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Wednesday, September 3, 2014

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Samsung Galaxy S4 Tips and Tricks

How to Factory Reset (Hard Reset) Samsung Galaxy S4

We have our own reasons why we factory reset our device. Maybe we want to delete all the files and restore the device to its original state. It could also be the device may be malfunctioning or so slow and it needs to be reset.

Restoring the default settings or factory reset your Samsung Galaxy S4 will delete all your existing files. It is recommended to backup your important files on your computer before attempting to reset your device.

The steps below are the instructions on how to factory reset your Samsung Galaxy S4:

Step 1. On your Homescreen, tap on MENU icon.

Step 2. Select Settings, then scroll down and tap Backup and reset option.

Step 3. Then tap on Factory Data Reset.

Step 4. Read warning carefully before tapping the Reset Device.

Step 5. If you want to proceed in resetting your device, tap on Delete All to confirm the Factory Reset.

Now, you just need to wait while your device is resetting. It should reboot itself and you will have a new start on your Samsung Galaxy S4.

If your Galaxy S4 is unresponsive, then you may need to do the Hard Reset.

  • Press and hold the Power buttonVolume Up and the Home Key at the same time. 
  • Hold these buttons until your phone vibrates, then release the Power button.
  • Hold the Volume Up and the Home Key until you see the Android icon.
  • Then choose the Factory Reset option.


How to Reduce the Battery Consumption on Samsung S4

All of us want to have a longer battery life on our phones. Well, Samsung S4 provides options that help you save battery power. By customizing these options and deactivating features in the background, you can use the device longer between charges:

To reduce the battery consumption, follow these simple tips:

● You need to Activate Power saving mode.

● Switch to Sleep mode by pressing the Power key when you are not using your device. Close unnecessary applications with the task manager.

● Deactivate the Bluetooth feature.

● Deactivate the Wi-Fi feature when not in use.

● Deactivate auto-syncing of applications.

● Decrease the backlight time.

● Decrease the brightness of the display.



Contacts is very important for everyone of us. We cant connect to our friends without a contact number. If you have a new phone, saving contacts on the phone one by one is so hassle. But now, theres an easy way how to transfer or import your contacts from your old phone to your new phone.

Use your PC to transfer contacts to your new phone. This process is applicable in several phone brands, including iPhone, Samsung, HTC and Nokia.

You just need an Internet Connection on your PC, your old and new phone and their own USB cable.

Then you need to install the PC Companion program. This is a free application and the installation files are already saved on your new phone. This program can also be used in updating your phone software.

Please note that if you are using the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system on your PC, make sure that the AutoPlay setting is enabled.

To check your settings:

Click Start > Control Panel, then type "autoplay" on the search box. Click the AutoPlay, and mark the check box Use AutoPlay for all media and devices.

Installing the PC Companion:

  • Turn on your new Phone and connect it to your PC.
  • On your new Phone, tap "Install" to install PC Companion on the PC.
  • On your computer, if a pop-up window that appears notifies you about available PC Software, select Run Startme.exe.
  • Then click Install to start the installation and then follow the instructions to complete the installation.

If you are not prompted with a pop-up window to install the PC Companion, you can also download the PC Companion here.

Transferring your contacts to your new phone:

  • Make sure that PC Companion is installed on your PC.
  • Open the PC Companion application on your PC.
  • Then click Contacts Setup and follow the instructions to transfer your contacts.

How to Change Font Size and Style on Samsung Galaxy S4

Android phones running older version of OS can easily allow you to change its font size. However, changing its font style requires rooting of your device or installing 3rd party apps. Well the good news is, Samsung Galaxy S4 allows you to customize your phone’s font with just few taps. So if you think your S4’s font is way too serious to fit your personality, then you can change into a more light-hearted one. Check out these steps on how to change S4’s font size and style to suit your style.

To change the font size, follow these steps:

1. On your device, go to Settings menu by pulling down the Notification drawer.

2. Now you’re on the Settings menu, scroll down to Display and tap.

3. Under Font, tap on Font Size.

4. You’ll see five options (tiny, small, normal, large and huge) to choose from. Just choose from the list and you’ll immediately see the results within the Settings menu screen.


To change the font style, follow these steps:

1. Pull down the Notification drawer and tap on Settings icon.

2. Then scroll down to Display and tap.

3. Under Font section, tap on Font Style.

4. You’ll see four font style ( default font, Choco cooky, Helvetica S, Rosemary)

5. Choose the desired font style and tap on Yes to apply it. Take note that fonts on a web page will still be displayed as they always have.

6. Now if you wish to use other fonts, just tap on the tab Get fonts online at the bottom of the list for available font styles.

7. Once you tap that tab you’ll be redirected to Google Play Store where you can download additional fonts for S4. Some are free and others cost on average of $0.99.


How to Disable Face Tag on Samsung Galaxy S4

Samsung Galaxy S4 and Note 2 have a feature called the Face Tag which lets you tag your friends on a photo by tapping the yellow boxes over their faces. Yes, it works more like the usual Facebook photo tagging. However, this app is sometimes distracting to look at whenever you view a photo because of the yellow boxes. Now here’s how you can ditch those boxes for a neater photo viewing.

1. Open the Gallery application and select a photo to view.

2. Press on the Menu key and list of options will pop up. Then select Face tag

3. A Face tag switch will appear. Click on the “Off” radio button.

There you go! Hello to a yellow-box free photo. You now have disabled the Face tag app.



How to Take a Screenshot on Samsung Galaxy S4

Posting a screenshot of text thread on Facebook is viral these days. Most of the time, it’s meant for a good laugh. Well, there are actually two ways on how you can capture a screenshot of your Galaxy S4. Here are ways on how you can do it. 

1. Using your device, press and hold the home button and at the same time press and hold the power button on the side. Press and hold those two buttons simultaneously for couple of seconds. Go to your notification bar on top to see the captured screen. Of course, make sure that you’re on the screen that you wish to capture.

2. This one is simpler. Just swipe the side of your hand from left to right or vice versa to take a screenshot. To activate that hand motion, press on the Menu button on your device. Then go to Settings and select Motion. Scroll down to Hand Motion. Tick on the Palm Swipe to Capture motion to activate the said functionality.

Now you’re ready that snap!


How to Take a Photo with Samsung Galaxy S4 While Recording a Video

Samsung’s flagship and perhaps its best seller Smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S4 has incredible features to brag. One of which is the ability to take a photo while recording a video. Check out these steps and discover what a piece of art you have there with your S4.

1. Take your S4 and open your camera app. It will let you choose between the standard camera shots or video footage. You can take a video either on a portrait or landscape mode.

2. Once you’ve switched to record a video, press on that red button to begin recording. And a camera button will appear next to the record/stop icon.

3. Now if you wish to take a photo in the middle of recording a video, just press on the camera icon. Notice that there is no sound but just a little flash and momentary change of color after taking the shot.

4. To check on the photos, press on stop button and press on that square icon with lines beside it to get to the gallery page of your device.

5. There’ll you see the video youve recorded and as well as the photos taken while on it.


How to Make Your Samsung Galaxy S4 a Wi-Fi Hotspot

Ever imagine how you can make your own Samsung Galaxy S4 a WiFi hotspot? Well, sure you can. This feature allows for your other devices to pick up your mobile hotspot settings on your Samsung Galaxy S4. This is more preferable when you’re in public trying to locate a WiFi connection. Nokia did not mention how many devices can connect to your Samsung Galaxy S4, but usually it is 6-8 devices. Check out these steps for easy, convenient and a money-saver internet experience.

1. In the Application list, select Settings.

2. Then tap on More Settings.

3. Choose Tethering and portable hotspot.

4. Tap on Portable Wi-Fi hotspot

5. Then drag the Portable Wi-Fi hotspot switch to the right to activate mobile network sharing via Wi-Fi

6. Select Configure to configure network settings to use your device as an AP.

7. Tap on Save.

8. Now, on another device, locate your device’s name and connect to your mobile network.

You can also restrict mobile network sharing to specified devices. Select Allowed device list, create a device list, and then select your device’s name to change the sharing mode to Only allowed devices.


How to Connect your Samsung Galaxy S4 to a TV

With Samsung Galaxy S4, you can connect this device to a TV to display your devices screen onto the big tube. This also allows you to control your TV remotely using your device. Heres how you can connect your smartphone to your TV.

1. First select a country and a region then tap

2. Go to Set up Now and just follow the on screen instructions to register the TV on your device.

3. To connect to other devices, tapand go to Settings.

4. Choose My Room and then Add devices.


How to Use Screen Mirroring Feature on Samsung Galaxy S4

A feature found in Samsung Galaxy S4, Screen Mirroring on Samsung Galaxy S4 lets your device connected to a large screen using accessories like AllShare Cast dongle or Homesync which you can share your devices contents to a TV. Screen Mirroring can also be use to share contents with other devices using the Wi-Fi Miracast feature. Take note that this feature may not be available depending on the region or service provider.

1. On your devices Applications screen, tap on Settings.

2. Then go to Connections.

3. And select Screen Mirroring. Drag the Screen Mirroring switch to the right.

4. Now you can select a device or perhaps open or play a file. Control the screen display using the keys on your smartphone.


How to use S Health

Use this application to monitor your health. Tap S Health on the Applications screen.

Setting profile

Tap Next, read and agree to the terms and conditions, and then tap Next. Enter your physical statistics and then tap Start.

Note: Based on your physical statistics, the device calculates your basal metabolic rate (BMR) and recommends a daily caloric intake. The recommendation may not be accurate for all ages, body compositions, or nutritional needs.

Checking your health information

You can view your information on the health board screen. Select one of the following to view details:

• Calories burnt: View how many calories you have burned.
• Calorie intake: View how many calories you have ingested.


How to use Cloud

Use this feature to sync files or back up settings and application data with your Samsung account or Dropbox.

On the Applications screen, tap Settings → Accounts → Cloud.

Note: This feature may not be available depending on the region or service provider.

Syncing with the Samsung account

Tap your Samsung account or Sync settings to sync files.

Backing up or restoring data

Tap Backup to back up or restore data with your Samsung account.

Syncing with Dropbox

Tap Link Dropbox account, and then enter the Dropbox account. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Once you sign in, tap Allow and the device automatically syncs files with Dropbox whenever you make some changes.


Play Store

Use this application to purchase and download applications and games that are able to run
on the device.

Tap Play Store on the Applications screen.

Note: This application may not be available depending on the region or service provider.

Installing applications

1. Browse applications by category.
2. Tap Search icon to search with a keyword.
3. Select an application to view information.
4. To download it, tap Install.

If there is a charge for the application, tap the price, and follow on-screen instructions to complete the purchase process.

Note:
• When a new version is available for any installed application, an update icon appears at the top of the screen to alert you to the update. Open the notifications panel and tap the icon to update the application.
• To install applications that you downloaded from other sources, on the Applications screen, tap Settings → More → Security → Unknown sources.

Uninstalling applications

Uninstall the applications purchased from Play Store.

1. Tap Two Horizontal Lines → My Apps.
2. Select an application to delete in the list of installed applications.
3. Then tap Uninstall.


Rearranging items

Adding an application icon

1.On the Home screen, tap Apps.
2. Tap and hold an application icon.
3. Then drag it into a panel preview.

Adding an item

Customise the Home screen by adding widgets, folders, or pages.

Tap and hold the empty area on the Home screen, and then select one of the following categories:

• Apps and widgets: Add widgets or applications to the Home screen.
• Folder: Create a new folder.
• Page: Create a new page.

Moving an item

1. Tap and hold an item.
2. Drag it to a new location.
3. To move it to another panel, drag it to the side of the screen.

Removing an item

1. Tap and hold an item
2. Drag it to the rubbish bin that appears at the top of the Home screen.
3. When the rubbish bin turns red, release the item.

Setting wallpaper

Set an image or photo stored in the device as wallpaper for the Home screen.

On the Home screen, tap Two Horizontal Line icon → Set wallpaper → Home screen, and then select one of the following:

• Gallery: See photos taken by the device’s camera or images downloaded from the Internet.
• Live wallpapers: See animated images.
• Wallpapers: See wallpaper images.

Then, select an image and tap Set wallpaper. Or, select an image, resize it by dragging the
frame, and then tap Done.


Using widgets

Widgets are small applications that provide convenient functions and information on your Home screen. To use them, add widgets from the widgets panel to the Home screen.

Note:
• Some widgets connect to web services. Using a web-based widget may result in
additional charges.
• The widgets available may vary depending on the region or service provider.

Adding widgets to the Home screen

1. On the Home screen, tap Apps.
2. Then select Widgets.
3. Scroll left or right on the widgets panel, and then tap and hold a widget to add it to the Home screen.

Using the setting shortcut widget

1. On the Home screen, tap Apps
2. Then select Widgets.
3. Then tap and hold Settings Shortcut to open a list of setting options.
4. Select a setting option to add it to the Home screen as a shortcut.


Connecting to a Wi-Fi network

Connect the device to a Wi-Fi network to use the Internet or share media files with other devices. (p. 119)

Turning Wi-Fi on and off

Open the notifications panel, and then tap Wi-Fi to turn it on or off.

Note:
• Your device uses a non-harmonised frequency and is intended for use in all European countries. The WLAN can be operated in the EU without restriction indoors, but cannot be operated outdoors.
• Turn off Wi-Fi to save the battery when not in use.

Joining Wi-Fi networks

1. On the Applications screen, tap Settings
2. Select Connections 
3. Then choose Wi-Fi.
4. Then drag the Wi-Fi switch to the right.
5. Select a network from the list of detected Wi-Fi networks.
6. Enter a password if necessary, and then tap Connect.

Networks that require a password appear with a lock icon. After the device connects to a Wi-Fi network, the device will automatically connect to it any time it is available.

Adding Wi-Fi networks

If the desired network does not appear in the networks list, tap Add Wi-Fi network at the bottom of the networks list. Enter the network name in Network SSID, select the security type and enter the password if it is not an open network, and then tap Connect.

Forgetting Wi-Fi networks

Any network that has ever been used, including the current network, can be forgotten so the device will not automatically connect to it. Select the network in the networks list, and then tap Forget.


Connecting with Samsung Kies

Samsung Kies is a computer application that manages media libraries, contacts, and calendars, and syncs them with Samsung devices. Download the latest Samsung Kies from the Samsung website.

1. Connect the device to the computer using the USB cable. Samsung Kies launches on the computer automatically. If Samsung Kies does not launch, double-click the Samsung Kies icon on the computer.

2. Transfer files between your device and the computer. Refer to the Samsung Kies help for more information.


Connecting with Windows Media Player

Ensure that Windows Media Player is installed on the computer.

1. Connect the device to the computer using the USB cable.
2. Open Windows Media Player and sync music files.

Connecting as a media device

1. Connect the device to the computer using the USB cable.
2. Open the notifications panel, and then tap Connected as a media device → Media device (MTP). Tap Camera (PTP) if your computer does not support Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) or not have any appropriate driver installed.
3 Transfer files between your device and the computer.


Securing the device

Prevent others from using or accessing personal data and information stored in the device by using the security features. The device requires an unlock code whenever unlocking it.

Setting a face unlock

On the Applications screen, tap Settings → My device → Lock screen → Screen lock → Face unlock.

Fit your face in the frame to be captured. Then, set a backup unlock PIN or pattern to unlock the screen in case the face unlock fails.

Setting a face and voice unlock

On the Applications screen, tap Settings → My device → Lock screen → Screen lock → Face and voice.

Fit your face in the frame to be captured and then set a voice command. Then, set a backup unlock PIN or pattern to unlock the screen in case the face and voice unlock fails.

Setting a pattern

On the Applications screen, tap Settings → My device → Lock screen → Screen lock → Pattern.

Draw a pattern by connecting four dots or more, and then draw the pattern again to verify it. Set a backup unlock PIN to unlock the screen when you forget the pattern.

Setting a PIN

On the Applications screen, tap Settings  My device → Lock screen → Screen lock → PIN.

Enter at least four numbers, and then enter the password again to verify it.

Setting a password

On the Applications screen, tap Settings → My device → Lock screen → Screen lock → Password.

Enter at least four characters including numbers and symbols, and then enter the password again to verify it.

Unlocking the device

Turn on the screen by pressing the Power button or the Home button, and enter the unlock code.



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