Samsung Galaxy A8 Star User manual

www.samsung.com/hk
USER MANUAL
English (HK). 04/2020. Rev.1.0
SM-G8850

2
Table of Contents
Basics
4 Read me first
6 Device overheating situations and
solutions
9 Device layout and functions
13 Battery
15 SIM or USIM card (nano-SIM card)
18 Memory card (microSD card)
20 Turning the device on and off
22 Initial setup
23 Samsung account
24 Transferring data from your previous
device
28 Understanding the screen
39 Notification panel
41 Entering text
Apps and features
44 Installing or uninstalling apps
45 Bixby
48 Phone
53 Contacts
57 Messages
59 Internet
61 Email
62 Camera
78 Gallery
82 AR EMOJI
85 Always On Display
86 Multi window
89 Samsung Daily
90 Samsung Pay
93 Samsung Members
93 Samsung Notes
94 Calendar
95 Reminder
96 Samsung Health
100 Voice Recorder
101 My Files
102 Clock
103 Calculator
104 Radio
105 Game Launcher
107 SmartThings
111 Sharing content
112 Google apps

Table of Contents
3
151 Device care
153 Apps
154 General management
155 Accessibility
155 Software update
156 User manual
156 About phone
Appendix
157 Troubleshooting
Settings
114 Introduction
114 Connections
116 Wi-Fi
117 Bluetooth
119 NFC and payment
121 Data saver
121 SIM card manager
122 Mobile Hotspot and Tethering
123 More connection settings
125 Sounds and vibration
126 Dolby Atmos (surround sound)
126 Notifications
127 Display
128 Blue light filter
128 Changing the screen mode or
adjusting the display colour
129 Screensaver
130 Themes
130 Lock screen
131 Smart Lock
132 Biometrics and security
133 Face recognition
136 Fingerprint recognition
139 Samsung Pass
142 Secure Folder
146 Accounts and backup
147 Backup and restore
147 Google
148 Advanced features
149 Dual Messenger
150 Digital Wellbeing and parental
controls
150 Digital Wellbeing

4
Basics
Read me first
Please read this manual before using the device to ensure safe and proper use.
•
Descriptions are based on the device’s default settings.
•
Some content may differ from your device depending on the region, service provider,
model specifications, or device’s software.
•
Content (high quality content) that requires high CPU and RAM usage will affect the
overall performance of the device. Apps related to the content may not work properly
depending on the device’s specifications and the environment that it is used in.
•
Samsung is not liable for performance issues caused by apps supplied by providers other
than Samsung.
•
Samsung is not liable for performance issues or incompatibilities caused by edited
registry settings or modified operating system software. Attempting to customise the
operating system may cause the device or apps to work improperly.
•
Software, sound sources, wallpapers, images, and other media provided with this device
are licensed for limited use. Extracting and using these materials for commercial or other
purposes is an infringement of copyright laws. Users are entirely responsible for illegal
use of media.
•
You may incur additional charges for data services, such as messaging, uploading and
downloading, auto-syncing, or using location services depending on your data plan. For
large data transfers, it is recommended to use the Wi-Fi feature.
•
Default apps that come with the device are subject to updates and may no longer be
supported without prior notice. If you have questions about an app provided with
the device, contact a Samsung Service Centre. For user-installed apps, contact service
providers.

Basics
5
•
Modifying the device’s operating system or installing softwares from unofficial sources
may result in device malfunctions and data corruption or loss. These actions are violations
of your Samsung licence agreement and will void your warranty.
•
Depending on the region or service provider, a screen protector is attached for protection
during production and distribution. Damage to the attached screen protector is not
covered by the warranty.
•
You can see the touchscreen clearly even in strong outdoor sunlight by automatically
adjusting the contrast range based on the surrounding environment. Due to the nature
of the product, displaying fixed graphics for extended periods may result in afterimages
(screen burn-in) or ghosting.
–
It is recommended not to use fixed graphics on part or all of the touchscreen for
extended periods and turn off the touchscreen when not using the device.
–
You can set the touchscreen to turn off automatically when you are not using it.
Launch the
Settings app, tap Display
→
Screen timeout , and then select the length
of time you want the device to wait before turning off the touchscreen.
–
To set the touchscreen to automatically adjust its brightness based on the
surrounding environment, launch the
Settings app, tap Display , and then tap the
Adaptive brightness switch to activate it.
•
Depending on the region or model, some devices are required to receive approval from
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
If your device is approved by the FCC, you can view the FCC ID of the device. To view the
FCC ID, launch the
Settings app and tap About phone
→
Status . If your device does not
have an FCC ID, it means that the device has not been authorised for sale in the U.S. or its
territories and may only be brought to the U.S. for the owner’s personal use.
Instructional icons
Warning: situations that could cause injury to yourself or others
Caution: situations that could cause damage to your device or other equipment
Notice: notes, usage tips, or additional information

Basics
6
Device overheating situations and solutions
When the device heats up while charging the battery
While charging, the device and the charger may become hot. During wireless charging or fast
charging, the device may feel hotter to the touch. This does not affect the device’s lifespan or
performance and is in the device’s normal range of operation. If the battery becomes too hot,
the charger may stop charging.
Do the following when the device heats up:
•
Disconnect the charger from the device and close any running apps. Wait for the
device to cool down and then begin charging the device again.
•
If the lower part of the device overheats, it could be because the connected USB
cable is damaged. Replace the damaged USB cable with a new Samsung-approved
one.
•
When using a wireless charger, do not place foreign materials, such as metal objects,
magnets, and magnetic stripe cards, between the device and the wireless charger.
The wireless charging or fast charging feature is only available on supported models.
When the device heats up during use
When you use features or apps that require more power or use them for extended periods,
your device may temporarily heat up due to increased battery consumption. Close any
running apps and do not use the device for a while.
The following are examples of situations in which the device may overheat. Depending on
the functions and apps you use, these examples may not apply to your model.
•
During the initial setup after purchase or when restoring data
•
When downloading large files

Basics
7
•
When using apps that require more power or using apps for extended periods
–
When playing high-quality games for extended periods
–
When recording videos for extended periods
–
When streaming videos while using the maximum brightness setting
–
When connecting to a TV
•
While multitasking (or, when running many apps in the background)
–
When using Multi window
–
When updating or installing apps while recording videos
–
When downloading large files during a video call
–
When recording videos while using a navigation app
•
When using large amount of data for syncing with the cloud, email, or other accounts
•
When using a navigation app in a car while the device is placed in direct sunlight
•
When using the mobile hotspot and tethering feature
•
When using the device in areas with weak signals or no reception
•
When charging the battery with a damaged USB cable
•
When the device’s multipurpose jack is damaged or exposed to foreign materials, such as
liquid, dust, metal powder, and pencil lead
•
When you are roaming
Do the following when the device heats up:
•
Keep the device updated with the latest software.
•
Conflicts between running apps may cause the device to heat up. Restart the device.
•
Deactivate the Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth features when not using them.
•
Close apps that increase battery consumption or that run in the background when
not in use.
•
Delete unnecessary files or unused apps.
•
Decrease the screen brightness.
•
If the device overheats or feels hot for a prolonged period, do not use it for a while. If
the device continues to overheat, contact a Samsung Service Centre.

Basics
8
Device limitations when the device overheats
When the device heats up, the features and performance may be limited or the device may
turn off to cool down. The feature is only available on supported models.
•
If the device becomes hotter than usual, a device overheating message will appear. To
lower the device’s temperature, the screen brightness and the performance speed will be
limited and battery charging will stop. Running apps will be closed and you will only be
able to make emergency calls until the device cools down.
•
If the device overheats or feels hot for a prolonged period, a power off message will
appear. Turn off the device, and wait until it cools down.
Precautions for operating environment
Your device may heat up due to the environment in the following conditions. Use caution to
avoid shortening the battery’s lifespan, damaging the device, or causing a fire.
•
Do not store your device in very cold or very hot temperatures.
•
Do not expose your device to direct sunlight for extended periods.
•
Do not use or store your device for extended periods in very hot areas, such as inside a
car in the summertime.
•
Do not place the device in any areas that may overheat, such as on an electric heating
mat.
•
Do not store your device near or in heaters, microwaves, hot cooking equipment, or high
pressure containers.
•
Do not use a cable whose covering is peeled off or damaged, and do not use any charger
or battery that is damaged or malfunctioning.

Basics
9
Device layout and functions
Package contents
Refer to the quick start guide for package contents.
•
The items supplied with the device and any available accessories may vary
depending on the region or service provider.
•
The supplied items are designed only for this device and may not be compatible
with other devices.
•
Appearances and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
•
You can purchase additional accessories from your local Samsung retailer. Make
sure they are compatible with the device before purchase.
•
Use only Samsung-approved accessories. Using unapproved accessories may cause
the performance problems and malfunctions that are not covered by the warranty.
•
Availability of all accessories is subject to change depending entirely on
manufacturing companies. For more information about available accessories, refer
to the Samsung website.

Basics
10
Device layout
Front camera Speaker
Power key
Touchscreen
LED indicator
Volume key
Bixby key
Proximity/Light sensor
Multipurpose jack (USB
Type-C)
SIM card / Memory card
tray
NFC antenna
Fingerprint recognition
sensor
Rear camera (Dual)
Microphone
Main antenna
Speaker
Microphone
GPS antenna
Earphone jack
Flash

Basics
11
•
When using the speakers, such as when playing media files or using speakerphone,
do not place the device close to your ears.
•
Be careful not to expose the camera lens to a strong light source, such as direct
sunlight. If the camera lens is exposed to a strong light source, such as direct
sunlight, the camera image sensor may be damaged. A damaged image sensor is
irreparable and will cause dots or spots in pictures.
•
If you use the device with its glass or acrylic body broken, there may be a risk of
injury. Use the device only after it has been repaired at a Samsung Service Centre.
•
Connectivity problems and battery drain may occur in the following situations:
–
If you attach metallic stickers on the antenna area of the device
–
If you attach a device cover made with metallic material to the device
–
If you cover the device’s antenna area with your hands or other objects while
using certain features, such as calls or the mobile data connection
•
Using a Samsung-approved screen protector is recommended. Unapproved screen
protectors may cause the sensors to malfunction.
•
Do not cover the proximity/light sensor area with screen accessories, such as a
screen protector or stickers. Doing so may cause the sensor to malfunction.
•
Do not allow water to contact the touchscreen. The touchscreen may malfunction
in humid conditions or when exposed to water.

Basics
12
Hard keys
Power key
Bixby key
Volume key
Key Function
Power
•
Press and hold to turn the device on or off.
•
Press to turn on or lock the screen.
Bixby
•
Press to launch Bixby. Refer to Bixby for more information.
•
Press and hold to start a conversation with Bixby. Refer to Using
Bixby for more information.
Volume
•
Press to adjust the device volume.
Soft buttons
Back button
Home button
Recents button
When you turn on the screen, the soft buttons will appear at the bottom of the screen. The
soft buttons are set to the Recents button, Home button, and Back button by default. Refer to
Navigation bar (soft buttons) for more information.

Basics
13
Battery
Charging the battery
Charge the battery before using it for the first time or when it has been unused for extended
periods.
Use only Samsung-approved battery, charger, and cable specifically designed for your
device. Incompatible battery, charger, and cable can cause serious injuries or damage
to your device.
•
Connecting the charger improperly may cause serious damage to the device. Any
damage caused by misuse is not covered by the warranty.
•
Use only USB Type-C cable supplied with the device. The device may be damaged
if you use Micro USB cable.
To save energy, unplug the charger when not in use. The charger does not have a
power switch, so you must unplug the charger from the electric socket when not in
use to avoid wasting power. The charger should remain close to the electric socket
and easily accessible while charging.
1 Connect the USB cable to the USB power adaptor.
2 Plug the USB cable into the device’s multipurpose jack.
3 Plug the USB power adaptor into an electric socket.
4 After fully charging, disconnect the charger from the device. Then, unplug the charger
from the electric socket.

Basics
14
Reducing the battery consumption
Your device provides various options that help you conserve battery power.
•
Optimise the device using the device maintenance feature.
•
When you are not using the device, turn off the screen by pressing the Power key.
•
Activate power saving mode.
•
Close unnecessary apps.
•
Deactivate the Bluetooth feature when not in use.
•
Deactivate auto-syncing of apps that need to be synced.
•
Decrease the backlight time.
•
Decrease the screen brightness.
Battery charging tips and precautions
•
When the battery power is low, the battery icon appears empty.
•
If the battery is completely discharged, the device cannot be turned on immediately
when the charger is connected. Allow a depleted battery to charge for a few minutes
before turning on the device.
•
If you use multiple apps at once, network apps, or apps that need a connection to
another device, the battery will drain quickly. To avoid losing power during a data
transfer, always use these apps after fully charging the battery.
•
Using a power source other than the charger, such as a computer, may result in a slower
charging speed due to a lower electric current.
•
The device can be used while it is charging, but it may take longer to fully charge the
battery.
•
If the device receives an unstable power supply while charging, the touchscreen may not
function. If this happens, unplug the charger from the device.
•
While charging, the device and the charger may heat up. This is normal and should not
affect the device’s lifespan or performance. If the battery gets hotter than usual, the
charger may stop charging.
•
If the device is not charging properly, take the device and the charger to a Samsung
Service Centre.

Basics
15
Fast charging
The device has a built-in fast charging feature. You can charge the battery more quickly while
the device or its screen is turned off.
Increasing the charging speed
To increase the charging speed, turn the device or its screen off when you charge the battery.
If the fast charging feature is not activated, launch the
Settings app, tap Device care
→
Battery
→
Charging , and then tap the Fast charging switch to activate it.
•
You cannot use the built-in fast charging feature when you charge the battery
using a standard battery charger.
•
If the device heats up or the ambient air temperature rises, the charging speed may
decrease automatically. This is a normal operating condition to prevent damage to
the device.
SIM or USIM card (nano-SIM card)
Installing the SIM or USIM card
Insert the SIM or USIM card provided by the mobile telephone service provider.
You can insert two SIM or USIM cards so you can have two phone numbers or service
providers for a single device. In some areas, data transfer speeds may be slower if two SIM
cards are inserted in the device than when one SIM card is inserted.
Use caution not to lose or let others use the SIM or USIM card. Samsung is not
responsible for any damages or inconveniences caused by lost or stolen cards.
Some LTE services may not be available depending on the service provider. For more
information about service availability, contact your service provider.

Basics
16
54
21 3
1 Insert the ejection pin into the hole on the tray to loosen the tray.
Ensure that the ejection pin is perpendicular to the hole. Otherwise, the device may
be damaged.
2 Pull out the tray gently from the tray slot.
3 Place the SIM or USIM card on the tray with the gold-coloured contacts facing
downwards. Place the primary SIM or USIM card on the tray 1 ( 1 ) and the secondary SIM
or USIM card on the tray 2 ( 2 ).
1
2
Tray 2
Tray 1
4 Gently press the SIM or USIM card into the tray to secure it.
If the card is not fixed firmly into the tray, the SIM card may leave or fall out of the tray.

Basics
17
5 Insert the tray back into the tray slot.
•
If you insert the tray into your device while the tray is wet, your device may be
damaged. Always make sure the tray is dry.
•
Fully insert the tray into the tray slot to prevent liquid from entering your device.
Correct card installation
microSD card
Nano-SIM card
Nano-SIM card 2
Nano-SIM card 1
•
Use only a nano-SIM card.
•
You cannot insert a nano-SIM card and a microSD card in tray 2 at the same time.
Using dual SIM or USIM cards
If you insert two SIM or USIM cards, you can have two phone numbers or service providers for
a single device.
Activating SIM or USIM cards
Launch the Settings app and tap Connections
→
SIM card manager . Select a SIM or USIM
card and tap the switch to activate it.
Customising SIM or USIM cards
Launch the Settings app, tap Connections
→
SIM card manager , and then select a SIM or
USIM card to access the following options:
•
Icon : Change the icon of the SIM or USIM card.
•
Name : Change the display name of the SIM or USIM card.
•
Network mode : Select a network type to use with the SIM or USIM card.

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18
Setting preferred SIM or USIM cards
When two cards are activated, you can assign voice calls, messaging, and data services to
specific cards.
Launch the
Settings app, tap Connections
→
SIM card manager , and then set the feature
preferences for your cards in
Preferred SIM card .
Memory card (microSD card)
Installing a memory card
Your device’s memory card capacity may vary from other models and some memory cards
may not be compatible with your device depending on the memory card manufacturer and
type. To view your device’s maximum memory card capacity, refer to the Samsung website.
•
Some memory cards may not be fully compatible with the device. Using an
incompatible card may damage the device or the memory card, or corrupt the data
stored in it.
•
Use caution to insert the memory card right-side up.
•
The device supports the FAT and the exFAT file systems for memory cards. When
inserting a card formatted in a different file system, the device will ask to reformat
the card or will not recognise the card. To use the memory card, you must format it.
If your device cannot format or recognise the memory card, contact the memory
card manufacturer or a Samsung Service Centre.
•
Frequent writing and erasing of data shortens the lifespan of memory cards.
•
When inserting a memory card into the device, the memory card’s file directory
appears in the
My Files
→
SD card folder.

Basics
19
54
21 3
1 Insert the ejection pin into the hole on the tray to loosen the tray.
Ensure that the ejection pin is perpendicular to the hole. Otherwise, the device may
be damaged.
2 Pull out the tray gently from the tray slot.
When you remove the tray from the device, the mobile data connection will be
disabled.
3 Place a memory card on the tray 2 with the gold-coloured contacts facing downwards.
Tray 2
Tray 1
4 Gently press the memory card into the tray to secure it.
If the card is not fixed firmly into the tray, the memory card may leave or fall out of the
tray.

Basics
20
5 Insert the tray back into the tray slot.
•
If you insert the tray into your device while the tray is wet, your device may be
damaged. Always make sure the tray is dry.
•
Fully insert the tray into the tray slot to prevent liquid from entering your device.
Removing the memory card
Before removing the memory card, first unmount it for safe removal.
Launch the
Settings app and tap Device care
→
Storage
→
Advanced
→
SD card
→
Unmount .
Do not remove external storage, such as a memory card or USB storage, while the
device is transferring or accessing information, or right after transferring data. Doing
so can cause data to be corrupted or lost or cause damage to the external storage or
device. Samsung is not responsible for losses, including loss of data, resulting from
the misuse of external storage devices.
Formatting the memory card
A memory card formatted on a computer may not be compatible with the device. Format the
memory card on the device.
Launch the
Settings app and tap Device care
→
Storage
→
Advanced
→
SD card
→
Format .
Before formatting the memory card, remember to make backup copies of all
important data stored in the memory card. The manufacturer’s warranty does not
cover loss of data resulting from user actions.
Turning the device on and off
Press and hold the Power key for a few seconds to turn on the device.
When you turn on your device for the first time or after performing a data reset, follow the on-
screen instructions to set up your device.
To turn off the device, press and hold the Power key, and then tap
Power off .
Follow all posted warnings and directions from authorised personnel in areas where
the use of wireless devices is restricted, such as aeroplanes and hospitals.