;
  • an all-in-one cover with a back cover, a front cover and a stand for Galaxy S9 and ;
  • a smart cover allowing you to control some functions and features of Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Due to the size difference of Galaxy S9 and S9+, the clear view standing cover for Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ is NOT interchangeable.

If you have a Galaxy S9, you should get the Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover. If you have a Galaxy S9+, you should get Galaxy … Read the rest

How to charge Galaxy S9 battery?

Everything you need to know to charge Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ with USB charging or wireless charging

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charge galaxy s9 batteryAfter unboxing Galaxy S9 or S9+, you may want to charge Galaxy S9 battery so that you can start to set it up and use it.

When Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ left the factory, the battery is charged to about 50% of the capacity, which is sufficient for you to inspect the phone on the counter.

Because the only difference between Galaxy S9 battery and Galaxy S9+ battery is the size (capacity), charging Galaxy S9 battery is identical to that for Galaxy S9+. Therefore, we use Galaxy S9 to refer to both Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Two ways to charge Galaxy S9 battery

You can charge the Galaxy S9 battery in two ways:

  1. Using a USB cable (USB charging).
  2. Using a wireless charging pad (wireless charging).

All Android phones now support USB charging. The charging port in most Android phones has been shifting from micro USB to USB-C.

Both Galaxy S9 and S9+ have a USB-C port for charging and data transfer (e.g., back up Galaxy S9/S9+).

In your Galaxy S9 box, you can find the wall charger and the USB cable to charge Galaxy S9 battery.

Galaxy S9 and S9+ also support wireless charging. Samsung has added the wireless charging to Galaxy phones since Galaxy S6.

You can put Galaxy S9 or S9+ on a wireless charging pad to charge the phone.

Besides, you can also charge Galaxy S9 or S9+ when using Samsung DeX. In this situation, the adaptive wall charger is connected to a Samsung DeX Station or a Samsung DeX Pad.  Galaxy S9 or S9+ is connected to the USB-C connector of the DeX Station or DeX pad.

What is fast charging for Galaxy S9 and S9+?

A normal USB wall charger has a rated output current ranging from 500mA (0.5A/5V, 2.5W)  to 2000mA (2A/5V, 10W).

When using such USB wall chargers to charge Galaxy S9 and S9+, the charging voltage does not change. It is fixed at 5V. And Galaxy S9 and S9+ battery can take up to 2A current for this type of wall charger.

In addition to “normal” USB charging, Galaxy S9 and S9 also support fast charging when an adaptive wall charger (aka fast charger) is connected.

An adaptive wall charger can communicate with Galaxy S9 and S9+. Galaxy S9 and S9+ can then choose two charging modes:

  1. Fast charging
… Read the rest

Unbox Galaxy S9: understand package contents in Galaxy S9 box and S9+ box

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Unbox Galaxy S9: understand package contents in Galaxy S9 box and S9+ boxAfter unboxing Galaxy S9 or S9+, you need to understand the package contents in your Galaxy S9 box or S9+ box so that you can properly use them when needed.

The package contents in Galaxy S9 box, and in Galaxy S9+ box are identical except the phone.

Also, the Galaxy S9 package contents may slightly vary in different regions.

This Galaxy S9 guide shows you the contents of Galaxy S9 box and Galaxy S9+ box. It also explains how to use these items in the Galaxy S9 box.

What are the Galaxy S9 package contents in Galaxy S9 box and S9+ box?

You can find Galaxy S9 package contents in Galaxy S9 box and S9+ box as shown in the picture below.

They include (corresponding to the numbers  marked in the picture):

  1. The sealed box.
  2. The phone.
  3. Wall charger (adaptive charger, aka fast charger).
  4. USB cable (USB-A to USB-C).
  5. USB connector.
  6. SIM card ejection pin.
  7. AKG earphone.
  8. Additional earbud cups (large and small).

There is also a getting-started booklet (leaflet) together with a safety manual (not shown in the picture below).

In some regions, printed stickers with IMEI number and serial number may also be included in the box.

For the official Galaxy S9 user manual, you may check and download it in your language in the official Samsung Galaxy S9 user guides page.

You can also get the online version of the user manual from Settings – User manual. This service may be unavailable in some regions.

Galaxy S9 package contents in Galaxy S9 box and S9+ box

How to use the items included in Galaxy S9 package contents?

Galaxy S9 box (or Galaxy S9+ box)

Everything is in the box.

Some vendors in some regions may offer additional free accessories. But they should be not in the box.

You need to check and make sure the seal is not broken.

Galaxy S9 phone or S9+ phone

The phone should have some protective plastic films on all sides. You should remove them before using the phone.

In almost all regions, the camera lenses are also covered by the plastic film, which must be removed before you take any photos.

In some regions, Samsung does not offer a 1-to-1 exchange if the new phone has any problems.  They only offer repair services under warranty.

If this is the case in your region, you should power on the phone to test it before leaving the counter.

The … Read the rest

About Galaxy S9 Guides

Everything about this Galaxy S9 guides community

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About Galaxy S9 GuidesWhat is Galaxy S9 guides community?

Galaxy S9 guides is an online community for owners of Galaxy S9 or S9+ to help fellow owners.

If you have any questions on or encounter any problems with Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, you can get answers and solutions quickly from the community.

Galaxy S9 guides community is not affiliated with Samsung in any means.  It is simply an owner-help-owner community.

If you need any “official” technical support or need to contact Samsung for warranty or sales related issues,  please approach the local distributor or local Samsung office directly.

We are not able to relay any messages to Samsung.

What does Galaxy S9 guides community offer?

Galaxy S9 guides community offers various how-to guides to help you use Galaxy S9 and S9+.

These Galaxy S9 guides are organized into the following five sections:

  1.  Galaxy S9 new features guide.  The section covers detailed guides for all new features and functions in Galaxy S9 and S9+.
  2. Galaxy S9 how-to guides.  This section is a collection of high-quality how-to guides on how to efficiently use Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+,
  3. Galaxy S9 camera guides. There are many improvements and new features in Galaxy S9 (especially S9+) camera. This section has all the guides you need to use major features of Galaxy S9 camera properly.
  4. Galaxy S9 accessories guides. This section shows you the useful and affordable Galaxy S9 accessories to help you use and improve Galaxy S9 and S9+.
  5. Galaxy S9 user guides. This section is a collection of the official Samsung Galaxy S9 user guides in various languages. You can read and download the official user guide in PDF format in your local language.

Besides, comments are open on all pages.  So, everyone can ask questions if they are not addressed in the guides,  The community will and help them get the answer or solution.

In a nutshell, Galaxy S9 guides community offers a platform for all owners of Galaxy S9 and S9+ to discuss and share the usage and experiences of the phone.

How can you contribute to the Galaxy S9 guides community?

There is no join button in Galaxy S9 guides.  There are no signup forms either.

All Galaxy S9 guides are open to the public.

And of course, it is free.

We do not collect any of your personal info.  You can post your Galaxy S9 … Read the rest