Samsung Galaxy A12 - User Manual

Basics 7 Device overheating situations and solutions When the device heats up while charging the battery While charging, the device and the charger may become hot. During wireless charging or fast charging, the device may feel hotter to the touch. This does not affect the device’s lifespan or perfor...

Basics 9 Precautions for device overheating If you begin to feel uncomfortable due to the device overheating, stop using the device.When the device heats up, the features and performance may be limited or the device may turn off to cool down. The feature is only available on supported models. • If t...

Basics 10 Device layout and functions Package contents Refer to the quick start guide for package contents. • The items supplied with the device and any available accessories may vary depending on the region or service provider. • The supplied items are designed only for this device and may not be c...

Basics 11 Device layout Speaker Side key (Fingerprint recognition sensor) Volume key Touchscreen Front camera Earphone jack Multipurpose jack (USB Type-C) SIM card / Memory card tray Main antenna NFC antenna (NFC-enabled models) Rear camera Flash Microphone Main antenna Speaker Microphone GPS antenn...

Basics 13 Hard keys Key Function Side key • Press and hold to turn the device on or off. • Press to turn on or lock the screen. • Press twice to launch the app or feature you set. Side key + Volume Down key • Press simultaneously to capture a screenshot. • Press and hold simultaneously to turn off t...

Basics 14 Charging the battery Charge the battery before using it for the first time or when it has been unused for extended periods. Use only Samsung-approved battery, charger, and cable specifically designed for your device. Incompatible battery, charger, and cable can cause serious injuries or da...

Basics 15 Quick charging Launch the Settings app, tap Battery and device care → Battery → More battery settings , and then activate the feature you want. • Fast charging : To use the fast charging feature, use a battery charger that supports Adaptive fast charging. • While charging, you cannot activ...

Basics 16 • While charging, the device and the charger may heat up. This is normal and should not affect the device’s lifespan or performance. If the battery gets hotter than usual, the charger may stop charging. • If you charge the device while the multipurpose jack is wet, the device may be damage...

Basics 18 Memory card (microSD card) Installing a memory card Your device’s memory card capacity may vary from other models and some memory cards may not be compatible with your device depending on the memory card manufacturer and type. To view your device’s maximum memory card capacity, refer to th...

Basics 19 • The device supports the FAT and the exFAT file systems for memory cards. When inserting a card formatted in a different file system, the device will ask to reformat the card or will not recognise the card. To use the memory card, you must format it. If your device cannot format or recogn...

Basics 20 Turning the device on and off Follow all posted warnings and directions from authorised personnel in areas where the use of wireless devices is restricted, such as aeroplanes and hospitals. Side key Volume Down key Turning the device on Press and hold the Side key for a few seconds to turn...

Basics 21 Initial setup When you turn on your device for the first time or after performing a data reset, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device. If you do not connect to a Wi-Fi network, you may not be able to set up some device features during the initial setup. Fingerprint recogn...

Basics 22 For better fingerprint recognition When you scan your fingerprints on the device, be aware of the following conditions that may affect the feature’s performance: • The device may not recognise fingerprints that are affected by wrinkles or scars. • The device may not recognise fingerprints ...

Basics 23 4 Place your finger on the Side key. After the device detects your finger, lift it up and place it on the Side key again.Repeat this action until the fingerprint is registered. 5 When you are finished registering your fingerprints, tap Done . You can check whether your fingerprint is regis...

Basics 24 Deleting registered fingerprints You can delete registered fingerprints. 1 Launch the Settings app and tap Biometrics and security → Fingerprints . 2 Unlock the screen using the preset screen lock method. 3 Select a fingerprint to delete and tap Remove . Face recognition You can set the de...

Basics 26 Deleting the registered face data You can delete face data that you have registered. 1 Launch the Settings app and tap Biometrics and security → Face recognition . 2 Unlock the screen using the preset screen lock method. 3 Tap Remove face data → Remove . Once the registered face is deleted...

Basics 27 3 Tap to take a photo.To change the shooting mode, drag the shooting modes list to the left or right, or swipe to the left or right on the preview screen. Camera settings Take a photo. Preview thumbnail Shooting modes list Zoom Switch between the front and rear cameras. Options for current...

Basics 28 Using zoom features Select / or drag it to the left or right to zoom in or out. Alternatively, spread two fingers apart on the screen to zoom in, and pinch to zoom out. • : The Ultra wide camera lets you take wide-angle photos or record wide-angle videos of things like landscapes. • : The ...

Basics 29 Photo mode The camera adjusts the shooting options automatically depending on the surroundings to capture photos easily.On the shooting modes list, tap PHOTO and tap to take a photo. Taking selfies You can take self-portraits with the front camera. 1 On the preview screen, swipe upwards or...

Basics 30 Video mode The camera adjusts the shooting options automatically depending on the surroundings to record videos easily. 1 On the shooting modes list, tap VIDEO and tap to record a video. • To switch between the front and rear cameras while recording, swipe upwards or downwards on the previ...

Basics 33 Customising camera settings On the preview screen, tap . Some options may not be available depending on the shooting mode. Pictures • Swipe Shutter button to : Select an action to perform when you swipe the camera button to the edge of the screen and hold it. Selfies • Use wide angle for g...

34 Apps and features Introduction Use apps and various features of the device. This chapter is a common manual for apps and features provided by Samsung devices.Depending on the model, some content may differ, or descriptions of apps or features not available on your device may be included.

Apps and features 35 Samsung account Your Samsung account is an integrated account service that allows you to use a variety of Samsung services provided by mobile devices, TVs, and the Samsung website.To check the list of services that can be used with your Samsung account, visit account.samsung.com...

Apps and features 36 Transferring data from your previous device (Smart Switch) You can use Smart Switch to transfer data from your previous device to your new device.Launch the Settings app and tap Accounts and backup → Bring data from old device . • This feature may not be supported on some device...

Apps and features 37 3 Place the devices near each other. 4 On the previous device, tap Send data → Wireless . 5 On the previous device, tap Allow . 6 On your device, select an item to bring and tap Transfer . Backing up and restoring data using external storage Transfer data using external storage,...

Apps and features 38 Understanding the screen Controlling the touchscreen Tapping Tap the screen. Tapping and holding Tap and hold the screen for approximately 2 seconds. Dragging Tap and hold an item and drag it to the target position. Double-tapping Double-tap the screen. Swiping Swipe upwards, do...

Apps and features 39 Navigation bar (soft buttons) When you turn on the screen, the soft buttons will appear on the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen. The soft buttons are set to the Recents button, Home button, and Back button by default. The functions of the buttons can change according t...

Apps and features 40 Home screen and Apps screen The Home screen is the starting point for accessing all of the device’s features. It displays widgets, shortcuts to apps, and more.The Apps screen displays icons for all apps, including newly installed apps. Switching between Home and Apps screens On ...

Apps and features 41 Editing the Home screen On the Home screen, tap and hold an empty area, or pinch your fingers together to access the editing options. You can set the wallpaper, add widgets, and more. You can also add, delete, or rearrange Home screen panels. • Adding panels: Swipe to the left, ...

Apps and features 42 Launching Finder Search for content on the device quickly. 1 On the Apps screen, tap Search . Alternatively, open the notification panel, swipe downwards, and then tap . 2 Enter a keyword.Apps and content on your device will be searched.If you tap on the keyboard, you can search...

Apps and features 44 Lock screen Pressing the Side key turns off the screen and locks it. Also, the screen turns off and automatically locks if the device is not used for a specified period.To unlock the screen, swipe in any direction when the screen turns on.If the screen is off, press the Side key...

Apps and features 45 Icon Meaning / LTE network connected5G network connectedLTE network connected in LTE network that includes the 5G networkWi-Fi connectedBluetooth feature activatedLocation services being usedCall in progressMissed callNew text or multimedia messageAlarm activated / Mute mode / V...

Apps and features 46 Notification panel When you receive new notifications, indicator icons appear on the status bar. To see more information about the icons, open the notification panel and view the details.To open the notification panel, drag the status bar downwards. To close the notification pan...

Apps and features 47 To change feature settings, tap the text under each button. To view more detailed settings, tap and hold a button.To rearrange buttons, tap → Edit buttons , tap and hold a button, and then drag it to another location. Controlling media playback Take control of music or video pla...

Apps and features 48 Entering text Keyboard layout A keyboard appears automatically when you enter text. Break to the next line. Delete a preceding character. Enter symbols. Enter uppercase. For all caps, tap it twice. Additional keyboard functions Enter a space. View more keyboard functions. Text e...

Apps and features 49 Additional keyboard functions • : Enter emoticons. • : Enter stickers. You can also enter your emoji stickers that look like you. • : Attach animated GIFs. • : Enter text by voice. • : Change the keyboard settings. Tap to use more keyboard functions. • : Search for content and e...

Apps and features 50 Installing or uninstalling apps Galaxy Store Purchase and download apps. You can download apps that are specialised for Samsung Galaxy devices.Launch the Galaxy Store app. Browse apps by category or tap to search for a keyword. • This app may not be available depending on the se...

Apps and features 51 Setting app permissions For some apps to operate properly, they may need permission to access or use information on your device.To view your app permission settings, launch the Settings app and tap Apps . Select an app and tap Permissions . You can view the app’s permissions lis...

Apps and features 52 Phone Introduction Make or answer voice and video calls. If the area around the rear camera is covered, unwanted noises may incur during a call. Remove accessories, such as a screen protector or stickers, around the rear camera area. Making calls 1 Launch the Phone app and tap K...

Apps and features 53 Using speed dial To set a number to speed dial, launch the Phone app, tap Keypad or Contacts → → Speed dial numbers , select a speed dial number, and then add a phone number. To make a call, tap and hold a speed dial number on the keypad. For speed dial numbers 10 and up, tap th...

Apps and features 54 Blocking phone numbers Block calls from specific numbers added to your block list. 1 Launch the Phone app and tap → Settings → Block numbers . 2 Tap Recents or Contacts , select contacts or phone numbers, and then tap Done . To manually enter a number, tap Add phone number , ent...

Apps and features 56 Searching for contacts Launch the Contacts app. Tap at the top of the contacts list and enter search criteria. Tap the contact. Then take one of the following actions: • : Make a voice call. • / : Make a video call. • : Compose a message. • : Compose an email. Deleting contacts ...

Apps and features 57 Messages Introduction Send and view messages by conversation.You may incur additional charges for sending or receiving messages when you are roaming. Sending messages 1 Launch the Messages app and tap . 2 Add recipients and enter a message.To record and send a voice message, tap...

Apps and features 59 Internet Browse the Internet to search for information and bookmark your favourite webpages to access them conveniently. 1 Launch the Internet app. 2 Enter the web address or a keyword, and then tap Go . To view the toolbars, drag your finger downwards slightly on the screen.To ...

Apps and features 60 Gallery Introduction View images and videos stored in your device. You can also manage images and videos by album or create stories. Using Gallery Launch the Gallery app. Search for images. Group similar images. More options Grouping similar images Launch the Gallery app and tap...

Apps and features 61 Viewing images Launch the Gallery app and select an image. To view other files, swipe to the left or right on the screen. More options Delete the image. Share the image with others. Modify the image. Bixby Vision Add the image to favourites. Cropping enlarged images 1 Launch the...

Apps and features 62 Viewing videos Launch the Gallery app and select a video to play. To view other files, swipe to the left or right on the screen. Lock the playback screen. Skip to the previous video. Tap and hold to rewind. Switch to the pop-up video player. Capture the current screen. Configure...

Apps and features 63 Stories When you capture or save images and videos, the device will read their date and location tags, sort the images and videos, and then create stories.Launch the Gallery app, tap Stories , and then select a story. To add or delete images or videos, select a story and tap → A...

Apps and features 64 Multi window Introduction Multi window lets you run two apps at the same time in the split screen view. You can also run multiple apps at the same time in the pop-up view. Split screen view Pop-up view Some apps may not support this feature. Split screen view 1 Tap the Recents b...

Apps and features 65 Launching apps from the Edge panel 1 While using an app, drag the Edge panel handle towards the centre of the screen. 2 Tap and hold an app, drag it to the left, and then drop it where Drop here to open appears.The selected app will launch in the split screen view. You can set t...

Apps and features 66 Pop-up view 1 Tap the Recents button to open the list of recently used apps. 2 Swipe to the left or right, tap an app’s icon, and then tap Open in pop-up view . The app screen will appear in the pop-up view.If you tap the Home button while using a pop-up window, the window will ...

Apps and features 67 Samsung Notes Create notes by entering text from the keyboard or by handwriting or drawing on the screen. You can also insert images or voice recordings into your notes. Creating notes 1 Launch the Samsung Notes app, tap , and then create a note. You can change the input method ...

Apps and features 68 Calendar Manage your schedule by entering upcoming events in your planner. Creating events 1 Launch the Calendar app and tap or double-tap a date. If the date already has saved events or tasks in it, tap the date and tap . 2 Enter event details and tap Save . Syncing events with...

Apps and features 69 Reminder Register to-do items as reminders and receive notifications according to the condition you set. • To receive more accurate notifications, connect to a Wi-Fi or mobile network. • To use location reminders, the GPS feature must be activated. Location reminders may not be ...

Apps and features 70 Voice Recorder Record or play voice recordings. 1 Launch the Voice Recorder app. 2 Tap to start recording. Speak into the microphone. • Tap to pause recording. • While making a voice recording, tap BOOKMARK to insert a bookmark. 3 Tap to finish recording. 4 Enter a file name and...

Apps and features 71 Playing selected voice recordings When you review interview recordings, you can mute or unmute certain sound sources in the recording. 1 Tap List and select a voice recording made in interview mode. 2 To mute certain sound sources, tap for the corresponding direction that sound ...

Apps and features 72 My Files Access and manage various files stored in the device.Launch the My Files app. To check for unnecessary data and free up the device’s storage, tap Analyse storage . To search for files or folders, tap . Clock Set alarms, check the current time in many cities around the w...

Apps and features 73 Game Launcher Game Launcher gathers your games downloaded from Play Store and Galaxy Store into one place for easy access. You can set the device to game mode to play games more easily.Launch the Game Launcher app and select the game you want. • If Game Launcher does not appear,...

Apps and features 74 Sharing content Share content by using various sharing options. The following actions are an example of sharing images. 1 Launch the Gallery app and select an image. 2 Tap and select a sharing method you want. You may incur additional charges when sharing files via the mobile ne...

Apps and features 75 4 Tap → Quick Share and point the back of your device at the other device. 5 Tap the other device when it appears at the top of the screen. 6 Accept the file transfer request on the other device. The Ultra-Wideband (UWB) feature may not be available depending on the region. Sett...

Apps and features 77 Radio Launch the Radio app. Before you use this app, you must connect an earphone, which serves as the radio antenna.The FM radio scans and saves available stations automatically when running for the first time. Scan and save stations. Record audio from the FM radio. Turn the FM...

Apps and features 78 Screen capture Capture a screenshot while using the device. Press the Side key and the Volume Down key simultaneously. You can view the captured screenshots in Gallery . It is not possible to capture a screenshot while using some apps and features. After capturing a screenshot, ...

79 Settings Introduction Customise device settings.Launch the Settings app.To search for settings by entering keywords, tap . This chapter is a common manual for settings and features provided by Samsung devices.Depending on the model, some content may differ, or descriptions of options or features ...

Settings 80 Samsung account Sign in to your Samsung account and manage it.On the Settings screen, tap Samsung account . Connections Options Change settings for various connections, such as the Wi-Fi feature and Bluetooth.On the Settings screen, tap Connections . • Wi-Fi : Activate the Wi-Fi feature ...

Settings 81 • SIM card manager (dual SIM models): Activate your SIM or USIM cards and customise the SIM card settings. Refer to SIM card manager (dual SIM models) for more information. • Mobile Hotspot and Tethering : Use the device as a mobile hotspot to share the device’s mobile data connection wi...

Settings 82 Sharing Wi-Fi network passwords If you make a request to a person who is connected to a secured Wi-Fi network to share its password, you can connect to the network without entering the password. This feature is available between the devices which have contacts each other and the screen o...

Settings 83 Bluetooth Use Bluetooth to exchange data or media files with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. • Samsung is not responsible for the loss, interception, or misuse of data sent or received via Bluetooth. • Always ensure that you share and receive data with devices that are trusted and prope...

Settings 84 NFC and contactless payments (NFC-enabled models) Your device allows you to read near field communication (NFC) tags that contain information about products. You can also use this feature to make payments and buy tickets for transportation or events after downloading the required apps. T...

Settings 85 2 Touch the NFC antenna area on the back of your device to the NFC card reader. To set the default payment app, open the Settings screen and tap Connections → NFC and contactless payments → Contactless payments → Payment , and then select an app. The payment services list may not include...

Settings 86 Mobile Hotspot Use your device as a mobile hotspot to share your device’s mobile data connection with other devices. 1 On the Settings screen, tap Connections → Mobile Hotspot and Tethering → Mobile Hotspot . 2 Tap the switch to activate it.The icon appears on the status bar.You can chan...

Settings 87 Printing Configure settings for printer plug-ins installed on the device. You can connect the device to a printer via Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct, and print images or documents. Some printers may not be compatible with the device. Adding printer plug-ins Add printer plug-ins for printers you w...

Settings 88 Sounds and vibration Options Change settings for various sounds on the device.On the Settings screen, tap Sounds and vibration . • Sound mode : Set the device to use sound mode, vibration mode, or silent mode. • Vibrate while ringing : Set the device to vibrate and play a ringtone for in...

Settings 89 • UHQ upscaler : Enhance the sound resolution of music and videos. • Adapt sound : Set the best sound for you. Depending on the model, you must connect an earphone to use some features. Separate app sound Set the device to play media sound from a specific app on the connected Bluetooth s...

Settings 90 Display Change the display and the Home screen settings.On the Settings screen, tap Display . • Light / Dark : Activate or deactivate dark mode. • Dark mode settings : Reduce eye strain by applying the dark theme when using the device at night or in a dark place. You can set a schedule f...

Settings 91 Wallpaper Change the wallpaper settings for the Home screen and the locked screen.On the Settings screen, tap Wallpaper . Themes Apply various themes to the device to change the visual elements of the Home screen, locked screen, and icons.On the Settings screen, tap Themes . Home screen ...

Settings 92 • Roaming clock : Change the clock to show both the local and home time zones on the locked screen when roaming. • Widgets : Change the settings of the items displayed on the locked screen. • Contact information : Set the device to show contact information, such as your email address, on...

Settings 93 Biometrics and security Change the settings for securing the device.On the Settings screen, tap Biometrics and security . • Face recognition : Set the device to unlock the screen by recognising your face. Refer to Face recognition for more information. • Fingerprints : Register your fing...

Settings 94 Privacy Change the settings for privacy.On the Settings screen, tap Privacy . • Permission manager : View the list of features and apps that have permission to use them. You can also edit the permission settings. • Samsung : Manage personal data related to your Samsung account and change...

Settings 95 Accounts and backup Options Sync, back up, or restore your device’s data using Samsung Cloud. You can also sign in to accounts, such as your Samsung account or Google account, or transfer data to or from other devices via Smart Switch.On the Settings screen, tap Accounts and backup . • M...

Settings 96 3 Tap Done . • Some data will not be backed up. To check which data will be backed up, on the Settings screen, tap Accounts and backup and tap Back up data under Samsung Cloud . • To view the backup data for other devices in your Samsung Cloud, on the Settings screen, tap Accounts and ba...

Settings 97 • Side key : Select an app or feature to launch using the Side key. Refer to Setting the Side key for more information. • Motions and gestures : Activate the motion feature and configure settings. Refer to Motions and gestures for more information. • One-handed mode : Activate one-handed...

Settings 98 • Alert when phone picked up : Set the device to alert you if you have missed calls or new messages when you pick up the device. This feature may not work if the screen is turned on or the device is not on a flat surface. • Turn over to mute : Set the device to mute certain sounds by usi...

Settings 99 Digital Wellbeing and parental controls View the history of your device usage and use features to prevent your device from interfering with your life. You can also set up parental controls for your children and manage their digital use.On the Settings screen, tap Digital Wellbeing and pa...

Settings 100 Using the auto optimisation feature You can set the device to perform auto optimisation when your device is not in use. Tap → Automation → Auto optimise daily and tap the switch to activate it. If you want to set the time to perform auto optimisation, tap Time . Battery Check the remain...

Settings 101 Device protection Check the device’s security status. This feature scans your device for malware.On the Settings screen, tap Battery and device care → Device protection → Scan phone . Apps Manage the device’s apps and change their settings. You can view the apps’ usage information, chan...

Settings 102 Adding device languages You can add languages to use on your device. 1 On the Settings screen, tap General management → Language → Add language . To view all the languages that can be added, tap → All languages . 2 Select a language to add. 3 To set the selected language as the default ...

Settings 103 Software update Update your device’s software via the firmware over-the-air (FOTA) service. You can also schedule software updates.On the Settings screen, tap Software update . • Download and install : Check for and install updates manually. • Auto download over Wi-Fi : Set the device t...

Appendix 105 Troubleshooting Before contacting a Samsung Service Centre, please attempt the following solutions. Some situations may not apply to your device.You can also use Samsung Members to solve any problems you might encounter while using your device. When you turn on your device or while you ...

Appendix 106 The touchscreen responds slowly or improperly • If you attach a screen protector or optional accessories to the touchscreen, the touchscreen may not function properly. • If you are wearing gloves, if your hands are not clean while touching the touchscreen, or if you tap the screen with ...

Appendix 108 Error messages appear when launching the camera Your device must have sufficient available memory and battery power to operate the camera app. If you receive error messages when launching the camera, try the following: • Charge the battery. • Free some memory by transferring files to a ...

Appendix 110 Data stored in the device has been lost Always make backup copies of all important data stored in the device. Otherwise, you cannot restore data if it is corrupted or lost. Samsung is not responsible for the loss of data stored in the device. A small gap appears around the outside of th...