Quick Links
In 2022, Samsung launched its flagship Galaxy S22 range, comprising thesmaller S22, themarginally larger S22+, andmuch largerS22 Ultra- the last of which comes with a curved-edge screen and integrated S Pen stylus, unlike the other two models. For the full set of differences between the three, check out our feature, link below:
While all Galaxy S22 models arrived with Google’s Android 12 operating system, the range has since been updated with the latest Android 13 software, complete with Samsung’s One UI software on top, which brings a load of Samsung features that you might not find on most other Android phones.
There’s a lot to learn and many trinkets you can discover. Here’s an in-depth guide so you can have various queries answered and make the most out of your Galaxy S22 choice.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Taking inspiration from the retired Note series, the latest Samsung flagship boats a typically brilliant design and camera performance.
Samsung Galaxy S22 top tip:If you’re struggling to find things, swipe upward from the bottom of the screen to launch the app tray. Within this there’s a search bar up top, but it doesn’t just search through apps, it searches through an abundance of integrated system apps - from calendar to settings and more - so there will be a bunch of selectable options to quickly jump to what you’re searching for.
How to power off or restart the Samsung Galaxy S22:What appears to the power button on the right-hand side of any S22 handset (screen facing) actually defaults to launchingSamsung’s Bixby voice assistant. A quick press of the button just takes you to the lock screen. To power down you’ll need to press-and-hold this power button and the volume down key simultaneously (not a short press, as that’ll just take a screenshot), which will raise a software screen complete with ‘Power off’, ‘Restart’, and ‘Emergency mode’. From this screen you can also select ‘Side key settings’ to reconfigure a long press to bypass Bixby and bring up the power-off page instead.
Home screen tips
Turn on Android gesture navigation:Unlike almost any other Android phone, the S22 loads up with three softkeys for navigation. If you want to switch to Android’s gestures then swipe down from the top, open settings (that little cog to the top right) > display > navigation bar. Yes, it’s a strange place for it to feature. From here you have the option to change the buttons' order or select ‘Swipe gestures’ instead.
Customise the navigation buttons:If you’re sticking with on-screen navigation controls, you may customise the order. As per above, head into settings > display > navigation bar and you can change the the order of buttons from the default III []
Edit your home screen:A long press on the wallpaper on any home screen lets you edit the wallpaper and style, themes, widgets, and access additional settings. This area will also let you add screens (swipe to a fresh page and hit the giant + in a circle), or delete complete screens (hit the trash can icon up top, which will raise a prompt asking you to confirm the screen’s removal).
Use Android 13 Material You:Adding customisation options at a native Android 13 level, press and hold the home screen to open the options. Then tap on wallpaper and style. In this section - aside from changing the wallpapers from default ones, including animated ‘video’ options - you’ll see the option for colour palette (which automatically appears after selecting a new wallpaper too). This will let you customise the user interface colours based on your wallpaper - there’s also the option to apply that to icons, but it only applies to native Samsung apps or folder backgrounds.
Get more on your home screen:You can change the size of the screen grid on which your shortcuts and widgets sit, depending on how dense you want the home screen to be. Long press on the home screen, then select ‘Settings’ to the bottom right (alternatively swipe down from the top of the screen, select the settings cog, then ‘Home screen’). There are options for 4x5, 4x6, 5x5 or 5x6 which can be applied to the Home screen grid and App screen grid separately, while Folder grid offers either 3x4 or 4x4 for those apps held within folder arrangements.
Resize widgets:To access widgets long-press the home screen and select ‘Widgets’. You’ll need to place a widget on the home page or subsequent pages before you can make adjustments to them. Once any widget is placed, simply press and hold the widget itself, which will draw a border around it complete with four circular ‘pull points’. Drag these within the available parameters to change the size. Want to delete a widget? Press and hold it, a floating window will pop up offering information and a trash can with ‘Remove’ beneath it.
Customise the status bar:This is the information that sits at the top of the screen. Head into settings > notifications and you may select between ‘Brief’ and ‘Detailed’ view options. You can open ‘Included apps’ and add/remove which apps are permitted to display in notifications on an individual app basis too.
Change notification amount or switch off notifications:Within the notifications section (access as per above) you’re able to select ‘Advanced settings’ to present further options. From here you can limit to three notification icons, a number of notifications only, or you can choose to see none or all - the choice is yours.
Display battery as a percentage:Want to see more than just a visual representation of battery life? You can toggle a percentage counter, which appears to the side of the battery symbol in the status bar, by going to settings > notifications > advanced settings and hitting the ‘Show battery percentage’ toggle there.
Allow your home page to work in landscape:This option will allow the home screen and apps tray, settings, etcetera, to display in landscape orientation. It’s off by default, but you can turn it on in settings > home screen settings > select the ‘Rotate to landscape mode’ toggle. This is different to the ‘buttons’ shortcuts within the swipe-down notifications shade, where the ‘Portrait’/‘Auto rotate’ option will only allow certain apps to rotate between orientations, not settings and the like.
Create a folder:Simply drag one app on top of another on any home screen page and a folder is created. To remove an app from a folder, open the folder and long press an app and you’ll get a pop-up menu which lets you remove or uninstall it. To add more apps, either drag them into the folder or hit the ‘+’ button within the folder to add apps where you’re able to select multiples from your list.
Change a folder’s colour or name:Open a folder and enter the name you want at the top. If you don’t want a name, leave it blank and nothing will show. To change the folder background colour - and you’re able to do this individually per folder - tap the dot in the right-hand corner and select a new colour, including completely custom options.
Delete a folder:If you no longer want a folder, press and hold and then hit the trash can icon. The folder and the app shortcuts will vanish, but it doesn’t uninstall said apps, it just tidies things up on your request.
Close all apps:When you tap the recent apps button (the III soft-key or via a slow bottom-to-mid swipe up if you’re using gestures) you’ll get thumbnails of your recent app pages. You can swipe these away individually or hit the ‘Close all’ button beneath. Note, however, that swiping an app to close doesn’t prevent it from running in the background - see our battery settings information about how to control this.
Hide apps:Don’t want an app to show on your home screen or in search? You can hide it. Long press the home screen, open settings, select ‘Hide apps’ and select those you don’t wish to appear, before hitting ‘Done’. Caveat: search will still reveal the app’s settings access in some cases.
Connection options
How to set up eSIM:If eSIM is enabled on your device, you’ll be invited to set this up when you first set up the device. If want to do it after the initial setup, head into settings > connections > SIM card manager > add mobile plan.
How to use Samsung DeX:The desktop experience (DeX) is a standard feature on the Galaxy S22, allowing you to use your phone as a desktop computer either via a PC or with a TV or monitor. First, you’ll have to turn on DeX on the phone in settings > advanced features > Samsung DeX. Once you’ve toggled it on, you’ll either have toinstall the Samsung DeX app on your PCor you’ll have to connect the monitor to your phone via the USB-C connection on the bottom. It will also work through USB-C hubs.
Call and text on other devices:Using the Samsung account, you can allow calls and messages to come through on other Samsung devices, like a tablet, meaning you don’t have to change devices all the time when working. Head into settings > advanced features > call and text on other devices and turn it on. That will mean texts and calls to the number on your phone will be synced with your other Samsung devices.
Link to Windows:If you want to sync to a Windows PC to manage mobile notifications, view recent photos, make and receive calls via PC, access messaging/conversations, and sync mobile apps, you can do that. Head into settings > advanced features > Link to Windows and toggle it on. You’ll then be taken through the setup process.
Manage Android Auto on your Samsung device:Samsung phones will let you customise the Android Auto experience. Head into settings > advanced settings > Android Auto. Here you can customise the apps you are shown in Android Auto as well as change some other settings.
Managing your digital assistants
Samsung pushesBixbyas its default digital assistant. As the S22 is Android you getGoogle Assistanttoo. Install Amazon Alexa and that becomes an option too. Here are all the management options for those virtual assistants.
Access Google Assistant:A long press on virtual on-screen softkey will launch Google Assistant. If you’re using gestures then a 45-degree corner swipe will activate the same. This is synced with your Google account from sign-in, so works with anything you’ve already setup Google Assistant to do.
Turn on “Hey/Ok Google” hot word:The hot word to get Google to respond with just your voice is part of the Google app. You’re prompted to set it up when you sign in to a new phone, but if you want to do that later then search ‘Device assistance app’ from settings (found in settings > apps > choose default apps), hit the settings cog next to this, and you’ll be able to activate the hot word through Voice Match.
Disable Google Assistant/all assistants:If you don’t want Google Assistant on that home button shortcut, you can remove the ability to launch it. As above, head into settings > apps > choose default apps, select ‘Digital assistant app’ and tap ‘Device assistance app’. You can select ‘None’ to disable, or another option to change the default system.
Change your digital assistant:If you’d rather launch Alexa on the home button, install the Alexa app and then, as per the above tip, switch the default device assistance app to Alexa - or Bixby Voice if you’d rather. However, the Alexa hot word will not work.
Launch Bixby Voice:If you want to use Bixby, press and hold the side button and Bixby will launch. You’ll have to be logged in to a Samsung account using Bixby. You can also enable the “Hi Bixby” hot word.
Quick settings tips and tricks
Instantly access the quick settings and notifications pane from your home screen:Swipe down anywhere on the home screen and the notifications shade will slide down - meaning you don’t have to stretch up to the top of the page. Swipe down again and you’ll get quick settings buttons - really useful on the bigger Galaxy S22+ and S22 Ultra phones. You can deactivate this (as it’s on by default) but long pressing on the home screen, hitting the settings cog, then scrolling down to the ‘Swipe down for notification panel’ toggle.
Quick access to Google Home controls:If you have Google Home installed and setup, drop the quick settings menu and then tap ‘Device control’. Now tap the drop-down menu option that says ‘SmartThings’, and you should see ‘Home’ as an option. Select that and now you’ll see big onscreen widget controls for your Google Home connected devices.
Edit quick settings:To change the shortcuts you see when you swipe down the notifications, swipe down twice so you see the full grid of buttons, open the menu by tapping the three dots top right and select “edit buttons”. You’ll be shown the full list of options across pages. You can drag to reorder, or remove shortcuts you don’t need.Top tip:only the first six apps are shown in the compact view across the top (expanding to 18 once in quick settings fully), so you should make these the first settings shortcuts.
Instantly access device settings from quick settings:This is a standard Android tip, but great for accessing settings instantly. Press and hold the shortcut (for example Bluetooth) and you’ll instantly jump to the full settings menu. It’s really useful for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and power saving options.
Access connected devices in quick settings pane:By default you’ll find that device control and media output is shown in the quick settings pane. This means you can swipe down and tap through to access music you’re playing or speakers that you’re connected to, as well as control smart home devices as described above. If you don’t want this, you can turn it off by opening up the quick settings and tapping the menu top right. Then tap on ‘Quick panel layout’, ‘Device control and Media output buttons’ and choose your preferred option.
Quickly adjust the screen brightness:Samsung lets you access the brightness through the quick settings panel, just swipe it down and you’ll see the slider. If you want to adjust auto brightness, open the menu at the right-hand end of the slider and it will take you straight through to those settings, where you can turn it on or off.
Show all the apps on the home screen:This is a popular option for some. If you want to remove the apps tray, long press on the home screen and tap settings. Then select ‘Home screen layout’ and pick ‘Home screen only’.
Add or remove an apps tray button:By default there is no apps tray button, and you open the apps tray with a swipe. If you want the button back head into the home screen settings as above and select the ‘Show apps screen button on home screen’ toggle.
Swipe to show or hide the apps tray:As above, the Galaxy S22 lets you view the apps tray with a swipe up. The apps pages themselves then scroll left and right. If you want to return to the home page, you don’t need to press the home button, you’re able to just swipe up again and the apps tray vanishes.
Alphabetise or custom order your apps:In the apps tray, hit the triple dot menu in the Finder (search bar) to the top right, then select ‘Sort from the drop list. This will give you the option to have alphabetical order. Or select ‘Custom order’ and you can then drag your apps into the positions you want.
Create an apps tray folder:You can have a folder containing multiple apps whether you’re set to custom or alphabetical order in the apps tray. Just press and hold an app icon and drag it over another and a folder will be created within the apps tray. You can then edit the name and colour as you wish - just like you can on the home screens.
Let Finder give you app suggestions:When you tap on the Finder (search bar) at the top of the apps tray, you’ll immediately get suggestions based on recent apps you’ve used. If you don’t want this, select the triple dot menu where you may turn off various settings: suggested apps, search suggestions, suggested settings, Downloads & Screenshots, search history, and hidden apps.
Uninstall apps:You can uninstall directly from an app icon. Just long press on the app and a pop-up menu will give you the option to uninstall. If it’s a core app (which you can’t uninstall) the same option will let you disable an app.
Add apps to your home screen:Press and hold on the app shortcut in the apps tray. You can select ‘add to home’ from the pop-up menu that appears.
Stop adding new app icons to home screen:Head into the home screen settings (long press on the wallpaper, hit the settings cog) and you’ll find the ‘Add new apps to home screen’ toggle. It’s off by default, but if you want every new install to appear on your home screens then this will enable that.
Change the default app:Android lets you decide which is the default app if you have more than one that will do the same thing. Go to settings > apps > Default apps. There are options for browser, caller ID/spam, assistant, Home, Phone, SMS and links.
Control app permissions:Android lets you manage all the permissions for each app on an individual basis. Go to settings > apps and select the app you want, then hit Permissions. This will let you toggle permissions on and off, so you’re able to disable location or contacts access, for example. Doing so may cause an app to have limited functionality or continually prompt you for permission, though, so keep this in mind.
Assign permissions for little-used apps: As per above, individual apps will lose their permissions if not used for an extended period of time - designed to free up space. If you know there’s a certain app that you might only use twice a year, go to settings > apps, select that app and hit Permissions, then hit the toggle for ‘Remove permissions and free up space’.
Lock screen and always-on display
The lock screen is what you’ll see when your phone is locked. It’s really divided into two parts: one when the screen is off - where “always-on display” can give you some information - or the proper lock screen where the screen is fully on, but you can’t access the device.
Turn on always-on display:To have the screen show you always-on information, head into settings > lock screen, and ensure ‘Always On Display’ is toggled on - which it is by default. Hitting this setting allows you to set a schedule, show for new notifications, or show always. Just remember that it consumes battery, so going overboard to have your device light-up for every instance will diminish longevity.
Change the always-on clock style:There are a range of different clock types for the S22’s always-on display. Head into settings > lock screen > always on display > clock style. You can select the clock type, add an ‘Image clock’, and also change the colours.
Add widgets to your lock screen or always-on display:Samsung will allow widgets on your lock screen or always-on display. You’ll probably have a music controller there by default, but if you don’t, head into settings > lock screen > widgets. Here you find all the options to turn on and off, including Bixby Routines, Voice Recorder, weather, alarms and more.
Change the brightness of the always-on display:This is linked to auto brightness on your phone, however you can manually override this. Head into settings > lock screen > always-on display. Within this menu you’ll see ‘Auto brightness. Turn this off and you can set the brightness yourself, specifically for the always-on display. You can also change the brightness manually by tapping on the always-on display once it is showing.
Change lock screen shortcuts:You can have two shortcuts on the lock screen for quick access (only the lock screen, not the always-on display). These are phone and camera by default but can be any app you like. Head into settings > lock screen > shortcuts. Here you can select the left and right shortcuts, or turn them off completely via the toggle.
Disable/enable lock screen notifications:If you don’t want notifications on your lock screen, head to settings > lock screen > notifications. This allows you to show icon-only notifications, full details, hide content, and select if notifications also show on the always-on display too. It’s even possible to adjust the transparency of the notification background/text using a slider.
Show a roaming clock on the lock screen:If you’re traveling and the local time is showing, but you want to see your at-home time too, head into settings > lock screen > roaming clock. You can also choose where your home timezone is set and adjust this as you choose.
Security and unlocking
Top security tip:Biometrics aren’t foolproof, because when they fail your device reverts to PIN or password to unlock. Therefore, your device is only as secure as the password or PIN you use, as anyone trying to break into your phone can always opt to head straight to these unlock methods.
Enable fingerprint or face security:To use your fingerprint or face to unlock, head into settings > biometrics and security. Here you may register your face or fingerprint (or multiple prints). You’ll have to set a backup PIN or password at the same time to provide additional security.Top tip:if using fingerprint, then register fingers on each hand, so you can unlock however you are holding your phone.
Instant lock:When you press the standby button, you want your phone to lock instantly. Head into settings > lock screen > secure lock settings. There’s the option to lock the device as soon as the screen goes to sleep or when you press the standby button. If you do want a delay, there are plenty of time options.
Automatically wipe your device (after numerous failed logins):Not a setting we would suggest many use, but you’re able to get the phone to factory reset, including deleting all of your apps and data, after 15 failed attempts to unlock the device. This is located in the same Secure lock settings as per the above tip.
Smart Lock/Bluetooth unlock:Again in settings > lock screen > there’s the Smart Lock section. This is a standard Android feature, and you have the option to nominate trusted devices, so your Android device will unlock when connected to something else - you can nominate Bluetooth devices, such as your smartwatch or car. There’s also ‘Trusted places’ where location basis will keep the device unlocked. There’s also ‘On-body detection’ so that your device remains unlocked when it’s on your person.
Lock network and security functions:This option will mean that your network settings cannot be changed while your phone is locked. This makes it easier to locate your phone if it’s stolen. However, it also means you have to unlock your phone to engage flight mode. Head into settings > lock screen > secure lock settings to find the option to turn it on or off.
Keep your private files and apps in the Secure Folder:If you’re worried about people accessing your phone and finding things they shouldn’t, you can use the Secure Folder. This sets up another layer of security, you can then add files, pictures and apps that you want to keep hidden - that might be anything from personal photos to business documents. You can also add second versions of apps you want secure and private. It’s in settings > biometrics and security > secure folder.
Display tips
All Galaxy S22 devices has adaptive refresh rate screens, but you may adjust these settings too.
Access 120Hz mode:There are two display modes - Adaptive or Standard. The standard mode sticks to 60Hz, the adaptive smoothness will select the appropriate refresh rate from 10-120Hz. Faster refresh means smoother fast-moving visuals but can use more battery. The advantage of adaptive is that it will manage that battery demand for you. You can find the options in settings > display > motion smoothness.
Change the display resolution:The Galaxy S22 Ultra has the option to change the resolution between three options: WQHD+ (3088 x 1440), FHD+ (2316 x 1080), HD+ (1544 x 720). Head into settings > display > screen resolution and you’ll find these options. There’s no smart resolution adjustment like some devices offer elsewhere. Resolution options for the base S22 and S22+ differ of course.
Engage dark mode:Open the settings menu and select display. It’s the first thing you’ll see at the top of the page at ‘Light’ and ‘Dark’ complete with illustrations. You can schedule dark mode by selecting the ‘Dark mode settings’ below these visual illustrations.
Change the display colours:Head into settings > display > screen mode. Here you’ll get the option to change the way the display looks, from Vivid to Natural, with warm/cool white balance also available for manual tweaking. There are advanced settings, to control the red, green and blue channels individually, too, if you want to really deep dive.
Turn on the video enhancer:There’s a video enhancer hiding on the S22 that aims to boost your video-watching experience. It works with a range of apps, including Netflix, Prime Video and YouTube. Head into settings > advanced features > video brightness. There are options for Normal or Bright.
Turn on the eye comfort shield:This changes the colour of the display to reduce blue light, avoid eye strain and help you sleep better, notionally. Head into settings > display and toggle on ‘Eye comfort shield’. Clicking into this setting and you can find adaptive or custom modes, so you can opt to have it on all the time or just from a specific time.
One-handed mode:Head into settings > advanced features > and toggle on ‘One-handed mode’. This will shrink the display to give you easier access to things nearer the top - great for small hands on large phones. Once in one-handed mode, you’re able to switch from left to right by tapping the arrows. To exit one-handed mode, just tap on the black area.
How to use the S Pen with the S22 Ultra:The S22 Ultra comes with a built-in S Pen stylus. Pop it out and you can use it to interact with the display instead of a finger. To load its various compatible apps there’s a little transparent launcher that floats to the centre right, which opens access to Create Note, View all notes, Smart Select, Screen Write, Live Messages, AR Doodle, Translate, PENUP, and the option to add more interactions.
Notifications tips and tricks
To turn off notifications for an app:Go to settings > notifications, and you’ll see a ‘Recently sent’ section. Tap ‘more’ and you’ll get easy toggle options for all the apps on your phone (unless you’ve opted to hide them, in which case you won’t). You can also tap through per app to control specifics, from ‘Deliver quietly’ to other specifics per app.
Show app icon badges:Icon badges are a feature of Android, letting each app tell you how many notifications you have. Samsung applies this across the entire device. Head into settings > notifications > advanced settings and toggle ‘App icon badges’ off if you don’t want it. Tap into this setting if you want to shift between the notification showing as just or dot or a dot with numbers to signify how many notifications.
View your app notifications with a long press on an app shortcut:This is quite an advanced extension of the icon badges. You can press and hold on an app icon that’s showing a badge and the notifications will be revealed in a pop-up menu. Head into settings > notifications > app icon badges and you’ll find this option at the bottom of the page as a toggle.
Disable a notification you’ve received:This is a standard Android feature, but it changed in Android 12. If you got a notification and you want to disable future notifications or change how they are delivered, press and hold on that notification. It will expand to give you options, including “turn off notifications”. Selecting ‘Settings’ will take you to a detailed menu where every aspect available can be changed.
Volume controls, sound and do not disturb
Learning to master do not disturb is a key skill of Android. You can get it to give you the notifications you want when you want them, you can silence your phone when you want without needing a mechanical slider, but still let those vital notifications through. On the Galaxy S22 you have five volume sliders: system, Bixby, ringtone, media, notifications.
Master the media volume toggle:Within the volume settings (settings > sounds and vibrations > volume) you’ll find the option ‘Use Volume keys for media’. This is on by default and means that when you press the volume buttons, only the media volume moves, such as your music. Turn it off and it controls ringer volume, but switches to media volume when you have media playing, for example in Netflix or Spotify.
Change the vibration levels for everything:Head into settings > sounds and vibration > vibration intensity and you can individually change the vibration levels for calls, notifications and touch interaction.
Turn off the charging noise, unlocking noise, keyboard sounds:Samsung would have your Galaxy beep and vibrate on every action and touch. Head into settings > sound and vibration > system sounds/vibration control.
Enable and control Dolby Atmos:This can be toggled on in quick settings, or head into settings > sounds and vibration > sound quality and effects. Click into the Dolby Atmos section and you have the option for auto, movie, music or voice as individual enhancements. Before getting into this menu there’s also a separate ‘Dolby Atmos for gaming’ toggle, so you may just have it fire-up when you begin a game.
Adjust the EQ (equaliser):Don’t like the default sound profile? You can change it. Head into settings > sounds and vibration > sound quality and effects > equaliser. This offers five presets and one Custom option, so you can adjust through nine linear bands to tweak the sound profile as you please (from 63Hz to 16kHz).
Adapt sound for hard of hearing:Head into settings > sounds and vibration > sound quality and effects > adapt sound. This offers frequency boosts based on age, the assumption being that given frequency bands are diminished in particular age groups. you’re able to also use ‘Test my hearing’ to assess which boost to use, if any.
Engage do not disturb:Do not disturb is an Android feature that lets you silence your phone, but you can set up a range of exceptions. Swipe down quick settings and tap the do not disturb button to turn it on. You can also press and hold it in order to set a schedule and permit specific disturbances from calls, alarms, apps and so forth. You can also access this through settings > notifications > do not disturb.
Allow alarms and exceptions in do not disturb:As per the tip above.
Allow notifications in do not disturb:While sounds and vibrations are silenced, you may still have silent notifications. Go to settings > notifications > do not disturb > hide notifications. Here you can control whether to hide all, if you want full-screen notifications, app icon badges, display in the notification panel, to cease pop-up notifications, and to hide status bar icons.
