Samsung’s 2021 family of devices is the Galaxy S21 series. At launch it comprised of the regular Galaxy S21, the slightly larger S21+ and finally the Galaxy S21 Ultra at the top of the tree. In early 2022, Samsung added the Galaxy S21 FE.
The new phones launched on One UI 3.1, sitting on Android 11 and updated to One UI 4.0 on Android 12, making a few tweaks to the experience.
Here’s an in-depth guide to get you familiar with the new phones.
Samsung Galaxy S21 top tip:If you’re struggling to find things, swipe down the quick settings and you’ll find a search option at the top. Just start typing your search query and this universally searches your phone returning settings, apps, contacts, calendar appointments. It’s really powerful. You can also launch it by bringing up the apps tray, and tapping the finder bar at the top. It’s called Finder.
How to power off or restart the Samsung Galaxy S21:Samsung has reconfigured the side key on the S21 - as it did on the S20 - so a long press will launchBixbyby default, rather than power off the device like (almost) every other phone on the planet. To power off the phone, slide down the quick settings pane and tap the power icon there. Then you may turn off the phone. On that screen is also a shortcut to the side key settings so you canchange the functionif you need to.
• Home screen tips
• Connection settings
• Managing digital assistants
• Quick settings
• Apps tray and apps management
• Lock screen and always-on display
• Security and unlocking
• Display tips
• Notification tips
• Volume, sound and do not disturb
• Game booster tips
• Camera and photos
• Edge screen tips
• Bixby tips and tricks
• How to take a screenshot
• Battery tips
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G - 128GB (Black)
Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra home screen tips
The home screen is part of the launcher. It’s where you unlock your phone to, the place for app shortcuts or widgets, and where you return when you’re finished doing something in an app.
Turn on Android gesture navigation:By default the S21 offers Samsung’s three icons for navigation. If you want to switch to Android’s gestures open settings > display > navigation bar. Here you have the option for buttons or swipe gestures. you’re able to tap on “more options” to customise, but with swipe gestures your phone will then let you swipe in from the side to go back, up from the bottom to go home, just like other Android devices.
Customise the navigation bar:If you’re sticking with on-screen navigation controls, you can customise the order. Head into settings > display > navigation bar and you can change the the order of buttons.
Edit your home screen:A long press on the wallpaper on any home screen lets you edit the wallpaper, themes, widgets, pages or further settings. This area will also let you add or delete complete screens, so if you want a widgets page, this is where you go to add it.
Use Android 12 Material You:Adding customisation options at a native Android 12 level, press and hold the home screen to open the options. Then tap on wallpaper and style. In this section - aside from changing wallpapers - you’ll see the option for colour palette. This will let you customise the device UI colours based on your wallpaper. There’s also the option to apply that to icons, but it only applies to native Samsung apps.
Get more on your home screen:You can change the size of the screen grid on which your shortcuts and widgets sit, depending on how dense you want the home screen to be. Long press on the wallpaper and select “settings”. Select 4x5 to keep things fairly clear, 4x6, 5x5 or 5x6 to cram more in. We tend to use 5x6, otherwise things look too big, but this comes down to personal preference.
How to access Google Discover:One of the new features that arrived with One UI 3.1 was access to Google Discover, which you’re able to access to the left of the home screen. If it’s not there, long press on the home screen then swipe right to access the left-hand page. Here you’ll see the option to have Google Discover, Samsung Free or to turn off this page completely. (Naming might be different in different regions, we’ve seen Upday, Samsung News, Bixby Home and other items in this position before.)
Resize widgets:Many widgets are resizable. A long press selects them. When you lift your finger, you may drag the blue box that appears and resize your widget. You can even resize or reposition the Google search box.
Customise the status bar:This is the information that sits at the top of the screen. Head into settings > notifications > advanced settings > status bar and you have some options. You can limit to three notification icons, or you can have all. You can also turn on or off the battery percentage.
Allow your home page to work in landscape:This option will allow the home screen and apps tray, settings, etc, to display in landscape. It’s off by default, but you can turn it on in settings > home screen settings > rotate to landscape mode. Switch this on to get rotation to landscape, so if you’re switching from gaming to movie watching you don’t have to keep returning to portrait.
Create a folder:Simply drag one app on top of another on the home screen and a folder is created. To remove an app from a folder, open the folder and long press an app and you’ll get a pop-up menu which lets you remove that app. To add apps, either drag them into a folder, or hit the “+” button within the folder to add apps.
Change a folder colour or name:Open a folder and enter the name you want at the top. If you don’t want a name, leave it blank. To change the folder background colour, tap the dot in the right-hand corner and select a new colour - including completely custom colours.
Delete a folder:If you no longer want a folder, press and hold and then hit Remove. The folder and the app shortcuts will vanish.
Show app suggestions in recent apps:When you tap the recent apps button, or slowly swipe up if you’re using Android 10 gestures, you’ll get thumbnails of your recent app pages, but also a line of suggested apps across the bottom. These are based on what the Galaxy S21 thinks you might want based on recently used apps. If you don’t want want this, then open the menu top right in the search bar and turn off “recommended apps”.
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G - 128GB (Black)
Connection options on the Galaxy S21
There are lots of connectivity options, some you might not even know about on the Galaxy S21.
How to setup eSIM:If eSIM is enabled on your device, you’ll be invited to set this up when you first setup the device. If want to do it after initial setup, head into settings > connections > SIM card manager > add mobile plan. This will let you setup your eSIM.
How to use Samsung DeX:The desktop experience (DeX) is a standard feature on the Galaxy S21 allowing you use your phone as a deskop computer either via a PC or with a TV or monitor. First you’ll have to turn on DeX on the phone in settings > advanced features > Samsung DeX. Once you’ve toggled it on, you’ll either have toinstall the Samsung DeX app on your PCor you’ll have to connect the monitor to your phone via the USB-C connection on the bottom. It will also work through USB-C hubs.
Call and text on other devices:Using the Samsung account, you’re able to allow calls and messages to come through on other Samsung devices, like a tablet, meaning you don’t have to change devices all the time when working. Head into settings > advanced features > call and text on other devices and turn it on. That will mean texts and calls to the number on your phone will be synced with your other Samsung devices.
Manage Android Auto on your Samsung device:Samsung phones will let you customise the Android Auto experience. Head into settings > advanced settings > Android Auto. Here you can customise the apps you are shown in Android Auto as well as change some other settings.
Managing your digital assistants on the Galaxy S21
Samsung pushesBixbyas its digital assistant, while as an Android phone you getGoogle Assistanttoo. Install Alexa and that becomes an option - although Samsung will also let you access Finder and Samsung Internet too via the same route. Here are all the management options for those virtual assistants.
Access Google Assistant:A long press on virtual the on-screen home button will launch Google Assistant. You can then talk to Google and get the full experience as Mountain View intended. This is synced with your Google account from sign-in, so works with anything you’ve already set-up Google Assistant to do. If you’re using Android gestures, swipe diagonally in from the bottom corner to launch Assistant.
Turn on “Hey/Ok Google” hotword:The hotword to get Google to respond with just your voice is part of the Google app. You’re prompted to set it up when you sign-in to a new phone, but if you want to do that later, open the Google app and tap the G logo (also works from the Google search bar). Then tap your icon in the top right-hand corner, then settings. In here you’ll find Google Assistant, then Hey Google and Voice March. Here you’re able to control how Google Assistant responds, including on the lockscreen and on other devices.
Disable Google Assistant/all assistants:If you don’t want Google Assistant on that home button shortcut, you may remove the ability to launch it. Head into settings > apps and select default apps at the top of the page. Then head into “Digital assistant app” then tap on “Device assistance app” on the next page (tap the words, not the cog). You’ll now see the option to select “none”. Tap that option and nothing will then happen with a long press on the home button or when you swipe from the corners.
Change your digital assistant to Alexa or Bixby Voice:If you’d rather launch Alexa on the home button, install the Alexa app and then, as above, switch the default device assistance app to Alexa - or Bixby Voice if you’d rather. That will then mean you have Alexa or Bixby accessed through the home screen instead of Google. The Alexa hotword will not work.
Launch Bixby Voice:If you want to use Bixby, press and hold the side button and Bixby will launch. You’ll have to be logged-in to a Samsung account use Bixby. you’re able to also enable the “Hi Bixby” hot word. The easiest way to do this is to launch Bixby, tap on Discover (the compass icon). Then open the menu top right and tap “settings”. You can then toggle on “voice wake-up” and control other Bixby settings.
Re-assign the side button:There’s no longer a Bixby button like previous Galaxy S models had, instead there’s just one button. Head into settings > advanced features > side key. Here you get all the options for that side key, so you can remove Bixby, you can set it to power off the phone with a long press, launch the camera with a double press or open an app of your choosing. Basically, you get to choose.
Samsung Galaxy S21 quick settings tips and tricks
The quick settings area is part of Android where you can access the most frequent settings for your device, like power saving modes, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It’s a selection of shortcuts, accessed when you swipe down from the top of the screen on Samsung phone. Samsung also adds a couple of extra elements here.
Instantly access the quick settings and notifications pane from your home screen:Swipe down anywhere on the home screen and the notifications pane will slide down meaning you don’t have to stretch up to the top of the page. Swipe down again and you’ll get quick settings - really useful on the bigger Galaxy S21+ and S21 Ultra phones. This is off by default, to turn it on long press on the wallpaper and select “settings”, then “swipe down for notification panel”.
Quick access to Google Home controls:If you have Google Home installed and set up, drop the quick settings menu and then tap ‘Device control’. Now tap the drop-down menu option that says ‘SmartThings’, and you should see ‘Home’ as an option. Select that and now you’ll see big onscreen widget controls for your Google Home connected devices.
Edit quick settings:To change the shortcuts you see when you swipe down the notifications, swipe down twice so you see the full grid, open the menu by tapping the three dots and select “edit buttons”. You’ll be shown the full list of options across pages. you’re able to drag to reorder, or remove shortcuts you don’t need.Top tip:only the first six apps are shown in the compact view across the top, so make these your first settings shortcuts.
Instantly access device settings from quick settings:This is a standard Android tip, but great for accessing settings instantly. Press and hold the shortcut (for example Bluetooth) and you’ll instantly jump to the full settings menu. It’s really useful for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and power saving options.
Access connected devices in quick settings pane:By default you’ll find that device control and media output is shown in the quick settings pane. This means you can swipe down and tap through to access music you’re playing or speakers that you’re connected to, as well as control smart home devices as described above. If you don’t want this, you can turn it off by opening up the quick settings and tapping the menu top right. Then tap on “quick panel layout” then “show media and devices” and select “none”.
Quickly adjust the screen brightness:Samsung lets you access the brightness through the quick settings panel, just swipe it down and you’ll see the slider. If you want to adjust autobrightness, open the menu at the right-hand end of the slider and it will take you straight through to those settings, where you can turn it on or off.
Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21+ app tips
The apps tray is part of the launcher on your phone and it’s the area that your app shortcuts live.
Show all the apps on the home screen:This is a popular option for some. If you want to remove the apps tray, long press on the home screen and tap settings. Then select “home screen layout” and you’ll see two options, “home screen only” or “home and apps screens”. The former removes the apps tray completely, like the iPhone.
Add or remove an apps tray button:By default there is no apps tray button and you open the apps tray with a swipe. If you want the button back head into the home screen settings as above and select “show apps screen button on home screen”. Here you can turn it on or off.
Swipe to show or hide the apps tray:As above, the Galaxy S21 lets you view the apps tray with a swipe up. The apps pages themselves then scroll left and right. If you want to return to the home page, you don’t need to press the home button, you can just swipe up again and the apps tray vanishes.
Change the apps screen grid size:Like the home screen you’re able to change the density of apps in the apps tray/page. As above, go into the home screen settings, and you’ll see the option for “apps screen grid”, with up to 5x6. The latter will pack more apps in.
Alphabetise or custom order your apps:In the apps tray, hit menu in the top right-hand corner, then “sort”. This will give you the option to have alphabetical order. Just tap that option and everything will drop into place. Or hit the menu button in the top right-hand corner, then tap “sort”. This time, select “custom order”. you’re able to now you can drag the apps to the position you want them in.
Create an apps tray folder:You can have a folder for apps whether you’re in custom or alphabetical order. Just press and hold an app icon and drag it over another and a folder will be created. You can then edit the name and colour as you wish.
Let Finder give you app suggestions:When you tap on the Finder at the top of the apps tray, you’ll immediately get suggestions based on recent apps you’ve used. If you don’t want this, head into the Finder settings as above, and you’re able to turn it off under “show suggested apps”.
Uninstall apps:You can uninstall directly from an app icon. Just long press on the app and a pop-up menu will give you the option to uninstall an app. If it’s a core app (which you can’t uninstall) the same option will let you disable an app.
Add apps to your home screen:Press and hold on the app shortcut in the apps tray. You can select “add to home” from the pop-up menu that appears, or just wait and the apps tray will vanish and you can drop the shortcut where you want it.
Stop adding new app icons to home screen:Head into the home screen settings (long press on the wallpaper) and you’ll find the option to “add new apps to home screen”. Turn this off, otherwise every app you install will be added to your home screen. Or turn it on, if that’s what you want.
Change the default app:Android lets you decide which is the default app if you have more than one that will do the same thing. Under settings > apps, then “choose default apps”. Here you’re able to see what has been selected as the default browser, calling app, messaging app and home screen. Other defaults are selected by the first app you open for a particular task.
Control app permissions:Android lets you manage all the permissions for each app on an individual basis. Go to settings > apps and select the app you want, then hit Permissions. This will let you toggle permissions on and off, so you can disable location or contacts access, for example.
Samsung Galaxy S21 lock screen and always-on display
The lock screen is what you see when your phone is locked. It’s really divided into two parts, one when the screen is off - where “always-on display” can give you some information - or the proper lock screen where the screen is fully on, but you can’t access the the device.
Turn on always on display:To have the screen show you “always on” information, head into lock screen > always on display and switch it on - it’s off by default. This shows when the phone display is in standby, i.e., when the display is otherwise off. You can opt to have it appear on a schedule - perhaps only show when you’re at your desk - or show at all times or when you tap your phone. Remember, it consumes battery.
Change the always-on clock style:There are a range of different clock types for the S21 always-on display. Head into settings > lock screen > always on display > clock style. Here you can change the clock for always-on display. You can also change the colours, so if you don’t want mono, you can select something else. There’s also a separate clock setting for the lock screen clock.
Add widgets to your lock screen or always-on display:Samsung will let you have widgets on your lock screen or always-on display. You’ll probably have a music controller there by default, but if you don’t, head into settings > lock screen > widgets. Here you find all the options to turn on and off, including Bixby Routines, weather, alarms and schedules.
Change the brightness of the always-on display:This is linked to auto brightness on your phone, however you may manually over-ride this to set the brightness yourself. Head into settings > lock screen > always-on display. Within this menu you’ll see “auto brightness”. Turn this off and you can set the brightness yourself. You can also change the brightness manually by tapping on the always-on display once it is showing.
Change lock screen shortcuts:You can have two shortcuts on the lock screen for quick access (only the lock screen, not the always-on display). These are phone and camera by default, but can be anything you like. Head into settings > lock screen > shortcuts. Here you can select the left and right shortcuts, or turn them off completely.
Disable/enable lock screen notifications:If you don’t want notifications on your lock screen, head to settings > lock screen > notifications. This lets you hide content, only show app icons or disable notifications completely. Conversely, if you want notifications with content, don’t select hide.
Show a roaming clock on the lock screen:One of the nicest features on phones is that it automatically switches to the local time, but a roaming clock can show you your home timezone. Head into settings > lock screen > roaming clock. You can also choose where your home timezone is.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G - 128GB (Gray)
Samsung Galaxy S21 series security and unlocking
Samsung offers a range of unlocking options.
Top security tip:Biometrics aren’t foolproof, because when they fail your device reverts to PIN or password to unlock. Therefore, your device is only as secure as the password or PIN you use, as anyone trying to break into your phone can always opt to head straight to these unlock methods. Biometrics are there for convenience, not security.
Enable fingerprint or face security:To use your fingerprint or face to unlock, head into settings > biometrics and security. Here you may register your face or fingerprints. You’ll have to set a back-up PIN or password at the same time to provide additional security.Top tip:if using fingerprints, then register fingers on each hand so you can unlock however you are holding your phone.
Tap the screen to show the fingerprint scanner location:You can have the fingerprint icon illuminate by tapping the phone, so you know where to unlock it. Head into settings > biometrics and security > fingerprints. Tap in your PIN or password, then head to “show icon when screen is off”. You can then opt to tap the screen and the fingerprint icon will appear showing you were to press.
Instant lock:When you press the standby button, you want your phone to lock instantly. Head into settings > lock screen > secure lock settings. There’s the option to lock the device as soon as the screen goes to sleep or when you press the standby button. If you do want a delay, there are plenty of time options.
Smart Lock/Bluetooth unlock:Again in settings > lock screen > there’s the Smart Lock section. This is a standard Android feature and you have the option to nominate trusted devices, so your Android will unlock when connected to something else. you may nominate Bluetooth devices (like your smartwatch or car), location, or that your device remains unlocked when it’s on your person.
Automatically wipe your device:If you’re worried about your phone falling into the wrong hands and being cracked, you may have it automatically wipe. Head into settings > lock screen > secure lock settings. Here you’ll find the option to auto factory reset if 15 failed unlock attempts are made.
Lock network and security functions:This option will mean that your network settings cannot be changed while your phone is locked. This makes it easier to locate your phone if it’s stolen. However, it also means you have to unlock your phone to engage flight mode. Head into settings > lock screen and security > secure lock settings to find the option to turn it on or off.
Keep your private files and apps in the Secure Folder:If you’re worried about people accessing your phone and finding things they shouldn’t, you’re able to use the Secure Folder. This sets up another layer of security, you can then add files, pictures and apps that you want to keep hidden - that might be anything from personal photos to business documents. You can also add second versions of apps you want secure and private. It’s in settings > biometrics and security > secure folder.
Samsung Galaxy S21 display tips
Samsung is now on its third generation of Infinity-O displays and on the Galaxy S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra there’s now adaptive refresh rates. The S21 FE has 120Hz, but it’s not adaptive.
Access 120Hz mode:There are two display modes - adaptive or standard. The standand mode sticks to 60Hz, the adaptive smoothness will select the appropriate refresh rate up to 120Hz. For the S20 and S21+, the range is 48-120Hz, for the S21 Ultra the range is 10-120Hz. Faster refresh means smoother fast moving visuals, but can use more battery. The advantage of adaptive is that it will manage that battery demand for you. you may find the options in settings > display > motion smoothness. On the S21 FE you can choose 60 or 120Hz.
Change the display resolution:Only the Galaxy S21 Ultra has the option to change the resolution as the S21 and S21+ are limited to Full HD+ all the time. Head into settings > display > screen resolution and you’ll find the option for HD+, Full HD+ or WQHD+ on the S21 Ultra.
Engage dark mode:This has been on Samsung phones for a while, but it’s much more widespread and is now a native Android feature. Just open the settings menu and head into display. It’s the first thing you’ll see at the top of the page, but you can tap on “dark mode settings” and you can schedule dark mode to come on at sunset.
Change the display colours:Head into settings > display > screen mode and you’ll get the option to change the way the display looks. The default is vivid with the option to make it natural. Within vivid you can change the white balance and the RGB settings, if you want.
Turn on the video enhancer:There’s a video enhancer hiding on the S21 that aims to boost the video watching experience. It works with a range of apps, including Netflix, Prime Video and YouTube. Head into settings > advanced features > video brightness. This will increase the brightness when you’re playing video so things look better, avoiding the common gloomy video experience.
Turn on the eye comfort shield:This changes the colour of the display to reduce blue light, avoid eye strain and help you sleep better, notionally. Head into settings > display > eye comfort shield and you’ll find options for adaptive or custom modes. you may opt to have it on all the time and adjust to the conditions, or come on at a specific time.
One-handed mode:Head into settings > advanced features > one-handed mode and you’ll find the option for a button or gesture to enable one-handed mode. This has to be toggled on, but it will shrink the display to give you easier access to things nearer the top - great for small hands on large phones. Once in one-handed mode, you may switch from left to right by tapping the arrows. To exit one-handed mode, just tap on the black area.
How to use the S Pen with the S21 Ultra:The S21 Ultra supports the S Pen. While there’s a bespoke S Pen you’re able to buy, it will also support other compatible S Pen devices. You an literally use it like a stylus to interact with the display. For the best results use the Samsung Notes app to create written notes, or use it in the Gallery app for precise video editing.
Samsung Galaxy S21 series notifications tips and tricks
Samsung will often replace all notifications with its own sound and vibration, so there’s a lot of unpicking to be done to get on top of notifications. We’ve covered some notifications in the lock screen section above, but this is how to get a grip on all those beeps and buzzes.
To turn off notifications for an app:Go to settings > notifications and you’ll see a “recently sent” section. Tap “more” and you’ll get easy toggle options for all the apps on your phone. Here you can either shut them off completely, or tap through to control specific notifications.
Show app icon badges:Icon badges are a feature of Android, letting each app show you how many notifications you have. Samsung applies this across the entire device. Head into settings > notifications > advanced settings > app icon badges. you’re able to toggle the options on or off, or tap to change the style (numbers or dots). If you tap on an app instead, you can turn off dots for a specific app.
View your app notifications with a long press on an app shortcut:This is quite an advanced extension of the icon badges. You can press and hold on an app icon that’s showing a badge and the notifications will be revealed in a pop-up menu. Head into settings > notifications > app icon badges and you’ll find this option at the bottom of the page under “notifications on app icons”.
Disable a notification you’ve received:This is a standard Android feature, but it changed in Android 12. If you got a notification and you want to disable future notifications or change how they are delivered, press and hold on that notification. It will expand to give you options, including “turn off notifications”. you may also opt for quiet notifications, or tap on settings to see all the notification types the app delivers and turn off those you don’t want.
Samsung Galaxy S21 volume controls, sound and do not disturb
Learning to master do not disturb is a key skill of Android. You can get it to give you the notifications you want when you want them, you can silence your phone when you want without needing a mechanical slider, but still let those vital notifications through. On the Galaxy S21 you have five volume sliders: system, Bixby, ringtone, media, notifications.
Master the media volume toggle:Within the volume settings (settings > sounds and vibrations > volume) you’ll find the option to use the volume keys for media. This is on by default and means that when you press the volume buttons, only the media volume moves, like your music. Turn it off and it controls ringer volume, but switches to media volume when you have media playing, for example in Netflix or Spotify.
Change the vibration levels for everything:Head into settings > sounds and vibration > vibration intensity and you can change the vibration levels for calls, notifications and touch.
Turn off the charging noise, unlocking noise, keyboard sounds:Samsung would have your Galaxy beep and vibrate on every action and touch. Head into settings > sound and vibration > system sounds/vibration control and you’ll find all the options to turn these things off. Do it, please.
Enable and control Dolby Atmos:This can be toggled on in quick settings, or head into settings > sounds and vibration > sound quality and effects. Within the Dolby Atmos section you have the option for auto, movie, music or voice as individual options for audio enhancement. There’s also the option to just have Atmos automatically turn on when you start a game.
Adapt the sound quality to you:You can customise the sound output from the S21 devices. Head into settings > sounds and vibration > sound quality and effects and you’ll see “adapt sound” down at the bottom. You can take an age-based profile or you can create a custom setting based on a short listening test.
Engage do not disturb:Do not disturb is an Android feature that lets you silence your phone, but set up a range of exceptions. Swipe down quick settings and tap the do not disturb button to turn it on. You can also set it to a schedule, for example at night, or when you’re in the office. Just press and hold the quick setting to access the full menu options.
Allow alarms and exceptions in do not disturb:If you want silence then do not disturb is great. But if you want some notifications, then you have to designate the apps that are allowed. Head into settings > notifications > do not disturb and you’ll see a section for exceptions. Here you can allow alarms (essential if you want to wake up in the morning), but also allow repeat callers or nominated contacts - such as favourites for messages and calls - as well as reminders. You can also add apps to ignore do not disturb - so if you always want your connected doorbell to alert you, you’d be able to enable that app here.
Allow notifications in do not disturb:While sounds and vibrations are silenced in do not disturb, you’re able to still have silent notifications. In settings > notifications > do not disturb > hide notifications you’ll find options to allow or stop notifications. Hide all will mean nothing appears, but you get to choose - you can turn off icon badges, the notifications list, pop-ups and status bar icons.
