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Galaxy Note 3

25 Galaxy Note 3 Tips, Tricks and Hidden Features

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The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is full of features that most users will overlook or never go deep enough into the settings to figure out. After exploring the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 settings and looking for the best way to use the Galaxy Note 3  we discovered a collection of hidden Samsung Galaxy Note 3 features that unlock the full potential of this device. In addition to those hard to find items, we have a number of Galaxy Note 3 tips and tricks to help users get more out of this device.

Wether this is your first Galaxy Note or you third, Samsung is well-known for hiding features deep within settings and including small extras into the more well-known features like multitasking and the S Pen. We’ll show you how to add additional storage to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, on top of a Micro SD card, how to supercharge the keyboard, what you need to know for a better multitasking experience and much, much more.

Most of these hidden Galaxy Note 3 features don’t require any extra accessories, so you’ll just need to tap through settings and learn the tips and tricks to using the Galaxy Note 3. These hidden Galaxy Note 3 features are not locked behind a special pass code and don’t require a user to root the Galaxy Note 3, they are just hard for the average user to find on their own.

Galaxy Note 3 Hidden Features

Check out these Galaxy Note 3 tips and tricks.

It doesn’t matter if you are using the Galaxy Note 3 on AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint or U.S. Cellular, as these special Galaxy Note 3 features should work on every model. We could see some tweaks and changes come as Samsung offers up staggered Android updates in the future, but for now users should experience the same access.

Here are 25 hard to find and hidden Galaxy Note 3 features that the Gotta Be Mobile team discovered while using the Note 3.

Use the Galaxy Note 3 One Handed

The Galaxy Note 3 is a large smartphone that is challenging to use with one hand, but there are settings to change which will help you use the large device one-handed. Specifically these  changes can make unlocking the Note 3, typing on the Note 3 and making calls. There is also an option to use one-handed mode for all screens with a swipe in from the side. this will shrink the display to about the size of the iPhone 5s’ display.

To set up the Galaxy Note 3 for one-handed use, go to Settings -> Control Tab -> One-handed operation -> Check the options you want. The Use for all screens option is a bit much for everyday use, but there are times when you are in a hurry and can’t stop to use two hands to type out a message or check something. The most used one-handed operation tweak for Gotta Be Mobile team members is the Keyboard toggle, which pushes the keyboard to the right or left of the screen. Here’s a full how to on using the one handed keyboard on the Galaxy Note 3.

To use the small screen mode on the Galaxy Note 3 swipe in and back out from the right side of the screen while in an app. This will shrink the screen so you can use it easier with one hand. This allows you to move and resize the window to fit your hand.

Control S Voice Even when the Screen is Off

Always on voice control is a major feature of new smartphones and Samsung includes it on the Samsung Galaxy note 3 if you know where to look. Once this mode is turned on, you can say “Hi Galaxy” to start S Voice, even if the phone is alseep. Previous versions would require the user to touch the phone to turn on the display before using S Voice.

With the new S Voice for Galaxy note 3, users just need to say, “Hi Galaxy” and then tell the phone what to do. Options including making calls, performing local searches, looking up information, sending text messages and opening apps. Users can play music, but unlike the Always listening Google Now on some Android devices S Voice only controls the built-in Music player app, so no using Google Play All Access or Spotify.

Tap on S Voice in apps -> Tap the Menu button -> Tap on Settings -> Scroll down and check Voice Wakeup to turn this feature on. Once this is on, simply say “Hi Galaxy” to use S Voice.

Use the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with Gloves

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 works with gloves on your hands, as long as you turn the setting on. This is perfect for contractors and outdoor sports enthusiasts who want to use the phone without taking gloves off. It’s also a handy feature for anyone who experiences a harsh winter.

Go to Settings -> Control tab -> Scroll to the bottom -> Check Increase touch sensitivity.

Once this is turned on you will be able to use the Galaxy Note 3 with gloves on. In our experience it works best with thinner gloves, as some heavy winter gloves will not work.

See All Notification Toggles with a Two Finger Pull

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 puts settings toggles in the Notification drawer so users can quickly turn settings or and off and so they can quickly jump to a specific setting. Most users are probably opening the notifications and tapping in the upper right to see all the toggles or scrolling side to side, but there is an easier way.

Pull down with two fingers on the notification drawer to show all of the settings toggles instead of your pending notifications. On this screen you can also hit the small pencil icon in the upper right to remove and rearrange the settings toggles to put the ones you use most at the top.

Also to quickly go into one of the settings, you can tap and hold on the setting. This opens up that specific setting page, for faster access.

Use Two Apps at the Same Time

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 comes with a Multi Window mode that many users call multitasking. This allows users to use two apps on-screen at the same time. In this new version of Multi-Window mode, the Note 3 can even put the same app on-screen twice to simplify talking in two Google Hangout windows. The video below describes how to setup and use Multi Window mode on the Galaxy Note 3.

The video above explains how to use Multi-Window Mode on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, how to use Pen Mode for a smaller window on top of other apps and how to use two of the same app in Multi Window Mode.

You’ll need to turn some of these settings on by going to Settings -> Device -> Multi window -> On. The Pen Window mode and ability to use two of the same app at once are already on once this is checked.

Make the Galaxy Note 3 Easier to Use with Basic Mode

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 can be daunting to the first time smartphone user, or even to an iPhone switcher. If you don’t want to see all the options and settings, and instead just want an easy to use phone with a big screen and a S Pen, turn on Easy Mode.

The Galaxy Note 3 Basic Mode is an easier way to use the Note 3.

The Galaxy Note 3 Basic Mode is an easier way to use the Note 3.

Go to Settings -> Device tab -> Easy mode -> On. This will simplify using the Note 3 including the settings menu and access to commonly used apps. To turn it off, go to Easy Settings -> More Settings -> Easy Mode – Off.

Customize Sound & Display

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 comes with the option to turn on adaptive sound and an adaptive display. These options will change the display and sound to meet your environment or your ears respectively.

With Adapt display on, the Note 3 will automatically change the color range, saturation and sharpness for apps like Camera, Gallery, Google Play Books and several other apps to deliver a better overall look. Turn this on in Settings ->Device -> Display -> Screen Mode – Adapt Display. Alternately if you don’t like it, select one mode to use.

Use Adapt Display and Adapt Sound to customize the display and sound profile for your Note 3.

Use Adapt Display and Adapt Sound to customize the display and sound profile for your Note 3.

After setting that up, go to  Settings ->Device -> Sound -> Adapt Sound -> Start.  This will walk you through what sounds and feels like an ear test, that will help the Note 3 deliver the best sound for you during calls and while playing music. You will need headphones for this to work.

Use Flash as Call Alert

If you need to make sure that you know when someone is calling the Galaxy Note 3, you can use the camera flash as an alert. This is a popular accessibility feature on the iPhone, and now Samsung owners can use it as well.

Use the Note 3 flash as an alert for calls.

Use the Note 3 flash as an alert for calls.

Go to Settings -> Device tab -> Accessibility -> Scroll down to Flash Notification and check the box to the right. This will deliver a very bright alert for notifications. Turning the device over will turn it off for that notification.

Do Not Disturb for Galaxy Note 3 (Blocking Mode)

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 comes with Blocking Mode which is basically a Do Not Disturb mode for the device. Users can manually turn this on when heading into a meeting or trying to take an afternoon nap, or set a schedule to turn it on every night.

Use Blocking mode as a do not disturb option on the Note 3.

Use Blocking mode as a do not disturb option on the Note 3.

The easiest way to turn it on manually is to tap on it in the notification tray. Hold on it to open the settings where you can set an automatic start and stop time for Blocking mode. While in blocking mode you can allow calls from favorites as well as those who call repeatedly, so users can get through in an emergency.

Control the Galaxy Note 3 with Your Voice

In addition to using S Voice when the screen is off and the Note 3 is asleep there are a variety of other ways you can control the Galaxy Note 3 with your voice. Go to Settings -> Controls tab -> Voice Control. Turn this on and put checkmarks next to the parts you want to control by voice. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can control.

  • Answer or Decline Calls
  • Snooze or turn off an alarm
  • Take a photo by saying Capture, Shoot, Smile or Cheese
  • Pause, play and skip tracks in the Music app.

This will not work when the phone is on vibrate only, for taking calls. When using Voice to answer a call the Note 3 will automatically go on speaker mode. Just be careful with the ability to snooze alarms without moving.

Use the Galaxy Note 3 Hands Free in Your Car

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 comes with an easier to use hands free mode that makes it possible to use the Galaxy Note 3 easier while driving. With Hands Free Mode turned on the device reads out calls, messages, alarms and scheduled events and allows users to answer a call with Air Wave.

Control the Galaxy Note 3 Hands Free.

Control the Galaxy Note 3 Hands Free.

Turn this on by going to Settings -> Controls tab -> Hands-free mode and turning it on. You can pick and choose the options you want to be on inside this next menu. While active S Voice is more focused for a driver and can connect to a car from inside the S Voice settings.

Never Lose Your S Pen

The S Pen attaches inside the Note 3 so it’s not easy to lose, but spend any amount of time with the device and you’ll misplace it at least once on a desk or at a table. Samsung includes a small utility that warns you if you walk away without the S Pen in the included silo.

S Pen Keeper sounds an alert when you walk away without the S Pen in the Note 3.

S Pen Keeper sounds an alert when you walk away without the S Pen in the Note 3.

Go to Settings -> Controls tab -> S Pen -> S Pen keeper -> check this box. When this is on the Note 3 will sound an alert and pop up a notification to check for the S Pen if you walk away with the screen off and the S Pen not attached.

Quick Look at Notifications

The Moto X comes with Active Display to let you see notifications without unlocking the device, and Samsung offers something similar with Quick Glance. You can’t see the notification text like on the Moto X, but you can at least quickly see the notifications you missed.

Go to Settings -> Controls tab -> Air Gesture -> Quick glance -> On. Once this is on simply swipe your hand overtop the Note 3 when the screen is off to see notifications you missed. Check it out in action on the video above.

Use Air View for Faster Access to Info

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 includes Air View which lets you use the S Pen or a finger to hover over details in select apps to see more without actually tapping on it or going further into a message or gallery. Go to Settings -> Controls tab -> Air View -> On. From here you can select certain actions that it will work with.

It’s a good idea to choose Auto for the mode if you want to mix the S Pen and your finger, or you can pick which it will work with. When it is turned on you can see previews of messages, galleries and more without tapping.

Smart Vibrations to Never Miss Alerts

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 lets users turn on a smart vibration feature that will make the phone vibrate quickly when you pick it up if you missed a notification while it was sitting on a table. This is especially handy for users who keep the Note 3 on silent or vibrate and set it on a table.

The Galaxy Note 3 vibrates when you pick it up with Smart Vibration on.

The Galaxy Note 3 vibrates when you pick it up with Smart Vibration on.

Go to Settings -> Control tab -> Motions -> Smart Alert -> On. Of course if you don’t like the short vibration when you pick up your Note 3, this is where you can turn it off.

Smart Stay to Keep the Screen On

If you are sick of the Note 3 display going blank when you are using it make sure to turn on Smart Stay, a feature that can detect your eyes using sensors on the front of the device. With this setting on the Note 3 will keep the display active.

Use Smart Screen to keep the display on as you are looking at it.

Use Smart Screen to keep the display on as you are looking at it.

Go to Settings -> Controls tab -> Smart screen -> Smart Stay -> On. You can also turn on Smart Pause and Smart rotation, though they are not as useful since they only work in specific cases or in specific apps.

Search All Settings

As you may know by now the Galaxy Note 3 comes with a lot of settings and options. Even the settings have settings on the Note 3. This can make it hard to find a specific item, but Samsung includes a handy search feature that solves this issue.

Galaxy Note 3 settings are tough to find, but you can specifically search settings and make changes in the results.

Galaxy Note 3 settings are tough to find, but you can specifically search settings and make changes in the results.

On any of the Settings screens tap on the search field and enter the information you want to change a setting for to see the settings options and even toggle the setting right from the search results.

Add or Remove Pages on Home Screen

Samsung allows users to customize the Galaxy Note 3 home screen by adding and removing pages, but it’s not the most intuitive thing to find. To get started, go to a home screen and then tap on the Menu button.

Customize the Galaxy Note 3 home screen with more pages.

Customize the Galaxy Note 3 home screen with more pages.

When the list of pages comes up, you can add or delete a page. This is also where you can re-arrange pages and set a new home page. This home page is where the home button takes you to when pressed.

Search the Galaxy Note 3

If you want to find something you have stored on the Galaxy Note 3 you will want to keep these two tricks in mind. a long press on the menu button will open a search option that lets users search by typing or talking. The search app can filter by time, by type and can even search handwriting and personalized tags.

Search your Note 3 for contacts, calendar entries, Evernote and more.

Search your Note 3 for contacts, calendar entries, Evernote and more.

Removing the S Pen and tapping on the small search icon in the pop up list of commands will also open the search. Searches look on your phone, including calendar, contacts and Evernote as well as offering the options to search the web.

Quick Note on Lock Screen

The S Pen is incredibly handy for taking notes, and sometimes you need to be able to write a fast command without unlocking the Galaxy Note 3. Go to Settings -> Device tab -> Lock screen -> scroll down and check the box next to Action Memo on lock screen.

When the Note 3 is locked, remove the S Pen and double tap on the lock screen while holding the button in. This will launch an Action Memo window. With this window you can take a fast note that when saved are searchable in the S Finder.

Fast Access to Google Now

Samsung includes Google Now, the personal assistant from Google on the Note 3 but it is hidden in hopes you will use S Voice instead. While S Voice is a nice feature, Google Now is more flexible and a better option for many users. The Google Now button is tucked away inside of multitasking, but it’s still pretty quick to get to.

Press and hold the home button. On this next screen tap on the small Google icon right above the home button. This will open Google Now. From here you can say, “Google” and then what you want to know.

Master the Galaxy Note 3 Camera

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 camera is a very capable device that can record 4k video files for the ultimate HD experience as well as deliver great looking photos in a variety of modes.

  • Burst Mode – Tap and hold the shutter button to quickly take 20 photos with one press.
  • Best Photo & Best Face – Pick these options from the Mode button to take a series of photos that can pick the best overall or the best face for each user in a photo.
  • Filters & Effects – Pull the small arrow on the left side of the screen in to apply filters and effects like fisheye without the need for any special accessories.
  • Slow Motion and Fast Motion – Tap on the Gear icon on the right side and then on the camera icon to pick between slow motion or fast motion.
  • Dual Shot – Tap on the small camera and back of camera icon to use both cameras at once. This will put your face in the photo for a family photo to put yourself in a vacation photo.

Explore the other Camera modes for more hidden features like erasing unwanted people from a photo, adding motion to a photo and much more.

Use a USB Drive with the Galaxy Note 3

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 comes with a Micro SD card slot that is great for photos, but if you want to store a lot of movies or other files for access on the Note 3 a USB drive may be a better option. With an inexpensive Micro USB OTG cable you can make this happen.

Buy a USB OTG cable on Amazon or your preferred retailer and plug it in like you would a Micro USB charging cable. Next plug a USB drive into the other end of the cable. This should open a file browser that ships with the Note 3. Tap on files or movies to play them right from the drive.

Use a Handwriting Keyboard Anytime you have the S Pen Out

The S Pen is a nice Galaxy Note 3 accessory that users can use to handwrite instead of tapping on the keyboard. Users who prefer to write their messages out can make the keyboard automatically switch to handwriting if the S Pen is out.

To do this, open the keyboard by tapping in a text field. Tap on the setting icon to open up keyboard settings or tap and hold on the voice typing icon to open settings. In the settings app scroll down and tap on Pen detection to automatically use the pen for handwriting when the S Pen is out.

Treat your eyes better with Reading Mode

The Note 3 comes with a Reading Mode that tweaks the screen to deliver a better look for your eyes. This delivers a slightly different tone to the screen which makes it easier to read for long periods.

Reading mode makes the screen easier on your eyes.

Reading mode makes the screen easier on your eyes.

Unlike most of the special apps that Samsung includes, users can add their favorite apps to the reading mode. Favorites include Google Play Books, Amazon Kindle App and Reddit is Fun. Give this a try to see if you like it for longer reading and browsing sessions.

Pull down the notification panel with two fingers and long press on the Reading Mode icon. On this screen tap the pencil in the upper right to edit the apps it works on. Add Kindle or any other apps you want to use it with. To activate it tap on the icon. Then Reading Mode is on and you go into one of these apps the screen tone will automatically change and change back when you exit the app.

113 Comments

113 Comments

  1. richard

    10/14/2013 at 7:52 am

    I love the note 3 , amazing in everyway! Thank you samsung!

    • Frankie Barrios

      10/14/2013 at 2:10 pm

      I completely agree with you!

    • Terri

      04/05/2015 at 12:37 pm

      How do I find the emojees on the note 3

      • Mcswagger

        08/11/2016 at 4:14 pm

        Hold down on the mic button on your keyboard in the bottom left side next to the space bar and pic the smiley face

  2. Bigmouth

    10/14/2013 at 9:26 am

    This is a great list! However, I find it infuriating I can’t set the menu key to activate Google Now instead of S-Finer. Also, that magazine app they have is pretty annoying, too. Memo to phone makers: ALWAYS give me the option of disabling your features.

    • Jessica

      10/15/2013 at 2:40 am

      You can change the phone settings to not pull up the Magazine when you push the home button. Just go into the Magazine and hit the menu button on the bottom left side of your phone. Then click on settings. Then you can uncheck the “Open using the home key” box. That helped me.

      • blaine

        10/17/2013 at 9:10 am

        Thanks! The magazine popping up was quite annoying.

      • Kat

        02/04/2014 at 9:27 am

        Thank you so very much! That magazine opening with the home button was my absolute only pet peeve about my Galaxy note 3!
        I completely appreciate this entire article/tutorial. I love the new things I have learned.
        Sincerely,
        Kat

    • Yoda

      10/16/2013 at 9:43 pm

      Download a free app from the market called home2 shortcut, you can configure the home button to bring up Google voice search

    • Brian Cioffi

      10/26/2013 at 5:14 pm

      Also, you can set Google now on your lock screen, by going to lock screen settings. You can open it directly w/o even unlocking your phone. Or long press the home button and it is the center icon. Just my two cents.

  3. سهـــيل brite

    10/14/2013 at 10:10 am

    Excellent tips, Shokran! Thanks!

  4. pintu

    10/14/2013 at 11:00 am

    Awesome

  5. pintu

    10/14/2013 at 11:01 am

    Nice post. Great features. Love this phone with s-pen.

    Good Job.

  6. Serena

    10/14/2013 at 12:05 pm

    Just got the Note 3 on Friday and I have not been able to set it down!! I keep finding crazy new things about it everytime and people think it’s a tablet when they see it – lol!!

  7. John Eztogive

    10/14/2013 at 1:14 pm

    I would go for quality instead of quantity.
    The S-voice sound stupid.
    The magazine slide-up is annoying.
    The sound quality is terrible. I have given up listening to my audio books on the built-in speaker: too many options to tweak the sound and none of then makes the cut.
    I can’t remap the buttons. I am forced to use these awkward buttons. I wish I can have a button to launch Google Now instead of having to hold the home button for a while and then tap the Google icon.
    Except for the stylus input, I have turn everything off. I have also uninstall the one they let me uninstall. Most Samsung and AT&T software can’t be removed even though they are completely useless. This phone not designed for speed and simplicity. I am sure this is a great phone for geeks who can root and tweak to their liking.
    I am seriously thinking about returning it but I like the big screen and the stylus.

    • Manny

      10/14/2013 at 2:19 pm

      Whaaat? This phone can easily be customized for speed and simplicity (without rooting). Yes, it takes some time to go through the options and turn on and off for your personal needs. But, I’d rather have the option than not!
      S-voice: then don’t use it
      magazine: then don’t use it
      sound: yeah, not great, but that’s what headphones or bluetooth speakers are for
      buttons: there’s a menu, home, and back. why would you want to remap? that’d break a lot of app functionality. If you don’t like to hold the home button and then tap the Google icon to get to Google Now then JUST PUT A SHORTCUT ON YOUR SCREEN! Is it that hard?
      can’t remove bloat: do you run out of space? if not, then who cares? throw them into an “unused” folder and never have to look at them again.

      You don’t need to root. You don’t have to be a geek to tweak. Just spend 30 minutes going through the menus and picking what you want active. Then you can have a perfectly speedy and simple phone. That’s the beauty of Android… you get to customize it for your personal needs. If you want a big screen and no ability to customize then just wait for Apple’s eventual solution.

      • Lord Shaz

        10/15/2013 at 11:30 am

        Well said.

      • PS

        10/17/2013 at 9:06 pm

        How to disable some App that I do not want to run, when the “Disable” buttom of these App are dim?

      • Eazy

        12/14/2013 at 5:19 am

        You my friend are insane, you would be returning the best phone in the market period! and for those non rooters, You are seriously missing out. You can root your phone and reset your phone back to stock and reset the counter to 0 so it does not look modded. For sound quality I recommend Viper4Android. Just my .02. Ive rooted and modded my phones for years and years and have never ever bricked a phone. If you can read and take your time and have a tiny amount of pc knowledge you will be fine. Not rocket science!!!

    • Tim

      10/15/2013 at 12:23 pm

      Then return it…however, I’m not sure anything is going to make you happy.

    • ron

      10/20/2013 at 2:01 pm

      Go back to your simple Iphone,,, they are made for those that want a “simple” phone, voice,text, and music

    • JB

      11/06/2013 at 1:24 pm

      wow. Amazing how complete ignorance of a phone’s features cause ignorant people like this to blame the phone instead of the user. EVERYthing, save audio quality (use headphones genius, problem solved), is tweakable and adjustable. Though I have a hunch you would complain about nearly everything you have even though the technology we have today is a friggen miracle compared to 5 years ago. You sir, are annoying.

  8. mary

    10/14/2013 at 2:59 pm

    Love my note 3. Loved the 2, but this is sooo awesome. I knew most of the tops but did learn a few ones. When I get a new device (I go thru my carrier) I spend time in the store learning it. Sometimes I teach the employees, sometimes we learn together. I have not used the voice stuff much, but since I bought the Gear I needed to learn it. Spent time at Verizon today. What we haven’t figured out (question here) is: how do I change the DEFAULT calender notification from 15 minutes (how stupid is that default?!) to, say- 1 day?

  9. Kader

    10/14/2013 at 10:59 pm

    Thanks a lot for this amazing list

  10. Abdullah Yunos

    10/15/2013 at 12:49 am

    Thanks for the tips. It really comes in handy

  11. bigkenny

    10/15/2013 at 2:23 am

    Note 3 is the best phone out

  12. bigkenny

    10/15/2013 at 2:27 am

    If you don’t know how to fully use the note 3 then go on YouTube they will show you everything they got a video for everything that deals with the settings and apps EVERYTHING

  13. richard

    10/15/2013 at 12:30 pm

    To john, if you don’t. Like the the note 3 then return the dam thing. That why they allow you to return the phone within a time frame, duh! Or maybe your a iPhone lover, that explains it!

  14. Ziobeieton Yeo

    10/15/2013 at 1:34 pm

    Great one. Thanks millions

  15. amzatha

    10/15/2013 at 4:49 pm

    Great list. But, cannot use SideSync with Note 3. Earlier i had S3 which worked like charm for SideSync, but having hard time with Note3. Dissappointed on this particular item and enjoying on all other aspects.

  16. Jarret

    10/15/2013 at 7:46 pm

    i will go for Note 3…Samsung smartphone is the best preferring

  17. Patrik Hodapp

    10/16/2013 at 1:21 am

    How many home screens can you add, I dont get the option to add a new one…

  18. Nick

    10/16/2013 at 11:51 am

    Any one know how to set up to where you can preview the incomming message?

    • Anthony Schimmel

      10/16/2013 at 12:50 pm

      Open messaging, then hit the menu key next to the home button. Then tap settings at the top, tap more, then check the box for preview message. Hope that helps.

      • carole

        01/29/2014 at 6:56 pm

        looked for the answer to this everywhere got it now thanks heaps

  19. pcjjk

    10/16/2013 at 2:44 pm

    Just like to stay that I’m really pleased with the Note 3 and prefer it to my old iPhone 5. Still using an iPad as I have a Fitbit tracker which presently doesn’t sync with the Note 3. Thanks for all the above information.

  20. John Blair

    10/16/2013 at 4:01 pm

    Uhh… where are the HIDDEN Features? While I will admit I am a phone freak, and love discovering stuff,, I am always disappointed when an article is titled like this and then goes on to point out STANDARD features. Yes, there are LOTS of them, but isn’t that Samsungs thing, and has been for the Note and S series from the get go. Next time, how about a descriptive title like “Galaxy Note 3 COOL features or something. Stuff that is a) in the manual and b) was all covered before the phone even got released is not what I would consider “Hidden”

  21. ironpeddler

    10/17/2013 at 8:50 am

    anyone know how to activate a sent text tone?

  22. brian

    10/17/2013 at 8:52 am

    Your Kidding right?

    • ironpeddler

      10/17/2013 at 9:03 am

      no I’m not.

  23. ironpeddler

    10/17/2013 at 8:55 am

    Also, is there an easy way to transfer my music files and photos from my iphone to the Note 3? I used the bump app to transfer contacts and it worked great but it will not transfer the other files as they are too large.

    • mary

      11/06/2013 at 4:43 pm

      Evernote or Dropbox? Music – can you export from computer to a micro card and then insert into the Note?

  24. Kirk Desilva

    10/17/2013 at 6:30 pm

    how are these features “hidden” anywhere?

  25. dineshchandgrinesh

    10/17/2013 at 8:28 pm

    Amazing post. The fastest smart phone in the planet

  26. Alex

    10/18/2013 at 8:08 pm

    Is there a way to use a third party keyboard for typing and switch automatically to the Samsung keyboard for s pen? I saw an app but it requires rooting. There must be something similar without root so I can use swyftkey to type but then write with the pen automatically when I pull it out.

    • Brian Cioffi

      10/26/2013 at 5:21 pm

      excellent question!!! I want to know the same thing. Unfortunately, I don’t presently have an answer for you.

    • Digityogi

      11/08/2013 at 2:22 pm

      I use the app: quick keyboard switch

  27. dana

    10/20/2013 at 9:48 am

    hi…love this new phone…but one aggravating feature with the texting…it routinely defaults to 2 separate groupings for messages. Ie: during conversations, my old phone would place the next message on the screen according to time received…this phone places new messages at the top of the conversation for sender and receiver? I have to scroll to top of sender…it’s frustrating! any help would be appreciated.

    • E

      10/31/2013 at 1:09 am

      Hi, I’m E & I’m having the same problem, can you send it over please if you have it fixed? Greatly appreciated. Have a good day! [email protected] Thanks a lot.

  28. ron

    10/20/2013 at 1:57 pm

    Most of these features are already on the Note 2…

    • PinkBananaHammock

      10/25/2013 at 5:40 pm

      True. But the Note 3 just looks sleeker. Plus, the screen resolution is more clear and you can see the screen even when there is sun glare. My Note 2, that I love dearly, fails me on that.

  29. SNote3

    10/22/2013 at 8:43 am

    Has anyone experienced the turning on of the Hands Free mode automatically…is this really a bug that Samsung will plan to fix with a firmware update or something?

  30. Alistair Dale

    10/28/2013 at 12:55 pm

    iSyncr

  31. steve

    10/28/2013 at 3:47 pm

    I am very satisfy with note 3.
    It is very usefull piece in my pocket.

  32. Adolfo Franco

    10/31/2013 at 4:24 pm

    Great post! However, I do have to point out it is an insanely expensive device. To justify the purchase (to myself), I like to believe it is a very powerful mini-tablet that (wow) makes calls to boot. Anyways I am very happy.

  33. Brad

    11/01/2013 at 2:30 pm

    Any one had the SAN (sudden death syndrome) yet . Had to replace my note 3 yesterday after 2 weeks

  34. Brad

    11/01/2013 at 2:39 pm

    Sorry that was suppose to be SDS

  35. yetzi

    11/03/2013 at 4:44 am

    To scroll to the top of the page, change orientation and it will auto scroll to top once you turn it back around.

  36. yetzi

    11/03/2013 at 4:48 am

    Ps. That’s tried and tested on NEXT BROWSER.

  37. Ina

    11/04/2013 at 2:30 pm

    Thant’s a phablet to inspire!!!! Can’t wait to receive mine by the end of the week. Everyone who’s not in love with this gadget is just either too bored of living or too simple-minded to grasp the enormity of options and greatness!!

  38. Ina

    11/04/2013 at 2:32 pm

    Wow, and 10x for the great collection of features! It’s perfect to read over and over again while waiting for the true thing :)

  39. nate conanan

    11/04/2013 at 5:37 pm

    S-voice sounds ok on my Note because the S-voice is customizable. I guess you didn’t know that lol

  40. Alicia

    11/04/2013 at 7:41 pm

    Has anyone figured out how to respond or compose an email using s voice or google?

  41. Sue Bates

    11/05/2013 at 10:09 am

    Awesome! I think I am obsessed now with Galaxy Note 3. I found it very interesting nowadays when I see it, and especially now that you reveal some hidden features of it. Terrific cellphone! BalajiWireless.com

  42. mary

    11/06/2013 at 4:45 pm

    Otterbox came out today!

  43. mary

    11/06/2013 at 4:49 pm

    Still wondering about changing calendar reminder default. 10 minutes? Get real! Also, anyone else finding that when using speakerphone the other end can’t really hear what you are saying?

  44. Ken

    11/08/2013 at 6:23 am

    Thanks for taking the time to put this list together with the video content, very helpful!

  45. Faisal

    11/13/2013 at 1:17 am

    First of all
    I would like to thank you for this amazing video, you shone the light on all the galaxy note 3 features, and to be honest, some of them I didn’t even know they exist

    So thank you very much for the effort and I really admire the way you arranged it all

    Last but not least,
    I got a question for you Mr. Smith,
    regarding the video posted at the “USE A USB DRIVE WITH THE GALAXY NOTE 3” section
    look at the video at the 00:07 to 00:08 tell me if you made a mistake there or no

    Hint: Galaxy Note 3

    Regards,

    Galaxy note 3 user

  46. Sanam

    11/16/2013 at 3:10 am

    I just can’t wait to get mine..!!!

  47. David Chandler

    11/17/2013 at 12:07 pm

    How can i get the spen removal and replace sound to change to that of a lightsaber? I already have the sound files :-)

    • Phonenvision

      11/20/2013 at 12:24 am

      Full information and tips for SG Note 3, learned a lot from here, thanks for the awesome works!!

  48. Jafry

    11/29/2013 at 2:17 am

    I have this Note 3 for 1 month and only now after reading this article I came to know how nice and powerful the device is. Thank you so much for the author and for the readers additions.

  49. Wini

    11/29/2013 at 2:18 pm

    Does anyone know how to customize notifications. I would like to hear a sound notifying me of a text message but not for incoming emails.

    Thank you for the help. I am new to the android world.

    • John Blair

      11/30/2013 at 6:09 pm

      If you want different notification tones for email and texts, start by going to settings. On the Device tabbed section, select sound , then Default Notification Sound. That will be for texts. Now go into your email client. For the built-in email and gmail go to settings then your account. Sellect notifications and options like what sound, vibration etc. If you want different notification tones for Facebook messenger the settings are in the app as well. Just explore like crazy. You can do most anything, but need to spend time poking around.

  50. Donald Bender

    11/29/2013 at 10:54 pm

    I can’t find the “reading mode” icon on my note 3. When I contacted Samsung support they didn’t know anything about it and suggested that it might only be on some international models. Any ideas?

    • John Blair

      11/30/2013 at 6:25 pm

      That’s ridiculous, not that you can’t find it, but that Samsung couldn’t help! Reading Mode is under Settings, Display, exactly where it should be. Once you set up what apps use it (Kindle, Nook etc.) you can toggle it on and off from the notification bar. If the toggle isn’t there pull down notifications with two fingers. That shows ALL toggle switches and lets you chage which ones appear normally. Finally, if you cant find some setting in the future (and that is not unusual with a Samsung Flagship, I find deeply buried settings sometimes months into ownership) just go to settings and type what you are looking for in the search box for settings. Yep. Samsung realized how ridiculous the sheer number of options were so they addeda special search box just for settings. It works really well, providing links that take you directly to the setting. Thers no longer much need to rely on tech support that knows less than the customer.

      • Leif

        04/08/2014 at 3:41 pm

        I have Reading Mode, where you said it was Settings>Display>Reading Mode, but it is not on the pull down notifications on my Note3 (Verizon)

  51. Rob

    11/30/2013 at 6:43 am

    I’m not a big fan of the calendar month mode. If I’m not mistaken you must touch the day of interest for the pop up to come on and then hit another day, or back key to get out of it. This may be a deal breaker. I love on the S3 and 4 how when in Month Mode you see the days events listed down below and can fly through look at each day without having to double tap. Uggh, got rid of Windows phone because of this same stupid layout, looks like Note 3 might go bye-bye as well.

  52. John Blair

    11/30/2013 at 6:32 pm

    Wow. People are really struggling with the Note 3. It’s not much different than other Samsung devices. In your case just select month. Then hit menu (bottom left), and select settings, View Styles. Then choose “Month View Styles”. I think what you want is called “calendar view +list) it gave me what you described. I am not trying to be rude, but it was reasonably easy to find this.

  53. Phl Offf

    12/14/2013 at 9:18 am

    Where is the search for %^&*ing moron?

  54. Jon

    12/24/2013 at 4:54 pm

    I loved the note from the note 1 to the note 3.each one continues to get better. I love the fact that hidden features keeps you finding out new things all the time.

  55. Andrey

    12/25/2013 at 3:06 pm

    Love the Note 3. But don’t like the headphones(not comfortable and slip out of the ears). Iphone’s headphones are better. Just personal opinion.

  56. mike

    12/28/2013 at 12:07 pm

    My bose sei2’s work fine. If you are in the market for for a note 3; buy some good headphones. And note 3 blows away anything else i’ve touched.

  57. mike

    12/28/2013 at 12:09 pm

    Some complaints or its my ignorance. I have heard i can group apps. I need a simple way of doing that. And when i hit the back button i dont want my spen window to be full screen,

  58. ThemeBowl

    01/04/2014 at 7:22 pm

    Thanks for sharing these tips

  59. Khalid

    01/08/2014 at 6:10 am

    First of all thanks for the great list you compiled it is well written and helpful. A minor question on apps I don’t see calculator icon. How can I add just a calendar (as in windows gadgets) and calculator among keys on home page.

  60. des

    01/22/2014 at 1:36 pm

    my phone just started talking when i open up my browser. i tried turning talk back on then off again and it is still talking. i have tried disableing my talk back and that doesn’t work. can anyone help this only happenes when i open my internet.

  61. carole

    01/29/2014 at 7:13 pm

    I have downloaded Kies to have access on my pc, so i can view my galaxy note 3 I can get my photos up in the library but cannot view the contacts under the connected devices can anyone help

  62. dw

    02/08/2014 at 8:22 am

    I hope I didn’t miss it somewhere but I’m having a hard time figuring out how to stop mobile versions of websites from opening. I prefer desktop or standard versions of websites but can’t figure out how to turn off mobile sites. I have Sprint if it matters. I tried looking for it by opening the menu swiping down from top & do not see the option. Solution?

  63. harrybollocks

    02/16/2014 at 4:13 pm

    Is it possible to set up the Note 3 so that I only have to enter the password once a day, or, every 24 hours? I dont like having to enter a password every time I want to unlock it. But, I would, for security reasons, like to have it set so that everyday the password must be entered.

  64. gshillitani

    02/28/2014 at 5:06 pm

    Skiplock on the Google Play store will keep your phone unlocked as long as you are connected to wifi. You can add as many networks as you need to.

  65. Evren

    03/13/2014 at 2:55 am

    Thank for great tips. Regards from TURKEY.

  66. Arshed

    03/13/2014 at 3:32 am

    Can anybody help me out, Whenever my WIFI catches a signal S voice will open automatically..

  67. Shawwal

    03/31/2014 at 10:59 am

    Thanks for everything in this article. found it more awesome than I thought.
    Enjoyed

  68. seirah

    03/31/2014 at 11:00 am

    Can’t wait to handle this device. Am getting a quick rush to own it.
    thanks

  69. Mariam

    04/12/2014 at 1:59 am

    Hi, I did not follow the instructions to add pages to the home screen. I did not see any option to add more pages. nor did I see any option to adjust the settings. plzz help

  70. Denise

    04/29/2014 at 6:22 pm

    How can I change how unknown callers numbers are saved in my phone. When I get an unknown caller it enters their number with a preceding + sign. How is this changed?

  71. werner

    05/09/2014 at 10:50 pm

    I changed my pin for my screen lock and now I cant remember it.
    How can I get back in to it, I don’t mind resetting the whole phone at the moment I am just playing around with it, I am still using my old IPhone

  72. stephanie

    06/13/2014 at 12:54 pm

    I love my note 3. the only thing I don’t like is that you cant see anything when you’re in sun light. Is there something in the settings for that???

  73. joe

    06/16/2014 at 8:56 am

    Mariam, just download ‘nova launcher’ or ‘Aviate’ launcher for a much smoother experience.

    Your welcome.

    • Raaj

      06/25/2014 at 5:10 am

      thanks joe, Aviate Launcher is just AWESOME

  74. Frank

    07/12/2014 at 9:11 pm

    When I open a video it opens small.It used to open and fill the screen.Can any one help.
    Thanks

  75. Anil Khatri

    08/04/2014 at 7:52 am

    I am not able to see hidden photos in my gallery as I try to open show hidden items it goes to main gallery page. Can anyone please help me on this.

  76. Katie w

    08/27/2014 at 7:00 pm

    Can some 1 help I only just set up back up on phone but the problem is I recorded a video early and means a very lot when I went to watch it carnt find it and don’t no if I delete it please help is they anyway at all that I can restore it back on the phone pls pls help

  77. BoOmEr

    09/23/2014 at 2:39 am

    Hi …. my Samsung note 3 open directly the new notifications that i receive just when i relay it … hw can i stop that .. plz help thank you

  78. prashant

    11/18/2014 at 9:25 pm

    Guys i am using the note 3’s N-900 model and i can not find the slow motion and the fast motion option’s in camera so please some one help me

  79. Jessica

    12/03/2014 at 3:08 am

    Hello all, question to anyone who knows. My old Galaxy had a feature to set up different settings shortcuts on the home screens, like Battery, Sound, Display, etc. I’ve been looking all over but can’t figure out how to set up shortcuts for specific settings with the Note 3. Does anyone know if this can be done or not? And if so, how? Thanks =)

  80. phone number forwarding

    07/19/2015 at 6:48 pm

    I have read so many articles on the topic of the blogger lovers but this post
    is genuinely a good paragraph, keep it up.

  81. vishal patil

    01/24/2016 at 3:06 am

    i have this phone its a awesome experiance to use it.its such smart as it name.

  82. Charles

    03/13/2016 at 4:32 am

    THIS IS THE BEST PHONE EVER

  83. Fus RoDah

    08/29/2016 at 9:16 am

    Still rocking my note 3 like the first day lol

  84. Osusu Jeremiah Desmond

    04/02/2017 at 5:05 pm

    I really do appreciate this, I just got this device and also had a feeling it could do much more and now I can utilize it to do much more that I possibly imagined. all thanks to Gottabemobile.

  85. Ermin

    04/12/2017 at 2:33 am

    This is great.Thank you

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