Samsung Galaxy Tab A SM-T380 User manual

www.samsung.com
User Manual
English (CA) 09/2017 Rev. 1.0
SM-T380

2
Table of Contents
Basics
4 Read me first
5 Device overheating situations and
solutions
8 Device layout and functions
11 Battery
13 Memory card (microSD card)
16 Turning the device on and off
17 Initial setup
19 Samsung account
20 Transferring data from your previous
device
24 Understanding the screen
32 Notification panel
34 Entering text
Apps and features
36 Installing or uninstalling apps
38 Bixby Home
46 Contacts
49 Internet
51 Email
52 Camera
64 Gallery
69 Multi window
73 Samsung Notes
74 Calendar
75 Samsung Flow
76 My Files
76 Clock
78 Calculator
78 Game Launcher
81 Sharing content
82 Google apps

Table of Contents
3
Appendix
109 Troubleshooting
Health and Safety
Settings
84 Introduction
84 Connections
85 Wi-Fi
87 Bluetooth
89 More connection settings
90 Sound
91 Notifications
91 Display
92 Blue light filter
92 Wallpaper
93 Advanced features
94 Device maintenance
96 Apps
96 Lock screen and security
98 Secure Folder
102 Cloud and accounts
103 Users
105 Backup and restore
106 Google
106 Accessibility
107 General management
108 Software update
108 About tablet

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 customize 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.
•
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.
•
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.

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5
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
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.

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6
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
•
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 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

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7
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.
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.
•
Never use a damaged charger or battery.

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8
Device layout and functions
Package contents
Check the product box for the following items:
•
Device
•
USB cable
•
Ejection pin
•
USB power adapter
•
Quick start guide
•
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.

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9
Device layout
Front camera
Power key
Volume key
Back key
Touchscreen
Home key
Recents key
Multipurpose jack (USB
Type-C)
Memory card tray
Earphone jack
Rear camera
Flash
Microphone
GPS antenna
Speaker

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10
•
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
•
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.
Keys
Key Function
Power
•
Press and hold to turn the device on or off.
•
Press to turn on or lock the screen.
Recents
•
Tap to open the list of recent apps.
Home
•
Press to turn on the screen while the screen is locked.
•
Press to return to the Home screen.
•
Press and hold to launch Google .
Back
•
Tap to return to the previous screen.
•
Tap and hold to access additional options for the current
screen.
Volume
•
Press to adjust the device volume.

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11
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 chargers, batteries, and cables. Unapproved chargers or
cables can cause the battery to explode or damage the 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 adapter.
2 Plug the USB cable into the device’s multipurpose jack.
3 Plug the USB power adapter into an electric socket.
4 After fully charging, disconnect the charger from the device. Then, unplug the charger
from the electric socket.

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12
Reducing the battery consumption
Your device provides various options that help you conserve battery power.
•
Optimize 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 the Wi-Fi feature when not in use.
•
Deactivate auto-syncing of apps that need to be synced, such as emails.
•
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 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.

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13
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 recognize the card. To use the memory card, you must format it.
If your device cannot format or recognize 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.

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14
4 5
123
1 Insert the ejection pin into the hole on the memory card 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 memory card tray gently from the memory card tray slot.

Basics
15
3 Place a memory card on the memory card tray with the gold-coloured contacts facing
downwards.
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.
5 Insert the memory card tray back into the memory card 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 maintenance
→
Storage
→ →
Storage settings
→
SD card
→
UNMOUNT .
1 Insert the ejection pin into the hole on the tray to loosen the tray.
2 Pull out the tray gently from the tray slot.
3 Remove the memory card.
4 Insert the tray back into the tray slot.
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.

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16
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 maintenance
→
Storage
→ →
Storage settings
→
SD card
→
Format
→
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 authorized personnel in areas where
the use of wireless devices is restricted, such as airplanes and hospitals.
Restarting the device
If your device is frozen and unresponsive, press and hold the Power key and the Volume
Down key simultaneously for more than 7 seconds to restart it.
Power key
Volume Down
key

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17
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.
The initial setup procedures may vary depending on the device’s software and your
region.
1 Turn on the device.
2 Select your preferred device language.
Select a language.
3 Select a Wi-Fi network and connect to it.
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.
4 Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed the initial setup.
5 Set a screen lock method to protect your device. You can protect your personal
information by preventing others from accessing your device. To set the screen lock
method later, tap Not now .

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18
6 Sign in to your Samsung account. You can enjoy Samsung services and keep your data
up to date and secure across all of your devices. Refer to Samsung account for more
information.
7
Select features you want to use and complete the initial setup.
The Home screen will appear.

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19
Samsung account
Introduction
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. Once your
Samsung account has been registered, you can keep your data up to date and secure across
your Samsung devices with Samsung Cloud, track and control your lost or stolen device, see
tips and tricks from Samsung Members, and more.
Create your Samsung account with your email address.
To check the list of services that can be used with your Samsung account, visit
account.samsung.com. For more information on Samsung accounts, launch the Settings app
and tap Cloud and accounts
→
Accounts
→
Samsung account
→
Help .
Registering your Samsung account
Registering a new Samsung account
If you do not have a Samsung account, you should create one.
1 Launch the
Settings app and tap Cloud and accounts
→
Accounts
→
Add account .
2 Tap
Samsung account
→
CREATE ACCOUNT .
3 Follow the on-screen instructions to complete creating your account.
Registering an existing Samsung account
If you already have a Samsung account, register it to the device.
1 Launch the
Settings app and tap Cloud and accounts
→
Accounts
→
Add account .
2 Tap
Samsung account .

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20
3 Enter your email address and password, and then tap
SIGN IN .
If you forget your account information, tap Forgotten your ID or password? You can find
your account information when you enter the required information and security code
displayed that is on the screen.
4 Tap
DONE to finish registering your Samsung account.
Removing your Samsung account
When you remove your registered Samsung account from the device, your data, such as
contacts or events, will also be removed.
1 Launch the
Settings app and tap Cloud and accounts
→
Accounts .
2 Tap
Samsung account
→ →
Remove account .
3 Tap
OK , enter your Samsung account password, and then tap CONFIRM .
Transferring data from your previous device
You can transfer contacts, images, and other data from a previous device to your device via
Smart Switch or Samsung Cloud.
•
This feature may not be supported on some devices or computers.
•
Limitations apply. Visit www.samsung.com/smartswitch for details. Samsung
takes copyright seriously. Only transfer content that you own or have the right to
transfer.