navigation gestures

How to use the floating keyboard on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?

You can float Samsung keyboard anywhere on the screen.

In Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung keyboard can be in the floating mode, and therefore, you can put the keyboard anywhere on the screen and use the keyboard on Galaxy S9 and S9+ flexibly.

The floating keyboard on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update works on all apps, once enabled.

This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains how to enable, use, and customize the floating keyboard on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update.

Please note, the Writing Assistant on Samsung Keyboard requires the Android 12 update, which Galaxy S9 will not get. You have to use the third-party keyboard if you need the grammar check (in addition to the spelling check).

What is the new resizeable keyboard on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?

By default, the Samsung keyboard or keypad is fixed on the bottom of the Galaxy S9 or S9+ regardless of the orientation (portrait or landscape) of the phone, just like in other Android phones. The screen area occupied by the keyboard will not be used by the app.

This means the keyboard may waste a lot of screen space for the app.

When you hold the phone is the landscape mode (FYI, Galaxy S9 Home screen supports landscape mode as well), the keyboard will have to stretch a lot and waste even more screen space. So, the screen size is not fully utilized.

The problem has been exacerbated in the last few years because the aspect ratio of smartphones has become larger and larger.

Of course, the solution already exists on some Samsung tablets: using a freely resizable keyboard.

Now, in Android update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung brought the resizeable (free form) to Galaxy S9 and S9+ so that you can type easier.

The floating keyboard allows you:

To let the keyboard poping over any apps when using it. Therefore you will get more usable screen space when using the keyboard.
To put keyboard anywhere you want.
To relocate the keyboard when you typing.
To resize the keyboard (subject to minimum and maximum size).
To switch back to standard mode (fixed mode) at any time.
To switch back to the one-handed keyboard,

Basically, if you feel the keyboard affects your usage of any apps, you should try the floating keyboard after updating Galaxy S9 … Read the rest

How to use the new Recents screen in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus?

simon · 29 Comments

Samsung revamped the Recents screen in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ to align some features with the stock Android Pie.

However, the difference between the overview screen in the stock Android Pie and the Recents screen in Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ with Android Pie update is significant.

This Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guide explains the new features in the Recents screen in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus, how to use the new Recents screen gestures, how to dismiss individual app, and disable suggested apps in the Recents screen.

What's new in the Recents screen in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus?

In the Samsung Galaxy phones, the Recents screen is usually called Overview screen in the stock Android. Correspondingly the overview button in the stock Android is Samsung's Recents button.

Basically, the Recents (overview) screen lists all recently used apps. You can quickly re-open them, or open them in the multiwindow mode (both in the split-screen and pop-up views).

Android Pie (Android 9) revamped the Overview screen to stack the list horizontally (instead f vertically as in previous versions of Android) to work better with the new Android Pie navigation gestures.

In Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung adopted its own full-screen navigation gestures and own Overview screen design.

Compared to Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Oreo, Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ made has a different Recents screen:

As in the stock Android Pie, the Recents screen stacks apps horizontally.
A row of suggested apps is added by default on the Overview screen. Of course, you can disable the suggested apps on the Recents screen (read on).
Some multiwindow features were removed. For example, you cannot find the snap window feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update.
You have to use the gesture (swipe up) to close an app. In S9 or S9+ with Oreo, you can swipe left/right, or use the close button to close individual apps.
You have to use the app icon to launch the app in a split-screen view or pop-up view.
There is no list view of apps. You have to use the thumbnail view.

Please note, compared to the Overview screen in the stock Android Pie, the Recents screen in Android Pie update for … Read the rest

How to update Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus to Android Pie (Android 9)?

simon · 4 Comments

As in January 2019, you can update Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus to Android Pie (Android 9) in most regions.

Of course, for carrier-locked phones, Android update always arrives slower than unlocked ones.

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+.

Should I update Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus to Android Pie (Android 9)?

The short answer is yes, for most owners.

Once the update is available, you should update Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus to Android Pie for the following reasons:

Security. All future monthly security update/patch will be based on Android Pie. Samsung will not release Galaxy S9 and S9+ security patches for Android Oreo after Android Pie update is released in your region.
Performance. Android Pie address not only some security but also performance issues. Especially, Android Pie has improved a lot in battery management to extend the battery life (screen-on time, SOT) for Galaxy S9 and S9+. Of course, Android Pie cannot increase the battery capacity, or make the CPU run faster. But it does make the power consumption and CPU usage more efficient.
New Android Pie features. Besides the underhood improvements, Android Pie brought many useful new features for most users as explained in this page. For example, you can use the lockdown mode to temporally disable biometric unlock and smart lock. Or you can use the magnifier when selecting text.
New One UI features. Samsung changed the Samsung Experiences to One UI (FYI, it has nothing to do with Android One) in the Android Pie update. In addition to the visual (UI)changes, there are many functional updates as well. For example, you can try the navigation gestures on Galaxy S9 or S9+ (which is different from the navigation gestures in stock Android Pie). The night mode in Galaxy S9 and S9+ works better than the stock Android Pie dark theme (+night mode).

Of course, you cannot expect “stock” Android Pie in the Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+. As an Android manufacturer, Samsung has to customize the OS to differentiate itself from other manufacturers.

For a very small portion of owners of Galaxy S9 and S9+, you may have to withhold a while if:

You are using

… Read the rest

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

simon · 2 Comments

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).

The night mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update is the combination of the dark theme and night mode. In the stock Android Pie, the settings of dark theme and night mode are independent of each other.

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.

What is the night mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?

In Android Nougat update, Samsung introduced the blue light filter to tint the screen so that you can use the screen comfortably for a long time (e.g., for reading), or in a dimmed environment.

Many owners also hate the default white theme, which looks great in the showroom. For day-to-day use, many owners preferred a dark theme.

Of course, you can use third-party themes to customize the Galaxy S9 home screen and Samsung apps. But most of the dark themes in the Galaxy Apps (theme store) are poorly designed.

In Android Pie, Google introduced a dark theme. But it does not apply to Settings or to most Google apps.

Besides, Android Pie also introduced the night mode in developer options. But it is independent of the theme settings if dark them is used already. You may refer to this guide on how to use the dark theme and night mode in stock Android Pie.

In the Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, Samsung added the night mode as an alternative to the default light theme.

The night mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update lets you:

Set the display to the dark (black) theme.
Apply the dark theme to Galaxy S9 Home screen, Apps screen, Settings, quick settings, notifications panel, power button options, Bixby home, most Samsung apps include Phone, Messages, Contacts, Camera, Gallery, Clock, Calendar, Calculator, Samsung Notes, Email, My Files, Internet, Bixby, Finder.
Instantly turn on/off night mode in quick settings.
Instantly change the night mode settings in the developer options as “always-on”

… Read the rest

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

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.… Read the rest

How to use the new navigation gestures in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+?

simon · 37 Comments

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

… Read the rest

Top 9 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 are the most exciting new features of Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+.

simon · 8 Comments

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 … Read the rest

Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guides

Use the new features of Android Pie (Android 9) update for Galaxy S9 and S9+

simon · 2 Comments

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 … Read the rest

How to use Multi Window on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

The ultimate guide of Multi Window on Galaxy phones: how to use split screen view, pop-up view and snap window.

simon · 2 Comments

Galaxy S9 Multi Window allows you to use two or more apps simultaneously on Samsung Galaxy S9 or S9+ to improve your productivity.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains what Multi Window can do for you, how to use split-screen view, how to use the pop-up view, and how to use the snap window on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Update: a new section of Changes of Multi-Window in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+ was added. In Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9+, many Multi Window features were removed. Please check this section and Android Pie update guide for details. You may also check this guide for using the Multi Window on Galaxy S9 and S8 with Android Pie.

As Multi Window is available in many other Galaxy phones, this guide also applies to many other Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets including Galaxy S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9.

What is Multi Window on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

Multi Window on Galaxy S9 and S9+ allows you to use two apps side-by-side in the split-screen view, or simultaneously use two or more apps in the pop-up view.

For example, you may want to browse the info of a product in the Amazon app and share some key info with your friends in the Messages app.

Or you may want to get some numbers from a spreadsheet in Google Sheets for an email.

Without the Multi Window, you will have to switch between apps several times.

If you are familiar with Multi Window on Galaxy S9 and S9+, you can greatly improve your productivity, and therefore get a better ROI of your Galaxy S9 or S9+.

Samsung introduced Multi Window many years in Galaxy Note 2 in 2012, which is 4 years earlier than the stock multiwindow feature introduced in Android Nougat.

Over the years, Samsung has improved and polished the multiwindow feature and made it one of the best features in Galaxy phones.

Basically, if you need to switch apps a few times for a task, you very likely will benefit from the Multi Window feature once you get used to it.

What are the two Multi Window modes on Galaxy S9 and S9+?

There are two screen modes of Multi Window on Galaxy S9 and S9+:

Split-screen view.
Pop-up view.

In the split-screen view, two apps share the whole … Read the rest

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

simon · Leave a Comment

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

Understand and Use Galaxy S9 Home screen

simon · Leave a Comment

You can not bypass or hide Galaxy S9 Home screen on your Galaxy S9 or S9+. You have to use the home screen unless you power off the phone.

Although it is not complicated, many Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners are not fully aware of all functions and features of Galaxy S9 Home screen.

This Galaxy S9 guide explains the meaning and usage of all components you may find in the Home screen of Galaxy S9 and S9+. The differences between apps screen and home screen were also detailed.

What is Galaxy S9 Home screen?

Like all other Android phones, Galaxy S9 home screen, by default, is the first screen after you unlock Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+.

You can start apps, access notifications, check the phone status, use widgets, open edge screen in Galaxy S9 Home screen, which is the centre (home) of your Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Generally speaking, in Galaxy S9 and S9+, you have 4 types of pages:

Lock screen. You need to unlock the phone before you can use Galaxy S9 ort S9+. Always-on display screen usually is considered as a special lock screen overlayed over Galaxy S9 lock screen.
Home screen. The centre or starting screen of Galaxy S9 and S9+. It is the home of select apps and widgets.
Apps screen. Galaxy S9 apps screen is a special home screen. It is an app drawer for all apps on Galaxy S9 and S9+.
Individual apps.

Besides, edge screen on Galaxy S9 and S9+ is enabled by default. You may check this guide on how to use Galaxy S9 edge screen.

You will have to use Galaxy S9 Home screen if you use Galaxy S9 or S9+. There are no alternatives. You cannot bypass it.

How to access Galaxy S9 Home screen?

Galaxy S9 and S9+ are protected by Galaxy S9 lock screen to prevent unauthorized access to your apps and data. Galaxy S9 home screen is always “behind” the lock screen.

In other words, you can access Galaxy S9 Home screen only after you unlock the phone.

You can access Galaxy S9 Home screen in many ways:

After unlocking Galaxy S9 or S9+, you should get Galaxy S9 home screen directly.
When you are using any apps, tap the Home button in Galaxy S9 navigation bar to access the Home screen directly.
When you are using any

… Read the rest

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

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

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 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.

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

Galaxy S9 layout (and layout of Galaxy S9+)

get to know the layout of Galaxy S9 and S9+

simon · 8 Comments

To effectively use your new phone, you need to know and understand the Galaxy S9 layout and Galaxy S9+ layout.

Sometimes, common sense works; sometimes it may not.

This Galaxy S9 how-to guide explains the layout of Galaxy S9 and S9+, the difference between the Galaxy S9 layout and Galaxy S9+ layout, and the meaning of essential parts in the layouts of Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Why do you need to know Galaxy S9 layout and Galaxy S9+ layout?

Although Galaxy S9 and S9+ are not a revolutionary product, the layout of Galaxy S9 and S9+ is substantially different from Android phones from other Android manufacturers.

Even compared to Galaxy S8 and S8+ layout, there are a few changes in the Galaxy S9 layout and Galaxy S9+ layout.

You need to know and understand Galaxy S9 layout when you want to know the functions of all buttons in Galaxy S9 and S9+.

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ layout can also help you find the locations of some parts. For example, a few Galaxy S9 and S9+ owners accidentally inserted the SIM card ejection pin into the top microphone hole. They may spoil the microphone. Had they known the layout of Galaxy S9 and S9+, they wouldn't have made this mistake.

Besides, it is also beneficial to know the location of antennas and wireless charging coils when using some Galaxy S9 accessories.

Anyway, before using your Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+, you should spend a few minutes to learn and understand the layout of S9 and S9+ even if you are a seasoned Samsung phone user.

The difference between Galaxy S9 layout and Galaxy S9+ layout

Unlike Galaxy S8 and S8+, which differ only in size, Galaxy S9 and S9+ have a few considerable differences in the hardware configuration.

Due to dual rear camera configuration in Galaxy S9+, the back of Galaxy S9+ layout is different from that of Galaxy S9.

The second rear camera is the only difference between Galaxy S9 layout and Galaxy S9+ layout.

Galaxy S9 and S9+ layout: front view

The front view of Galaxy S9 layout is illustrated in the picture below. The front view of Galaxy S9+ is identical except the screen size.

As shown below, you can find in the front of Galaxy S9 and S9+:

touchscreen;
edge screens;
front camera;
LED indicator;
top speaker (earpiece);
proximity/light sensor;
iris recognition camera;

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