Samsung Galaxy M12 User manual

www.samsung.com
USER MANUAL
English. 02/2023. Rev.2.0
SM-M127F/DS
SM-M127F/DSN
SM-M127G/DS
SM-F127G/DS

2
Table of Contents
Getting started
5 Device layout and functions
8 Charging the battery
10 SIM or USIM card (nano-SIM card)
11 microSD card
13 Turning the device on and off
14 Initial setup
Apps and features
15 Introduction
16 Samsung account
17 Understanding the screen
26 Notification panel
28 Entering text
30 Installing or uninstalling apps
32 Phone
34 Contacts
36 Messages
38 Internet
39 Multi window
42 Samsung Kids
43 Samsung Notes
44 Samsung Members
44 Samsung Global Goals
44 Galaxy Shop
45 Calendar
46 Reminder
47 My Files
47 Clock
47 Calculator
48 Game Launcher
49 Game Booster
50 Smart View
51 Google apps
52 Camera
61 Gallery
65 Voice Recorder
65 Radio
66 Sharing content
68 Transferring data from your previous
device (Smart Switch)

Table of Contents
3
94 Google
94 Advanced features
95 Motions and gestures
96 Dual Messenger
97 Digital Wellbeing and parental
controls
97 Battery and device care
97 Optimising your device
98 Battery
98 Storage
98 Memory
98 Device protection
99 Auto optimisation
99 Software update
99 Diagnostics
99 Apps
100 General management
101 Accessibility
102 Software update
102 About phone
Usage notices
104 Precautions for using the device
106 Notes on package contents and
accessories
107 Device overheating situations and
solutions
Appendix
111 Troubleshooting
116 Removing the battery
Settings
70 Introduction
71 Samsung account
71 Connections
72 Wi-Fi
74 Bluetooth
75 NFC and contactless payments
(NFC-enabled models)
76 Data saver
77 Mobile data only apps
77 Mobile Hotspot
78 More connection settings
79 Connected devices
80 Modes and Routines
80 Using modes
80 Using routines
81 Sounds and vibration
82 Sound quality and effects
82 Separate app sound
83 Notifications
83 Display
84 Motion smoothness
84 Wallpaper and style
84 Themes
85 Home screen
85 Lock screen
86 Smart Lock
86 Security and privacy
87 Face recognition
89 Fingerprint recognition
91 Location
92 Safety and emergency
92 Accounts and backup
93 Samsung Cloud

4
Getting started

Getting started
5
Device layout and functions
Front camera
Speaker
Volume key
Touchscreen
Earphone jack Multipurpose jack (USB
Type-C)
Side key
(Fingerprint recognition
sensor)
SIM card /
microSD card tray
Rear camera
Flash
Microphone
Speaker Microphone
GPS antenna
Main antenna
NFC antenna
(NFC-enabled models)
Main antenna

Getting started
6
•
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.
•
If dust or foreign materials enter the microphone, speaker, or receiver, the device’s
sound may become quiet or certain features may not work. If you attempt to remove
the dust or foreign materials with a sharp object, the device may be damaged and its
appearance may be affected.
•
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 allow water to contact the touchscreen. The touchscreen may malfunction in
humid conditions or when exposed to water.

Getting started
7
Hard keys
Key Function
Side key
•
When the device is off, press and hold to turn it on.
•
Press to turn on or lock the screen.
•
Press twice to launch the app or feature you set.
Side key +
Volume Down key
•
Press simultaneously to capture a screenshot.
•
Press and hold simultaneously to turn off the device.
Setting the Side key
Select an app or feature to launch by pressing the Side key twice.
Launch the
Settings app, tap Advanced features
→
Side key , and then select an option you
want.
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. Refer
to Navigation bar (soft buttons) for more information.

Getting started
8
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.
Wired charging
Connect the USB cable to the USB power adaptor and plug the cable into the device’s
multipurpose jack to charge the battery. After fully charging, disconnect the charger from the
device.
Quick charging
Launch the Settings app, tap Battery and device care
→
Battery
→
More battery settings ,
and then activate the feature you want.
•
Fast charging : To use the fast charging feature, use a battery charger that supports
Adaptive fast charging.
You can charge the battery more quickly while the device or its screen is turned off.

Getting started
9
Reducing the battery consumption
Your device provides various options that help you conserve battery power.
•
Optimise the device using the device care feature.
•
When you are not using the device, turn off the screen by pressing the Side 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
•
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 you charge the device while the multipurpose jack is wet, the device may be damaged.
Thoroughly dry the multipurpose jack before charging the device.
•
If the device is not charging properly, take the device and the charger to a Samsung
Service Centre.

Getting started
10
SIM or USIM card (nano-SIM 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.
Some services that require a network connection may not be available depending on
the service provider.
Installing the SIM or USIM card
21 3 4
1 Insert the ejection pin into the hole next to the tray to loosen the tray.
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
and gently press the SIM or USIM card into the tray to secure it.
4 Insert the tray back into the tray slot.
•
Use only a nano-SIM card.
•
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.
•
Ensure that the ejection pin is perpendicular to the hole. Otherwise, the device may
be damaged.
•
If the card is not fixed firmly into the tray, the SIM card may leave or fall out of the
tray.
•
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.

Getting started
11
SIM manager
Launch the Settings app and tap Connections
→
SIM manager .
•
SIM cards : Activate the SIM card to use and customise the SIM card settings.
•
Preferred SIMs : Select to use specific SIM cards for some features, such as voice calls,
when two cards are activated.
•
Data switching : Set the device to use another SIM card for data services if the preferred
SIM card cannot connect to the network.
•
More SIM settings : Customise the call settings.
microSD card
Inserting an SD card
Your device’s SD card capacity may vary from other models and some SD cards may not be
compatible with your device depending on the SD card manufacturer and type. To check out
your device’s maximum SD card capacity, refer to the Samsung website.
21 3 4
1 Insert the ejection pin into the hole next to the tray to loosen the tray.
2 Pull out the tray gently from the tray slot.
3 Place an SD card on the tray with the gold-coloured contacts facing downwards and
gently press the SD card into the tray to secure it.

Getting started
12
4 Insert the tray back into the tray slot.
•
Use only a microSD card.
•
Some SD cards may not be fully compatible with the device. Using an incompatible
card may damage the device, the SD card, or the data stored in it.
•
Use caution to insert the SD card right-side up.
•
Ensure that the ejection pin is perpendicular to the hole. Otherwise, the device may
be damaged.
•
When you remove the tray from the device, the mobile data connection will be
disabled.
•
If the card is not fixed firmly into the tray, the SD card may leave or fall out of the tray.
•
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.
•
The device supports the FAT and the exFAT file systems for SD 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 SD card, you must format it. If your device
cannot format or recognise the SD card, contact the SD card manufacturer or a
Samsung Service Centre.
•
Frequent writing and erasing of data shortens the lifespan of SD cards.
•
When inserting an SD card into the device, the SD card’s file directory appears in the
My Files
→
SD card folder.
Removing the SD card
Before removing the SD card, first unmount it for safe removal.
1 Open Settings and tap Battery and device care
→
Storage .
2 Swipe to the left to view the SD card page.
3 Tap
→
Unmount .
Do not remove external storage, such as an SD card or USB storage, while the device
is transferring or accessing information, or right after transferring data. Doing so can
cause data to be damaged or lost or cause damage to the external storage or phone.
Samsung is not responsible for losses, including loss of data, resulting from the misuse
of external storage devices.

Getting started
13
Formatting the SD card
An SD card formatted on a computer may not be compatible with the device. Format the SD
card on the device.
1 Open Settings and tap Battery and device care
→
Storage .
2 Swipe to the left to view the SD card page.
3 Tap
→
Format .
Before formatting the SD card, remember to make backup copies of all important data
stored in the SD card. The manufacturer’s warranty does not cover loss of data resulting
from user actions.
Turning the device on and 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.
Side key
Volume Down key
Turning the device on
Press and hold the Side key for a few seconds to turn on the device.
Turning the device off
1 To turn off the device, press and hold the Side key and the Volume Down key
simultaneously. Alternatively, open the notification panel, swipe downwards, and then tap
.
2 Tap Power off .
To restart the device, tap
Restart .

Getting started
14
Forcing restart
If your device is frozen and unresponsive, press and hold the Side key and the Volume Down
key simultaneously for more than 7 seconds to restart it.
Initial setup
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.
If you do not connect to a Wi-Fi network, you may not be able to set up some device
features during the initial setup.

15
Apps and features
Introduction
Use apps and various features of the device.
This chapter is a common manual for apps and features provided by Samsung
devices.
Depending on the model, some content may differ, or descriptions of apps or features
not available on your device may be included.

Apps and features
16
Samsung account
Your Samsung account is an integrated account service that allows you to use a variety of
Samsung services provided by mobile devices, TVs, and the Samsung website.
To check the list of services that can be used with your Samsung account, visit
account.samsung.com.
1 Launch the Settings app and tap Samsung account .
Alternatively, launch the
Settings app and tap Accounts and backup
→
Manage
accounts
→
Add account
→
Samsung account .
2 Sign in to your Samsung account. If you do not have a Samsung account, tap Create
account
.
Finding your ID and resetting your password
If you forget your Samsung account ID or password, tap Find ID or Forgot password? on the
Samsung account sign-in screen. You can find your ID or reset your password after you enter
the required information.
Signing out of your Samsung account
When you sign out of your Samsung account, your data, such as contacts or events, will also
be removed from your device.
1 Launch the Settings app and tap Accounts and backup
→
Manage accounts .
2 Tap Samsung account
→
My profile and tap Sign out at the bottom of the screen.
3 Tap Sign out , enter your Samsung account password, and then tap OK .

Apps and features
17
Understanding the screen
Controlling the touchscreen
Tapping
Tap the screen.
Tapping and
holding
Tap and hold
the screen for
approximately
2 seconds.
Dragging
Tap and hold an
item and drag
it to the target
position.
Double-tapping
Double-tap the
screen.
Swiping
Swipe upwards,
downwards, to
the left, or to the
right.
Spreading and
pinching
Spread two
fingers apart
or pinch on the
screen.
•
Do not allow the touchscreen to come into contact with other electrical devices.
Electrostatic discharges can cause the touchscreen to malfunction.
•
To avoid damaging the touchscreen, do not tap it with anything sharp or apply
excessive pressure to it with your fingertips.
•
It is recommended not to use fixed graphics on part or all of the touchscreen for
extended periods. Doing so may result in afterimages (screen burn-in) or ghosting.
The device may not recognise touch inputs close to the edges of the screen, which are
outside of the touch input area.

Apps and features
18
Navigation bar (soft buttons)
When you turn on the screen, the soft buttons will appear on the navigation bar at the
bottom of the screen. The soft buttons are set to the Recents button, Home button, and Back
button by default. The functions of the buttons can change according to the app currently
being used or usage environment.
Button Function
Recents
•
Tap to open the list of recent apps.
Home
•
Tap to return to the Home screen.
•
Tap and hold to launch the Google Assistant app.
Back
•
Tap to return to the previous screen.
Hiding the navigation bar
View files or use apps on a wider screen by hiding the navigation bar.
Launch the
Settings app, tap Display
→
Navigation bar , and then tap Swipe gestures under
Navigation type . The navigation bar will be hidden and the gesture hints will appear. Tap
More options and select an option you want.
Swipe from bottom Swipe from sides and bottom
If you want to hide the gesture hints at the bottom of the screen, tap the Gesture hint switch
to deactivate it.

Apps and features
19
Home screen and Apps screen
The Home screen is the starting point for accessing all of the device’s features. It displays
widgets, shortcuts to apps, and more.
The Apps screen displays icons for all apps, including newly installed apps.
Switching between Home and Apps screens
On the Home screen, swipe upwards to open the Apps screen.
To return to the Home screen, swipe upwards or downwards on the Apps screen.
Alternatively, tap the Home button or the Back button.
Home screen Apps screen
Finder
Favourite apps
If you add the Apps button on the Home screen, you can open the Apps screen by tapping
the button. On the Home screen, tap and hold an empty area, tap
Settings , and then tap the
Show Apps screen button on Home screen switch to activate it. The Apps button will be
added at the bottom of the Home screen.
Apps button

Apps and features
20
Editing the Home screen
On the Home screen, tap and hold an empty area, or pinch your fingers together to access
the editing options. You can set the wallpaper, add widgets, and more. You can also add,
delete, or rearrange Home screen panels.
•
Adding panels: Swipe to the left, and then tap .
•
Moving panels: Tap and hold a panel preview, and then drag it to a new location.
•
Deleting panels: Tap on the panel.
•
Wallpaper and style : Change the wallpaper settings for the Home screen and the locked
screen.
•
Themes : Change the device’s theme. Visual elements of interface, such as colours, icons,
and wallpapers, will change depending on the selected theme.
•
Widgets : Widgets are small apps that launch specific app functions to provide
information and convenient access on your Home screen. Select a widget and tap
Add .
The widget will be added on the Home screen.
•
Settings : Configure settings for the Home screen, such as the screen layout.
Displaying all apps on the Home screen
Without using a separate Apps screen, you can set the device to display all apps on the Home
screen. On the Home screen, tap and hold an empty area, and then tap
Settings
→
Home
screen layout
→
Home screen only
→
Apply .
You can now access all your apps by swiping to the left on the Home screen.