This story was originally published on June 8, 2022, and last updated on August 22, 2022.
So, you got yourself a new Samsung Galaxy S22 phone, but are you making the most of it? Samsung lent us the Galaxy S22+, and we thought it’ll be the perfect time to share some features and tips you should use to get more out of your phone. Let’s dive in!
Reconfigure the power button/side key
The power button on Samsung Galaxy devices defaults to launching Bixby, and the S22 series is no different. So, if you want to power down your device, you must press and hold the power button and volume down key simultaneously. This will raise a screen with options to Power Off, Restart, or enter Emergency Mode. You can see the Side Key Settings option from this same screen. You can use that feature to reconfigure this Bixby shortcut. In its place, you can just bring up the power-off page by default.
Customize your Samsung Galaxy S22’s color palette
If you’re like me, you want your smartphone to look as pleasing to your eyes as possible. You’re the type who has your wallpaper ready and everything. But did you know you can easily tweak the accent color on your phone?
To do this:
- Long press on the home screen and tap on Wallpaper and Style.
- Tap on the Color palette option to see the color combinations that appeal to you.
- A bonus option is to apply the colors to default app icons. Just toggle the switch for Apply palette to app icons feature.
Add your favorite apps to your Edge Panels
Edge Panels on the Samsung Galaxy phones have been around since the Galaxy S6 Edge. While waterfall displays aren’t a signature Samsung design these days, the useful shortcut is still there.
To access it:
- Swipe left from that little opaque line on your phone’s right side. (By default, it’s typically there.)
- Tap on the three-line/burger menu at the bottom
- And then tap on Edit. You can now select the apps you want instant access to. You can even add split-screened apps to your Edge Panel to quickly access the two apps you use simultaneously. And yes, you can make app folders there, too.
Quickly access two apps at once
On the topic of Edge Panels, you can use them to access split-screened apps. This means you use two apps simultaneously, one on top of the other. And with Edge Panels, you can pull up your frequently used apps together.
To do this, let’s create the split-screened apps first:
- Open the Recently Opened apps.
- Tap on the app’s icon you want to use in the split-screen view.
- Then tap on Open in split screen view.
- Then select the app you want to open on the bottom half of your screen.
Now, to save these app combos:
- Tap on the three dots in the middle of the screen.
- Then tap on the icon with the + sign to add it to your Edge Panel. From there, you can quickly pull up the apps you want to use.
Keep out spam callers
If you’re being pestered by spam and/or scam callers, you can use your Samsung Galaxy S22 to keep them out. Its database can recognize spam phone numbers. If any of these numbers call you, your phone will block them automatically or let you know a suspected spam call is incoming.
To enable this feature,
- Open Settings
- Scroll down to Apps
- Tap on Choose default apps
- Then select Caller ID & spam app
- And then select Phone
Take better photos with your Samsung Galaxy S22 phone
If you want an easier way to take pictures, Samsung can help you achieve those great shots with its Shot Suggestions option. This feature shows up on your screen as a guide you can align on to take a better-composed photo. You can enable this feature by heading into the Camera app’s settings. (That’s the cogwheel icon on the top left corner.) You’ll see Shot Suggestions under the Intelligent Features category. Just toggle it on to take advantage of this feature.
Quick camera or app launch
If you’re looking for the quickest way to launch the Samsung Galaxy S22 series’ camera, this is one shortcut you need. Similar to reconfiguring the power button. You can assign the side key/power button to open an app with a double tap.
The quickest way is to press and hold on to the power button (once you’ve reconfigured it) and tap on Side Key Settings. Another way is to open Settings, head to Advanced features, then Side Key. You can then choose Quick launch camera or select the app of your choice via Open app.
Get a better listening experience
We have different sensitivities to specific frequencies. Samsung is aware of this, so it wants to guarantee you get the best listening experience on its devices. This Adapt Sound feature is something I’ve seen on several other Samsung phones. But if you have the S22, this is how you enable it.
Head to Settings, then Sounds and vibration. Scroll down until you reach Sound quality and effects, and tap on Adapt Sound. You can select the option based on your age range or tap on Test my hearing to personalize it further.
Help your battery last longer
Samsung is making it easier for you to extend the battery life on your S22. All you have to do is head into the Settings menu and scroll down to Battery and device care. Tap on Battery and then scroll down to More battery settings. And then toggle on the Protect battery option. That is the last setting you can tweak on this page.
Your phone can help extend its battery life by limiting the maximum charge to 85%. This prevents unnecessary stress on its lithium-ion battery, meaning you get more use out of it for longer. Also, don’t wait for it to drain to 0% because that will have a similar effect. Try to keep it within the 25% to 85% range.
Enable/disable Flash notification
Flash notification is a handy accessibility feature when you want visual cues of when a notification comes in. Your Samsung Galaxy S22 phone will turn on the flashlight when a message or app alert comes in. Of course, it’s not a feature you should enable if you are someone or are in close proximity of someone else who has trouble with flashing lights.
It’s off by default, but if you enabled it and forgot where it’s in the settings, we’re here to help. The quickest way is to search for Flash notification in the Settings menu. Scroll down to Accessibility and then head to Advanced Settings. You’ll see the Flash notification option there. Aside from the Camera flash notification setting, you can also toggle the Screen flash notification option in this menu.
UPDATE 1: 2022/08/22, 10:27 A.M. GMT+8 BY NICOLE BATAC
Added more tips
There are many other tricks and tweaks you can do on these phones. And if there’s a specific one you’d want to know about, reach out to us on social media! We’d also love to hear what other Random Tech Tips you want to learn from us, so, let us know!