Galaxy S9 Setup Guide: Top 10 Things to Do

In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up the Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+ so you can use it faster and enjoy all the cool things it can do. These are the top 10 settings to change, things to do, or tips and tricks to get you started.

We’ll cover everything from the moment you first open it, walk you through some questions and settings, then share additional tips for the best possible experience. This includes using Samsung Smart Switch To easily transfer your old phone to Galaxy S9.

Whether you found a good deal on the Galaxy S9 or got one for the holidays, you’ll be happy to know you have tons of options. Galaxy phones have loads of customization features and are pretty powerful. Help you transfer everything, set fingerprint, face unlock and everything else.

How to Set Up Galaxy S9

Out of the box, the Galaxy S9 is a fast and capable smartphone. During the first boot, you will be asked to do some very important things. This includes fingerprint scanner or screen lock, signing in to all your accounts, or transferring data from an old device.

The Galaxy S9 will stream anything from an old Android smartphone, iPhone or other device with ease. All you need is Samsung’s transfer tool, which we’ll show you below, and the cable/hardware that comes with every new Galaxy S9 and S9+. Don’t lose that dongle, it’s what will make the transition to your new phone as easy as possible. If not, you can use Samsung Cloud – look for it in settings.

Transfer Data from Your Old Phone

After watching our video above, you’ve probably added a fingerprint or lock screen method. If so, the next thing all owners will want to do is transfer data, apps, settings, contacts, calendar, app icons, photos or videos and even text messages to the S9. In the past, this was a difficult and painful process. This is no longer the case and you will be able to switch phones 100% in about 10 minutes.

Just like we showed in the video, you will get a prompt to set up your Galaxy S9. Either as a new phone or from an old device. It uses Samsung’s SmartSwitch app. Install it on your old phone, then click on your new Galaxy and follow the instructions.

Transferring everything to a new phone is a scary thought, but this tool literally does it all for you. You will be prompted to plug the included USB Type-C cable into your old phone and the larger end and dongle adapter into the Galaxy S9.

Connect the two and the app will open instantly. If not, simply turn on SmartSwitch. From here the phones will communicate for a moment, then you will see everything in detail on the Galaxy S9 screen. Select what you want (or don’t want) to transfer and then hit Start at the bottom. You can tap the gear-shaped settings icon next to any category to control what it streams and doesn’t.

This entire process takes from 10-15 minutes to 3 hours. It depends on how much you actually transfer from an old phone to your new phone. Unplug both when done and you’re all set. Now, proceed with setting up your phone.

Create or Sign in to a Samsung Account (Find My Mobile)

We know it sounds funny or not that important, but the next step is to create a Samsung account. Is this by or during the initial setup process itself?

There are two important reasons to create or use a Samsung account. For one, you can back up your entire device to the cloud. This way you can restore everything from apps, texts or photos to new phone in case it is lost or stolen. And for two, if your phone is lost or stolen, you can track it down with Samsung’s. Find My Mobile. Here’s more information on using Samsung’s lost phone tool.

Update Your Apps

Another step you’ll want to take, especially if you’ve transferred everything from an old phone, is to open the Google Play Store and check for updates. The Galaxy S9 runs the latest Android 8.0 Oreo or will have Android 9 Pie as you read this. Make sure your phone and apps are up to date.

Basically, open Google Play Store and check for updates. You’ll likely have a pretty big list of updates so make sure you have a WiFi connection otherwise you’ll only be able to use your entire monthly data plan in this step. Another option is to update apps in the Galaxy App Store. Samsung’s exclusive app store on select Galaxy S9 smartphones. (Verizon models probably don’t have this app store)

Activate and Use Google Assistant (or Bixby)

Assistant, previously known as Google Search or Google Assistant, is basically your own personal assistant or Google Home built into your phone like Siri. By taking everything Google knows about the web, search, your location, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Google Assistant is extremely helpful, and Samsung has something similar that’s pretty good too. More information on 175 things Bixby can do can be found here. Use one or both to do more with your Galaxy S9.

During the initial setup of my Galaxy S9, Google sent me an email suggesting that I download Google Assistant. It’s a little creepy, but spotted the new phone in my “account activity” and sent an email recommending a few useful Google Apps. We recommend downloading Google Chrome and Google Assistant.

Enable Fullscreen App Mode

Galaxy S9 has a stylish Quad-HD Infinity Display. It’s so big and tall that some apps don’t use the entire screen. If you see black bars above and below certain apps, enable full-screen app mode for a better experience. We’ve seen this on the old Galaxy S8 as well, but most apps these days handle this just fine.

Our image above is a quick look at exactly what you’re looking for. This will force apps to full screen mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Buy Extra Cables, Chargers or Accessories

Samsung’s new Galaxy S9 phones use a new USB Type-C cable, probably not the old micro USB cable your last phone had. This is faster, the cables can be inserted in both directions for ease of use, and you can even charge other devices from the Galaxy S9 via USB Type-C.

While there is one cable in the box, we recommend owners to get a spare cable for other rooms of the house or an office. Here are some of Samsung’s official accessories, our favorite wireless charging pads, and some of the best Galaxy S9 screen protectors.

Customize Always-On Display

One of our favorite features is the Always On display. Giving S9 owners quick information like time, date, battery levels and even incoming notifications. This also uses almost no battery life, which is nice. Even better, it’s highly customizable.

When the screen is “off”, it’s technically still on. A small area gives you information at a glance. We can change the whole look and feel of the always-on screen, add a calendar and even a background image.

Go to settings and look for always on screen. If it’s not already on, tap the On button to turn it on. Then go to Settings > Themes > click the AOD column at the bottom and fully customize the always-on display.

Clean the Application Tray

One thing that always disappoints me on Samsung phones is how apps are out of order in the app tray. Especially when you download a bunch from Google Play. Each downloaded app goes to the end of the list in a specific order. Fortunately, there is a way to quickly reorder them all in alphabetical order. Basically clearing the app tray.

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, then tap the 3-dot settings button at the top and select “AZ” and then tap Save. Now all your apps are displayed alphabetically and are easier to find. Next time you install an app you will have to do this again as it reverts to list format.

Do Not Disturb Setup

Another feature that we love that millions of people don’t use is Do Not Disturb. It works great on Galaxy S9 and will keep you away from distractions at night or while working. Keep the phone on when you need it and have it automatically mute or vibrate at work or at night.

To use it go to Do Not Disturb or just call. Turn it on or set a schedule so that everything happens automatically. Don’t forget the “allow exceptions” option at the bottom so certain people or apps can always get through. Perfect for your friends, family members or boss. Samsung offers an option that is still within reach of callers in an emergency.

Note that if you don’t set this up and allow a few exceptions, it won’t even let the alarms go. Still, when done right, it’s a lifesaver.

Get Your App Drawer Button Back

For those who have used Samsung phones for years, there has always been an app drawer button in the bottom corner. Tapping this will display all installed apps, known as the app tray or drawer. It’s gone on the Galaxy S9. Instead, simply swipe up from the bottom, which is actually our preferred method. You don’t need to waste space with a special button on the drawer.

However, some will want it back. We are creatures of habit. an empty space on your screen. Your screen will zoom out to an edit and layout page and will also show widget and background image options. Tap . Then press the option in the labeled settings and select . Now press done and come back. You will get that familiar button back for ease of use.

Few Tips

These are some of the first things we do when we get a new Samsung Galaxy phone. However, we also recommend that you set data limits, configure Edge features, or turn them off entirely. Moreover customize notification popup bar and quick settings icons, get rid of pre-installed bloatware and try Samsung’s theme store.

Everyone uses their phone differently, so choose the tips and recommendations that work best for you. The Galaxy S9 has just arrived, so stay tuned for more coverage. Check out what’s new in Android 9 Pie before you go. This is the software that Samsung will offer to the Galaxy S9 in early 2019. Next, take a case from our slideshow below.