Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Check Android Version

Samsung Galaxy S5 runs with Android 4.4 Kitkat by default. But, you're allowed to update the software in your phone to the latest Android version, Android 5.0 Lollipop so that you can enjoy some enhancements brought by this Android version, e.g: new features, improved functionality, etc.

How to check Android version?
If you have updated the software in your phone via over the air or other methods, you can check the Android version to make sure that the software in your phone has been updated to the latest one by using the following steps:

1. On any screen, swipe down the top of the screen to open up the notification panel and then tap at the top right to go to the settings menu.
2. With the settings menu is displayed in grid view, scroll down to the System section and then tap About device .
3. See the value of the Android version option. If the value of this option is 5.0, it means that you have updated the software in your phone to the latest Android version, Android 5.0 Lollipop.

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Update Device Software to Android 5.0 Lollipop

There are some ways available that can be done to update software in your Samsung Galaxy S4 to the latest Android version, Android 5.0 Lollipop, one of which is by updating software via over the air(OTA). First, you have to download the update into your phone. It's recommended for you to use a Wi-Fi connection to download the update because if you use a mobile data connection, it may result in additional charges. Once done, you can install the update and then enjoy the new Android 5.0 Lollipop in your phone.

How to update firmware in Samsung Galaxy S4 to Android 5.0 Lollipop via over the air ?
Assuming that you have connected to a Wi-Fi network, you can update the software in your phone by using the following steps:

1. On any screen, swipe down the top of the screen to open up the notification panel and then tap at the top right to go to the settings menu.
2. Tap More tab.
3. Scroll the screen to the very bottom and then tap About device.
4. Tap Software update.
5. Tap Update. Your phone will check for the latest update. If it's available, your phone will automatically download the update. FYI, you can still use your phone while downloading the update.
6. Once the download process is completed, a window will appear to tell you some information about the update. Tap Install button to install the update.
7. You'll be asked to reboot your phone. Tap OK button to reboot the phone.
8. Next, your phone will begin to install the update. Wait until it's completed.
9. When the installation is completed, the phone will reboot again and then continue to optimizing apps in your phone. Wait until it's completed.
10. Done. You have successfully updated firmware in your Samsung Galaxy S4 to Android 5.0 Lollipop and you're now ready to use your phone.

Samsung Galaxy S5: How to See Hidden Android 5.0.1 Lollipop Easter Egg Animation

If you have updated your Samsung Galaxy S5 to Android 5.0 Lollipop, you can see the hidden Easter egg animation of this latest Android version in your phone. If you have ever heard or played an inexplicably popular game named Flappy Bird, then you can find and play the similar game in this animation. The differences are the bird will be replaced with an Android guy and the pipes will be replaced with the lollipops.

How to see hidden Android 5.0.1 Lollipop Easter egg animations?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. On any screen, swipe down the top of the screen to open up the notification panel and then tap at the top right to go to the settings menu.
2. With the settings menu is displayed in grid view, scroll down to the System section and then tap About device .
3. Tap Android version rapidly for 5 times or so. A coloured circle will be displayed at the middle of the screen.
4. Tap the coloured circle and you'll see a big lollipop with the word "lollipop" inside it.
5. Single tap the lollipop to change its colour.
6. Long tap the lollipop and you'll be brought to a screen where you can begin the Flappy Android guy game.
7. Tap anywhere on the screen to begin the game. An Android guy will appear on the screen.
8. If needed, tap the screen to flap the Android guy and try to pass the lollipop pipes.
9. If you're managed to pass the lollipop pipe, the counter at the top left of the screen will count your score.
10. If you're failed to pass the lollipop pipe, the game will end.
11. Tap the screen to play the game again.

Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Set this Phone to Only Download Software Updates via Wi-Fi

One of the way that can be taken if you want to update software in your Samsung Galaxy S5 to the latest one is by updating firmware via over the air (OTA). When the latest update is available, you have to download the update into your phone first before installing it. It's recommended for you to download the update via Wi-Fi connection because the file size is quite large. Download the update via a mobile network connection may result in additional charges, moreover if you're on a limited data plan. Fortunately, you can set your phone to only download the update via Wi-Fi so that it won't consume any of your data.

How to set your Samsung Galaxy S5 only downloads software updates via Wi-Fi?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. On any screen, swipe down the top of the screen to open up the notification panel and then tap at the top right to go to the settings menu.
2. With the settings menu is displayed in grid view, scroll down to the System section and then tap About device .
3. Tap Software updates.
4. Check the box next to Wi-Fi only to enable this option. This will set your phone to only download software updates when connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Update Device Software to Android 5.0 Lollipop via Over the Air

You can easily update firmware in your Samsung Galaxy S5 to Android 5.0 Lollipop via over the air (OTA). However, since downloading software via a mobile network may result in additional charges, it's recommended for you to use a Wi-Fi connection when downloading software. You have to remember that this update requires at least 3GB of free space in your phone and also make sure that your battery is fully charged or at least 70% so that your phone won't turn off while downloading or updating software.

How to update firmware to Android 5.0 Lollipop via over the air?
Assuming that you have connected your phone to a Wi-Fi network, you can update firmware in your phone to Android 5.0 Lollipop by using the following steps:

1. On any screen, swipe down the top of the screen to open up the notification panel and then tap  at the top right to go to the settings menu.
2. With the settings menu is displayed in grid view, scroll down to the System section and then tap About device .
3. Tap Software update.
4. Tap Update now.
5. A pop up window appears to give you some information about the software update. Tap OK button to continue.
6. Your phone will check for the latest update. If it's available, your phone will download the software. It may take several minutes to download the software, depending on how fast your Wi-Fi connection is. FYI, you still can use your phone while downloading.
7. Once the download process is completed, a pop up window appears to ask you to install the software. Tap Install button to install the software right now.
8. Tap OK button to reboot the phone.
9. Your phone will begin to install the software. Wait until it's completed.
10. When the installation process is completed, your device will reboot again and then continue to optimizing apps in your phone. Wait until it's completed.
11. Done. You have successfully update firmware on your phone to Android 5.0 Lollipop and you're now ready to use your phone.

Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Change Signature in Gmail App in Android 4.4.2 Kitkat

Gmail for Android app lets you append a signature text to every email message you send from your phone. By doing so, the information you have entered as the signature will be inserted automatically at the bottom of every outgoing email message.

How to change signature of an account in Gmail app?
As a note, if you have added multiple accounts in your Gmail app, you can create a unique signature for each account by using the following steps:

1. Open Gmail app. I use Gmail for Android version 5.1.90765967.
2. Tap at the top left corner of the screen to open up the Gmail app menus.
3. Scroll down the menus and then tap Settings.
4. Tap the required account you want to change its signature.
5. Tap Signature.
6. Now, you can enter your own signature here. As the example, you can create your own signature by including your name, phone number or other information you want to include in your signature.
7. Tap OK button.
8. The signature of the selected account has been changed.

Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Insert or Remove a Micro SIM Card

For some reason, you may need to insert or remove a SIM card in your Samsung Galaxy S5, for instance: when you buy a new or used Samsung Galaxy S5 and need to insert a micro SIM card into it so that you can use your phone to make calls or send text messages, when you want to change your SIM card so that you need to remove the current one from your phone, etc. In this phone, the SIM card slot is located at the top side of the battery socket, under the micro SD card slot. As a note, since the provided slot is designed to hold a micro SD card, if yours is a regular or mini SIM card then you have to trim it first before insert it into your phone. You can either trim your SIM card by yourself or ask help from your carrier's store.

How to insert a micro SIM card?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Lift the back cover with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the top side of the Power button. Make sure to do it gently so that you won't damage your fingernail or the back cover.
3. Pull out the battery from its place with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the bottom side of the battery socket.
4. If you have inserted a microSD card into your phone, it'll be easier if you remove this card first before inserting your micro SIM card. You can do so by pressing the microSD card with your finger and then pull it out from the slot.
5. Insert the micro SIM card into its slot (it's located under the micro SD card slot). Make sure the gold contacts in the card facing downwards and the angled corner of the card is positioned correctly.
6. Push the micro SIM card into the slot.
7. If you wish to re-insert your microSD card, now you can re-insert the micro SD card into its slot.
8. Insert the battery by placing the gold contact in the battery to the contact in the battery socket and then push the battery to its place.
9. Replace the back cover.
10. Now, you're ready to turn on the phone.

How to remove a micro SIM card?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Lift the back cover with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the top side of the Power button. Make sure to do it gently so that you won't damage your fingernail or the back cover.
3. Pull out the battery from its place with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the bottom side of the battery socket.
4. If you have inserted a microSD card into your phone, you have to remove it first by pressing the microSD card with your finger and then pull it out from its slot.
5. Now, you can remove your micro SIM card by pressing the micro SIM card with your finger and then pull it out from its slot.
6. If you wish to change the current micro SIM card with the new/another one, you can insert the micro SIM card to the slot now.
7. If you wish to re-insert your micro SD card, now you can re-insert the micro SD card to its slot.
8. Insert the battery by placing the gold contact in the battery to the contact in the battery socket and then push the battery to its place.
9. Replace the back cover.
10. Now, you're ready to turn on the phone.

Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Insert or Remove a Micro SD card

Samsung Galaxy S5 allows you to extend your storage by providing you an external card slot that can be used to place a microSD card of up to 128GB capacity. It's quite useful since you can use your microSD card to keep the internal storage has free space enough(e.g: by moving app to microSD card, by setting this card as the default storage in some apps, etc.) so that your phone can work properly and doesn't encounter any issue caused by low internal storage.

How to insert a microSD card?
If you want to extend your storage by inserting the microSD card into your phone, you can do so by using the following steps:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Lift the back cover with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the top side of the Power button. Make sure to do it gently so that you won't damage your fingernail or the back cover.
3. Pull out the battery from its place with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the bottom side of the battery socket.
4. Insert the microSD card with the gold contacts in the card facing downwards to the microSD card slot. As a note, since the microSD card slot is located above the SIM card slot, make sure you insert the microSD card into the correct slot. If the card happens to be inserted in the SIM card slot, take your Samsung Galaxy S5 to a Samsung service center to remove the microSD card.
5. Push the microSD card into the slot.
6. Insert the battery by placing the gold contact in the battery to the contact in the battery socket and then push the battery to its place.
7. Replace the back cover.
8. Now, you're ready to turn on the phone.

How to remove a microSD card?
For any reason, if you want to remove the microSD card from your phone, you can do so by using the following steps:

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Lift the back cover with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the top side of the Power button. Make sure to do it gently so that you won't damage your fingernail or the back cover.
3. Pull out the battery from its place with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the bottom side of the battery socket.
4. Press the microSD card with your finger and then pull it out.
5. If you wish to change the current microSD card with the new/another one, you can insert the microSD card to the slot now.
6. Insert the battery by placing the gold contact in the battery to the contact in the battery socket and then push the battery to its place.
7. Replace the back cover.
8. Now, you're ready to turn on the phone.

Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Remove or Insert the Battery

A rechargeable 2800mAh lithium-ion battery inside Samsung Galaxy S5 is stated to be able to provide the user a charge of 2800mAh up to 390 hours of standby (3G) and 21 hours of talk time (3G) without recharge. Moreover, this phone has been also equipped with some features that will let you use your phone more longer without recharge the battery, e.g: ultra power saving mode. However, there are some conditions when you'll probably need to remove or insert the battery in your phone, e.g: when you need to replace the current battery with the new one, when your phone freezes or doesn't respond to anything so that you need to pull the battery out to force shut down your phone, etc. Luckily, the battery in this phone is a removable battery so that you can easily remove or insert it by yourself in case it's needed.

How to remove the battery?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Lift the back cover with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the top side of the Power button. Make sure to do it gently so that you won't damage your fingernail or the back cover.
3. Pull out the battery from its place with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the bottom side of the battery socket.
4. Now, you can completely remove the battery.

How to insert the battery?
Assuming that the back cover is still open, you can insert the battery into your phone by using the following steps:

1. Place the gold contact in the battery to the contact in the battery socket and then push the battery to its place.
2. Replace the back cover.
3. Now, you're ready to turn on the phone.

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Insert or Remove a Micro SD Card

Low internal storage can throw your phone into some troubles, for instance: error when read or save files, apps can't work properly, etc. Thus, it's important for the user to keep the internal storage has enough free space. One thing that can be done to prevent low internal storage is by placing a SD card in your phone to extend your storage. In Samsung Galaxy S4, you're allowed to place up to 64 GB of a micro SD card. Once the SD card is inserted, you can free up your internal storage by setting the SD card as the default storage for Camera app and other apps, moving apps to the SD card, etc.

How to insert a microSD card?
You can insert a microSD card into your phone to extend your storage by using the following steps:

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Lift the back cover with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the top side of the Power button. Make sure to do it gently so that you won't damage your fingernail or the back cover.
3. Insert the SD card to the slot (it's located at the top of the battery socket, next to the SIM card slot). Make sure the gold contacts in the card facing downwards.
4. Push the SD card into the slot until it engages in the place.
5. Replace the back cover.
6. Now, you're ready to turn on the phone.

How to remove a microSD card?
For any reason, if you want to remove the SD card from your phone, you can do so by using the following steps:

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Lift the back cover with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the top side of the Power button. Make sure to do it gently so that you won't damage your fingernail or the back cover.
3. Push the SD card until it disengages from the slot and then pull it out.
4. Replace the back cover.
5. Now, you're ready to turn on the phone.

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Insert or Remove a SIM Card

There are some conditions when you'll probably need to insert or remove a SIM/USIM card in your Samsung Galaxy S4, for instance: when you buy a new or used Samsung Galaxy S4 and need to insert a SIM card into it, when you want to replace your current SIM card with the new one, etc. The SIM card slot is located at the back side of the phone, above the battery socket. FYI, since the SIM card slot in this phone is designed to hold a micro SIM card, if yours is a regular/mini SIM card then you have to trim it before insert it into your phone. You can ask your carrier's store to trim your SIM card or you can do it by yourself.

How to insert a SIM card?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Lift the back cover with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the top side of the Power button. Make sure to do it gently so that you won't damage your fingernail or the back cover.
3. Pull out the battery from its place with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the bottom side of the battery socket.
4. Insert the SIM card to the slot. Make sure the gold contacts in the card facing downwards and the angled corner of the card is positioned correctly.
5. Push the SIM card into the slot until it engages in the place.
6. Insert the battery by placing the gold contact in the battery to the contact in the battery socket and then push the battery to its place.
7. Replace the back cover.
8. Now, you're ready to turn on the phone.

How to remove a SIM card?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Lift the back cover with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the top side of the Power button. Make sure to do it gently so that you won't damage your fingernail or the back cover.
3. Pull out the battery from its place with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the bottom side of the battery socket.
4. Push the SIM card until it disengages from the slot and then pull it out.
5. If you wish to change the current SIM card with the new one, you can insert the new SIM card to the slot now.
6. Insert the battery by placing the gold contact in the battery to the contact in the battery socket and then push the battery to its place.
7. Replace the back cover.
8. Now, you're ready to turn on the phone.

Samsung Galaxy S4: How to Remove or Insert the Battery

Based on its specifications, Samsung Galaxy S4 comes with rechargeable 2600mAh lithium-ion battery that can provide the user a charge of 2600mAh up to 370 hours of standby (3G) and 17 hours of talk time (3G) without recharge. Since it's a removable battery, if needed, you can easily remove or insert the battery by yourself, for instance: when the current battery is broken and you need to replace it with the new one, when your phone freezes or doesn't respond to anything and you need to force shut down your phone, etc.

How to remove the battery?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Lift the back cover with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the top side of the Power button. Make sure to do it gently so that you won't damage your fingernail or the back cover.
3. Pull out the battery from its place with your thumb or finger using the small notch at the bottom side of the battery socket.
4. Now, you can completely remove the battery from its place.

How to insert the battery?
Assuming that the back cover is still open, you can insert the battery by using the following steps:

1. Place the gold contact in the battery to the contact in the battery socket and then push the battery to its place.
2. Replace the back cover.
3. Now, you're ready to turn on the phone.

Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Share Media Files Using Nearby Devices Feature in Android 4.4.2 Kitkat

Samsung Galaxy S5 has some features that will let you share files with others, one of which is the nearby devices feature. This feature lets you share your media files (photos, videos and music) with other nearby devices that are connected to the same Wi-Fi network so that they can access or download your media files.

How to share media files using the nearby devices feature?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. On any screen, swipe down the top of the screen to open up the notification panel and then tap at the top right to go to the settings menu.
2. With the settings menu is displayed in grid view, scroll down to the Connect and share section and then tap Nearby devices .
3. If Nearby devices is off, tap the ON/OFF switch to turn it on. You'll see this icon is displayed on the status bar as a sign that the nearby devices feature is enabled.
4. If needed, you can select which media files you want to share with by tapping Shared contents and then select Videos, Photos or Music and then tap OK button to save the changes.
5. Now, other nearby devices that are connected to the same Wi-Fi network can access or download media files that you have chosen to be shared. As the example, if the nearby device is a Samsung Galaxy S phone then your shared photos can be accessed from the Gallery app in that device.

Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Cancel a Scheduled Email Message Sending in the Stock Email App in Android 4.4.2 Kitkat

A couple weeks back, an insider sent me an email to ask the way to cancel the sending of a scheduled email message. FYI, a scheduled email message will be placed in the scheduled outbox folder before it'll be sent automatically at the scheduled time. So, depends on your reason, there are two actions that can be taken to cancel the sending of a scheduled email message. First, if it's because you're no longer want to send a scheduled email message then you can cancel its sending by deleting the email message. Second, if it's because you want to correct something wrong in a scheduled email message (e,g: you have accidentally set a wrong date) then you can cancel its sending by editing the email message to set a new date so that it'll be sent at the right time.

How to delete or edit a scheduled email message in the stock Email app?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. Open the stock Email app. If you have multiple email accounts, the Combined inbox folder will be opened by default.
2. Tap at the top left to open up the menus.
3. Tap Scheduled outbox folder to view all scheduled email messages. To delete a scheduled email message go to the step #4, while to edit a scheduled email message go to the step #5.
4. Deleting a scheduled email message:
• Check the box in the left side of a scheduled email message to select it.
• Tap at the bottom of the screen to delete the selected email message.
• The selected email message has been deleted.
5. Editing a scheduled email message:
• Tap a scheduled email message to open it.
• Tap at the top right to open up the additional options and then tap Edit.
• Now, you can edit your email message, for instance: you can set a new date if you have set a wrong date.
• Once done, tap to save your changes and send the email message. The email message will be placed in the Scheduled outbox folder and will be sent automatically at the scheduled time.

Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Use the Stock Calculator App in Android 4.4.2 Kitkat

Calculator app is one of pre-installed applications in Samsung Galaxy S5. You can use this app to perform simple or complex calculations since this app combines basic and scientific calculators. All calculations you have made with this app will be saved in the calculations history. You can see the history to review your earlier calculations, or, if needed, you can copy the required calculation history and then paste it to other apps.

How to use the stock Calculator app?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. Open the stock Calculator app.
2. If you hold the phone vertically, the basic calculation buttons will be displayed. You can use these buttons to perform basic mathematical operations, e.g: addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, etc.
3. If you hold the phone horizontally, the advanced mathematical/scientific buttons will be displayed. You can use these buttons to perform complex mathematical operations, e.g: percentages, Sinus, Cosinus, Tangus, square root, etc. FYI, if the screen rotation feature in your phone is off, you can enable the scientific calculator by tapping and then tap Scientific calculator.
4. Tap above the keypad to view the calculations history and hide the keypad. While viewing the history, you can do these things:
• Reviewing earlier calculations: swipe the screen up or down.
• Copying a calculation history: long tap the required calculation history and then tap Copy. Next, you can paste the copied calculation history to other apps.
• Deleting calculations history: tap the Clear history button.
5. Tap at the bottom of the screen to hide the calculations history and show the keypad.

Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Adjust the Flash Settings in the Stock Camera App in Android 4.4.2 Kitkat

Samsung Galaxy S5 is equipped with a built-in flash that is placed below the rear camera. You can use the flash as an artificial light when taking photos in some conditions, e.g: when the light levels are too low, when the subject is darker than the background, etc. By default, the flash in the stock Camera app is set to off. But, if needed, you can adjust the flash settings to fit your need.

How to adjust the flash settings in the stock Camera app?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. Open the stock Camera app. FYI, you can speed up the way you access the stock Camera app by enabling the camera shortcut in the lock screen.
2. Tap to open up the detailed settings menu.
3. Tap Flash to change the flash settings. There are three flash settings available:
• On: use this option if you want the camera fires the flash each time you capture a photo. When this option is selected, you'll see this icon in the preview screen.
• Off: use this option if you don't want the camera fires the flash when you capture a photo.
• Auto: use this option if you want the camera's sensor determines when the camera need to fire the flash based on the light levels in the scene. When this option is enabled, you'll see this icon in the preview screen.

Samsung Galaxy S5: How to Organize Quick Shortcuts in the Stock Camera App in Android 4.4.2 Kitkat

By default, the stock Camera app in Samsung Galaxy S5 places two quick shortcuts in the preview screen(HDR and selective focus) for fast and easy access. However, if needed, you can organize those quick shortcuts to fit with your need, for instance: add other items/features as quick shortcuts, remove unwanted/unused quick shortcuts or rearrange quick shortcut positions.

How to add an item/feature as a quick shortcut in the stock Camera app?
You're allowed to place up to three quick shortcuts in the preview screen in the stock Camera app. You can do so by using the following steps:

1. Open the stock Camera app.
2. Tap to open up the detailed settings menu.
3. Tap and hold the required item/feature (e.g: Effects, Burst shorts, Timer, etc) you want to set as a quick shortcut and then drag it to the quick shortcuts slot. FYI, if you hold the phone vertically, the slot is at the top of the screen, in the right side of the camera settings icon.
4. Release to place the selected item/feature in the slot.
5. The selected item/feature has been set as a quick shortcut.

How to remove an unwanted or unused quick shortcut in the stock Camera app?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. Open the stock Camera app.
2. Tap to open up the detailed settings menu.
3. To remove a quick shortcut from the slot, tap and hold the required quick shortcut and then drag it out from the quick shortcuts slot. FYI, if you hold the phone vertically, the slot is at the top of the screen, in the right side of the camera settings icon.
4. The selected quick shortcut has been removed from the slot.

How to rearrange quick shortcut positions in the stock Camera app?
You can do so by using the following steps:

1. Open the stock Camera app.
2. Tap to open up the detailed settings menu.
3. Tap and hold the required quick shortcut in the slot and then drag it to the required position. FYI, if you hold the phone vertically, the slot is at the top of the screen, in the right side of the camera settings icon.
4. Release to place the selected quick shortcut at the new position in the slot.