Quick Links
Think you’ve got your Samsung Galaxy all figured out? I did, too; then I tried these six features I didn’t even know I needed!
1Share Files Without Losing Quality
Sharing files between devices often requires third-party apps that compress and degrade quality. But Samsung’s Quick Share allows me to send large files without sacrificing resolution. It uses Wi-Fi Direct to establish a direct connection, so transfers are faster and more secure than traditional methods.
To use Quick Share:
Quick Share makes it easy to share files with people who aren’t nearby or don’t own Samsung devices by generating QR codes they can scan. Onceyou scan the QR code, the download will start. Alternatively, you can always create a cloud link for quick downloads. It’s perfect for sharing large files or sending stuff to iOS users who can’t receive files directly.
To share with a QR code or link:
All you have to do is choose your preferred sharing method and follow the prompts to complete the process. With Samsung Cloud, you can upload up to 10,000 files or 10GB per day without having to worry about storage. However, those files are only available for two days before being automatically deleted, so ensure the recipient downloads them on time.
2Listen to YouTube With the Screen Off
Normally, if you minimize the YouTube app or turn off your screen, the video stops playing—unless you have YouTube Premium. However, I can keep YouTube videos playing with the Samsung Internet browser even when my screen is locked. I use it to conserve battery life while listening to music, podcasts, or doing other things on my phone.
To enable this feature, open the Samsung Internet browser on your Galaxy device. Tap thethree horizontal linesin the bottom right, then go toSettings>Useful Features. SelectBackground playunder theVideossection, and tapOnto enable background play for all videos.
Now, you can turn off your screen while watching a YouTube video on the Samsung browser, and the audio will keep playing.
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3Identify Objects with Bixby Vision
Bixby Vision is like having a personal assistant right on your phone. Just point your camera at something, and it instantly tells you what it is—no more guessing or hopping between apps to figure things out.
To use Bixby Vision, open the Camera app and tapMore>Bixby Vision. If you don’t see it, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, go toSettings, and toggleAccessibility modeson.
Alternatively, open the Phone Settings and navigate toAccessibility>Vision enhancements. Then scroll down to the bottom and toggle onBixby Vision for accessibility. Once Bixby Vision is enabled, you’ll have different modes and features to explore. Some of my favorite modes are:
4Share Files Securely with Private Sharing
Have you ever sent a file and instantly wished you hadn’t? Or realized it was forwarded without your permission? It’s frustrating—and sometimes scary. However, I can control how long my files remain available with Samsung’s Private Share feature.
10 Samsung Galaxy Features All Android Phones Should Copy
Take notes Google.
Files shared through Private Share are encrypted and read-only, so recipients can view them but can’t save, forward, or take screenshots. If I want to limit access, I can set an expiration date or revoke access at any time. It’s like a self-destruct button for my files. For example, I might share a confidential document with someone and want them to only have it for 24 hours.
To get started, open the file you want to share, then selectShare>Quick Share. Tap thethree dotsin the top-right corner and chooseTurn on Private sharingfrom the menu. Then set anexpiration date—anywhere from a minute to a week—and once the time’s up, the file is no longer accessible. No more worrying about sensitive information ending up in the wrong hands.
Private Share is only available on Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI 2.1 and later. So, Private Share files are only visible to Galaxy users. Non-Galaxy users will see a blank page with a message stating, “These files include privacy restrictions and can only be viewed on Samsung Galaxy devices.”
5Lock Albums and Convert Pictures to PDFs
Unlike other gallery apps, Samsung Gallery does not have a locking option. However, it has some cool hidden tricks I use to keep my stuff secure. These features aren’t turned on by default, but you can unlock them through a setting called Gallery Labs.
Gallery Labs is a secret menu that lets you try experimental features in the Samsung Gallery app. Think of it as a special club where you test new features before they are released to the public. To access Gallery Labs, open Samsung Gallery, navigate toSettings>About Gallery,and tapBuild numberseven times. This will unlock the Labs section in the Settings menu.
Once you’ve turned on Gallery Labs, head back to Gallery Settings, and you’ll seeGallery Labsat the bottom. Tap on it, and you’ll find the two hidden features mentioned above:album entry locksandSave as PDF. Just toggle both options to activate them. After that, close the Gallery app and open it again.
To lock an album, open the Samsung Gallery app and select the album you want to secure. Tap thethree dotsmenu in the bottom-right corner and chooseLock album. Once locked, the album will be grayed out with a lock icon. To access it, you must enter your PIN or use your fingerprint.
Similarly, you can alsoconvert pictures into PDFs. Just pick the images you want in Samsung Gallery, tapCreate, and chooseSave as PDF.
Doing this creates a PDF with the selected images, ready to share or save however you want. Gallery Labs also offers other experimental features. They’re still in development and might not work perfectly, but take them as previews of upcoming features.
6Access Sensitive Info via Samsung Keyboard
The Samsung Keyboard is one of my favorite tools for managing sensitive information. Thanks to its integration with Samsung Pass, I can store passwords, credit card details, addresses, and even private notes.
To use a Samsung Pass with the Samsung Keyboard:
Once logged in, add your passwords, credit cards, addresses, and notes to Samsung Pass. With everything set up, you can access it right from the taskbar whenever you need to—no more struggling to remember multiple login details or typing them out every time.
And don’t worry, convenience doesn’t mean sacrificing security. Samsung Pass is protected by Samsung Knox, one of the top mobile security platforms. This means your data stays safe and encrypted even if your device gets lost or stolen.
These are some cool features I’ve enjoyed exploring on my Samsung Galaxy, and I’ve found them quite useful. There’s still a lot I haven’t explored, and I’m excited to do so very soon. Meanwhile, try these out and let me know which you’re already using or find the most valuable.
