Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 - User Manual

Getting started 8 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 injuri...

Getting started 9 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...

Getting started 10 • 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 ...

Getting started 11 4 Insert the tray back into the tray slot. • Use only a nano-SIM card. • Use caution not to lose or let others use the SIM or USIM card. Samsung is not responsible for any damages or inconveniences caused by lost or stolen cards. • Ensure that the ejection pin is perpendicular to ...

Getting started 12 4 Insert the tray back into the tray slot. • Use only a microSD card. • Some SD cards may not be fully compatible with the device. Using an incompatible card may damage the device, the SD card, or the data stored in it. • Use caution to insert the SD card right-side up. • Ensure t...

Getting started 13 Formatting the SD card An SD card formatted on a computer may not be compatible with the device. Format the SD card on the device. 1 Open Settings and tap Battery and device care → Storage . 2 Swipe to the left to view the SD card page. 3 Tap → Format . Before formatting the SD ca...

Getting started 14 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. Initial setup When you turn on your device for the first time or after performing a data reset, follow the on-screen...

15 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 16 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 17 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 18 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 19 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 20 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 21 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 23 Edge panel You can quickly access your favourite apps and features from the Edge panels.Drag the Edge panel handle towards the centre of the screen.If the Edge panel handle is not visible, launch the Settings app, tap Display , and then tap the Edge panels switch to activate it....

Apps and features 24 Indicator icons Indicator icons appear on the status bar at the top of the screen. The icons listed in the table below are most common. Icon Meaning No signalSignal strengthRoaming (outside of normal service area)GPRS network connectedEDGE network connectedUMTS network connected...

Apps and features 25 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 26 Using quick setting buttons Tap quick setting buttons to activate certain features. Swipe downwards on the notification panel to view more buttons. To add more buttons, tap . Adjust the brightness of the display. Control media on your device and connected nearby devices. Control...

Apps and features 27 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 Move the cursor. Enter a space. View more keyboard ...

Apps and features 28 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 29 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 30 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 31 Phone Introduction Make or answer voice and video calls. The Call & text on other devices feature allows you to use calling and messaging features on your tablet with your smartphone number. On your tablet and smartphone, launch the Settings app, tap Connected devices , and ...

Apps and features 32 Using speed dial To set a number to speed dial, launch the Phone app, tap Keypad → → 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 the first digi...

Apps and features 33 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 34 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 35 • : Compose a message. • : Compose an email. Deleting contacts 1 Launch the Contacts app and tap → Edit . 2 Select contacts and tap Delete . To delete contacts one by one, tap a contact from the contacts list and tap More → Delete . Sharing contacts You can share contacts with o...

Apps and features 36 Messages Introduction Send and view messages by conversation.You may incur additional charges for sending or receiving messages when you are roaming. The Call & text on other devices feature allows you to use calling and messaging features on your tablet with your smartphone...

Apps and features 37 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 38 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. Bo...

Apps and features 39 Multi window Introduction Multi window lets you run up to three 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 R...

Apps and features 40 Adding app pairs Add frequently used apps as an app pair to launch them together in the split screen view with a single tap. 1 In the split screen view, tap the circles between the app windows. 2 Tap . 3 Select a location to add the app pair.The apps you are using in the split s...

Apps and features 41 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 42 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. Manage pages. Insert files. Read...

Apps and features 43 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 44 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 45 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 46 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 47 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 48 Samsung Flow Samsung Flow allows you to easily connect your tablet to your smartphone or computer and use them conveniently, such as checking notifications or sharing contents.Samsung Flow must be installed on both devices that you want to connect. If Samsung Flow is not install...

Apps and features 49 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 50 Camera Introduction Take pictures and record videos using various modes and settings. Camera etiquette • Do not take pictures or record videos of other people without their permission. • Do not take pictures or record videos where legally prohibited. • Do not take pictures or re...

Apps and features 52 Using zoom features Select 1x / 2x or drag it up or down to zoom in or out. Alternatively, spread two fingers apart on the screen to zoom in, and pinch to zoom out. • 1x : Take basic pictures or record normal videos. • 2x : Take pictures or record videos by enlarging the subject...

Apps and features 53 • : 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. Matrix metering averages the entire scene. Spot metering uses the light in a concentrat...

Apps and features 54 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....

Apps and features 55 Pro mode Capture pictures 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 picture. Available options • WB : Select an appropriat...

Apps and features 56 Food mode Take pictures 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 t...

Apps and features 57 Customising camera settings On the preview screen, tap . Some options may not be available depending on the shooting mode. Intelligent features • Scene optimiser : Set the device to adjust the colour settings and apply the optimised effect automatically depending on the subject ...

Apps and features 60 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 61 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. Display y...

Apps and features 62 Albums Create albums and sort your images and videos. 1 Launch the Gallery app and tap → Albums → → Album to create an album. 2 Select the images or videos you want to copy or move them to an album. Stories When you capture or save images and videos, the device will read their d...

Apps and features 64 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 65 Screen capture and screen record Screen capture Capture a screenshot while using the device and write on, draw on, crop, or share the captured screen. You can capture the current screen and scrollable area. How to capture a screenshot Use the following methods to capture a scree...

Apps and features 66 Screen record Record the screen while using your device. 1 Open the notification panel, swipe downwards, and then tap ( Screen recorder ) to activate it. 2 Select a sound setting and tap Start recording . After a countdown, recording will start.To write or draw on the screen, ta...

Apps and features 67 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 68 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 tablet. 3 On your tablet, open Settings and ta...

Settings 70 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 71 • Mobile Hotspot and Tethering : Use the device as a mobile hotspot to share the device’s mobile data connection with other devices. For more information about the mobile hotspot, refer to Mobile Hotspot (Mobile network enabled models) . You may incur additional charges when using this f...

Settings 72 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 73 Bluetooth Use Bluetooth to exchange data or media files with other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Precautions for using Bluetooth • 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 de...

Settings 74 Sending and receiving data Many apps support data transfer via Bluetooth. You can share data, such as contacts or media files, with other Bluetooth devices. The following actions are an example of sending an image to another device. 1 Launch the Gallery app and select an image. 2 Tap → B...

Settings 75 Mobile Hotspot (Mobile network enabled models) 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 appear...

Settings 77 Connected devices Change settings for device connections.On the Settings screen, tap Connected devices . • Quick Share : Change the Quick Share settings. Refer to Quick Share for more information. • Auto switch Buds : Set the Galaxy Buds to switch from another device to your tablet when ...

Settings 78 Modes and Routines Introduction Select a mode based on your current activity or location, or add your repeated usage patterns as routines and use your device more conveniently.On the Settings screen, tap Modes and Routines . Using modes Adding modes 1 On the Settings screen, tap Modes an...

Settings 79 Running routines Auto routines will run automatically when their conditions are detected. For routines which you set the running condition as Start manually , you can run them manually by tapping the button whenever you want.To run routines manually, tap next to the routine you want to r...

Settings 80 Sound quality and effects Set the device’s sound quality and effects.On the Settings screen, tap Sound → Sound quality and effects . • Dolby Atmos : Select a surround sound mode optimised for various types of audio, such as movies, music, and voice. With Dolby Atmos, you can experience m...

Settings 81 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 82 Wallpaper and style Change the wallpaper settings for the Home screen and the locked screen.On the Settings screen, tap Wallpaper and style . Home screen Configure settings for the Home screen, such as the screen layout.On the Settings screen, tap Home screen . Lock screen Options Change...

Settings 83 Smart Lock You can set the device to unlock itself and remain unlocked when trusted locations or devices are detected.For example, if you have set your home as a trusted location, when you get home your device will detect the location and automatically unlock itself.On the Settings scree...

Settings 84 • Secure Wi-Fi : Set the device to protect your data while using unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Refer to Secure Wi-Fi for more information. • Private Share : Share files with others securely using blockchain technology. • Install unknown apps : Set the device to allow the installation of apps...

Settings 85 Registering your face For better face registration, register your face indoors and out of direct sunlight. 1 On the Settings screen, tap Security and privacy → Biometrics → Face recognition . 2 Read the on-screen instructions and tap Continue . 3 Set a screen lock method. 4 Position your...

Settings 86 Secure Wi-Fi Secure Wi-Fi is a service that secures your Wi-Fi network connection. It encrypts data using Wi-Fi networks and disables tracking apps and websites so that you can use Wi-Fi networks safely. For example, when using an unsecure Wi-Fi network in public places, such as cafes or...

Settings 87 Location Change settings for location information permissions.On the Settings screen, tap Location . • App permissions : View the list of apps that have permission to access the device’s location and edit the permission settings. • Location services : Set the device to use the Wi-Fi or B...

Settings 88 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 89 Users Set up additional user accounts for other users to use the device with personalised settings, such as email accounts, wallpaper preferences, and more. This feature may not be available depending on the region or service provider. Following types of user accounts are available: • Ad...

Settings 90 Switching users Tap the user account icon at the top of the locked screen and select an account to switch to. Locked screen Managing users When using the administrator account, you can delete accounts or change account settings.On the Settings screen, tap Accounts and backup → Users . To...

Settings 91 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 92 • Screenshots and screen recorder : Change the settings for screenshots and screen recorder. • Show contacts when sharing content : Set the device to display the people you contacted on the sharing options panel to allow you to share content directly. • Accessories : Change the accessory...

Settings 93 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 94 Battery Check the remaining battery power and time to use the device. For devices with low battery levels, conserve battery power by activating power saving features.On the Settings screen, tap Battery and device care → Battery . • Power saving : Activate power saving mode to extend the ...

Settings 95 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 tablet . Auto optimisation You can set the device to perform auto optimisation when your device is not in use.On...

Settings 96 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. • App languages : Select the language you want to use for each app....

Settings 97 3 To set the selected language as the default language, tap Set as default . To keep the current language setting, tap Keep current . The selected language will be added to your languages list. If you changed the default language, the selected language will be added to the top of the lis...

Settings 98 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 to...

Settings 99 About tablet Access your device’s information.On the Settings screen, tap About tablet . To change your device’s name, tap Edit . • Status information : View various device information, such as the Wi-Fi MAC address and serial number. • Legal information : View legal information related ...

Usage notices 101 Precautions for using the device Please read this manual when using the device to ensure safe and proper use. • Descriptions are based on the device’s default settings. • Some content may differ from your device depending on the region, service provider, model specifications, or de...

Usage notices 103 Instructional icons Warning : situations that could cause injury to yourself or others Caution : situations that could cause damage to your device or other equipment Notice : notes, usage tips, or additional information Notes on package contents and accessories Refer to the quick s...

Usage notices 104 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 ...

Usage notices 106 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 model...

Appendix 108 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 109 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 111 Error messages appear when launching the camera Your device must have sufficient available storage 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 storage by transferring files to ...

Appendix 113 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...