Samsung Galaxy A21s - 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 Front camera Proximity sensor Side key Touchscreen Volume key Speaker Multipurpose jack (USB Type-C) SIM card / Memory card tray Flash Rear camera GPS antenna Speaker Microphone Earphone jack Main antenna Main antenna NFC antenna (NFC-enabled models) Fingerprint recognition s...

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. You can charge the battery more qu...

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 Turning the device on Press and hold the Side key for a few seconds to turn on the device. ...

Basics 21 Forcing restart If your device is frozen and unresponsive, press and hold the Side key and the Volume Down key simultaneously for more than 7 seconds to restart it. Emergency mode You can switch the device to emergency mode to reduce battery consumption. Some apps and functions will be res...

Basics 22 Fingerprint recognition In order for fingerprint recognition to function, your fingerprint information needs to be registered and stored in your device. • This feature may not be available depending on the service provider or model. • Fingerprint recognition uses the unique characteristics...

Basics 23 • Covering the fingerprint recognition sensor with protective films, stickers, or other accessories may decrease the fingerprint recognition rate. If the fingerprint recognition sensor is initially covered with a protective film, remove it before using the fingerprint recognition sensor. •...

Basics 24 Unlocking the screen with your fingerprints You can unlock the screen with your fingerprint instead of using a pattern, PIN, or password. 1 Launch the Settings app and tap Biometrics and security → Fingerprints . 2 Unlock the screen using the preset screen lock method. 3 Tap the Fingerprin...

Basics 25 For better face recognition Consider the following when using face recognition: • Consider the conditions when registering, such as wearing glasses, hats, masks, beards, or heavy makeup • Ensure that you are in a well-lit area and that the camera lens is clean when registering • Ensure you...

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 28 Using zoom features Select .5 / 1 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. • .5 : The Ultra wide camera lets you take wide-angle photos or record wide-angle videos of things like landscapes. ...

Basics 29 • : Select a metering method. This determines how light values are calculated. Centre-weighted metering uses the light in the centre portion of the shot to calculate the exposure of the shot. Spot metering uses the light in a concentrated centre area of the shot to calculate the exposure o...

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 capture an image from the video while recording, tap . 2 Tap to stop recording the video. Portrait m...

Basics 31 Pro mode Capture photos while manually adjusting various shooting options, such as exposure value and ISO value.On the shooting modes list, tap MORE → PRO . Select options and customise the settings, and then tap to take a photo. Available options • ISO : Select an ISO value. This controls...

Basics 32 Food mode Take photos of food with more vibrant colours. 1 On the shooting modes list, tap MORE → FOOD . 2 Tap the screen and drag the circular frame over the area to highlight.The area outside the circular frame will be blurred.To resize the circular frame, drag a corner of the frame. 3 T...

Basics 33 Deco Pic mode Capture photos or videos with various stickers.On the shooting modes list, tap MORE → DECO PIC . Customising camera settings On the preview screen, tap . Some options may not be available depending on the shooting mode. Intelligent features • Scan QR codes : Set the device to...

Apps and features 36 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 37 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 38 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 39 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 40 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 41 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 42 • Moving apps from a folder Tap and hold an app to drag it to a new location. • Deleting a folder Tap and hold a folder, and then tap Delete folder . Only the folder will be deleted. The folder’s apps will be relocated to the Apps screen. Edge panel You can quickly access your f...

Apps and features 43 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 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 46 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 47 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 48 Copying and pasting 1 Tap and hold over text. 2 Drag or to select the desired text, or tap Select all to select all text. 3 Tap Copy or Cut . The selected text is copied to the clipboard. 4 Tap and hold where the text is to be inserted and tap Paste . To paste text that you have...

Apps and features 49 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 50 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 51 Phone Introduction Make or answer voice and video calls. If the area around the upper microphone is covered, unwanted noises may incur during a call. Remove accessories, such as a screen protector or stickers, around the upper microphone area. Making calls 1 Launch the Phone app...

Apps and features 52 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 53 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 54 Contacts Introduction Create new contacts or manage contacts on the device. Adding contacts Creating a new contact 1 Launch the Contacts app and tap . 2 Select a storage location. 3 Enter contact information and tap Save . Importing contacts Add contacts by importing them from o...

Apps and features 55 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 Viewing messages 1 Launch the Messages app and tap Conversations . 2 On the messages list, select a contact or a phone number. • To reply to the message, tap the message input field, enter a message, and then tap . • To adjust the font size, spread two fingers apart or pinch on ...

Apps and features 58 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 59 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 60 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 61 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 62 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 63 Samsung Kids You can restrict children’s access to certain apps, set their usage times, and configure settings to provide a fun and safe environment for children when they use the device.Open the notification panel, swipe downwards, and then tap ( Kids ) to activate it. If you c...

Apps and features 64 Samsung Members Samsung Members offers support services to customers, such as device problem diagnosis, and lets users submit questions and error reports. You can also share information with others in the Galaxy users’ community or view the latest news and tips. Samsung Members ...

Apps and features 65 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 66 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 67 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 68 Music Share Introduction The Music Share feature allows you to share your Bluetooth speaker that is already connected to your device with another person. You can also listen to the same music on your Galaxy Buds and another person’s Galaxy Buds.This feature is available only on ...

Apps and features 69 Listening to music together with Galaxy Buds You can listen to music on your smartphone together through your Buds and your friend’s Buds.This feature is supported only on the Galaxy Buds series. 1 Make sure that each smartphone and pair of Buds are connected.Refer to Pairing wi...

Apps and features 70 Google apps Google provides entertainment, social network, and business apps. You may require a Google account to access some apps.To view more app information, access each app’s help menu. • Chrome : Search for information and browse webpages. • Gmail : Send or receive emails v...

Apps and features 71 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 72 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. View the content on a large screen using the Smart View feature. Add the image ...

Apps and features 73 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. Capture the current screen. Create an animated GIF. Configure the captio...

Apps and features 74 Albums Create albums and sort your images and videos. 1 Launch the Gallery app and tap Albums → → Create album to create an album. 2 Select the album, tap Add items , and then copy or move the images or videos you want. Stories When you capture or save images and videos, the dev...

Apps and features 75 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 76 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 77 Game Booster Game Booster lets you play games in a better environment. You can use Game Booster while playing games.To open the Game Booster panel while playing games, tap on the navigation bar. If the navigation bar is hidden, drag upwards from the bottom of the screen to show ...

Apps and features 78 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 79 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, ...

Apps and features 80 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 81 Backing up and restoring data using external storage Transfer data using external storage, such as a microSD card. 1 Back up data from your previous device to external storage. 2 Insert or connect the external storage device to your device. 3 On your device, launch the Settings ...

Settings 83 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 84 • 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 85 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 86 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 87 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 88 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 all available payment apps. • If you update the payment app or install a new ...

Settings 89 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 90 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 91 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 92 • Dolby Atmos for gaming : Experience the Dolby Atmos sound optimised for games while playing games. • Equaliser : Select an option for a specific music genre and enjoy optimised sound. • UHQ upscaler : Enhance the sound resolution of music and videos when using wired earphones. • Adapt ...

Settings 93 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 94 Wallpaper and style Change the wallpaper settings for the Home screen and the locked screen.On the Settings screen, tap Wallpaper and style . 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 T...

Settings 96 Biometrics and security Options 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 y...

Settings 97 Secure Folder Secure Folder protects your private content and apps, such as pictures and contacts, from being accessed by others. You can keep your private content and apps secure even when the device is unlocked. Secure Folder is a separate, secured storage area. The data in Secure Fold...

Settings 98 Moving content to Secure Folder Move content, such as pictures and videos, to Secure Folder. The following actions are an example of moving an image from the default storage to Secure Folder. 1 Launch the Secure Folder app and tap → Add files . 2 Tap Images , tick images to move, and the...

Settings 99 Adding accounts Add your Samsung and Google accounts, or other accounts, to sync with the apps in Secure Folder. 1 Launch the Secure Folder app and tap → Settings → Manage accounts → Add account . 2 Select an account service. 3 Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the account se...

Settings 100 Privacy Change the settings for privacy.On the Settings screen, tap Privacy . • Permissions used in last 24 hours : View the app or feature’s permission usage history. • Permission manager : View the list of features and apps that have permission to use them. You can also edit the permi...

Settings 101 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 . • ...

Settings 102 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 b...

Settings 103 • Labs : Use new features of the device. • 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 informatio...

Settings 104 • Turn over to mute : Set the device to mute certain sounds by using motions or gestures. • Pick up phone to call : Set the device to make a voice call by picking up and holding the device near your ear while viewing message or contact details. • Finger sensor gestures : Set the device ...

Settings 105 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 p...

Settings 106 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 107 Memory On the Settings screen, tap Battery and device care → Memory . To speed up your device by stopping apps running in the background, tick apps from the apps list, and tap Clean now . Device protection Check the device’s security status. This feature scans your device for malware.On...

Settings 108 General management Customise your device’s system settings or reset the device.On the Settings screen, tap General management . • Language : Select device languages. Refer to Adding device languages for more information. • Text-to-speech output : Change the settings for text-to-speech f...

Settings 109 Accessibility Configure various settings to improve accessibility to the device.On the Settings screen, tap Accessibility . • Recommended for you : Check the accessibility features you are currently using and see other recommended features. • TalkBack : Activate TalkBack, which provides...

Settings 110 About phone Access your device’s information.On the Settings screen, tap About phone . To change your device’s name, tap Edit . • Status information : View various device information, such as the SIM card status, Wi-Fi MAC address, and serial number. • Legal information : View legal inf...

Appendix 112 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 113 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 115 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 117 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...