Galaxy S4
25 Samsung Galaxy S4 Tips, Tricks & Hidden Features
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is host to a number of hidden features that unlock the full potential of the device. These Galaxy S5 tips and tricks can help you do more without upgrading to the Galaxy S5.
Many of the best Galaxy S4 features are hidden deep in menus and behind settings that even experienced users wouldn’t tap on. This Galaxy S4 guide will show you how to get more out of the Galaxy S4 without buying any Galaxy S4 accessories or spending money on Galaxy S4 apps.
These hidden Galaxy S4 features aren’t tucked away behind a secret button combination, but thanks to the way Samsung sets up the menu, many of them are hidden behind toggles and hidden deep in the settings. Many users could spend a year with the Galaxy S4 without finding half of these settings, so we’ve dug deep to pick our favorite settings so you can enjoy the Galaxy S4 more right now.
The essential list of hidden Samsung Galaxy S4 features.
There is no need to root the Galaxy S4 or install a custom ROM to access any of these functions, though users can root the Galaxy S4 for access to other features and apps if they want to.
These Samsung Galaxy S4 hidden features are available on all versions of the device, though there may be some small differences in functionality.
Here are 25 hard to find Galaxy S4 features the Gotta Be Mobile team uncovered after using the Galaxy S4 extensively for the last month.
Access All Toggles With a Two Finger Pull
The Samsung Galaxy S4 includes over a dozen Notification toggles to quickly change settings on the Samsung Galaxy S4 without diving into the settings.
With a one finger pull down of the notification center you can swipe side to side, but pull down with two fingers and you’ll have access to all of the toggles at once.
From here it’s also possible to quickly edit the notification toggles so that you can remove those you don’t use every day.
Turn on Easy Mode
If the Samsung Galaxy S4 is your first smartphone, the Easy mode is a great way to get started with your first smartphone. This simplified user interface hides some features, but it doesn’t take away from the overall experience much.
Some users will also appreciate the larger icons in Easy mode, which are easier to see and to tap.
It is easy to turn Easy mode on and off, so you can try Easy Mode and then switch to Standard Mode when you are ready for more.
Launch Google Now Fast
Google Now is a cool predictive personal assistant that comes with all new Android phones, but users may have a tough time launching it thanks to Samsung including S-Voice on the Galaxy S4.
To launch Google Now quickly, hold the menu button on the Samsung Galaxy S4 and it should pop up, letting you search with Google Now and ask the phone to do things much like you would with Siri.
You will need to turn Google Now on if this is the first time using it, so you may need to tap on the Google bar on the home screen and follow the prompts to turn Google Now on. This will then combine search and email data from your Google account to push information to you as you need it.
Eventually Google Now will know your home, work, favorite sports teams and will pick up on travel plans and remind you automatically. It’s easy to customize what it does and doesn’t show so give it a try.
Fast Access to Common Settings
Now that you know it’s possible to quickly change settings with a tap of the toggles in the Notification drawer, we want to take things a step further.
A long press on any of these toggles will open up that page in settings. This is great for quickly pairing a Bluetooth device and changing settings on the many builtin gesture and motion controls on the Galaxy S4.
This works in the small single row view and in the expanded group of icons.
Use Two Apps at the Same Time
The Samsung Galaxy S4 brings Multi Window mode. This cool feature, also known as Multi-View is a way to run two apps on screen at the same time. This makes it easier to multitask on the Galaxy S4. While many of us find this works best for productivity when paired with a keyboard it’s possible to do many things.
- Watch YouTube and check Twitter
- Browse the Web and take notes
- Check email and Facebook at the same time
- and many more.
Carriers may limit which apps show up in this menu, so not everyone will see the same apps here. Not all apps work, but the selection is big enough to make it a worthwhile entertainment and productivity feature.
Check Alerts Without Touching the Galaxy S4
The Samsung Galaxy S4 includes a feature that makes it easy to check alerts and notifications without touching the Galaxy S4.
Head to Settings -> My Device -> Motions and gestures-> Air Gesture -> Quick glance -> On.
Once this is on, just move your hand over the display while the device is asleep as we show in the video below.
The Quick Glance feature will turn the display on and show;
- Icons from the Notification bar
- Missed calls
- New Text messages
- Battery Life
- and the current time.
This unfortunately doesn’t let you tap on any of these to jump into the apps or to unlock the Galaxy S4, but it does show what made the phone buzz or ring.
Speed Up the Galaxy S4 Home Button
By default the Samsung Galaxy S4 home button is a bit slow because it is waiting for users to double tap and launch S-Voice. If you don’t plan to use S-Voice or don’t polan to use it from the home button, turning this setting off will dramatically speed up going form an app to the home screen.
To do this, open S-Voice by double tapping the home button. Then tap menu and choose Settings. Uncheck Open via the home key.
The video above shows how to do this and the speed difference from turning this setting off. Users can still launch S voice by tapping on the S Voice icon in the app drawer.
Supercharge the Galaxy S4 Keyboard
The Samsung Galaxy S4 ships with Swiftkey, a smart keyboard that learns from what you type to deliver better predictive text, but Samsung hides the most important settings. Users can also move this keyboard freely around the screen. Check it out in action in the video below.
To turn on predictive text on the Samsung Galaxy S4 keyboard and have it learn from what you type, follow these directions.
Open the keyboard -> long press on the microphone for Settings -> Tap on Predictive Text -> link to you accounts.
From here it learn your typing style and your common phrases and words.
Another great option is to long press on the microphone and then choose the right-most keyboard icon. This shrinks the keyboard and lets you move it around on the screen. Another long pres and then a tap on the icon to the left of that one will turn this feature off.
Find A Lost or Stolen Galaxy S4
The Samsung Galaxy S4 will soon offer a Lojack feature that lets users pay a monthly fee to track down a stolen Samsung Galaxy complete with a team of trained professionals, but users who want a free solution that includes finding a lost Galaxy S4 should install Lookout Mobile.
Lookout Mobile is a free app and service that will track down, sound alerts and with an upgrade wipe the phone. There’s also a signal flare alert that will send one last location when the battery dies.
Lookout Mobile is a free app that we recommend for every Android user. If your Samsung Galaxy S4 is already lost or stolen try installing Plan B to track it down after the fact.
Control the Galaxy S4 With Your Eyes
The Samsung Galaxy S4 includes several features that let users control the device with their eyes. Once turned on users can scroll with their eyes or with a tilt, keep the screen on when they are looking at it and automatically pause videos. These features don’t work in all apps, but they are handy for many of the standard Samsung apps.
To turn these settings on go to Settings -> My device -> Smart screen ->
- Check Smart Stay
- Check Smart Pause
- and turn Smart scroll on and then tap on the text to choose more options.
Smart stay will keep the display on when you are looking at it. This happens automatically throughout all apps and is a great feature. Smart pause will automatically pause some videos when you look away, but it doesn’t support every video player. The Smart scroll feature lets users tilt the device or their head to scroll in the Browser and a few other apps.
Avoid Data Overages
The Samsung Galaxy S4 includes a built-in data monitor that can track data used and push alerts to help you save money and use data wisely.
To check this go to Settings -> Connections tab -> Data Usage.
From here it is possible to set alerts and even a a data limit which will turn off mobile data when you reach your limit. This screen also allows users to see which apps are using the most data.
Set a mobile data alert on the Samsung Galaxy S4 to avoid overages.
For users on a shared data plan it’s worth noting that this only tracks dat use on your phone, not on all phones combined.
Hover for More Information (Air View)
The Samsung Galaxy S4 includes Air View, a feature that allows users to hover their finger over a spot on the screen to see more information.
To turn this on, go to Settings -> My Device Tab -> Air View -> On. Next, tap on Air view to see the settings and fine tune what you want it to do.
Now, just hover your finger over a text message, a photo in gallery or a spot in a video to see more details.
Use the Samsung Galaxy S4 with Gloves
The Samsung Galaxy S4 display is sensitive enough to let users use the phone with gloves on, but the feature is turned off by default.
To set this up, go to Settings -> My Device tab -> Display ->High-touch sensitivity -> On. Check it out in action below.
Once this is on you will be able to use the Galaxy S4 with gloves on, but in our testing it works best with thinner gloves. Heavy gloves we would wear while skiing or hiking worked, but not as well.
Block Annoying Callers
If you get annoying telemarketing calls, calls from an ex boyfriend or girlfriend or anyone you never want to talk to, the Samsung Galaxy S4 features a call rejection mode that automatically blocks calls from specific numbers.
This is a great way to avoid an alert when an annoying person or company tries to reach you.
Open the phone app -> tap on Menu -> tap on Call settings -> Call rejection.
From here users can set up specific numbers in the Auto reject list. Once on the list, those numbers will not rung the phone, but will still go to voicemail.
Better Sounding Music and Phone Calls
Fine tune the Galaxy S4 sound with Adapt sound.
Turn on and set up Adapt sound to customize the Samsung Galaxy S4 sound to your hearing. This short setup session identifies hearing shortfalls and compensates by changing the audio profile of calls and music to fit each ear.
Go to Settings -> My device tab -> Sound -> Adapt sound -> follow the prompts.
You will need headphones in to set this up, and afterwards the difference will be most noticeable with headphones, though it may also make a difference for phone calls made without them, depending on the user.
Smart Alerts When You Pick Up the Galaxy S4
The Samsung Galaxy S4 has a buried setting that makes the phone vibrate when you pick it up if there are new notifications. This is a nice way to know if you should check your phone or if you can toss it in your pocket.
To turn this on, go to Settings -> My device tab -> Motions and gestures -> Motion -> Smart alert -> On.
If you don’t like the fact that the Samsung Galaxy S4 vibrates every time you pick it up, this is also how you can that feature off.
Take Photos With Your Voice
The Samsung Galaxy S4 camer app allows user to take pictures with a voice command. This is handy if the Galaxy S4 is attached to a tripod or even if you hand it to someone who doesn’t know how to use it.
To turn this on, open the Camera -> press Menu -> tap on Settings -> tap the settings cog -> scroll to Voice control and turn it on.
Once this is setup you can say Smile, Cheese, Capture or Shoot to take a photo without touching the Galaxy S4. Check it out in action in the video above.
Get Better Samsung Galaxy S4 Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy S4 features a power saver mode that can automatically help save battery life. This isn’t something every user will need all the time, but it is a relatively painless way to get better Galaxy S4 battery life.
Turn on power saver mode for better Galaxy S4 battery life.
To do this, just pull down on the Notification panel with two fingers and tap on Power saving.
Read: How to Get Better Samsung Galaxy S4 Battery Life
This automatically turns on Power saver mode, but if you want to customize it you will need to long press on this feature. Here you can make sure it doesn’t affect the screen, performance or haptic feedback. if one of those is important to you.
Control the Galaxy S4 With Motion
The Samsung Galaxy S4 features a plethora of sensors that make it possible to control the phone with gestures and motion. Air Gesture is the most impressive set of features, which allows users to control the phone by waiving a hand above it.
The video above shows many of these features, and below you can learn how to turn Air View on.
Go to Settings -> My device tab -> Motions and gestures -> Air gesture -> On. Then tap on the text to change the individual settings.
With this you can accept calls with a wave, browse the web, photos, music an more without touching the Galaxy S4.
Control Music and Calls With Headphones
The included Samsung Galaxy S4 headphones allow users to control music and phone calls with the small mic area without taking the Galaxy S4 out of their pocket.
Use the Galaxy S4 headphones to control music and calls.
Holding the button will open S Voice, which will tell you about any current messages and let you perform other S Voice actions like making a call. While on a call, the button will hang up. The upper buttons control volume for calls and music.
While listening to music a single press of the button will pause a track. Another press will start playing it again. It’s not as smooth as the iPhone, but a very fast double tap will skip to the next track.
Do Not Disturb for Galaxy S4
The Samsung Galaxy S4 features a Blocking mode, which is essentially Do Not Disturb for Android.
Blocking mode is basically Do Not Disturb mode for Android.
Blocking mode is new and improved for the Samsung Galaxy S4 complete with options to start and end at a specific time. Blocking mode on the Samsung Galaxy S4 also includes the ability to block;
- Incoming calls
- Notifications
- Alarm and time
- and Disable the LED.
Each of these options are separate so users can pick and choose. Users can also set allowed contacts so that calls coem through. In our testing texts do not come through from these contacts.
Connect an Xbox 360 Controller and USB Storage
The Samsung Galaxy S4 supports the use of controllers like the corded Xbox 360 controller. A small and affordable Micro USB to full size USB cable makes this magic happen and also supports the use of a USB drive as extra storage.
Buy a USB OTG cable, we recommend this one on Amazon, and plug it in to the Galaxy S4, then plug in a corded Xbox 360 controller or a USB drive.
Not every game supports external controllers, but there are plenty around. While not as portable as something like the MOGA Pro controller that folds up, this is a solution that’s cheaper for users who already have a wired Xbox 360 controller around.
Customize the Galaxy S4 Lock Screen
The Samsung Galaxy S4 lock screen is customizable with widgets and other settings to make the phone yours. By default the Galaxy S4 features a life companion text on the lock screen and a small clock. This is all up for change.
To get started go to Settings -> My device tab -> Lock Screen. From here we can pick options.
Customize the Galaxy S4 lock screen.
It’s a good idea to pick a screen lock at this time, in order to secure the Galaxy S4. In the Lock screen widgets menu below it you can choose to see a clock or the personal message and to customize the message. This is also where you can turn on shortcuts to your favorite apps.
Quickly Use the Best Photo Feature
Best Photo is Galaxy S4 camera mode that takes eight photos fast, like in a burst mode and helps you shoot and save the best photos from a group shot or of an an individual. Open the camera app and tap on the Mode button to pick Best Shot.
Next, press the shutter and watch as it takes 8 photos of the subject and highlights the best one. This is essential in getting good pictures of kids and pets. The video below shows it in action.
There are many other modes, like Best face, which will let you pick the best look for each person in the group and Eraser, which lets you remove someone from a photo.
Use the Galaxy S4 as a TV Remote
The Samsung Galaxy S4 features an IR port and the WatchOn app which turns the Galaxy S4 into a universal remote control capable of controlling your entire living room and multiple other rooms.
Setting it up is as easy as opening the WatchOn app in the app drawer and following the guide to add your devices. The video below shows where to add more devices and change settings.
The ability to quickly look at a visually appealing program guide and control multiple devices and multiple rooms makes this a great feature.
Amanda
05/24/2013 at 2:35 pm
Thanks for a great article.
Arjun Singh
05/25/2013 at 4:48 am
I have been contemplating to buy Galaxy S4, but was confused. Though, I had made-up my mind when I read some insightful views from others in this face-off between iPhone5 and Galaxy S4 at https://www.brandcollage.com/faceoff/apple-iphone5-vs-samsung-galaxy-s4/
But thanks to gottabemobile, I am doubly assured of my choice to go with Galaxy S4 and not iPhone5 as iPhone5 seems to be an old world phone.
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06/17/2013 at 4:19 pm
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Anthony
06/18/2013 at 8:15 pm
Sounds good send me info
Josh
06/20/2013 at 3:24 pm
Awesome!! Why did I even waste my time going to college and graduate school?
Ryan Goldsmith
06/21/2013 at 11:25 pm
haha
druidking9884
06/21/2013 at 12:07 am
No thanks, I already make $30K/month with another scam.
chris
08/31/2013 at 12:56 pm
Is any of ghis real? Im disabled and get 700 a month ss. I could realou use income
daniel (@daniel66867588)
07/02/2013 at 1:29 pm
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Josh
05/24/2013 at 4:49 pm
This is a nice review. Well done and I am still getting a hold of the features myself. Lol.
jillxz
05/24/2013 at 5:14 pm
Why would Samsung or any manufacturer of a smartphone hide particular settings ? if I buy one I want access to ALL of the settings. This does not make sense to me. Why would they do this.
Bob Jordan
05/24/2013 at 7:40 pm
They aren’t really “hiding” them. They can’t put everything on page one, so to speak, and some things end up buried in a menu somewhere, just like Windows, or just about every website out there.
Liam Galashan
05/25/2013 at 8:20 am
They probably his these features as people find it rewarding to come across new things within the phone and will not make the phone feel old :) Just a guess
bootsboy
06/12/2013 at 7:05 pm
It should have been labeled something other than ‘hidden’ but I don’t have a good suggestion.
Mike
07/08/2013 at 4:49 pm
For those less familiar with electronics, smartphones can be overwhelming. A smartphone has hundreds of buttons to push (apps, settings, menus, etc) that all do differant things you have to memorize.
By starting out by only focusing on the buttons most used, it allows users to get familiar with the easy interface quickly, and once they’re comfortable with the easy interface they can go to the more advanced one (which builds on the easy one).
quicksilver727
05/24/2013 at 6:12 pm
Excellent review! 2 thumbs up!
jani2 (@jani216)
08/05/2013 at 9:55 am
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Eric
05/24/2013 at 7:01 pm
Thank you much . I think its better to know some of these things now than find them two or three months down the road.But they are fun to find sometimes on your own by accident….lol
Becky
05/24/2013 at 7:49 pm
Fantastic article to help me use my phone to its fullest potential!
Muzaffer
05/25/2013 at 1:58 am
thanx a lot, helpful for new user of Samsung Galaxy s4, but i could’nt find all answer of my questions that, smart pause works which format of videos, how music files controls with voice , i have tried many times but i failed. How can i use my s4 full of function?
dae
05/25/2013 at 4:01 am
quick question.. why is there no auto correct setting on the samsung keyboard… you know, after pressing space bar?
bsbne
12/20/2013 at 5:49 am
There is, under the keyboard settings Auto Replacement is the option name you’re looking for.
ryker
05/25/2013 at 12:12 pm
My lovely favourite is Samsung Galaxy S4 ‘coz. I was read the review from https://samsunggalaxys4-i9500.blogspot.com/ and after read them, I brought it.
shahin
05/25/2013 at 12:46 pm
this is a scam. he wants your name, tel. nr. and then your credit card nr.
Slade
05/25/2013 at 1:23 pm
In a future article I’d be interested to hear how accurate the thermometer is, how quickly it adjusts. Also more info on the barometer. Can your own, non-copywrite music (no DRM) be added to the mini-card? This was a good article, but I’m waiting to see what up with the iPhone 5s.
Android Kid
05/25/2013 at 2:51 pm
Talking about the OLD phone? Today leaked the new Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom.
Source: https://www.theandroidtimes.com/2013/05/more-details-of-samsung-galaxy-s4-zoom.html
Handytechplus
05/25/2013 at 3:46 pm
thanks dude for the awesome tips for optimalisation galaxy s4.
Samsung galaxy s4 top features
Lynton
05/25/2013 at 10:24 pm
cheers for that. Picked up a s4 other day and still getting used to the mryiad of features
ApG
05/26/2013 at 6:58 am
I am desperately trying to find out how to search my files on this phone just by name. I have moved from bb, there you just had to type anything you were looking for just like mac’s spotlight and result would pop up. everything on the s4 is internet search. How do I search my phone?? Please help, pulling my hair out …
Eric
06/10/2013 at 1:59 pm
Hit your app button. Choose my files. hit menu and select search. You can also just do a shortcut to my files from a home screen and then the rest
Ed May
06/15/2013 at 10:02 am
Open My Files app select All files, storage device then select search from options menu.
Thomas Hayes
05/26/2013 at 1:36 pm
This is the BEST phone my wife and I have had yet. We have been up grading as the years have gone by but for us The Galaxy S4 is a dream come true….
Pitay Reyes-Vitan
05/26/2013 at 6:39 pm
trying … trying!
[email protected]
05/26/2013 at 7:51 pm
Hey josh you missed one.. I found just one new feature(double finger scrolling the notification panel) and thanks for that. Tell my friends here about the developer options which is not activated by default. Leme do this for you Mr. Smith. Aah…! No need for thanks. Its this for that. You helped me knowing one new.. so guys making long story short give you what you want. Go to SETTINGS》ABOUT PHONE. you will see Build number,click it as many time the smart galaxy tells you. And here we go enjoy the developer options. The last question came to your mind how it can make your phone fast.?? My name is my email ID. Inbox me and find it out dear ones.. have a nice time..
Fred
05/29/2013 at 11:51 pm
Nice trick. I have a GS4 my notification panel is empty, no wifi bluetooth etc. Any idea how to make them appear?
bootsboy
06/13/2013 at 5:44 am
Slide the notification bar to the right and then select what you want to see.
jt
05/26/2013 at 8:08 pm
I was deciding between the IPhone 5 and SG4. I wasn’t sure which one until I researched both phones. I went with SG4.IPhone 5 is nice but u can only upgrade memory with a new phone. SG4 memory can be upgraded by buying a new sd card and has a bigger screen very fast and battery life is longer. Both phones are good but I went with SG4. 13mp camera did for me besides the battery life. EXCELLENT JOB!!!!!!!!!
Sally Smith
05/26/2013 at 8:29 pm
Hi, I have just got an S4 and I have noticed that photos viewed in the gallery do not change orientation when I turn the phone even though they do if I am viewing photos in other apps such as Facebook. I have to go to the menu and rotate the pic from there. Is this normal for this phone or have missed something?
Thanks. SS
Odisej Wolff
05/29/2013 at 6:17 am
Nice and helpful article-thank you. One question: My GS4 doesn’t have Blocking/Do not disturb entry under Settings/My Device. I am guessing it doesn’t show because of some other menu option but I have no clue which one and how to get it back?
Thx, O.
Maureen
06/08/2013 at 5:28 pm
Verizon phones do not have the Blocking option, it appears as though other carriers might though
Odisej Wolff
06/09/2013 at 9:56 pm
I see, I did get it from Verizon :( Pity, as it’s very helpful (no need to mute it over night)–I set it up on my tablet.
Thanks, O. :)
Karen
06/14/2013 at 3:59 pm
You can use Mr. Number to block calls. My HTC EVO did not have a block feature either and this was a good app.
Kate
05/31/2013 at 8:06 am
Thanks for the tips. Is there a way to turn the contact message option screen off after you end a phone call?
Simon
06/01/2013 at 11:23 am
really useful for a convert from an iphone 5 to an S4!! great work
Shannon Hall
06/01/2013 at 11:32 am
My phone is having an issue with the picture messaging. When I send a picture my phone says unfortunately, messaging has stopped. It will say that a few times then it locks up and I have to reset my phone back to factory settings. Any idea on why this happens, or if anyone else has this issue?
Karen
06/09/2013 at 8:04 pm
Just upgraded my phone last week from an HTC EVO to the Samgsung. This was a great article that helped me understand more features. I especially liked making my keyboard moveable.
Grace
06/10/2013 at 11:46 am
Does anybody know how to continue what you left off doing once your screen “goes to sleep”? If I’m on IG or another app it automatically returns me to google search page once I begin using my phone again. This is very annoying. I would like to “pick up where I left off” after I unlock my phone again. Does anybody know how to change this in the settings?
chris
06/10/2013 at 1:21 pm
Thank so much love my phone
Erin
06/10/2013 at 9:34 pm
I just have over the air TV. Can I still use my S4 as a remote? Will it also work witb apps on my Bluray?
No name
10/30/2013 at 4:43 pm
Just setup the S4 to control your TV instead of the cable box or DirecTV tuner
sonya
06/12/2013 at 3:59 am
Set up air control in settings but does not work?
ndsp99
06/12/2013 at 7:32 am
Really, how do u not do a simple quick google search before posting such an article. Blocking mode is not available on Verizon, thanks for rubbing it in, jerk.
Gary Astorino
07/01/2013 at 1:24 pm
I have my Bionic on Verizon and if you go to People app and you have that person in your contacts that you can click edit and send all calls to voicemail.
Larry
06/13/2013 at 10:48 am
I’m Glad as heck that I found you guys, I just purchased my gs 4. I thought I did everything but I stood corrected. Thanks for the videos now it’s the power house I expected,I’m glad I found you.
Marlene
06/16/2013 at 10:38 pm
Any idea why the Play Story is using so much data when I’m not even downloading anything on my GS4? Great article, thank you!
Maurice
06/17/2013 at 11:22 am
can anyone tell me how to delete video’s from my play movies and tv…personal videos from my Galaxy S4 phone?
Shirleah Bergin
06/18/2013 at 11:34 pm
go to the camera, click the videos you want to delete and the trash can icon will appear.
tom
06/18/2013 at 9:38 pm
How do you change the dew drop sound, after you press a button? It’s not in the notification sounds. I think it can be turned off but I’d like to change it.
Jack
06/19/2013 at 12:24 am
A lot of these features work on my Galaxy note 2, I would like to know if a usb drive will work with it?
John
06/23/2013 at 7:30 am
Has anyone else experienced the ability to hover over an app group on your home screens, and have it expand to show all contained apps? This seems to randomly happen every couple of weeks, but even with all air and gestures enabled I cant get it to hapen reliably.. I read there were certain conflicts with accessibility, but I have none enabled.
salomon
06/24/2013 at 6:13 pm
Happy with this page , thanks
Crystal
06/29/2013 at 4:48 pm
How do I get svoice to call me by my name?
Scott
06/29/2013 at 7:35 pm
Does galaxy s4 allow adobe flash player?
johnson
06/30/2013 at 3:48 am
Flashplayer do not suport android 4.o and higher
Saliya Nikhil Arun bhai
06/29/2013 at 10:48 pm
This are some great tips to use pre installed apps of samsung galaxy S4 in advance way.
You can have a look, https://www.nicks.in/2013/06/samsung-galaxy-s4-tips-android-apps.html
Krishna
07/03/2013 at 11:20 am
Well, your link is still not good.
Pawan
07/02/2013 at 5:14 am
Customizing lock screen and Google Now tips were impressive and I never knew that Xbox one controller can be connected with the S4. I’ll definitely look at S4 now but its build quality disappointed me.
Bert
07/03/2013 at 11:16 am
There’s nothing wrong with the build quality.
You simply mean that you don’t the way it’s built.
Krishna
07/03/2013 at 11:09 am
Thanks for this nice information. I was really wondering if Galaxy S4 allows flash or not!
Bruce Cash
07/07/2013 at 11:28 am
This article has about 15 or more videos. I might be an old bastard, but WHY do all of these videos need to load AND PLAY at the same time? I’m using a usb card for my internet, with a terrible signal at home, so thank you for ruining my Sunday afternoon, simply because I wanted to know more about my S4.
Doug
07/14/2013 at 3:05 pm
I wonder if they changed they way their website works in the last week because this problem doesn’t happen to me on my iPad
You should try again.
Devya
07/08/2013 at 9:36 pm
I wanted to know more about the call options. Does S4 allow conference calls, call forwarding?
Paul Jose
07/10/2013 at 5:15 am
Already knew all the features… But thanks for the great article that puts it all together..
Kenny
07/11/2013 at 2:25 am
ever heard of spell checker ?????
does anyone proof read your articles before you publish them ?????
fantastic article tho…
Roonie
07/13/2013 at 8:40 am
Can you use the phone and another function at the same time via the multi-task bar?
The other day I needed to enter information from an email into the keypad of the phone on an active call. I had to keep toggling back and forth.and the phone menu would time out while I was toggling back to the email.
I can’t get the phone (or other desired features ) on the multi-task bar. Any ideas? ( I don’t know how to “root” -whatever that is)
Claudia Valladares Lecubet
07/18/2013 at 9:44 pm
Thank you so much for all the info,love the simplicity and clarity of it….now I can switch from my iPhone to galaxy s4….now any input on the SD card?
Ian walker
07/20/2013 at 11:43 am
Great article really help me out after recently picking up this fantastic device.
Harry Singh
07/20/2013 at 6:15 pm
My sister has logged in her fb account on my Galaxy S4. Whenever say facebook to Galaxy S voice it just asks me if i want to publish something on her fb. How can i log her out. I checked internet, chrome and fb she is not logged in.
felisberto2 (@felisberto2)
07/24/2013 at 3:13 am
you must log out of facebook.
Rita L Rios
07/21/2013 at 7:45 pm
I am very thankful to Josh for taking time to walk and talk me through the specifics. I like the fact that just because I am unfamiliar with the phone, his manner of teaching me how to use the phone does not make me feel dumb, but instead allows me to have a sense of accomplishment. And the time to sit down and learn something new is a relief from the hustle and bustle of what has been routine for many years. .
Ky Teasdale
07/23/2013 at 4:05 pm
wow, great article!
I noticed you were able to get Google Now’s Voice Recognition to activate just by saying “Google” . how did you do those?
smithsparker
07/24/2013 at 3:13 am
Great article !! Helped me explore all the features of my S4 device in an easy way.
Marie
07/24/2013 at 10:19 am
I despise sound notification for FB, Titter, Email, etc. I ONLY want it to make a sound if I have a new text or someone is calling me. Oh and also Group Notification, How do I reply to the SENDER ONLY?? I hate when you reply and someone is like “who is this?” And of I’m like “huh? Who the hell is this? No I can’t make it to your kids party….” Than you if advance if you can direct me or fill me in. I fall in the category of maybe my smart phone is smarter than me…..
Laura
08/10/2013 at 11:06 pm
Marie – did you ever figure out the notification settings. I too am annoyed by all the notifications and only want it for text and calling.
Kenya
09/03/2013 at 11:37 am
Go to the settings menu for the app notifications you don’t want. Then choose notifications AND/OR sound/volume. Choose the notifications option, either uncheck the box that is next to notifications OR choose (None) under the sound menu…I hope that helps!
Matt
07/24/2013 at 5:45 pm
Plan B by Lookout Mobile only works on Android 2.0 & 2.3, it is not compatible with the S4 . I should know, I’m typing this on my S4 right now and I just double checked the Play Store before making this comment. Might want to amend the article.
Mike
07/29/2013 at 11:38 am
Incorrect, i’m using Lookout on my S4 right now. Just looked at, scanned my apps and back and backed up my data. Not sure what is wrong with your phone.
Wilson
08/03/2013 at 11:06 pm
Really insightful and helpful. Thanks.
Boy
08/07/2013 at 7:26 am
You forgot the most hidden and untalked about feature ;) The thermometer, flux meter and the barometer! ;)
Loco Louie
08/07/2013 at 1:54 pm
Is there no radiation detector in my Galaxy IV? I wanted to see how many rads of gamma radiation is present when my GF is undressed and what part of her puts out the most…radiation, that is.
Mariah
08/14/2013 at 7:26 pm
For sme reason on my Galaxy S4 only 6 modes come up on my camera, why is this?
raj
08/18/2013 at 6:39 am
Great post Josh. Even I was not aware about many of these features whereas I am using the same handset, However I’ve tried some of them with my Galaxy S IV but didn’t even imagine about some of them. Thanks for the great help buddy.
kfisher (@kfisher05605145)
08/21/2013 at 1:52 pm
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Laurence VITO
08/24/2013 at 1:19 pm
Josh, I was thought that we were need to root Samsung to have all these hiden features. I’ll try that on my phone
sanjeev
08/29/2013 at 2:18 am
Samsung galaxy s4 is a great piece of hardware. i have this device and i must say this is awesome. but some features are not good. like the air gestures. no one will be using these features for a long time so i think they should haven’t included them
sushmasingh22
08/30/2013 at 9:08 am
You can play Samsung Galaxy S4 Apps on my PC ?
Try: Android Apps for PC Download
Samantha Vermillion
09/10/2013 at 7:53 pm
Samsung Galaxy S4 has many hidden features, I just love the S4.
AndroidAl
09/13/2013 at 1:52 am
Great information, Josh!
I just tried using the XBOX controller, and it rocks! :)
Another secret I’ve found, for the more technical people: https://www.appsondesktop.com/get-status-information-android-phone-cell-battery-wifi/
I just tested this, and it works on the S4 too.
Thanks,
Al
Kaif
09/16/2013 at 3:37 am
oh i see it, i already use s4 it,s a good smartphone.
News
11/09/2013 at 6:01 am
Samsung galaxy s4 is a great piece of hardware. i have this device and i must say this is awesome. but some features are not good. like the air gestures.
Android PC
09/17/2013 at 12:56 am
Great post, as usual. Gotta be mobile! Now I know all the hidden gems of my Samsung too, yeah!
Riya
09/19/2013 at 2:05 am
I am using S4 but still do not all these fetuars thank you so so much for sharing with us.
elodie
09/20/2013 at 5:14 am
Galaxy s4 have a great feature ever! there are some feature that I have not hear about. thank for that
butters84
09/20/2013 at 11:33 am
I have owned a Black Berry, and an Iphone4s. I now have a Galaxy 4S and I LOVE it! The Galaxy 4S puts all other phones to shame, I know this since I owned the other major brands. These are some fantastic tips. I wouldn’t call them “Hidden” features since they are pretty easy to access. there are so many features that ti just takes time to learn them all and where to find everything. Thank-you!!!
TheTechSilo
09/22/2013 at 11:54 pm
I’ll always prefer the iPhone over any Galaxy, simply because iOS. I am not an Apple fanboy by any means I just prefer the simplicity and ease of use that it offers. I’ve tried both and just prefer the overall feel of the iPhone 4S.
All Time Mac
10/06/2013 at 9:20 am
I’m an iOS user, and I’m thinking to buy S4 to just know how it feels like.
Arbaz Khan
10/08/2013 at 8:55 am
There are many of my friends who own an S4 and I am going to try out some of the above features in their phones and show them what their Galaxy S4 is capable of.
fahadzaman66
10/21/2013 at 12:30 am
Thats very nice Josh, I was thought that we were need to root Samsung to have all these hiden features. I’ll try that on my phone whatsapp messenger for pc
Josh Trenser
10/23/2013 at 1:00 am
Galaxy S4 is super awesome!!!
Kishore
10/23/2013 at 7:07 am
Thanks for the tips. Is there a way to turn the contact message option screen off after you end a phone call?
Amit
11/02/2013 at 11:53 pm
thanks for providing such a nice features of Galaxy s4
Mohit Kumar
11/09/2013 at 6:00 am
Felt excited to see these features on my newly bought S4. Surely Galaxy S4 is the best Android Smartphone till the date because Note 3 can’t be treated as phone it’s a phablet.
Whatsapp man!
11/15/2013 at 9:44 pm
Supercharging the keyboard is pretty amazing, not gonna lie! Would be nice though if they made it easier to do, at least for people who haven’t used it before.
Kathy
11/20/2013 at 9:32 pm
I don’t feel they were hidden at all. For someone who is familiar with a smart phone they can figure it out. If this is your first smart phone you might feel like things are hidden. Either way when you get a new phone your pumped so you explore after a while you figure out where everything is and everything about the phone. Every app every on button has a place so that’s why you have to go through steps sometimes. If you like stuff to be right there then maybe you should choose a basic phone like Iphone or something that isn’t a smart phone. This was very helpful page..Thanks
Krys, Naturally
11/22/2013 at 11:21 am
I just got the S4 and while I have heard of these features, I didn’t know how to use them, This article is really cool in the sense that you can see what each feature does, not just know that it’s there. Many thanks!!
hampton bay
12/10/2013 at 9:24 pm
Either way when you get a new phone your pumped so you explore after a while you figure out where everything is and everything about the phone. Every app every on button has a place so that’s why you have to go through steps sometimes. If you like stuff to be right there then maybe you should choose a basic phone like Iphone or something that isn’t a smart phone. This was very helpful page..Thanks
happy wheels demo
12/11/2013 at 9:03 am
Play Free happy Wheel demo game
Vivian
01/19/2014 at 2:29 pm
Very helpful love the tips. Can you do the same for my Asus tablet?
hotmail login
02/15/2014 at 6:06 am
It is true that length of content matters but up to a certain extent. Similarly the size of website (number of web pages) also matters.
But I wonder how websites with very small content get ranked higher.
ndore
03/13/2014 at 12:16 pm
Is there a setting or something on the S4 that would prevent me from being able to share a post or post a comment on my fb??
Edwyna
03/17/2014 at 7:43 am
Can you face time on the S4 like you can on the iphone 4-5?
Amiee
04/05/2014 at 5:34 am
I have the S4. I guess I’m pretty tech savoy. I knew and know how to do all of these options. There is the most hidden option you didn’t state. Go to settings find about device look for build number press it 7x. It unlocks more ways to customize your phone.
Sunil Thakur
04/30/2014 at 8:53 pm
Hello admin,Is there a way to turn the contact message option screen off after you end a phone call ? Thanks in advance
James Campbell
05/11/2014 at 5:19 pm
Hi Admin, I’ve noticed my gallery view has changed when I’m logged in to Facebook and try to upload a photo. I used to get the folders to scroll through then select the photo, Now when I upload a pic from Facebook – I get all photos and have to scroll through them to find the photo. The Folder view has gone. Is there a way to bring this back?
Karen
05/11/2014 at 5:34 pm
James, I could be wrong but I think it’s a facebook issue. If you are posting a new status, do it this way. From your camera, select the picture (s) and then click on the facebook icon. Doing it this way also gives you more choices, like putting the picture in an album on facebook. Also select all your photos in the beginning otherwise you’ll have the same issue when you go to add additional ones. If you are adding a photo in a comment you’ll have to do it the hard way.
sonesh
06/05/2014 at 2:21 am
Great tips
Really come to know about some new features
Thanks for sharing
Andy
07/07/2014 at 3:07 am
Howdy admin, Perhaps there is ways to flip this get in touch with communication solution tv screen away as soon as you finish a new mobile phone call? Many thanks beforehand. thanks for sharing this informative post with us.
Kamal
07/08/2014 at 6:09 am
We’ve the actual S4. Perhaps I’m fairly tech savoy. My partner and i believed and also discover how to carry out many of these alternatives. There may be essentially the most disguised . option an individual didn’t talk about. Visit options uncover about unit try to find develop amount mass media the idea 7x. The idea unlocks more approaches to modify your own telephone. Thanks for sharing. :D
Dono
07/11/2014 at 9:48 am
Thank for the tips, I can know use these hidden features, it’s awesome :)
n
08/21/2014 at 9:04 pm
Amazing. 2 thumbs up
Ed
10/06/2014 at 7:00 pm
Can you figure out how to remove KNOX… permanently?
Mandy
12/16/2014 at 1:47 pm
I can’t figure out how to download pics/videos attachments via text messaging on my galaxy s4! I click on “download” in the yellow box and it says “downloading” and I see the blue line that shows its TRYING to download but a few seconds more and it’s back to the original “download” screen! Please help by emailing me at [email protected]. Thanks in advance. Chris, I was born with a disability called Spina Bifida. You?!
Matt Brady
01/01/2015 at 1:22 pm
my galaxy s4 hides photos soon as they are took can not find them period but shows it’s saving to SD card started doing it by itself.
Karen
01/03/2015 at 7:53 am
Did you figure out where your photos were Matt? If not you do have an icon called MY FILES. Click on that. Then you have either Device Storage or SD Memory Card. Click on SD Memory Card and then DCIM. Should be several files like 100Media or Camera and you can then check those.
Most of the time though if you open up the camera icon and click on the top right icon on the screen several times it will show all your albums. One fun option is to use SPIRAL to see your photos in a helix fashion.
Ann
03/15/2015 at 12:50 am
Just discovered that the volume control also acts as a zoom when using the camera.
Awesome !!
Sheri
09/08/2015 at 3:49 am
I wish I could control my camera with my voice because it would be much easier for me and would stop me moving the phone when I went to touch the camera icon to take shots. But when the camera was open on my Galaxy S4, nothing happened when I tapped the menu button and neither were there any of the icons at the top that are shown in the video about how to control your camera with your voice?
Sheri
09/08/2015 at 9:53 am
I found out why there was no settings menu or icons when I opened my camera: it was because I had my Home Screen set to Easy Mode!!!
I not do understand why a lot of settings are unavailable when you use Easy Mode, other than Samsung believe in their ultimate wisdom that anyone who likes large icons and a large clock on their Home Screen is not only visually impaired but also too stupid to have access to certain settings – like voice control on their camera!
But I enabled standard mode, then went to camera and turned on Voice control – then I went back and changed my Home Screen to Easy Mode again – and the voice control still worked :-) So clearly, I am not as stupid as Samsung believes, am I? LOL
SHAREit Download
09/24/2015 at 1:16 pm
I really liked the way things are taking place in Samsung S4 I really love the phones from Samsung, the best mobile company ever!
Rembo
10/01/2015 at 9:48 pm
The fast setting feature is amazing. you don’t have to go through all those clicks to reach settings now
christina
03/23/2016 at 5:48 am
I found an app that’s called Mobile Tracker on my phone in the settings. It shows that it’s running and has like a cog wheel with a pc. of paper behind the wheel. . Can someone please tell me what this is or has someone put a tracker on my phone?