I’ve written several posts for helping users improve their experience with the Galaxy S5 and you can read about the 10 best accessories and 10 best apps for the Galaxy S5. After digging deeper into the Galaxy S5, I’ve come up with a list of tips and tricks for Samsung Galaxy S5 that most users don’t know about.
1. Finger Scanner
One of my favorite features of the Samsung Galaxy S5 is the new finger scanner and you’ll love it if you have used the iPhone’s finger scanner feature. In order to use it, go to the Settings app, navigate to the Personalization tab and tap on the Finger Scanner option.
2. Heart Rate Monitor
If you want to measure your heart beat, then this is the perfect way to do it. Open the S Health app that comes pre-installed on the Galaxy S5 and select Heart rate from the Menu. Follow the instructions and place your finger on the heart rate monitor at the back of your phone to measure your heart beat. There are also some other nice heart rate monitor apps to download.
3. Change Fonts
To change fonts, go to the Settings app, select Display and tap on Font. You can now change the font style and size. Checkout font apps to find even more options.
4. Smart Remote
One of my favorite features of the latest Galaxy smartphones is the Smart Remote app. This particular app comes pre-installed on various Samsung Galaxy devices. The app lets you control your TV through your phone. Launch the Smart Remote app from your app drawer and set up your custom remote. You’ll also be able to use the remote from your notifications panel. Checkout other remote apps if you would like.
5. Full Quick Settings Panel
To directly access all the options in the Quick settings panel, swipe down from the status bar with two fingers instead of one.
6. Launch Camera Directly From Lock Screen
Go to the Lock screen option in the Settings app and enable the Camera shortcut option. You’ll now be able to access the camera directly from the lock screen.
7. Enable/Disable My Magazine
My Magazine is one of Samsung’s latest features and it is similar to HTC’s Blink Feed. You can enable or disable it any time by holding an empty area on your home screen and tapping on Home screen settings.
8. Rename Your S5
To change the name of your Galaxy S5, go to About phone in the Settings app and select Device name.
9. Multi Windows
In order to use two apps on the screen at once, hold the Back key and drag and drop the apps that you want to use on the screen. This can be a great way to write a text message without stopping the movie you’re watching.
10. Enable Unknown Sources
By enabling unknown sources, you’ll be able to install APK files on your Galaxy S5. Go to the Settings app, tap on Security and enable Unknown sources.
11. Power Saving
The Galaxy S5 features two power saving modes. To enable them, go to the Settings app, tap on Power saving mode and enable either Power saving mode or Ultra power saving mode. There are also plenty of nice power saving apps.
12. Touch Sensitivity
By increasing touch sensitivity, you’ll be able to use your Galaxy S5 with gloves on and this can be an extremely useful feature in the winters. To increase touch sensitivity, tap on the Touch sensitivity option in the Quick settings panel or open the Settings app, go to Display and check Increase touch sensitivity
13. Lock Screen Settings
You can also change the settings of your lock screen on the Galaxy S5. You can edit different types of options on the lock screen, including clock size, owner information, lock method and unlock effect. Go to the Settings app and select Lock screen in order to edit your lock screen settings.
14. Battery Percentage
If you can’t figure out the remaining battery on your Galaxy S5 through the battery bar, then you can enable battery percentage in the status bar. Open the Settings app, go to Battery and select Show battery percentage.
15. Motions and gestures
You can use the Motions and gestures feature for various things, including Air browse, direct call, Smart alert and Palm swipe. Go to the Settings app, navigate to the Motion tab, select Motions and gestures and enable your desired options.
16. Blocking Mode
Blocking mode is a useful feature that lets you block calls, notifications and alarms. You can either set Blocking mode to Always or you can set a specific time frame. To enable it, go to Settings, select Blocking mode and enable it by switching the toggle from Off to On.
17. Smart network switch
Smart network switch lets you use your Wi-Fi and mobile data for a stable connection. If your Wi-Fi connection drops, then your phone will automatically connect to mobile data in order to maintain the internet connection. Open the Settings app, go to Wi-Fi and check the Smart network switch option.
18. S Finder
S Finder lets you search for apps, contacts and other things directly from the search text box. Tap on S Finder in the Quick settings panel and type in the name of the thing that you want to search for.
19. Smart Stay
This feature is quite helpful when you’re looking at images or reading an article. Smart Stay keeps the screen on while you’re looking at it. Go to the Quick settings panel and tap on the Smart stay option.
20. One Handed Operation
While the Galaxy S5’s screen is brilliant for watching movies, it is quite big and users with small hands might not be able to use the device with one hand. The One handed operation mode shrinks the display and lets you use the device easily with one hand. Go to the Settings app, tap on One-handed operation and turn the toggle from Off to On.
21. Screen Mode
The Galaxy S5 features different screen modes, including cinema, professional photo, standard, dynamic and adapt display. To change this, go to Display in the Settings app, select Screen mode and enable your desired mode.
22 Pop-up Messages
To view messages as pop-ups, go to Settings in the Messages app, tap on Notifications and enable the Pop-up display option.
23. Delay Message Sending
You can cancel messages after you have sent them by using this feature. Open the Messages app, tap on the Menu button, select Settings and enable Delay message sending.
24. 3D Home screen
Another new feature of the Galaxy S5 is the 3D home screen rotation. Using this feature, you’ll be able to browse through your home screens in a cube-like interface. To enable it, go to Home screen settings by holding an empty area on your home screen, tap on Transition effect and select 3D rotation.
25. Use Voice Commands In Camera
You can now use voice commands to take pictures through the camera app by enabling Voice control in the Camera app. Learn about different Android voice commands here.
26. Download Booster
Download Booster is another awesome feature on the Galaxy S5 that will make your life easier. I’m sure you like downloading stuff on your Galaxy S5 and if you’re annoyed with the slow downloading speed. This might be the answer to your problem. Download booster enables Wi-Fi and mobile data and uses both connections to download files. To use this, enable Download booster from the Quick settings panel.
27. Take Screenshots
Taking screenshots on the Galaxy S5 is extremely easily. Hold down the Power and Home buttons simultaneously until the screenshot is taken.
28. Developer Mode
To enable developer mode on the Galaxy S5, open the Settings app, tap on About device and keep tapping on Build number until you see a popup message.
29. Voice Wake Up
You can now set up a custom command to unlock your Galaxy S5 using the S-Voice app. This can be a great way to unlock your phone when your hands are dirty. Launch the S-Voice app by double tapping the Home button, select Settings and enable the Voice wake-up option. You’ll now be able to set up a custom command to unlock the phone.
30. Enable ART
While Android RunTime is still in experimental stages, it can increase your phone’s performance. To enable ART, go to Developer options in the Settings app, tap on Select runtime system and select Use ART.
Conclusion
The Galaxy S5 is one of my favorite Android devices and if you want to make the most out of your device, then use all the tips and tricks mentioned above. While these tips and tricks won’t bring out something unique in your phone, they can still make your life easier. If you have any questions, feel free to mention them in the comments section below. What’s next? Learn about the best S5 custom ROMs and how to unlock your S5 device.
