Samsung SM-A515F/DS User manual

www.samsung.com
USER MANUAL
English (LTN). 01/2023. Rev.2.0
SM-A515F
SM-A515F/DS

2
Table of Contents
Getting started
5 Device layout and functions
8 Charging the battery
11 SIM or USIM card (nano-SIM card)
13 microSD card
16 Turning the device on and off
17 Initial setup
Apps and features
18 Introduction
19 Samsung account
20 Understanding the screen
28 Notification panel
30 Entering text
32 Installing or uninstalling apps
34 Phone
36 Contacts
38 Messages
40 Internet
41 Multi window
44 Bixby
46 Bixby Vision
47 Samsung Kids
48 Samsung Health
49 Samsung Notes
50 Samsung Members
50 Samsung Global Goals
50 Galaxy Shop
51 Galaxy Wearable
51 Calendar
52 Reminder
53 My Files
53 Clock
53 Calculator
54 Game Launcher
55 Game Booster
56 SmartThings
56 Smart View
57 Music Share
59 Link to Windows
60 Google apps
61 Camera
74 Gallery
78 AR Zone
84 Voice Recorder
84 Radio
85 Sharing content
87 Screen capture and screen record
89 Transferring data from your previous
device (Smart Switch)

Table of Contents
3
120 Accounts and backup
121 Samsung Cloud
122 Google
122 Advanced features
123 Motions and gestures
124 Dual Messenger
125 Digital Wellbeing and parental
controls
125 Battery and device care
125 Optimizing your device
126 Battery
126 Storage
126 Memory
126 Device protection
127 Auto optimization
127 Software update
127 Diagnostics
127 Apps
128 General management
129 Accessibility
130 Software update
131 About phone
Usage notices
133 Precautions for using the device
135 Notes on package contents and
accessories
136 Device overheating situations and
solutions
Appendix
140 Troubleshooting
146 About Hearing Aid Compatibility
(HAC)
Settings
91 Introduction
92 Samsung account
92 Connections
93 Wi-Fi
95 Bluetooth
96 Data saver
97 Mobile data only apps
97 Mobile Hotspot
98 More connection settings
99 Connected devices
100 Modes and Routines
100 Using modes
100 Using routines
101 Sounds and vibration
102 Sound quality and effects
102 Separate app sound
103 Notifications
103 Display
105 Changing the screen mode or
adjusting the display color
106 Wallpaper and style
106 Themes
106 Home screen
106 Lock screen
107 Smart Lock
107 Always On Display
108 Security and privacy
109 Face recognition
111 Fingerprint recognition
113 Samsung Pass
115 Secure Folder
118 Secure Wi-Fi
119 Location
120 Safety and emergency

4
Getting started

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

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 Center.
•
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 cover the light sensor area with screen accessories, such as a screen protector,
stickers, or a cover. 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.

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 and hold to start a conversation with Bixby. Refer to Using
Bixby for more information.
•
Press twice or press and hold 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 or pressing and holding the
Side key.
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.

Getting started
9
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 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.
Reducing the battery consumption
Your device provides various options that help you conserve battery power.
•
Optimize 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.

Getting started
10
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 Center.

Getting started
11
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.
For dual SIM models, 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 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.
Some services that require a network connection may not be available depending on
the service provider.
Single SIM card tray
Dual SIM card tray
21 3 4

Getting started
12
1 Insert the ejection pin into the hole next to 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-colored contacts facing downwards.
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.
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.
SIM manager (dual SIM models)
Launch the Settings app and tap Connections
→
SIM manager .
•
SIM cards : Activate the SIM card to use and customize 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 : Customize the call settings.

Getting started
13
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.
•
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.
•
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 recognize the card. To use the SD card, you must format it. If your device
cannot format or recognize the SD card, contact the SD card manufacturer or a
Samsung Service Center.
•
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.

Getting started
14
21 3 4
1 Insert the ejection pin into the hole next to 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 an SD card on the tray with the gold-colored contacts facing downwards and gently
press the SD card into the tray to secure it.
If the card is not fixed firmly into the tray, the SD card may leave or fall out of the tray.
4 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.

Getting started
15
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.
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.

Getting started
16
Turning the device on and off
Follow all posted warnings and directions from authorized personnel in areas where the
use of wireless devices is restricted, such as airplanes 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 .
You can set the device to turn off when you press and hold the Side key. Launch the
Settings app, tap Advanced features
→
Side key , and then tap Power off menu under
Press and hold .

Getting started
17
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.

18
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
19
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
20
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 recognize touch inputs close to the edges of the screen, which are
outside of the touch input area.