First 15 Must-Do’s for Your Samsung Phone

Unbox Your Samsung the Smart Way

Excitement kicks in when you peel off the plastic and power on your new Samsung phone. But before you dive into apps and social media, there are a few important things to set up first.

Samsung packs its phones with features, some of which are hidden behind menus. Taking the time to adjust key settings now will save you frustration later. Simple tweaks can make your phone faster, easier to use, and more secure.

Change the Power Button’s Function

Like many phone makers, Samsung has changed how the power button works. Instead of turning your phone off, it may launch Bixby or another assistant.

If you prefer a traditional power button, you can easily fix this. Go to Settings > Advanced Features > Side Button, then choose “Power Off Menu” under the long-press option. Holding the button will bring up the power options instead of Bixby.

Pick Your Favorite Digital Assistant

Samsung gives you options when it comes to voice assistants. Some phones default to Bixby, while others offer Google Assistant or Gemini.

If you prefer a different assistant, changing it is simple. Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Digital Assistant App and pick the one you like best. You can also enable on-screen text analysis and voice activation features.

Switch to Gesture Navigation

Many Samsung phones still use the old three-button navigation by default. Switching to gesture controls is a great option for a cleaner and more modern look.

Go to Settings > Display > Navigation Bar and choose “Swipe Gestures.” You can also fine-tune how sensitive the gestures are. This makes it easier to swipe around your phone, especially if you use a case. Once you get used to gestures, you’ll never want to return to buttons.

Update Your Preinstalled Apps

Your phone may be brand new, but some apps might already be outdated. Samsung has its own Galaxy Store, where many system apps get updates separately from the Play Store.

Open the Galaxy Store, tap “Menu,” then go to “Updates.” If any updates are available, install them. Keeping your phone’s core apps up to date ensures you get the latest features and security fixes. It’s a quick step that makes a big difference in performance.

Download Good Lock for More Customization

Samsung phones are highly customizable, but there’s an app that takes things even further. Good Lock lets you tweak everything from your lock screen to your notification panel.

Download it from the Galaxy Store, then install the modules that interest you. Please note that Good Lock’s availability varies by region and may not be accessible in all countries.

You can change how animations look, modify your task switcher, or even adjust how notifications appear. If you love making your phone feel truly unique, Good Lock is a must-have.

Enable a Vertical App Drawer

By default, Samsung organizes your apps in a paged, side-scrolling format. If you prefer a more traditional vertical scrolling app drawer, you can change it in just a few taps.

To achieve a vertically scrolling app drawer, consider using a third-party launcher that supports this feature, as Samsung’s default launcher does not offer vertical scrolling for the app drawer. This makes finding apps much easier, especially if you have a lot installed.

Download Camera Assistant for Better Photos

Samsung’s camera is already great, but an extra app called Camera Assistant gives you even more control. It allows you to tweak settings for faster shots, improved processing, and better zoom options.

Download Camera Assistant from the Galaxy Store, then open the Camera app. Navigate to Settings > Camera Assistant and explore the available options. You can speed up shutter lag, enable extra zoom shortcuts, and even tweak how your phone processes photos.

Set Up Modes and Routines

Your phone can automatically adjust settings based on what you’re doing. Whether you’re working, driving, or sleeping, Samsung’s Modes and Routines feature can help.

Go to Settings > Modes and Routines to create custom automations. For example, you can have your phone go silent at bedtime or turn on Do Not Disturb during work hours. It’s an easy way to make your phone adapt to your life.

Try Samsung’s AI Features

Newer Samsung phones come with powerful AI features under the Galaxy AI banner. These include live translation, voice transcription, and even smart writing tools.

Go to Settings > Galaxy AI to enable them and explore the different options. You can download languages for offline translation or enable smart note-taking features. If your phone supports it, these AI tools can make everyday tasks much easier.

Set Up the Edge Panel for Quick Access

The Edge Panel is like a hidden shortcut menu for your most-used apps and tools. You can access things like contacts, reminders, and even a clipboard with a simple swipe.

Go to Settings > Display > Edge Panels and turn it on. You can customize which tools appear and adjust how you activate the panel. Once you get used to it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Choose Google Wallet Over Samsung Wallet

Samsung includes its digital wallet, but Google Wallet offers better support for banks, transit passes, and digital IDs.

You may prefer Google Wallet over Samsung Wallet, depending on your region and bank compatibility. To set your preferred wallet as default, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Digital Wallet and select your choice.

You can also disable Samsung Wallet’s swipe-up gesture to avoid accidental launches. If you prefer a seamless payment experience, this is an important switch.

Replace Samsung Keyboard with Gboard

The default Samsung Keyboard is fine, but Gboard offers better prediction, more customization, and fun extras like Emoji Kitchen.

Download Gboard from the Play Store, then go to Settings > General Management > Keyboard List and Default to select it as your default keyboard. You can customize the keyboard’s layout, theme, and autocorrect settings to fit your style.

Set Up a Password Manager

Remembering passwords can be a hassle, but Samsung allows you to choose a default password manager to autofill login details.

Go to Settings > Security & Privacy > Passwords and Autofill to set up a manager like Google Password Manager or a third-party service. This ensures you never have to type in your credentials manually again.

Enable Notification Categories

Samsung’s latest software updates have changed how notifications work. If you want more control over which notifications you receive, you’ll need to enable Notification Categories manually.

Go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings and toggle “Manage Notification Categories.” Now, you can decide which types of alerts you receive from each app. This makes it easier to filter out the noise and only get the updates that matter.

Want to see what else Samsung’s latest update has in store? Check out One UI 7 Beta’s coolest AI features and get a sneak peek at the future of mobile tech.

Make Sure Your Data Is Backed Up

Nothing is worse than losing your phone and realizing you never backed up your data. Samsung offers two options: Samsung Cloud and Google One.

Go to Settings > Accounts and Backup and choose a backup method. Samsung Cloud lets you back up settings, messages, and more, while Google One ensures your photos, contacts, and app data are safe. Having both enabled gives you extra peace of mind.

Want the latest Samsung phone without the hefty price tag? See how renting a Samsung smartphone could be the perfect solution for you.

Read More From This Brand:

• Samsung Wants Your Old Phone Right Now
• Samsung Galaxy Ring Gets Exciting New Features
• Your Guide to Avoiding iPhone Rookie Errors

Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN.

If you liked this story, you’ll LOVE our FREE emails. Join today and be the first to get stories like this one.