Samsung SM-G525F User manual

www.samsung.com
USER MANUAL
English (LTN). 02/2023. Rev.2.0
SM-G525F
SM-G525F/DS

2
Table of Contents
Getting started
5 Device layout and functions
8 Battery
12 SIM or USIM card (nano-SIM card)
13 microSD card
15 Turning the device on and off
16 Initial setup
Apps and features
17 Introduction
18 Samsung account
19 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 Samsung Kids
45 Samsung Health
46 Samsung Notes
47 Samsung Members
47 Samsung Global Goals
47 Galaxy Shop
48 Galaxy Wearable
48 Calendar
49 Reminder
50 My Files
50 Clock
50 Calculator
51 Game Launcher
52 Game Booster
53 SmartThings
53 Smart View
54 Music Share
56 Link to Windows
57 Google apps
58 Camera
66 Gallery
70 Voice Recorder
71 Radio
72 Sharing content
74 Transferring data from your previous
device (Smart Switch)

Table of Contents
3
101 Google
101 Advanced features
102 Motions and gestures
103 Dual Messenger
104 Digital Wellbeing and parental
controls
104 Battery and device care
104 Optimizing your device
105 Battery
105 Storage
105 Memory
105 Device protection
106 Auto optimization
106 Software update
106 Diagnostics
106 Apps
106 General management
108 Accessibility
108 Software update
109 About phone
Usage notices
111 Precautions for using the device
113 Notes on package contents and
accessories
114 Maintaining water and dust resistance
115 Device overheating situations and
solutions
Appendix
119 Troubleshooting
125 About Hearing Aid Compatibility
(HAC)
Settings
76 Introduction
77 Samsung account
77 Connections
78 Wi-Fi
80 Bluetooth
81 NFC and contactless payments
(NFC-enabled models)
82 Data saver
83 Mobile data only apps
83 Mobile Hotspot
84 More connection settings
85 Connected devices
86 Modes and Routines
86 Using modes
86 Using routines
87 Sounds and vibration
88 Sound quality and effects
88 Separate app sound
89 Notifications
89 Display
90 Wallpaper and style
90 Themes
90 Home screen
91 Lock screen
91 Smart Lock
92 Security and privacy
93 Face recognition
95 Secure Folder
98 Secure Wi-Fi
99 Location
99 Safety and emergency
100 Accounts and backup
100 Samsung Cloud

4
Getting started

Getting started
5
Device layout and functions
Front camera
Speaker
XCover key
Volume key
Multipurpose jack
(USB Type-C)
Side key
Touchscreen
Proximity/Light sensor
Flash
Rear camera
Speaker Microphone
Earphone jack
Microphone
NFC antenna
GPS antenna
Back cover
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 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
•
If the area around the upper microphone is covered, unwanted noises may incur
during a call. Remove accessories, such as a screen protector or stickers, around the
upper microphone area.
•
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, stickers, or a cover. Doing so may cause the sensor to malfunction.

Getting started
7
Hard keys
Key Function
Side key
•
Press and hold to turn the device on or off.
•
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.
XCover key
•
Press to launch the app or feature you set.
•
Press or press and hold to launch preset apps.
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.
Setting the XCover key
Select an app or feature to launch by pressing or pressing and holding the XCover key.
Launch the
Settings app, tap Advanced features
→
XCover 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
Battery
Installing the battery
1 Remove the back cover.
Be careful not to damage your fingernails when you remove the back cover.
Do not bend or twist the back cover excessively. Doing so may damage the cover.
2 Insert the battery with the battery’s gold-colored contacts properly aligned with the
device’s contacts.
2
1

Getting started
9
3 Replace the back cover.
Align
2
1
Press
Ensure that the back cover is closed tightly to prevent water and dust from entering
the device. Open or loose back cover may allow water and dust to enter the device and
cause damage.
Use only Samsung-approved back covers and accessories with the device.
Removing the battery
1 Remove the back cover.
2 Pull out the battery.

Getting started
10
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.
Do not remove the battery before removing the charger. This may damage the device.

Getting started
11
Quick charging
Launch the Settings app, tap Battery and device care
→
Battery
→
More battery settings ,
and then tap the
Fast charging switch to activate it.
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.
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.
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.

Getting started
12
•
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.
SIM or USIM card (nano-SIM 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.
•
Some services that require a network connection may not be available depending on
the service provider.
•
For single SIM models, insert your SIM card into SIM card slot 1. SIM card slot 2 is not
available.
Installing the SIM or USIM card
SIM card slot 2
SIM card slot 1
1 Remove the back cover and battery.
2 Insert the SIM or USIM card with the gold-colored contacts facing downwards.

Getting started
13
3 Replace the battery and back cover.
•
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.
•
Do not insert an SD card into the SIM card slot. If an SD card happens to be lodged in
the SIM card slot, take the device to a Samsung Service Center to remove the SD card.
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.
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.

Getting started
14
1 Remove the back cover and battery.
2 Insert an SD card with the gold-colored contacts facing downwards.
3 Replace the battery and back cover.
•
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.
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
15
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.
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.
Volume Down key
Side 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. Alternatively, open the notification
panel, swipe downwards, and then tap .
2 Tap Power off .
To restart the device, tap
Restart .

Getting started
16
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.

17
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
18
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
19
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.

Apps and features
20
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.