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Galaxy S9 Guides

a community for owners of Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

  • Home
    • About Galaxy S9 Guides
    • Contact Us
  • How-to Guides
    • Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guides
      • Official user manuals for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update
      • Top 9 new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+
      • How to use the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • How to use the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?
      • How to use the night mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?
      • How to remap Bixby button on Galaxy S9 and S9+ after updating to Android Pie?
      • How to use Bixby quick commands on Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8, and Note 9 with the Android Pie update?
      • How to update Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus to Android Pie (Android 9)?
      • How to use the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?
      • How to use the new Recents screen in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus?
      • How to use the floating keyboard on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?
      • How to lock Galaxy S9 home screen layout on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?
      • How to use the rotation toggle to change and lock screen orientation in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus?
      • How to use the updated camera app in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus?
    • Meaning of Galaxy S9 status icons and notification icons in Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+
      • How to use Samsung DeX with Galaxy S9 and S9+ and other Samsung phones?
      • How to use Multi Window on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • How to use app pair on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX cable
      • How to use Samsung DeX Station for Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9?
      • How to use Samsung DeX Pad for Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9?
      • How to use a USB flash drive on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
    • How to charge Galaxy S9 battery?
    • Galaxy S9 SIM card guide
      • How to use two SIM cards on Galaxy S9, S10, and S20?
      • How to use Galaxy S9 dual messenger to run two accounts of messenger apps simultaneously on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • How to use micro SD card on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • How to back up Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • How to use smart switch to transfer and migrate data to Galaxy S9 or S9+?
      • How to reset Galaxy S9 and S9+? What is Galaxy S9 factory data reset?
    • How to disable Bixby button in Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • How to remove Bixby Home from Galaxy S9 Home screen?
    • Understand and Use Galaxy S9 Home screen
      • How to use Galaxy S9 edge screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • How to show photos on Galaxy S9 Home screen?
      • How to pin files to Galaxy S9 Home screen (add file shortcuts to Galaxy S9 Home screen)?
      • How to use Galaxy S9 Apps screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • How to use Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode to customize Galaxy S9 Home screen?
      • How to use Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode?
      • How to hide Galaxy S9 apps screen and how to hide Galaxy Apps button?
      • How to use and customize Galaxy S9 navigation bar and navigation buttons?
      • How to manage Galaxy S9 Home screen panels on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
    • How to use and customize Galaxy S9 lock screen?
      • How to use Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
    • How to use Galaxy S9 notification panel on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • How to use Do Not Disturb on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • Understand and use Galaxy S9 notification number badge (notification dots, app icon badge)
      • How to use quick setting buttons on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • How to use quick-open notification panel on Galaxy S9 and S9+ to check notifications?
    • Galaxy S9 layout (and layout of Galaxy S9+)
      • How to use adapt sound on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • 5 ways to take screenshots on Galaxy S9 and S9+ without using any apps
      • How to use Galaxy S9 touchscreen gestures?
      • How to use wireless printing on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • How to use Galaxy S9 themes to customize the look and feel of Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • Unbox Galaxy S9: understand package contents in Galaxy S9 box and S9+ box
    • How to reboot into Galaxy S9 recovery mode and to clear Galaxy S9 cache partition on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • How to reboot Galaxy S9 and S9+ if Galaxy S9 hangs?
      • How to use Galaxy S9 safe mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
    • How to use Galaxy S9 camera app?
      • 6 ways to start Galaxy S9 camera app in Galaxy S9 and S9+
      • Understanding and use Galaxy S9 camera settings
      • How to use super slow motion mode (super Slow-mo) on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • How to use Galaxy S9 camera Pro Mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
  • New features
    • Top 9 new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+
      • How to use the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?
      • How to use the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+?
      • How to use the night mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?
      • How to remap Bixby button on Galaxy S9 and S9+ after updating to Android Pie?
      • How to update Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus to Android Pie (Android 9)?
      • How to use the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?
      • How to use the new Recents screen in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus?
      • How to use the floating keyboard on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?
      • How to lock Galaxy S9 home screen layout on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?
      • How to use the rotation toggle to change and lock screen orientation in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus?
      • How to use the updated camera app in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus?
      • How to use Bixby quick commands on Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8, and Note 9 with the Android Pie update?
    • Top 10 new features of Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+
    • How to remove Bixby Home from Galaxy S9 Home screen?
    • How to use and customize Galaxy S9 navigation bar and navigation buttons?
    • How to use super slow motion mode (super Slow-mo) on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
    • Understand and use Galaxy S9 notification number badge (notification dots, app icon badge)
    • How to use Samsung DeX Pad for Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9?
    • How to use Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode?
    • Understanding and use Galaxy S9 camera settings
    • How to use dual aperture to manually switch Galaxy S9 camera aperture in Pro mode?
    • Galaxy S9 layout (and layout of Galaxy S9+)
    • How to use app pair on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
  • Camera
    • How to use Galaxy S9 camera app?
    • How to use the updated camera app in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus?
    • Understanding and use Galaxy S9 camera settings
    • 6 ways to start Galaxy S9 camera app in Galaxy S9 and S9+
    • How to use dual aperture to manually switch Galaxy S9 camera aperture in Pro mode?
    • How to use super slow motion mode (super Slow-mo) on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
    • How to use Galaxy S9 camera Pro Mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
    • How to show photos on Galaxy S9 Home screen?
  • Official User Guides
    • Official user manuals for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update
    • Official Samsung Galaxy S9 user guides (Oreo)
  • Accessories
    • How to use Samsung Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover (S-view cover)?
    • Samsung Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover guide
    • How to use micro SD card on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
    • How to use Samsung DeX with Galaxy S9 and S9+ and other Samsung phones?
      • Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX cable
      • How to use Samsung DeX Station for Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9?
      • How to use Samsung DeX Pad for Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9?
      • How to use a USB flash drive on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Galaxy S9 lock screen

How to use the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?

simon · 6 Comments

use the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie updateThe lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update lets the phone be ready when you want to use it.

Although it is a minor feature, many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners like this feature in the Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ because it is very practical.

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 use it on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

What is the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Often, when you pick up the phone, you actually want to use the phone.

Now, in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung finally added this lift to wake feature. So, when you pick up (lift) the phone, the screen will wake up automatically. You do not need to press any buttons.

Surely, this is extremely useful when you just want to check time or notifications on Galaxy S9 lock screen.

If iris scanner or face recognition was enabled, it may unlock the phone at the same time when the screen wakes up (if you are staring at the screen).

Of course, many other Android manufacturers introduced similar features for some time already. For example, Motorola added the active display in the first-gen of Moto X.  Samsung now is now catching up in adding more cool features in the One UI.

Please note, the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ will not work if you are using the LED cover or the clear view cover when the cover is closed. These two cases are designed to lock the screen when they are closed.

How to enable and use the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

By default, the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update is disabled after you update the phone.

You need to enable it if you intend to use this feature on Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus.

In Galaxy S9 settings, tap the Advanced features as shown in the screenshot below.

Galaxy S9 advanced features motions and gestures

In the advanced features page, tap Motions and gestures as shown above.

Now, in the motions and gestures page, you can find the lift to wake.

As shown below, you can tap the switch on … Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Guides, Galaxy S9 New Features Tagged With: Android Pie, Android Pie update guide, AOD, Galaxy S9 always-on display, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 new features, lift to wake, motions and gestures, raise to wake

How to use the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?

Everything you need to know about Android Pie lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+

simon · Leave a Comment

Everything you need to know about Android Pie lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ 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.

enable the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update enable the lockdown mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update

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.… Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Guides, Galaxy S9 New Features Tagged With: Android Pie, Android Pie update guide, Galaxy S9 apps screen, Galaxy S9 home screen, Galaxy S9 layout, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 notifications, Galaxy S9 safe mode, Galaxy S9 touch screen gesture, lock down, lockdown mode, navigation gestures, power button, power button options, power off Galaxy S9, power on Galaxy S9, screenshot, smart lock

How to use Galaxy S9 edge screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Use and customize Galaxy S9 edge screen

simon · Leave a Comment

use Galaxy S9 edge screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+Galaxy S9 edge screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+ is one of the productivity features associated with the curved screen.

Although the edge screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+ is not a new feature, many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners still know little about using edge screen to improve their experiences with the phone.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains the details of Galaxy S9 edge screen, and how to use and customize edge screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Since Galaxy S8, the edge screen features are unified on Galaxy S and Note devices. So this guide also applies to edge screen on Galaxy S8,  S8+, Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy Note 9.

What is Galaxy S9 edge screen? The history of the edge screen on Samsung Phones

Galaxy S9 edge screen can be traced back to Galaxy Note Edge (Note 4 Edge), on which Samsung introduced a separate physical screen on the right edge of the standard screen in 2014.

But the reception of a dedicated edge screen was not as warm as expected. So, Samsung introduced the new “shared” edge screen in Galaxy S6 edge and S6 edge+. The edge screen was further polished in Galaxy S7 edge. Since Galaxy S8, Samsung has used curved screens on all flagship phones (Galaxy Note and Galaxy S series),

Galaxy S9 edge screen is a more or less matured feature in both Galaxy S9 and S9+.

There is no dedicated edge screen. Instead, you can trigger some useful features in the (curved) edge part of the main screen.

Edge screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+ is actually a productivity and software feature. It allows you to quickly access some features like opening apps, access tasks or contact your favourite friends.

Although the edge screen is conceptualized with the curved screen, only edge lighting utilizes the curved display. Other Galaxy S9 edge screen features (edge panels) do not rely on the curved edges of the infinity display and therefore can be easily implemented on a flat screen,

By default, edge screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+ was enabled when you got the phone.

In the right edge of the screen, as shown below, you can find edge screen handle.

Swipe to the left side to access Galaxy S9 edge screen features.

Galaxy S9 edge screen Galaxy S9 edge screen

For example, you may open apps edge to quickly start a favourite app you added to … Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Guides Tagged With: apps edge, customize edge screen, disable edge screen, edge lighting, edge panels, edge screen handle, Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD), Galaxy S9 edge screen, Galaxy S9 home screen, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 settings, Galaxy S9 touch screen gesture, long tap gesture, people edge, tasks edge

How to reset Galaxy S9 and S9+? What is Galaxy S9 factory data reset?

simon · Leave a Comment

reset Galaxy S9 and S9+You may have to reset Galaxy S9 or S9+ when the phone does not work as expected.

There are 3 levels of resetting for Galaxy S9 and S9+: reset network settings, reset Galaxy S9 settings (system settings) and factory data reset (FDR) Galaxy S9 or S9+.

This Galaxy S9 guide shows you how to use these three levels of resetting for your Galaxy S9 and S9+, and explains what you should do before trying to factory data reset Galaxy S9 or S9+.

What are the three levels of resetting for Galaxy S9 and S9+?

When you consider resetting Galaxy S9 or S9+, there are three levels of resetting:

  1. Reset network settings.
  2. Reset Galaxy S9 settings.
  3. Factory data reset (FDR).

Factory data reset (FDR, level 3) would erase everything on Galaxy S9 or S9+. You will get a “new ” phone to start with. You must back up all data on Galaxy S9 or S9+ before trying the factory data reset.

But remember, factory data reset will NOT roll back system updates.

Reset Galaxy S9 settings (level 2) removes the system settings added/customized by you,  but it does not erase your files and third-party app data.

Reset network settings (level 1) only remove network (mobile, WiFi, Bluetooth) settings. Other settings and user files are untouched.  You may use this resetting level when your phone has problems to connect to connect WiFi or mobile networks.

What should you do BEFORE trying Galaxy S9 factory data reset?

If you have to factory data reset Galaxy S9 or S9+,  you must be aware that all data and settings will be erased.  All apps installed by you will be removed as well.

And there is no undo option.

Before you factory data reset (FDR) for Galaxy S9 or S9+,  you should try to finish the following 3 tasks.

  • Back up, back up and back up your Galaxy S9 or S9+.

All your data, documents,  photos, other media files and apps will be erased.

So, it is important to back up your Galaxy S9 or S9+. You can use the Samsung Cloud and Google Photos to back up Galaxy S9 or S9+ to the cloud.

If you prefer backing up to your PC, you can install Smart Switch on the PC. Then you can back up everything to your PC.

Factory data reset will not erase files on the SD card. But app data … Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Guides Tagged With: Android update, back up, back up Galaxy S9, back up photos, device protection, factory data reset (FDR), Galaxy S9 apps screen, Galaxy S9 home screen, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 quick settings panel, Galaxy S9 recovery mode, Galaxy S9 safe mode, Galaxy S9 settings, Galaxy S9 touch screen gesture, Google account, reboot Galaxy S9, reset, reset Galaxy S9, reset Galaxy S9 network settings, reset Galaxy S9 settings, Samsung account

How to back up Galaxy S9 and S9+?

A definite guide on backing up Galaxy S9 and S9 data to Samsung Cloud and Galaxy S9 photos to Google Photos

simon · Leave a Comment

How to back up Galaxy S9 and S9+?You should back up Galaxy S9 or S9+. Period.

The data saved in galaxy S9 or S9+ may be lost for many reasons: hardware failure, inadvertent operation/deletion, malware or virus, loss of the phone…

This Galaxy S9 guide shows you how to back up Galaxy S9 data to the Samsung Cloud, and back up photos on Galaxy S9 or S9+ too Google Drive (through Google Photos).

Why do you need to back up Galaxy S9 and S9+?

If the data (photos, documents, notes and others) in your phone are important, you should back up them.

The storage of the phone including the internal storage and micro SD card, like other modern electric components, may fail at any time.

You do not know when it will fail. It can be tomorrow, or after 10 years.

You may accidentally delete a file or a photo. In Android, by default, there is no undo option, and there is no recycle bin to keep deleted files.

You should never try your luck if the data are important.

The good news is that it is easy and straightforward to back up Galaxy S9 or S9+, and it is free.

What are the available methods to back up Galaxy S9 and S9+ data without using any third-party apps?

In fact, there are at least three free solutions for backing up the data on Galaxy S9 and S9+ without using any third party apps (Google Photos is preinstalled).

  1. Use Samsung Cloud to back up Galaxy S9 and S9+ fully.
  2. Use Samsung Cloud to back up (except photos) Galaxy S9/S9+ fully, and Google Photos to back up photos and videos.
  3. Use Google Drive to back up Galaxy S9 and S9+

Method 1: Use Samsung Cloud to fully back up Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Some owners may be not aware that Samsung offers 15GB (free) for each Samsung account.  And you can back up almost everything to Samsung cloud.

If you have multiple Galaxy phones (as old as Galaxy Note 4 and S6),  you can access the back up from any of the supported devices with one Samsung account. This means you can migrate old phone data to Galaxy S9 or S9 using Samsung cloud without using Smart Switch.

The only drawback is the storage is limited 15GB per account (NOT per device). In most regions, Samsung does not sell additional storage.… Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Guides Tagged With: back up, back up Galaxy S9, back up photos, Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD), Galaxy S9 home screen, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 settings, Gallery app, Google Drive, Google photos, migrate to Galaxy S9, Samsung account, Samsung Cloud, smart switch

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

simon · 1 Comment

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

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Accessories Guides, Galaxy S9 Guides Tagged With: device maintenance, dual-SIM, eject SD card, encrypt SD card, format SD card, Galaxy S9 burst mode, Galaxy S9 camera app, Galaxy S9 camera burst mode, Galaxy S9 camera settings, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 settings, Galaxy S9 SIM card, micro SD card, SIM card ejection, SIM card tray, unmount SD card, USB flash drive

How to reboot Galaxy S9 and S9+ if Galaxy S9 hangs?

Everything you need to know on powering on, powering off and rebooting Galaxy S9 and S9+.

simon · Leave a Comment

How to reboot Galaxy S9 and S9+ if Galaxy S9 hangs?You may already know to use the power button to power on, power off and reboot Galaxy S9 or S9+.

But occasionally, the power button may be not working as expected. You may have to use button (key) combinations to power off, power on or restart Galaxy S9 or S9+.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains how to reboot, power on and power off Galaxy  S9 and S9+ in both normal situations and abnormal situations (e.g. when Galaxy S9 or S9+ hangs.).

Please note, in this guide, we do not differ reboot and restart.  They are used interchangeably.

Why do you need to reboot Galaxy S9 or S9+ periodically?

You may know you have to reboot Galaxy S9 when you update the phone (for example, updating Galaxy S9 or S9+ to Android Pie).  In this case, some system files being used have to be replaced. Therefore, you need to “stop” the system, then restart the system with the updated files.

For apps, normally, it is not necessary to reboot Galaxy S9 if you update them. Apps in Android are running in its own container. The system can destroy the container and then reload the app with updated apps on Galaxy S9 or S9+. Therefore rebooting Galaxy S9 or S9+ is generally not required for updating apps on the phone.

But some tech guys may tell you to reboot Galaxy S9 or S9+ periodically (from once a month to once a week, NOT daily) to make the phone more responsive.

This is actually a valid suggestion.

When you reboot Galaxy S9 or S9+, all app leftovers (some apps sometimes may fail to clean up their own files after you close them) and ghost processes will be cleaned.

How to automatically reboot Galaxy S9 or S9+?

Samsung added the feature of “auto restart” feature in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

You can enable auto restart on Galaxy S9 and S9+ in Settings — General management — Reset— Auto Restart.

As shown in the screenshots below, you can enable auto restart so that Galaxy S9 or S9+ will be rebooted automatically within one hour of the specified time.

automatically reboot Galaxy S9 or S9+ automatically reboot Galaxy S9 or S9+

You can only set the schedule as once a week only. Frequently restarting/rebooting Galaxy S9 and S9+ will not be helpful.

How to power off and reboot Galaxy S9 and S9+ with the power button options?

The safest way to power off or reboot … Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Guides Tagged With: Android Pie, charge Galaxy S9 battery, Galaxy S9 layout, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 recovery mode, Galaxy S9 safe mode, Galaxy S9 settings, lockdown mode, long tap gesture, power button, power button options, power off Galaxy S9, power on Galaxy S9, reboot Galaxy S9, reset Galaxy S9

How to use Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

simon · Leave a Comment

Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) on Galaxy S9 and S9+Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) is an extension of the lock screen. You can choose to display some useful info after the lock screen times out.

Update: a new section explaining the changes of Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ was added. The new display mode (tap to show) was added.

This Galaxy S9 how-to guide explains everything you need to know about Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) on Galaxy S9 and S9+: how to turn on/off the AOD, how to use and customize Galaxy S9 AOD screen, how to customize clock style for AOD screen, how to pin photos to Galaxy S9 AD screen, and how to use AOD themes.

What is Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Traditionally, the phone screen will be turned off after you lock the screen, or if the screen times out.

But more and more smartphone owners use the phone to check time. Some Android phone manufacturers came out the idea of the always-on display (AOD), which shows selected info after the screen times out.

Samsung first introduced the always-on display on Galaxy S7 and S7  Edge.  Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) offers an evolutionary update for this feature.

Besides the clock, notification icons, music control, next calendar event and next alarm can also be shown on the Galaxy S9 AOD screen.

Compared to Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) on Galaxy S9 and S9+ does NOT offer the following features:

  • App shortcuts in the bottom.
  • Notification preview.
  • Quick setting buttons.

You can consider Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) is a slimmed-down version or an extension of the lock screen.

How to turn on/turn off Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

By default, in some regions, Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) is turned off on Galaxy S9 and S9+. In other markets, it is on.

Anyway, you can easily turn on or turn off Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) whenever you want.

And there are at least 3 different methods to turn on and turn off AOD on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Method 1: Use quick setting buttons to turn on/turn off Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) on Galaxy S9 and S9+

By default, Always-on display button is included in Galaxy S9 quick setting buttons as shown in the … Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Guides Tagged With: Android Pie, Android Pie update guide, AOD, Bixby button, Bixby quick command, Bixby voice, clock style, display mode, facewidgets, Galaxy S9 always-on display, Galaxy S9 camera app, Galaxy S9 clear view cover, Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover, Galaxy S9 Home button, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 settings, Galaxy S9 themes, Galaxy S9 touch screen gesture, lift to wake, lockdown mode, navigation gestures, night mode, quick setting buttons, Recents screen, remap Bixby button, rotation toggle, Samsung keyboard floating mode, tap to show, wallpapers

How to use Galaxy S9 themes to customize the look and feel of Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Everything you need to know about Galaxy S9 themes

simon · Leave a Comment

Everything you need to know about Galaxy S9 themesGalaxy S9 themes allow you to customise many aspects of the UI in Galaxy S9 and S9+.  It is no longer necessary to customise the colour scheme, wallpaper, icons or always-on display (AOD) screen individually.

You can find many excellent free Galaxy S9 themes in Samsung themes to meet your needs.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains everything you need to know about Galaxy S9 themes: What are they? How to get them? How to access them in Samsung themes? How to install and use them? How to manage or delete Galaxy S9 themes.

What are Galaxy S9 themes?

Galaxy S9 themes are “skins” for your Galaxy S9 and S9+.

You can use Galaxy S9 themes to customise the user interface of Galaxy S9 or S9+. The customisation usually includes:

  • Colour scheme for the UI. The default white scheme in Galaxy S9 and S9 UI can be annoying when you are using the phone in darkness.
  • Wallpapers for Galaxy S9 Home screen (including Galaxy S9 Apps screen), Galaxy S9 edge screen,  and Galaxu S9 lock screen.
  • App icon pack for pre-installed Samsung apps to replace the stock icon.
  • Font, style and background settings for Settings, Phone, Messages, Internet, Contacts, Clock, My Files and a few (about 30 to 40) other Samsung system apps.
  • Galaxy S9 always on display (AOD) themes.

Please note, Galaxy S9 themes work with the default launcher. If you are using a third-party launcher, Galaxy S9 themes unlikely will work as expected.

Besides, themes for other Galaxy phones (e.g., Galaxy S8/S8+) will NOT work on Galaxy S9/S9+.

Where to get Galaxy S9 themes?

As a security measure, you should get new themes for Galaxy S9 and S9+ ONLY from Samsung’s Theme store, which is embedded in Galaxy Apps.

You probably should never get any themes from other sources.

How to access Galaxy S9 themes?

You can access Galaxy S9 themes from Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode.

In Galaxy S9 home screen, you can enter the edit mode by:

  • Pinch gesture.
  • Long tap (tap and hold) on any blank area.

Once in the edit mode of the Galaxy S9 Home screen, as shown below,  tap Themes to access Galaxy S9 themes.

access Galaxy S9 themes access Galaxy S9 themes

In Galaxy S9 themes page, as shown in the screenshot above, tap Themes to enter themes tab.

Besides, you will get the notification about Galaxy S9 themes in the notification panel when … Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Guides Tagged With: Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD), Galaxy S9 apps screen, Galaxy S9 clear view cover, Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover, Galaxy S9 home screen, galaxy S9 home screen edit mode, Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 notification panel, Galaxy S9 quick settings panel, Galaxy S9 themes, Galaxy S9 touch screen gesture, icon pack, quick setting buttons, Samsung themes, screenshot, wallpapers

How to use Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode to customize Galaxy S9 Home screen?

simon · Leave a Comment

How to use Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode to customize Galaxy S9 Home screenYou can customize the look and feel of Galaxy S9 Home screen after entering Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode.

The default Galaxy S9 Home screen may be OK for most users. But if you want, you can customize almost everything of Galaxy S9 Home screen without leaving the home screen.

You just need to switch to Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode.

This Galaxy S9 how-to guide explains to you the features in Galaxy S9 home screen edit mode and how to enter the edit mode from Galaxy S9 Home screen.

What is Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode?

By default, the Galaxy S9 Home screen is in the “presentation” mode.  What you see on the screen, and some behaviours, are the result of home screen settings.

If you want to change anything on the home screen, then you need to leave the normal mode and enter the particular edit mode of Galaxy S9 Home screen.

Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode allows you to customize the home screen of Galaxy S9 and S9+ without leaving the home screen.

Some customization can be done through Galaxy S9 Settings.  But some customization can only be done through Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode.

In short, Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode allows you:

  • To change the wallpapers for Galaxy S9 home screen and Galaxy S9 lock screen.
  • To add widgets to Galaxy S9 Home screen. For example, you can show photos on Galaxy S9 Home screen as a full-screen widget.
  • To use a new Galaxy S9 theme for Galaxy S9 or S9+.
  • To align app icons in the home screen.
  • To assign home panel for Galaxy S9 Home screen.
  • To add or delete a panel in Galaxy S9 home screen.
  • To re-arrange panels in Galaxy S9 Home screen.
  • To set grids for Galaxy S9 home screen and apps screen.
  • To enable or disable number badge (app icon badges) on the home screen.
  • To hide/unhide Bixby Home on Galaxy S9 Home screen.
  • To customize other Galaxy S9 Home screen settings.

You will need the edit mode of Galaxy S9 Home screen if you want to customize the home screen of Galaxy S9 or S9+ quickly.

How to enter Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode?

To enter Galaxy S9 Home screen edit mode, you can simply tap and hold (aka long tap) any blank area on Galaxy S9 … Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Guides Tagged With: apps icon grid, Galaxy S9 apps screen, Galaxy S9 Home button, Galaxy S9 home screen, galaxy S9 home screen edit mode, Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 notification dots, Galaxy S9 notification number badge, Galaxy S9 notification panel, Galaxy S9 settings, Galaxy S9 themes, Galaxy S9 touch screen gesture, Galaxy S9 widgets, hide apps screen, portrait mode, wallpapers

How to use quick setting buttons on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

simon · 11 Comments

The most efficient way to change settings of Galaxy S9 and S9+ is to use Galaxy S9 quick setting button.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains everything you need to know about the quick setting buttons on Galaxy S9 and S9+: what are Galaxy S9 quick setting buttons? How to access them, how to use them, and how to customize them.

Update:  after you update Galaxy S9 or S9+ to Android Pie, you can use the night mode to set the background color of quick settings panel to dark. You can also use the quick setting button to switch between using the new Android Pie navigation gestures and using the traditional navigation bar/buttons.

What are quick setting buttons on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Like other Android phones, Galaxy S9 and S9+ have quick settings buttons on the top of notifications in Galaxy S9 notification panel.

The quick setting buttons allow you to instantly turn on or turn off some features quickly without entering the complicated settings page.

For example, you can turn on or turn off mobile data or Bluetooth using Galaxy S9 quick setting buttons on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Since Android Nougat, stock Android also shows quick settings bar (the first a few quick setting buttons) in the notification panel, in addition to the full list of quick setting buttons.

But Samsung added the quick settings bar in Galaxy phones a long time back.

Anyway, quick setting buttons on Galaxy S9 and S9+ were designed to help you use the phone easily and efficiently.

The first 6 Galaxy S9 quick setting buttons (sometimes, it is referred to as quick settings bar) are shown above notifications in the notification panel as shown in this guide.

You can expand the list to show all quick settings buttons in Galaxy S9 notification panel.

How to access quick setting buttons on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

There are two methods to access all quick setting buttons on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Method 1: Swipe down from Galaxy S9 notification panel (or swipe down twice from the status bar)

In Galaxy S9 notification panel, you can swipe down, as shown below, to expand the quick setting buttons so that all buttons are shown.

When you are not in the notification panel, you can swipe down from the status bar twice to access the same Galaxy S9 quick setting buttons … Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Guides Tagged With: adapt sound, Android Pie, button grid, button order, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 navigation bar, Galaxy S9 notification panel, Galaxy S9 quick settings panel, Galaxy S9 touch screen gesture, Kids Home, navigation gestures, night mode, quick setting buttons

How to use Galaxy S9 notification panel on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

simon · 21 Comments

Galaxy S9 notification panel allows you to check, snooze, dismiss and manage all notifications on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Without Android Oreo preloaded, Galaxy S9 and S9+ come with some new Android  Oreo notification features like notification channels and notification snooze.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains to you what Galaxy S9 notification panel is, how to access it, the layout of the notification panel and how to use notification panel in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

What is Galaxy S9 notification panel?

Like other Android phones, Galaxy S9 notification panel is an integrated part of Galaxy S9 and S9+.

There is no way to avoid it. You can access Galaxy S9 notification panel regardless what you are doing on the phone.

Galaxy S9 notification panel is a centralized location for all app notifications in Galaxy S9 and S9+.  In other words, all apps  “post” or push their notifications to the notification panel.

Apps can send or push notifications even when you do not use the app in the foreground.

In short, Galaxy S9 notification panel is a special panel for you to check, dismiss, snooze and manage all notifications in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

How to access Galaxy S9 notification panel?

You can swipe down from the status bar to access Galaxy S9 notification panel, as illustrated below.

If the status bar is hidden (e.g., when you are in full-screen mode), you can just swipe down from the top of the screen.

You can access Galaxy S9 notification panel even when the screen is locked. Of course, in Galaxy S9 lock screen settings, you can choose how notifications are shown.

access Galaxy S9 notification panel

In Galaxy S9 and S9+, there is another way to access Galaxy S9 notification panel quickly on Galaxy S9 Home screen.   The feature was named as quick-open notification panel.

You can swipe down on Galaxy S9 Home screen to access Galaxy S9 notification panel. This method, however, is turned off by default. You need to enable it.

In fact, by default, when you swipe up or swipe down in Galaxy S9 Home screen, you will access Galaxy S9 Apps screen.

To use the swipe down gesture for Galaxy S9 notification panel, you need to enable it Galaxy S9 Settings.

As shown below, in Galaxy S9 settings, tap Display.

quick-open notification panel quick-open notification panel

In the Display page, tap Home screen, as shown in the screenshot above.

In Home screen … Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Guides Tagged With: brightness control, dual-SIM, Galaxy S9 apps screen, Galaxy S9 home screen, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 notification dots, Galaxy S9 notification icon, Galaxy S9 notification number badge, Galaxy S9 notification panel, Galaxy S9 notifications, Galaxy S9 quick settings panel, Galaxy S9 settings, Galaxy S9 SIM card, notification channel, notification snooze, quick setting buttons, SIM card manager

How to use Galaxy S9 safe mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Galaxy S9 safe mode guide: what is Galaxy S9 safe mode? when you need it? how to enter Galaxy S9 safe mode? how to use it?

simon · Leave a Comment

You can use Galaxy S9 safe mode to identify possible causes of some problems or strange behaviours of Galaxy S9 and S9+.

This safe mode is safe for your data, settings and apps. They will not be affected or altered when using the safe mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

This Galaxy S9 how-to guide shows you when you may need Galaxy S9 safe mode, two ways to enter the safe mode for Galaxy S9 and S9+, and how to use and exit Galaxy S9 safe mode.

What is Galaxy S9 safe mode? And when do you need Galaxy S9 safe mode?

Like most other Android phones, Galaxy S9 and S9+ have a special Galaxy S9 safe mode letting you troubleshoot possible problems caused by third-party apps.

In Galaxy S9 safe mode, all third-party apps installed by you were temporally disabled so that you can determine whether the problem is caused by such apps.

Your data, settings, and app data are not affected when you reboot Galaxy S9 or S9+ into Galaxy S9 safe mode

Galaxy S9 safe mode can only determine whether some strange behaviours or problems are caused by third-party apps.  It is not able to pinpoint the app.

Unlike Galaxy S9 recovery mode which is not part of Android OS, Galaxy S9 safe mode is a special mode of Android OS.

So, under the Galaxy S9 safe mode, you can still make and receive calls,  connect to the Internet, use pre-installed apps. The safe mode only prevents you from using apps installed by you.

You need to try Galaxy S9 safe mode before you visit the service centre because technical support in most service centres does not solve issues due to third-party apps. They only diagnose problems in the firmware and pre-installed apps.

Although Galaxy safe mode does not change your data and settings, you may lose some home screen customizations after you exit the safe mode. So, you may still consider to back up Galaxy S9 before rebooting into the safe mode.

How to reboot into Galaxy S9 safe mode?

There are two ways to reboot into Galaxy S9 safe mode:

  1. Use the power button options if Galaxy S9 or S9+ is currently powered on.
  2. Use buttons if the phone is powered off.

Method 1: Use power button options to reboot into Galaxy S9 safe mode

If the phone is powered on, you can… Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Guides Tagged With: Android Pie, Galaxy S9 home screen, Galaxy S9 layout, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 recovery mode, Galaxy S9 safe mode, lockdown mode, power button, power button options, power off Galaxy S9, reboot Galaxy S9, wipe Galaxy S9 cache partition

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.

simon · 129 Comments

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

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Accessories Guides Tagged With: Android Pie, Android Pie update guide, app permission, charge Galaxy S9 battery, customize LED icon, Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover, Galaxy S9 cover, Galaxy S9 layout, Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover, Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover review, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 settings, Galaxy S9 themes, LED icon editor, NFC, notification access

How to use and customize Galaxy S9 lock screen?

The ultimate guide to Galaxy S9 lock screen

simon · 42 Comments

The ultimate guide to Galaxy S9 lock screenGalaxy S9 lock screen not only keeps your data safe but also offers some useful features and information to improve your productivity.

This Galaxy S9 how-to guide shows you how to set up, use and customise the lock screen of Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Please note although Galaxy S9 supports landscape mode in Galaxy S9 Home screen, Galaxy S9 lock screen is always in portrait mode.

What is Galaxy S9 lock screen?

Galaxy S9 lock screen likes a door to Galaxy S9 and S9+. You need this door to protect your data and info saved on the phone.

But Galaxy S9 lock screen is also an information centre for you so that you can get some essential info without unlocking the phone or opening any apps.

The information provided through Galaxy S9 lock screen varies depending on your customisation. By default, you can get at least the following info in Galaxy 9 lock screen:

  • Time and date (clock).
  • Carrier info.
  • Media player controller.
  • Your schedule.
  • Notifications.
  • Next alarm.

In addition, Galaxy S9 lock screen allows you to:

  • Change a few settings (not related to data or privacy) of Galaxy S9 and S9+ through quick setting buttons, for example, turn on/off the blue light filter.
  • Add up to 2 app shortcuts to lock screen.
  • Use Galaxy S9 camera without unlocking the phone.
  • Make emergency calls.

Of course, to protect your data in Galaxy S9 or S9+,  most of the settings can only be changed after you unlock the phone.

How to set up Galaxy S9 lock screen security?

By default, when you set up Galaxy S9 or S9+, it will ask you to set up the lock screen security.

If you skip that step, the default lock screen security, swipe, will be used.

Of course, you can change Galaxy S9 lock screen security at any time.

And you should NOT set Galaxy S9 lock screen security to swipe or none.

If you use either of the options, your data in Galaxy S9 or S9+ are at risk. Anyone, including thieves, can access your phone without restrictions. They can impersonate you.

To change Galaxy S9 lock screen security, you may follow these steps.

Step 1: Access Galaxy S9 Settings

There are a couple of ways to access Galaxy S9 settings, for example

  • Using the Settings app icon in Galaxy S9 Home screen.
  • Using the Settings app icon
… Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Guides Tagged With: Android Oreo, Android Pie, app shortcut, facewidgets, Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD), Galaxy S9 apps screen, Galaxy S9 home screen, Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 notification icon, Galaxy S9 notification panel, Galaxy S9 notifications, Galaxy S9 touch screen gesture, lockdown mode

How to use Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode?

simon · 8 Comments

Samsung added the Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

You can change Galaxy S9 home screen to landscape orientation when you hold Galaxy S9 and S9+ horizontally.  Of course, this also applies to Galaxy S9 apps screen (app drawer), which essentially is a special home screen.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains what Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode is, how to enable and disable Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode, and how to use Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode.

Update: in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, you can use the rotation toggle button to quickly change and lock screen orientation, including the home screen.  You may check this guide on using the rotation toggle to change and lock the Galaxy S9 screen orientation.

In addition, you can also lock the layout of Galaxy S9 home screen in Android Pie update as explained in this guide.

What is Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode?

By default, the home screen (and apps screen) was always in portrait mode on most Android phones even if you hold the phone horizontally, and if you turn on auto-rotate.

So, it is hard to use the home screen in landscape mode, and you may have to hold the phone in portrait orientation to use the home screen and apps screen.

Please do not confuse this limitation in home screen with the auto-rotate.

Most apps including system apps like Settings support landscape mode for a long time. When you turn on auto-rotate, you can use most apps in the landscape orientation.

In Android tablet, since Android Honeycomb 3.0, the home screen landscape mode has been supported.

However, on the phone, the home screen landscape mode is still new.

The larger screen aspect ratio beyond 16:9 in many recent flagship Android phones exacerbates the implementation of landscape mode for the home screen. The screen simply looks too narrow for the icons.

Anyway, Samsung now offers the option to use Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

This means the Galaxy S9 home screen can automatically rotate to landscape mode when you hold the phone in landscape position.

Undoubtedly, the app icons and widgets in Galaxy S9 home screen will be re-organised in landscape mode. Simple rotation is not enough due to insufficient height in the landscape mode.

In a nutshell, Galaxy … Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Guides, Galaxy S9 New Features Tagged With: Android Pie, auto-rotate, Galaxy S9 apps screen, Galaxy S9 home screen, Galaxy S9 home screen landscape mode, Galaxy S9 layout, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 multiwindow, Galaxy S9 navigation bar, Galaxy S9 notification panel, Galaxy S9 quick settings panel, Galaxy S9 settings, landscape mode, lock Galaxy S9 home screen layout, Multi Window, navigation gestures, portrait mode, rotation toggle, show photos on Galaxy S9 home screen

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.

simon · 82 Comments

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

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Accessories Guides, Galaxy S9 Guides Tagged With: facewidgets, Galaxy S9 accessories, Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD), Galaxy S9 case, Galaxy S9 clear view cover, Galaxy S9 clear view standing cover, Galaxy S9 cover, Galaxy S9 LED wallet cover, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 S View cover

How to use Galaxy S9 camera app?

Get to know the new Galaxy S9 camera app interface

simon · 6 Comments

use Galaxy S9 camera appAs explained in the new features of Galaxy S9 and S9+, the camera in both phones was significantly improved with an updated Galaxy S9 camera app.

Samsung revamped the user interface of Galaxy S9 camera app to make it more user-friendly (arguably) with different ways to access Galaxy S9 camera modes and effects. This new Galaxy S9 camera app interface is different from that in Galaxy S8.

This Galaxy S9 camera guide explains the items in Galaxy S9 camera app user interface (UI) and how to use them.

How to access Galaxy S9 camera app?

There are at least 6 different ways to access Galaxy S9 camera app in Galaxy S9 and S9+:

  1. Galaxy S9 camera quick launch;
  2. App icon in Galaxy S9 lock screen;
  3. App icon in Galaxy S9 Home screen;
  4. App icon in Galaxy S9 Apps screen;
  5. Bixby voice command;
  6. Google Assistant voice command.

You can also access the camera app from Galaxy S9 edge screen.

Although the identical Galaxy S9 camera app will be used, there are some restrictions if you access the camera without unlocking Galaxy S9 or S9+.

How to use Galaxy S9 camera app?

By default, when you start the Galaxy S9 camera, the Auto mode is activated as shown below.

In the Auto mode, in addition to the navigation bar in the bottom, you can find at least 11 items as marked in the screenshot:

  1. Shutter button.
  2. Video recording button.
  3. Shortcut to Gallery app.
  4. Galaxy S9 camera modes.
  5. Switch between two rear cameras  (Galaxy S9+ only).
  6. Bixby vision.
  7. Galaxy S9 camera settings.
  8. Full-screen view.
  9. Turn on/off the flash.
  10. Galaxy S9 camera effects.
  11. Switch between front and rear cameras.

use Galaxy S9 camera app

1. Galaxy S9 camera spp Shutter button

You can press this shutter button to take photos immediately.

If you tap and hold (long tap) the shutter button, the camera will take photos in burst mode.

Photos taken in Galaxy S9 burst mode will be always saved in the internal storage even you set photo location in the micro SD card.

2. Video recording button

You can tap the video recording button to record a video immediately.

You can also tap and hold the recording button to frame the video.

3. Shortcut to Gallery app

To the right of the shutter button, the shortcut to Gallery app allows you to access the Gallery app directly from … Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Camera Guides, Galaxy S9 Guides, Galaxy S9 New Features Tagged With: Bixby Home, Bixby vision, dual aperture, Galaxy S9 burst mode, Galaxy S9 camera, Galaxy S9 camera app, Galaxy S9 camera effects, Galaxy S9 camera modes, Galaxy S9 camera settings, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 shutter button, super slow-motion

6 ways to start Galaxy S9 camera app in Galaxy S9 and S9+

simon · 2 Comments

Galaxy S9 and S9+ feature some significantly new camera features such as the dual-aperture lens, and super slow motion mode. As the first step of trying the new camera in Galaxy S9 and S9+, you need to start Galaxy S9 camera app first.

In addition to tapping the camera app icon, you can have several other ways to start Galaxy S9 camera app in S9 and S9+.

This Galaxy S9 camera guide shows you the six ways to open Galaxy S9 camera app in your Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+.

#1. Use Galaxy S9 camera quick launch to start Galaxy S9 camera app

The fastest way to launch Galaxy S9 camera app is to use Galaxy S9 camera quick launch feature, which is enabled by default.

You can quickly press the power button twice to start Galaxy S9 camera app immediately.  Samsung named this as Galaxy S9 camera quick launch.

The good thing about Galaxy S9 camera quick launch is that it works at any times: when the screen is on or off, or when you are using any apps, or when the screen is locked or unlocked.

When you use the Galaxy S9 camera quick launch first time, it will remind you of this feature as shown below.

You can then keep it on or turn it off if you want.

If you want, you can enable or disable Galaxy S9 camera quick launch in Galaxy S9 camera settings.

Use Galaxy S9 camera quick launch to start Galaxy S9 camera app

#2. Use camera app shortcut on Galaxy S9 lock screen to start Galaxy S9 camera app.

By default, in Galaxy S9 lock screen as shown below, there are two app shortcuts on the left and right sides of the bottom.

One is the phone app for you to make emergency calls without unlocking the phone. And the other is the camera app as shown below.

Of course, you can use other apps to replace them in Settings — Lock screen and security — App shortcuts.

You can tap the camera app icon to open Galaxy S9 camera app without unlocking the screen.

If you launch Galaxy S9 camera app without unlocking the screen, you can only access photos taken in this session. You cannot access any other photos or pictures saved in the phone before the screen was locked.

This is a security feature, not a bug. For example, if someone gets your phone, he/she … Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Camera Guides, Galaxy S9 Guides Tagged With: Bixby, Bixby button, Bixby voice, Galaxy S9 apps screen, Galaxy S9 camera, Galaxy S9 camera app, Galaxy S9 camera quick launch, Galaxy S9 home screen, Galaxy S9 layout, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Google Assistant, power button, voice command

How to use and customize Galaxy S9 navigation bar and navigation buttons?

Learn to hide and unhide Galaxy S9 navigation bar, to customize Galaxy S9 navigation button layout, and to use Galaxy S9 Home button when the screen is off.

simon · 37 Comments

Similar to Galaxy S8, Galaxy S9 features software navigation buttons. And Samsung allows you to hide and customize the Galaxy S9 navigation bar and navigation buttons in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

You can also use the software home button even when the screen is off.

This Galaxy S9 guide shows you how to hide and unhide Galaxy S9 navigation bar, customize the background colour of Galaxy S9 navigation bar, customize the Galaxy S9 navigation button layout, and how to use Galaxy S9 Home button when the screen is off.

Update: after updating Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus to Android Pie, you will get the new navigation gestures. You can choose to use the navigation bar with navigation buttons (Home, Back, and  Recents) or use the new navigation gesture.  But you will not be able to hide the navigation bar if you choose to use the navigation bar/buttons.  If you want to use these features and other navigation button customizations, you can use the NavStar app to customize the Galaxy S9 navigation bar and navigation buttons.

Please check this guide for the details about the navigation gestures on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update.

How to use and customize Galaxy S9 navigation bar and navigation buttons?

How to lock Galaxy S9 navigation bar?

By default, when you get the new Galaxy S9 or S9+, the navigation bar is shown, but not locked.

The dot (official name: show and hide button) on the left side of the Galaxy S9  navigation bar indicates you can hide the status bar if you want.

Sometimes, you may not want to use the feature of hiding and unhiding the navigation bar, i.e., you may want to lock Galaxy S9 navigation bar.

Please note, when using an app in the split screen view, the Recents button changes to the multiwindow button. You may refer to this guide on how to use apps in Multi Window mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

To lock the Galaxy S9 navigation bar, you may go to Galaxy S9 Setting, tap Display as shown below.

How to hide Galaxy S9 navigation bar? And how to access Galaxy S9 navigation bar when it is hidden? How to hide Galaxy S9 navigation bar? And how to access Galaxy S9 navigation bar when it is hidden?

Then in the Display settings page,  tap the Navigation bar as shown above.

In the Navigation bar settings page, tap the Show and hide button (marked as 1 in the screenshot below).

After you hide the button, then you lock the navigation bar in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

If you want to hide Galaxy S9 navigation bar, then you need to enable … Read the rest

Filed Under: Galaxy S9 Guides, Galaxy S9 New Features Tagged With: Android Pie, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9 always-on display, Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD), Galaxy S9 Home button, Galaxy S9 home screen, Galaxy S9 layout, Galaxy S9 lock screen, Galaxy S9 multiwindow, Galaxy S9 navigation bar, Galaxy S9 navigation button, lift to wake, Multi Window, navigation gestures, night mode

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Samsung Galaxy S9 how-to guides, user manuals and tutorials! Everything about Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+.
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