Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Update Applications

For certain reason, you may want to install third-party apps that you can get through Google Play Store, for instance when you're not satisfied with the stock app and want to install third-party app that has the same function, etc. To allow you accessing Play Store, make sure you have had an active Google account on your phone.

See also: How to Download Free Apps from Google Play Store in the Samsung Galaxy S4

To keep all installed apps run smoothly and don't cause any error, make sure to update apps regularly. The latest update usually brings some new features and some fixes for bugs/errors in the previous version. Depending on your need, you can set your phone to automatically update apps or you can also update apps manually.

How to update apps automatically?
There's an option in the Google Play Store which will allow you to set the phone to automatically update apps when there's an update available. Below are the steps to do so:

1. Open Play Store.
2. Tap the Menu key then select Settings.
3. Tap Auto-update apps.
4. Here you'll see three options available, they are:
• Do not auto-update apps: select this option to turn off auto update.
• Auto-update apps at any time. Data charges may apply: select this option to allow your phone to automatically update apps when you have an Internet connection, either when you use Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• Auto-update apps over Wi-Fi only: select this option to allow your phone updating apps automatically only when you're connecting with the Wi-Fi network.
5. Tap the desired auto update option you wish to use. But, if you're like me, I prefer to use auto update over Wi-Fi because it's faster and doesn't charge me with the data.
6. From now, when there an update available, your phone will update app automatically and you'll be informed with a notification when the app is successfully updated.

How to update apps manually?
If you more prefer to update apps manually, you can do so by using one of methods listed below:
Method #1: From the Notification panel
By default, usually you'll receive a notification if there's an update available. Below are the steps to update apps manually from the notification panel:

1. Swipe the top of the screen to the bottom to access notification panel.
2. Under the Notifications section, tap the update notifications.
3. You'll be brought to the My apps menu in the Play Store. If available, in the Installed tab you can see all available updates under Updates section.
4. To update a single app, tap Update button in the right side of the desired app you wish to update then tap Update button.
5. To update all apps, tap Update all button.
6. The selected apps will be updated and they will be moved to the Recently updated section.

Method #2: From Google Play Store
If you didn't receive a notification update, you can manually check available updates from the Play Store by following the steps below:

1. Open Play Store.
2. Swipe the screen from left to the right.
3. Tap My apps.
4. If available, in the Installed tab you can see all available updates under Updates section.
5. To update a single app, tap Update button in the right side of the desired app you wish to update then tap Update button.
6. To update all apps, tap Update all button.
7. The selected apps will be updated and they will be moved to the recently updated section.

By knowing how to automatically or manually update apps, now you can use one of them to help you keeping the apps stay updated. So, hope it helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Install Apps from Unknown Sources (.apk File)

Most of Android phone users(including with the Samsung Galaxy SIV users) usually install apps from Google Play Store which is the official market for all Android phones. To be able to access Play Store, you need to have an active Google account. As the official market, Google Play Store provide their users with tons of apps that you can choose which one that suit your need. But, it will be better if you read the app's review first before installing the app to make sure that the app has a positive review and less complaints/errors.

See also: How to Install Free Apps from Google Play Store in the Samsung Galaxy S4

Nevertheless, though the Play Store has lot of apps, in some cases you may want to install certain app from other sources than the Play Store, for instance when the app is no longer available in the Play Store or you can't find any alternative app for the app you're looking for in the Play Store. Luckily, in Android, there's an option which will allow you to do so.

How to install .apk file?
An app from unknown sources usually has .apk extension. Well, here the steps to install it:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap More tab.
3. Tap Security.
4. Scroll down to find Unknown sources, and then tick the box next this option to enable it and then tap OK button to confirm enabling this option.
5. Tick the box next to Verify apps to allow your phone to block or warn before installing apps that may cause harm.
6. Now, you're allowed to install app from sources other than the Play Store. You can do so by downloading a .apk file of certain app through Browser app into your phone. (In this case, I'm using the stock Internet browser app to download calculator with percent.apk from appsapk.com).
7. Once the downloading process is completed. Open My File app and then navigate to the .apk location (usually all downloaded files will be saved in the Download folder in the phone storage)
8. Tap .apk file you've just downloaded.
9. Tap Install button.
10. Tap Accept button.
11. Once the installation process is completed, you can open the app and use it.

FYI, due to .apk file comes from unofficial sources, make sure to get it from a recommended source and has a good reputation. If your phone is encountering error after you installed a .apk file then it will be better for you to uninstall the app to fix the problem. So, have you ever installed a .apk file in your phone?

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Setup And Use Call Reject Messages

Aside from making calls, Samsung Galaxy SIV also allows you to receive calls. This of course will facilitate you to communicate with others. When you have an incoming call, you'll be presented with two on-screen icon that you can use to accept or reject a call.

See also: How to Answer, Reject and End a Call in the Samsung Galaxy S4

In certain situation, instead of accepting a call, you may want to reject it, for instance when you're driving or while you're in a meeting. In order to avoid misunderstanding with the person who calls you, you can send him a message contains a reason why you did reject his call. Fortunately, you can reject call and send a message at once by utilizing a call reject message feature.

How to edit, delete and add call reject message?
By default, there are 6 call reject messages available in the phone and you're allowed to edit them, remove one or more of them and add a new call reject message to the list. Well, here are the steps:

1. Open Phone app.
2. Tap the Menu key then select Call settings.
3. Tap Set up call reject messages. 
4. Here you'll see 6 default call reject messages. To edit call reject message go to the step #5, to delete call reject message go to the step #6, while to add new call reject message go to the step #7.
5. Editing call reject message:
   If you want to change the default message, then you can do so by following the steps below:
• Long tap the desired call reject message you wish to edit.
• On pop up menu select Edit.
• Here you can edit the selected call reject message per your need.
• Tap Save button.
6. Deleting call reject message:
   You're allowed to remove one or more reject call messages by using one of methods mentioned below:
Method #1
• Tap the Trash can icon located at the top of the screen.
• Tick the box next to desired call reject message you wish to remove or tick the box next to Select all option to remove all call reject messages.
• Tap Delete button.
• The selected call reject messages will be deleted from the list.
Method #2
• Long tap the desired call reject message you wish to remove.
• On pop up menu select Delete.
• Tap OK button to confirm.
• The selected call reject message will be deleted from the list.
7. Adding a new call reject message:
   You're only allowed to add a new call reject message if you have removed one or more of them. To do so, kindly follow the steps below:
• Tap Create button.
• Type your own call reject message.
• Tap Save button.
• The new call reject message will be added to the list.

How to reject call with message?
Below are the steps to do so:

1. When you receive a call, you'll see Reject call with message option with the Up arrow icon at the bottom of the screen.
2. Drag the Up arrow icon upwards.
3. Tap Send button next to the desired call reject message you wish to use to reject a call.
4. The message will be sent and the call will be rejected.

If you're like me, I often use this feature when I'm in a situation where I can't accept a call and have not enough time to type a message. By using this feature I can send him one of my reject call message that contain a reason why I did that so he'll not misunderstanding with me. So, how about you? Has this option helped you?

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Change Bubble and Background Style in Messaging App

Sending a message is one of the most common used method by most of phone's users to communicate with others. That's why, no wonder if Samsung Galaxy SIV has provided the stock Messaging app to facilitate their users when they want sending a message. As other apps, Messaging app also has some settings which will allow you to customize it according to your need. For instance, you can set the desired message tone for incoming message.

See also: How to Change Message Tone in the Samsung Galaxy S4

Aside from selecting message tone, you can also customize the display of thread in the Messaging app. You can change bubble's shape/color for incoming and outgoing message as well as change the background image of message thread.

How to change bubble style in Messaging app?
Below are the steps to do so:

1. Open Messaging app.
2. Tap the Menu key then select Settings.
3. Scroll down to find Display section.
4. Tap Bubble style.
5. You'll see some Samsung-provided bubble styles in the bottom of the screen.
6. Select a bubble style you wish to use for incoming message and outgoing message.
7. Tap Save button.
8. The selected bubble style will be applied in the Messaging app.

How to change background style in Messaging app?
This step will change the background of a thread, not the background of the Messaging app's main page. Well, here are the steps:

1. Open Messaging app.
2. Tap the Menu key then select Settings.
3. Scroll down to find Display section.
4. Tap Background style.
5. You'll see an Add background style icon and some Samsung-provided background styles at the bottom of the screen. To use Samsung-provided background style go to the step #6, to use a picture from the Gallery app as background style go to the step #7, while to use a picture taken by the camera as background style go to the step #8.
6. Use Samsung-provided background style:
• Tap the desired Samsung-provided background style you wish to use.
• The selected background style will be applied in the Messaging app.
7. Use a picture from Gallery app:
• Tap Add background style icon.
• Tap Image.
• Select the desired picture in the Gallery app you wish to use.
• If necessary, you can change which part of the picture you wish to crop.
• Tap Save button.
• The selected picture will be applied as background style.
• Tap Save button
8. Use a picture taken by the camera:
• Tap Add background style icon.
• Tap Take picture.
• Now, take a picture by tapping the camera icon.
• Tap Save button to save the picture.
• If necessary, you can change which part of the picture you wish to crop.
• Tap Save button.
• The selected picture will be applied as background style.
• Tap Save button.

By knowing how to change bubble and background style in the Messaging app, now you can customize and make it different by touching it with your personal taste.

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Reinstall Apps

Google Play Store is the official market for all Android phones, including with the Samsung Galaxy SIV. Here, you can find tons of apps and then download the one that suit your need, either it's free or paid apps. Unfortunately, in some cases, some of apps can cause your phone encountering error. If that happens, uninstalling app is one of the way to fix the problem.

See also: How to Uninstall Apps in the Samsung Galaxy S4

Even so, for some reason, you may want to reinstall uninstalled-apps that you've ever installed in your phone. If so, you can do so with ease through Google Play Store because this app has a list of all apps that you've ever downloaded before.

How to reinstall uninstalled-apps?
FYI, if you have multiple Google accounts, make sure to access Play Store with an account that you used to download the apps. Well, here are the steps:

1. Open Play Store app.
2. Swipe the screen from left to the right.
3. Tap My apps.
4. Tap All tab.
5. All your downloaded apps will be displayed here, while for uninstalled apps will be labelled with the Cross sign (x) at the top right corner of the application's name.
6. Tap the desired uninstalled app you wish to reinstall.
7. Tap Install button.
8. In the App permissions, tap Accept button.
9. The selected app will be installed shortly.

Indeed, you can search and install apps directly through the Play Store's main page, but sometimes we have difficulty to remember what the app name is. So, by using the steps mentioned above, now you can easily reinstall uninstalled-apps that you've ever downloaded before through the Google Play Store. Hope it helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Move Apps to SD Card or to Device Storage

Google Play Store is the official market for all Android phones, including with the Samsung Galaxy SIV. From here, you can find tons of apps--either a free or paid version--that you can install which one that suit your needs. To do so, first you need to have a Google account to access Google Play Store and other Google services. All apps from Google Play Store will be installed automatically to the internal storage.

See also: How to Install Free Apps from Google Play Store in the Samsung Galaxy S4

Lot of choices and limited space in the internal storage sometimes make a user facing with the low internal storage problem. Luckily, Samsung Galaxy S4 has an option to move movable downloaded apps to the SD card. It will certainly give you some benefits, you can install lot of apps without having worried the internal storage is run out and experiencing some problems are caused by low ROM.


How to move a downloaded app to the SD card?
FYI, all movable downloaded apps will be displayed under SD card tab in the application manager. To move them to the SD card, you can follow the steps listed below:

Method #1: From Settings menu

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap More tab.
3. Tap Application Manager.
4. Swipe the screen to the right until you see the SD card tab. All movable downloaded apps will be listed here.
5. Tap the desired app you wish to move to SD card.
6. Tap Move to SD card button.
7. The selected app will be moved to SD card.
8. Tap the Back key.
9. In the SD card tab, the selected app will be labelled with the checkmark icon as a sign that the app has been moved to the SD card.

Method #2: From App drawer

1. Go to Apps through Home screen.
2. Tap the Menu key then select Downloaded apps.
3. Tap and hold the desired app you wish to move to SD card and then drag it to the App info icon.
4. Tap Move to SD card button.
5. The selected app will be moved to SD card.
6. Tap the Back key.
7. Swipe the screen to the right until you see the SD card tab. The selected app will be labelled with the checkmark icon as a sign that the app has been moved to the SD card.

How to move back a downloaded app to the device storage?
If previously you have moved certain app to the SD card, and for any reason now you want to move it back to the device storage as it used to be, then you can do so by following the steps below:

Method #1: From Settings menu

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap More tab.
3. Tap Application Manager.
4. Swipe the screen to the right until you see the SD card tab. All moved to SD card apps will be displayed here and labelled with the checkmark icon.
5. Tap the desired app you wish to move back to device storage.
6. Tap Move to device storage button.
7. The selected app will be moved back to device storage.
8. Tap the Back key.
9. In the SD card tab, the checkmark icon in the selected app should be disappear as a sign that the app has been moved back to the device storage.

Method #2: From App drawer

1. Go to Apps through Home screen.
2. Tap the Menu key then select Downloaded apps.
3. Tap and hold the desired app you wish to move to device storage and then drag it to the App info icon.
4. Tap Move to device storage button.
5. The selected app will be moved back to device storage.
6. Tap the Back key.
7. Swipe the screen to the right until you see the SD card tab. Now the checkmark icon in the selected app should be disappear as a sign that the app has been moved back to the device storage.

Well, if you're like me, I prefer to move all movable downloaded apps to the SD card to keep my internal storage has enough free spaces to make the phone works properly. And, the best part of this is, until now all moved to SD card apps work well and I have never experienced any error while using them. So, how about you? Has this feature helped you?

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Set and Clear Default Applications

Though Samsung Galaxy SIV has equipped with some basic apps as the stock apps, you're allowed to install another third-party app per your needs, either from other sources or from the official market of the Android phone: Google Play Store.

See also: How to Install Free Apps from Google Play Store in the Samsung Galaxy S4

In some cases, even there are some users who install an app that has the same function with one of stock app. As the example, Samsung Galaxy SIV has the stock Browser app, but for certain purpose you may need to install another third-party browser app (eg: Firefox browser app or Chrome browser app). Given these apps have the same function, you may will be asked to choose which browser app you wish to use as default when you open a URL link from another apps. When an app has chosen as default app, next time this app will be launched by default when you perform the same action or activity.

How to set an app as default?
To make it easier, we'll use Browser app as the example. Here are the steps to set one of installed browser app as default:

1. Open a URL link from another app, for instance: open a URL link from email message.
2. You will be presented with the Complete action using menu contains with all of Browser apps available in your phone.
3. Tap the desired Browser app you wish to set as default(as the example: select the stock Internet browser app) and then tap Always button.
4. Tap OK button to confirm.
5. The selected app will be opened by default each time you open a URL link from another apps.

How to clear default in certain app?
There are 3 methods available that you can use to clear default app. Here they are:

Method #1: From Task manager
This is my favourite one because this method will allow me to clear default for some apps easier and faster:

1. Long tap Home button.
2. Tap Task manager icon.
3. Tap Clear defaults tab. All default apps will be listed here.
4. Tap Clear button next to the desired default app(in this case, tap Internet) you wish to clear.
5. The default app will be cleared shortly.

Method #2: From Settings menu
It's the classic method usually used by the user to clear default app:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap More tab.
3. Tap Application manager.
4. Swipe the screen to the right until you see the All tab.
5. Scroll down to find the desired default app(in this case, tap Internet) you wish to clear, then tap the row.
6. In the App info screen, under Launch by default section, tap Clear defaults button.
7. The default app will be cleared shortly.

Methods #3: From App drawer
This method is the same with the method #2, but performed through the apps menu.

1. Go to Apps through Home screen.
2. Find the default app(in this case, tap Internet) you wish to clear.
3. Tap and hold the app and then drag it to the App info icon located at the top of the screen.
4. In the App info screen, under Launch by default section, tap Clear defaults button.
5. The default app will be cleared shortly.

FYI, all the steps mentioned above are applicable for another apps, for instance to set or clear default app for some Messaging apps or for some File manager apps, etc. Well, by knowing how to set default app, now you can choose an app as default app for particular action or activity. And, you can also clear the default app with ease when you accidentally set an incorrect app as the default and want to replace it with the correct one. Hope it helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Disable or Enable Apps

One of causes an error occurs in the Samsung Galaxy SIV is an installed third-party app in the phone. No wonder if most of users use this reason to uninstall particular third-party app in their phones to fix the problem. In addition, uninstalling some unused apps also will help you to keep your phone clean and neat as well as to free up some spaces in your phone. One thing that you should remember that you're only allowed to uninstall third-party apps, not with the stock apps.

See also: How to Uninstall Apps in the Samsung Galaxy S4

Well, given the stock apps can't be uninstalled, then you can disable one or more of them when you don't want to use them. But, make sure that you only disable the user apps, not the system apps because it will be able to make another stock app that connected to the disabled app not works properly and will make your phone experiences some errors.

How to disable a stock app?
I noticed that some of stock apps have a grayed out Disable button which mean they can't be disabled. Anyway, if you wish to disable allowed-to-be-disabled stock app, you can do so by following the steps listed below:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap More tab.
3. Tap Application manager.
4. Swipe the screen to the right until you see the All tab. All installed apps will be displayed here, either the stock apps or the third-party apps.
5. Tap the desired a stock app you wish to disable.
6. Tap Disable button.
7. If you ever update the selected app, you will be presented with the notification to confirm you to replace the app with the factory version(uninstall updates). Tap OK button to uninstall updates and continue to disable app, and then tap Disable button again.
8. Tap OK button to confirm.
9. The selected app will be disabled. It will remove the app from Home screen and app drawer.

How to enable a disabled stock app?
Aside to enable a stock app that you have disabled before, you can also use this step to find a missing stock app after did update to Android 4.3. Here are the steps to do so:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap More tab.
3. Tap Application manager.
4. Swipe the screen to the right until you see the Disabled tab. All your disabled apps will be displayed here.
5. Tap the desired disabled app you wish to enable.
6. Tap Enable button.
7. The selected app will be enabled. It will bring back the app to the app drawer.

From my own experience, I never disable stock app in my phone because I love to use them and will keep them alive. But, I ever enable some disabled apps after did update to the Android 4.3 which has had disable them for no reason. Well, hope it helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Uninstall Apps

Though Samsung Galaxy SIV has provided some basic apps as the stock apps, you're allowed to install third-party apps from other sources or from the official Android market, Google Play Store. This of course will benefit you because you can install another app that you need into your phone.

See also: How to Install Free Apps from Google Play Store in the Samsung Galaxy S4

Aside from the easiness to install apps, in this phone you're also allowed to uninstall installed apps. There are some reasons why you should uninstall apps, for instance when the app has triggered some problem in your phone or when you no longer want to use certain app so you want to uninstall it to tidy up your phone as well as to free up some spaces, etc.


How to uninstall app with 4 easy ways?
FYI, these methods are only applied for downloaded apps, or in other words you can't use these methods to uninstall the stock apps. Well, generally there are 4 methods available to uninstall app. Here they are:

Method #1: From App drawer use the App info icon
This is one of my favourite method that I often use to uninstall app because it allows me to clear cache and data of the selected apps.

1. Go to Apps from Home screen.
2. Long tap the desired app you wish to uninstall and then drag it to the App info icon located at the top of the screen.
3. Before uninstalling the app, better if you clear its cache and data by tapping the Clear cache button and the Clear data button.
4. Tap Uninstall button.
5. Tap OK button to confirm.
6. The selected app will be uninstalled shortly.

Method #2: From App drawer use the option in Menu key
This method allows you to uninstall some apps more easier directly from the app menu. Unfortunately, this method doesn't allow you to clear cache and data of the selected app.

1. Go to Apps from Home screen.
2. Tap the Menu key then select Uninstall.
3. All uninstallable apps will be labeled with the red minus circled icon.
4. Tap the desired app you wish to uninstall.
5. Tap OK button to confirm.
6. The selected app will be uninstalled shortly.

Method #3: From the Settings menu
This is my second favourite method to uninstall app. This method is the same with the method #1, but with more longer steps.

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap More tab.
3. Tap Application manager.
4. In the Downloaded tab, tap the desired app you wish to uninstall.
5. Before uninstalling the app, better if you clear its cache and data by tapping the Clear cache button and the Clear data button.
6. Tap Uninstall button.
7. Tap OK button to confirm.
8. The selected app will be uninstalled shortly.

Method #4: From Google Play Store
This method allows you to uninstall app while you're in the Google Play Store. I ever use this method when I installed incorrect app from Google Play Store. So before I forgot it, I had uninstalled this app while I'm still in the Google Play Store.

1. Open Play Store app.
2. Swipe the screen from the left to the right.
3. Tap My apps.
4. In the Installed tab, tap the desired app you wish to uninstall.
5. Tap Uninstall button.
6. Tap OK button to confirm.
7. The selected app will be uninstalled shortly.

Well. each method has their own advantage. So, by knowing all available methods to uninstall app, now you can uninstall the desired app by using a method that best suit your need. Well, hope it helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S4: 4 Methods to Send a Message

Given send a message is one of the most common method used by the users to communicate with others, no wonder if Samsung Galaxy SIV has provided the stock Messaging app to facilitate their user when they want to send a message. In this phone, you're also presented with some methods to send a message which you can choose the best one suit your need.


4 Methods to send a message
From what I've known, there are four methods available that you can use to send a message. You can see them below:

Method #1: Send a message from Messaging app
This is the basic method usually used by the user to send a message. You can compose a new message directly from the stock Messaging app.
See also: How to Create and Send SMS or MMS in the Samsung Galaxy S4

Method #2: Send a message from Call Log
Best use this method to send a message to a contact in the recent call or missed call. Here are the steps:

1. Open Phone app.
2. Tap Logs tab. All of your call histories will be displayed here.
3. Tap the desired contact you wish to send a message with.
4. Tap the Yellow closed-envelope icon to create new message to the selected contact.
5. Type your message in the Enter message field.
6. If necessary, you can also attach file into your message by tapping the Attachment button and then select a file type and select the desired file you wish to attach.
7. Tap Send button to send the message.

Method #3: Send a message from Contacts app
This method will facilitate you to send a message to a contact you've added to the Contacts app. Here are the steps:

1. Open Contacts app.
2. Tap the desired contact you wish to send a message with, or you can also search for certain contact by entering the contact's name or number in the Search field. All matching contacts will be displayed. Tap the desired contact to display the contact details.
3. Tap the Yellow closed-envelope icon to send message to the selected contact.
4. Type your message in the Enter message field.
5. If necessary, you can also attach file into your message by tapping the Attachment button and then select a file type and select the desired file you wish to attach.
6. Tap Send button to send the message.

Method #4: Send a message using easy text feature
This method will allow you to access the create new message screen by using a single gesture in any contact list(call log, Contact app, favourite contact). Here are the steps:

1. Open Contacts app or Call log or Favourite contact list where you can see the contact list.
2. Swipe the desired contact from right to the left.
3. You'll be automatically redirected to the create new message screen.
4. Type your message in the Enter message field.
5. If necessary, you can also attach file into your message by tapping the Attachment button and then select a file type and select the desired file you wish to attach.
6. Tap Send button to send the message.

Each method has their own advantage, so by knowing all available methods to send a message, now you can choose which one that best suit your need in order to help you to be able to send a message more faster and easier.

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Block Unwanted or Unknown Text Messages

I believe most of phone's users have been choosing a message as one of their favourite method to communicate with others. That's why no wonder if most of smartphones available today--including with the Samsung Galaxy SIV--have provided the stock Messaging app for their users, so the user will be more easier if they want to send or receive a message in their phone without having to install the app first.

See also: How to Create and Send SMS or MMS in the Samsung Galaxy S4

Aside from sending and receiving a message, the stock Messaging app also allows you to block text messages from certain contact matches with the criteria you've specified before, block text messages contain with certain phrase as well as block text messages from unknown senders. This of course will help you to keep your inbox clean from those unwanted or unknown text messages.

How to add or remove a contact in the spam number list?
If you wish to block or unblock text message from certain contact, you can do so by following the step below:

1. Open Messaging app.
2. Tap the Menu key then select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Spam message settings section.
4. Tick the box next to Spam settings to enable block text message feature.
5. Tap Add to spam numbers.
6. Tap Add button.
7. Tap Match criteria. Here you'll see four options available, they are:
• Exactly the same as: this option allows you to enter the full phone number you wish to block.
• Starts with: this option allows you to enter the beginning of the phone number you wish to block.
• Ends with: this option allows you to enter the end of the phone number you wish to block.
• Includes: this option allows you to enter a part of the phone number you wish to block.
8. Type the phone number in the Enter number field according to the match criteria you've just selected. Or, tap the Contact icon to pick up the desired contact you wish to block from Logs or Contacts app.
9. Tap Save button.
10. All phone numbers and criteria you have added will be listed below the Add button.
11. To unblock blocked phone number or criteria, long tap the desired phone number or criteria and then select Delete. This will remove the selected blocked number or criteria from the spam number list.

How to add or remove a phrases in the spam phrase list?
If you wish to block text messages contain certain phrase, you can do so by following the step below:

1. Open Messaging app.
2. Tap the Menu key then select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Spam message settings section.
4. Tick the box next to Spam settings to enable block text message feature.
5. Tap Add to spam phrases.
6. Tap Add button.
7. Enter a phrase you wish to block in the Enter text field. FYI, it's a case sensitive so it'll different if you type "Dear" with "dear".
8. Tap Save button followed by tapping OK button to confirm.
9. All blocked phrases will be listed below the Add button.
10. To unblock blocked phrase, long tap the desired phrase and then select Delete. This will remove the selected phrase from the spam phrase list.

How to block text message from unknown sender?
If you wish to block text message from contacts you haven't added to your Contacts app, you can do so by following the step below:

1. Open Messaging app.
2. Tap the Menu key then select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Spam message settings section.
4. Tick the box next to Spam settings to enable block text message feature.
5. Tick the box next to Block unknown senders.

How to see all blocked messages?
Below are the step to do so:

1. Open Messaging app.
2. Tap the Menu key then select Spam messages. All blocked messages will be displayed here.

FYI, you won't receive a notification or message tone when a blocked message is received. They will be redirected to the spam message folder so your inbox will stay clean and you won't lose any received message. But, if you wish to block text messages without log, I believe that there's should be an app available in the Google Play Store which has a feature to do so.

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Delete Old Messages Automatically

For those of you who often communicate with others using text or multimedia messages surely ever find your inbox is fully loaded and it brings you some difficulties to organize them. This situation often be the reason of the Samsung Galaxy SIV users to delete their old messages to tidy up their inbox as well as to free up some spaces in their phone. In the stock Messaging app, you're allowed to delete messages under particular thread or even deleting the threads itself.

See also: How to Delete Messages in the Samsung Galaxy S4

Aside from deleting messages manually, you can also set this app to automatically delete the old messages when they reach the limit you have specified before. This of course will be able to help you manage your messages and keep your inbox contains with the newest messages.

How to auto-delete old SMS or MMS?
Below are the steps to do so:

1. Open Messaging app.
2. Tap the Menu key then select Settings.
3. Check the box next to Delete old messages option to enable auto-delete old messages feature.
4. To set a limit for text message go to the step #5, while to set a limit for multimedia message go to the step #6.
5. Set a limit for SMS:
• Tap Text message limit.
• By default, the stock Messaging app limits the text message up to 200 messages per conversation. If you wish to adjust the limit to suit your need, you can do so by tapping the Up arrow icon to increase the limit or tap the Down arrow icon to decrease the limit.
• Tap OK button.
• Now, the Messaging app will delete old messages automatically if the messages in the particular thread reaches a specified limit. For instance, when you set text message limit to 250, then when a thread has more than 250 text messages, the old message will be deleted automatically or in other word a single thread only allowed contains 250 new text messages.
6. Set limit for MMS:
• Tap Multimedia message limit.
• By default, the stock Messaging app limits the multimedia message up to 20 messages per conversation. If you wish to adjust the limit to suit your need, you can do so by tapping the Up arrow icon to increase the limit or tap the Down arrow icon to decrease the limit.
• Tap OK button.
• Now, the Messaging app will delete old messages automatically if the multimedia messages in the particular thread reaches a specified limit. For instance, when you set multimedia message limit to 30, then when a thread has more than 30 multimedia messages, the old message will be deleted automatically or in other word a single thread only allowed contains 30 new multimedia messages.

As a note, if you often receive important messages, that will be better if you periodically backup your messages to avoid losing your important messages. Well, hope this helps :)

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to View, Reply and Forward Text Messages

The stock Messaging app is one of pre-installed app which has provided in the Samsung Galaxy SIV to facilitate their users to communicate with others by using text messages or multimedia messages. Despite of the flaws of this app, I personally prefer to use the stock Messaging app--and the other stock apps--because they usually ads-free and we can directly use them without having to install them first.

See also: How to Create and Send SMS or MMS in the Samsung Galaxy S4

Aside from sending messages, you can also receive text messages or multimedia messages by using Messaging app. You'll be informed if you have an incoming message with a new message icon (closed envelope icon) displayed in the status bar. Well, there are some options available when you have an incoming text message, such as read the message, reply the message to the original sender or forward the message to another contacts.

How to view a text message?
There are 2 ways that you can do to open your new incoming text message:

1. From the notification panel.
   Swipe the top of the screen to the bottom and then tap the notification of a new text message to open it.
2. From Messaging app.
• Open Messaging app.
• A new incoming text message from certain contact will be displayed at the top of the conversation list and labelled with number of new incoming messages.
• Tap the conversation to open it.
• The newest text message from the selected sender will be displayed at the bottom of the conversation.

How to reply a text message?
If you want to reply the message to the original sender, then you can do so by following the steps below:

1. Open Messaging app.
2. Tap the desired text message you wish to reply.
3. Enter your message in the Enter message field.
4. If necessary, you can attach file into your message by tapping the Attachment button, select file type and select the file you wish to attach.
5. Tap Send button to send your reply.

How to forward a text message?
To forward a text message to another contact, kindly follow the steps below:

1. Open Messaging app.
2. Tap the desired text message you wish to forward.
3. Long tap the desired bubble text message you wish to forward.
4. In the Message options menu select Forward.
5. Enter the contact's name or number in the Enter recipient field. All matching contacts will be show up, tap the desired one. Or, tap Contact icon to pick up the desired contact you wish to send a message with from Contact app.
6. If necessary, you can add your own message by typing it in the Enter message field.
7. If necessary, you can also attach files into your message by tapping the Attachment button, select file type and select the file you wish to attach.
8. Tap Send button to forward the message.

By knowing the available options when you have an incoming text message, now you can easily read the message then if necessary you can reply it or even forward it to the desired contact as your wish.

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Send, View and Customize Scheduled Messages

I believe that most of us are agree that sending messages uses the stock Messaging app is the favourite method commonly used by the Samsung Galaxy SIV users to communicate with others because they're able to use it directly without having to install it first. By using this app, you're allowed to send or receive text or multimedia messages.

See also: How to Create and Send SMS or MMS in the Samsung Galaxy S4

With this app, you're even allowed to schedule the message. If you like me, this feature has helped me a lot to send a "happy birthday" message to my friends right in the middle of the night when I was sleeping tight. I can create the message and then schedule it to be sent at certain date/time as I wish.

How to create and send a scheduled message?
Below are the steps to do so:

1. Open Messaging app.
2. Tap Create new message icon to compose new message.
3. Enter the contact's name or number in the Enter recipient field. All matching contacts will be show up, tap the desired one. Or, tap Contact icon to pick up the desired contact you wish to send a message with from Contacts app.
4. Type your message in the Enter message field.
5. If necessary, you can also attach files into your message by tapping the Attachment button , select a file type and then select the file you wish to attach.
6. Tap the Menu key then select Scheduling.
7. Tap the Date box and then tap the Up or Down arrow icon to adjust the date and then tap Set button.
8. Tap the Time box and then tap the Up or Down arrow icon to adjust the time and then tap Set button.
9. Tap Done button.
10. Tap Send scheduling message button.
11. The message will be labelled as scheduled message and will be sent at the date and time you have specified before.

How to view and customize a scheduled message?
Below are the steps to view all scheduled messages and see the available options to customize them:

1. To view all of your scheduled messages, while you're in the Messaging app, tap the Menu key then select Scheduled messages. All of your scheduled messages will be displayed here.
2. Long tap the desired scheduled message to bring up the options, such as:
• Send now: select this option to send the selected scheduled message right now.
• Cancel message: select this option to cancel and delete the selected scheduled message.
• Copy: select this option to copy scheduled message to the clipboard.
• Forward: select this option to forward the selected scheduled message.
• Lock: select this option to lock the selected scheduled message.
• Edit message: select this option to edit the selected scheduled message.
• View message details: select this option to see the details of a message, such as type, recipient number, and sent date/time.

By using scheduled message feature, now you can create a message and set the phone to send it to the certain contact at the specified date/time.

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Delete Messages

Samsung Galaxy SIV has provided some apps as pre-installed apps to meet the basic needs of their user. One of which is the stock Messaging app which you can use to send or receive messages, either text messages or multimedia messages.

See also: How to Create and Send SMS or MMS on Samsung Galaxy S4

While you're using the Messaging app, for any reason you may want to delete messages or threads, for instance to free up some space, to remove some old messages, etc. Luckily, you can do so with ease, either to remove messages under particular thread or even removing the thread itself.

How to delete text or multimedia messages in particular conversation or thread?
If you wish to delete individual message from certain contact, then you can do so by following the steps below:

1. Open Messaging app.
2. Tap the message thread from the contact you wish to delete.
3. To delete a single message go to the step #4, while to delete multiple or all messages go to the step #5.
4. Delete a single message:
• Long tap the message you wish to delete.
• In the Message options menu select Delete.
• Tap OK button to confirm.
• The selected message will be deleted.
5. Delete multiple or all messages:
• Tap the Trash can icon at the top of the screen. The checkbox will be appear in each the message.
• Tick the box next to the desired message you wish to delete, or tick the box next to Select all option to select all messages.
• Tap Delete button.
• Tap OK button to confirm.
• The selected messages will be deleted.

How to delete thread or conversation?
If you wish to delete message thread or conversation, then you can do so by following the steps below:

1. Open Messaging app.
2. To delete a single thread or conversation go to the step #3, while to delete multiple or all threads go to the step #4.
3. Delete a single thread:
• Long tap the desired thread or conversation you wish to delete.
• In the pop up menu select Delete.
• Tap OK button to confirm.
• The selected thread will be deleted.
4. Delete multiple or all threads:
• Tap the Menu key then select Delete threads. The checkbox will appear in each thread.
• Tick the box next to the desired thread or conversation you wish to delete, or tick the checkbox next to Select all option to select all threads.
• Tap Delete button.
• Tap OK to confirm.
• The selected threads will be deleted.

If you're like me, I often delete some messages or threads to clean up them as well as to free up some space in my phone. Well, I hope it'll help :)

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Change Message Tone with Three Easy Ways

I believe that send a message has been being one of the most favourite way to communicate with others for most of phone's user, including with the Samsung Galaxy SIV users. That's why, this phone has included the stock Messaging app as one of pre-installed app in order to facilitate their user when they want to send a message. With this app, you're allowed to send text message or multimedia message.

See also: How to Create and Send SMS or MMS in the Samsung Galaxy S4

Aside from sending messages, the stock Messaging app also allows you to receive incoming messages, either text or multimedia messages. To make you more easier to know that you have incoming message, you can change the message tone as your wish. In this phone, you're allowed to assign default message tone for all incoming messages as well as assigning different message tone for certain contact.


How to change message tone?
For the record, make sure your phone is not being in the silent mode. Well, generally, there are 3 methods available that you can use to change message tone as listed below.

Method #1: From the Settings menu
By default, Messaging app is using the value of the default notification sound as message tone. So, if you have not changed the settings in the Messaging app and assigned individual message tone in particular contact, then you can use the steps below to change the message tone for all incoming messages:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap My device tab.
3. Tap Sound.
4. Tap Default Notification sound.
5. Select the desired message tone from the list.
6. Tap OK button.
7. The default notification sound has changed.

Method #2: From the Messaging app
Use this method if you wish to use different message tone from the default notification sound for all incoming messages, but it'll not applied for the particular contact that have assigned for individual message tone. Well, below the steps to change the message tone from the Messaging app:

1. Open Messaging app.
2. Tap the Menu key and then select Settings.
3. Scroll down to find Notification settings section.
4. Tick the box next to Notifications to enable this option. Enable this option will make the phone play sound and show icon in status bar when you receive a new message.
5. Tap Select ringtone.
6. By default, the phone uses default ringtone which mean the Messaging app will use the ringtone you have assigned in the default notification sound as mentioned in method #1. If you wish to use different message tone, you can do so by selecting the desired message tone you wish to use from the list.
7. Tap OK button.
8. The Message tone has changed.

Method #3: From the Contacts app
Use this method if you wish to use different message tone for the particular contact. Below are the steps to assign message tone for particular contact:

1. Open Contacts.
2. Tap the desired contact you wish to change its message tone.
3. Tap Edit button.
4. Scroll down to find Message alert, and then tap it.
5. By default, the Contacts app uses default ringtone which means when you receive a new message from the contacts listed in the Contacts app, the phone will play sound you have assigned in the default notification sound as mentioned in method #1. If you wish to use different message tone for the selected contact, you can do so by selecting the desired message tone you wish to use from the list.
6. Tap OK button.
7. Tap Save button.
8. The different ringtone has assigned in the selected contact.

By knowing these steps, now you can assign the message tone for incoming messages from all contacts or from particular contact.

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Create and Send SMS or MMS

Making a call is the most common method used by the phone's user to communicate with others. That's why, no wonder if most of smartphone including with the Samsung Galaxy SIV has provided Phone app and Contacts app as pre-installed apps to facilitate their users when they want to make a call.

See also: How to Make a Call in Samsung Galaxy S4

Aside from making calls, sending messages is another common method that is widely used to communicate with others by using the phone. Luckily, Samsung Galaxy SIV has also provided the stock Messaging app to allow the user to send text messages or multimedia messages.

How to send a text message?
FYI, by default this app will convert long message into the multimedia message. Well, below are the steps to create and send SMS:

1. Open Messaging app.
2. Tap Create new message icon to create new text message.
3. Enter the contact's name or number in the Enter recipient field. All matching contacts will be show up, tap the desired one. Or, tap Contact icon to pick up the desired contact you wish to send a message with from Contacts app.
4. Type your message in the Enter message field.
5. Tap Send button to send your message.

How to send multimedia message?
Multimedia message or commonly called as MMS will allow you to attach non-text file into your message. You need to turn on mobile data on your phone to make it works. Well, here are the steps to create and send MMS:

1. Open Messaging app.
2. If necessary, tap the Menu key then select Settings. Make sure you have turned on Auto-retrieve option under Multimedia message (MMS) settings section.
3. Tap the Back key.
4. Tap Create new message icon to create new text message.
5. Enter the contact's name or number in the Enter recipient field. All matching contacts will be show up, tap the desired one. Or, tap Contact icon to pick up the desired contact you wish to send a message with from Contacts app.
6. Type your message in the Enter message field.
7. Tap Attachment buttonto attach file into your message. There are some options available, such as:
• S Memo: choose this option to attach memo.
• Image: choose this option to attach picture.
• Take picture: choose this option to take a picture by using Camera app and then attach the result into your message.
• Video: choose this option to attach video file.
• Record video: choose this option to record a video by using Camera app and then attach the result into your message.
• Audio: choose this option to attach sound file.
• Record audio: choose this option to record audio using Voice recorder app and then attach the result into your message.
• S Planner: choose this option to attach S Planner event as .vcs file into the message.
• Location: choose this option to attach your location.
• Contacts: choose this option to pickup contact from Contacts app and then attach it into the message.
8. Tap the desired file type you wish to attach and then select the file.
9. The selected file will be attached to the message.
10. Tap Send button to send your message.

For the record, given the settings of MMS is different between each provider, make sure you have entered the settings correctly. You can call your provider to ask them the right configuration.