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23 Galaxy Note 4 tips and tricks you'll wish you'd tried sooner

androidpit Samsung Galaxy Note4 3
© nextpit

The Galaxy Note 4 is still pretty much everything we wished it would be, even now it's been superseded by the Galaxy Note 5. But there are many tweaks you can make to make one of the best even better. Check out our Galaxy Note 4 tips and tricks for some seriously cool ways to get even more out of your Note 4.

COM samsung galaxy note 4 3
These tips will make the Galaxy Note 4 even better. © ANDROIDPIT

1. Operate your Note 4 one-handed

The Note 4's large screen is great for many reasons, but it is impossible to reach across it with your thumb, as you would on a smaller device. Thankfully, Samsung has included a helpful feature that temporarily shrinks the screen to a more manageable size, and all it takes is a simple gesture.

To activate the feature, go to Settings > Display and wallpaper > One-handed operation and select Reduce screen size. Now, wherever you are on the phone, you can simply swipe left and right quickly from midway up the right side of the screen to enable a smaller screen size.

androidpit Samsung note 4 tips and tricks 1
The reduced screen size feature makes one-handed operation possible. / © ANDROIDPIT

2. Use Smart stay when you're reading to stop the screen turning off

Smart stay uses your phone's front-facing camera to detect whether you're looking at the screen or not. So long as you're looking at it, it remains on. This is great if you want to have a short screen timeout but also do a lot of reading on your phone.

To activate Smart stay, go to Settings > Display and wallpaper and press Smart stay.

androidpit Samsung note 4 tips and tricks 3
Smart stay keeps the screen on as long as you're looking at it. / © ANDROIDPIT

3. Use pop-up apps if you're a keen multi-tasker

You can really make the most of the Galaxy Note 4's screen size by using pop-up apps. The feature allows you to open up to five windows that float over anything happening full-screen. You can move them about individually, resize them and shrink them to little bubbles to regain access to any fullscreen apps. 

Just long hold the back button to open a side-scroll of apps, which you can then tap to open in a pop-up window.

androidpit Samsung note 4 tips and tricks 2
Multi-task like a madman with the Note 4's pop-up apps feature. / © ANDROIDPIT

4. Use auto-exposure adjustment when you focus

This is one of the best camera features to have on any phone, but surprisingly few people know about it on the Galaxy Note 4. You know how you can tap the screen in the camera app to focus in a different place? If you long press instead you'll not only change the focal point, but you'll also set the exposure automatically for that area. This makes taking photos on a bright day or in high contrast situations a lot easier to manage.

AndroidPIT Note 4 auto exposure camera
Long-press in the camera app to activate spot-focus and auto-exposure. / © ANDROIDPIT

5. Get URL previews with S Pen

If you don't quite want to commit to launching the browser every time someone sends you a link, you can  use the S Pen's hover function to preview the URL without actually opening it. It's a huge time saver and very simple to activate.

Just go to Settings > S Pen > Air View and flick the switch. You'll also get a notification that the feature is available if you hover over a link without the setting enabled. The only downside is that it won't preview all links.

AndroidPIT Note 4 S Pen Link preview
S Pen URL previews will save you time. / © ANDROIDPIT

6. Get an activity summary of anyone calling you

This feature has a mild creepy factor but a high cool factor. When someone calls you, your Note 4 can provide you with a quick summary of your recent activity with that person, as well as pertinent information such as an upcoming birthday, the last time you spoke to them or the contents of their last SMS to you. Go to Dialer > Settings > Call > and make sure Show Caller Information is checked.

AndroidPIT Note 4 show caller information
To get a caller summary, just go to Dialer > Settings > and check Show Caller Information. / © ANDROIDPIT

7. Get the Note 4 to listen out for you

This feature is super cool. You simply record the sound of your door bell, buzzer or the ring tone or another device, so that when you're using your Note 4 with headphones, it will tell you when it hears that sound. No more worrying about missing the buzzer if a friend comes over when you're in the middle of watching a movie. This feature is accessed through Settings > Accessibility > Hearing > Sound Detectors.

AndroidPIT Note 4 Sound detectors
The Note 4's sound detector can be used to pick up on a doorbell or a ring tone. / © ANDROIDPIT

8. Disable Flipboard on the Note 4

If  you're not fond of Flipboard, you can very easily disable its dedicated home screen. Just long press anywhere on a blank section of the home screen or on the recent apps button to bring up your home screen management screen and go to Home Screen Settings. Uncheck the box for Flipboard Briefing. Alternatively, you can just drag the screen preview up to Remove.

AndroidPIT Note 4 briefing home screen settings
It's very easy to disable the Flipboard homescreen (and still keep the app). / © ANDROIDPIT

9. Use Meeting Mode to isolate voices in a recording

This feature is great if you use your Galaxy Note 4 to record conversations or group interviews, as we do. When you're in Voice Recorder you'll see arrows on either side of Normal mode. You scan swipe left or right to select a different recording mode, the coolest of which is Meeting mode. This mode can record individual voices from up to eight different directions. When you play back the recording you can isolate individual voices or listen to just a particular part of the room.  

AndroidPIT Note 4 meeting mode voice recorder
The Note 4's Meeting mode can distinguish up to eight voices. / © ANDROIDPIT

10. Switch Note 4 S Pen tips

You might not even notice in your excitement to whip the Note 4 out of the box and start playing, but there's a little plastic bag in the box with a couple of different rubber and plastic tips for the S Pen, along with a tool to help you swap them over. Depending on how you use your S Pen, you might find one tip works better for you than others, so why not try them out and customize your stylus?

samsung galaxy note 4 front s pen
You can even customize your S Pen stylus tips. / © ANDROIDPIT

11. Tweak your Note 4 screen settings

The Galaxy Note 4 lets you adjust the settings for your display so you can get it just the way you like it. Just go to Settings > Display and Wallpaper > Screen Mode. Here you'll find options for Adaptive Display, AMOLED Cinema, AMOLED Photo and Basic. Try them out and see which one you like best.

AndroidPIT Note 4 display mode adaptive display
The Galaxy Note 4 lets you choose from a range of different screen settings. / © ANDROIDPIT

12. Disable the S Voice shortcut on the Note 4

Unless you use S Voice regularly, there's not much point having it as an option for a double press on the home button. In fact, having that shortcut in place actually slows down your Note 4's responsiveness when you hit the home button once, because TouchWiz waits to see if a second press is coming. Launch S Voice and go to Settings and uncheck the box for home button shortcut to get a speedier return home.

AndroidPIT Note 4 s voice settings
Disabling the S Voice shortcut makes returning to home faster. / © ANDROIDPIT

13. Download faster with Note 4 Download Booster 

If Download Booster is available on your network, make sure you enable the feature as soon as you unbox your Note 4. Download Booster lets you download content from both your data plan and Wi-Fi simultaneously, making downloading a breeze. Of course, you'll want to know the size of what you're downloading or your capped data plan will evaporate in short order. Go to Settings > More Networks > Download Booster and turn it on (or off) as desired.

AndroidPIT Note 4 download booster
Hidden away in 'More Networks' is the Note 4's Download Booster. © ANDROIDPIT

14. Make use of the Note 4's triple microphones

You might not have noticed, but there's one pinhole mic on the top edge of the Note 4 and two along the bottom edge. These record ambient noise when you're recording audio, and can then be used to isolate and eradicate background noise. This is a pretty great feature if you're into recording sounds. Just go to Voice Recorder > Settings > Noise Reduction and check the box.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 6
The three microphones on the Note 4 offer noise cancellation in audio recordings. / © ANDROIDPIT

15. Expand the Note 4 memory

I'm probably preaching to the choir here, but make use of that microSD expansion slot as soon as possible. You'll be able to load up all your favorite music, movies and photos and make the most of that amazingly good Super AMOLED screen.

samsung galaxy note 4 back open
Make use of the Note 4's screen with added memory for all your media content. / © ANDROIDPIT

16. Customize home screen Quick Settings on the Note 4

There's no point having every quick setting in the swipeable list in your notifications drop down if you don't really use them, so why not customize what appears there? Just double swipe down from your home screen to open your Quick Settings menu and then tap the little pen icon at the top to see the available Quick Settings options. There you can change which settings are active in the notifications area.

AndroidPIT Note 4 customize quick settings
Only keep the Quick Settings you actually need quickly. / © ANDROIDPIT

17. Turn off Note 4 sounds and haptic feedback

The telltale 'blup' sound that Samsung uses to let you know you've touched the screen may be fun for some but for the rest of us it's a nuisance. Go to Settings > Sound and scroll to the bottom. You can uncheck the box for Touch Sounds to disable the 'blup' and also turn off haptic feedback, keyboard sounds and keyboard vibrations. These are all good for battery but even better for the person next to you. 

AndroidPIT Note 4 sounds notifications other sounds
The more irritating Note 4 sounds you turn off the more people will like you. / © ANDROIDPIT

18. Set your Ultra Power Saving Mode apps

If you know you're likely to use Ultra Power Saving mode on the Galaxy Note 4, you may as well set it up and familiarize yourself with it sooner rather than later. Just go to Settings > Power Saving > Ultra Power Saving Mode and turn it on to see the restricted interface and see what has been limited in the mode. You can add the apps you want by tapping the + icon, so you can add Facebook, WhatsApp and Google+ to your power saving app options.

AndroidPIT Note 4 ultra power saving mode
Ultra Power Saving Mode lets you add your favorite apps to the short list. / © ANDROIDPIT

19. Use the volume button in the Note 4 camera

Go into your camera app and open Settings and then Advanced settings (by pressing the three dots at the end of the quick settings popup). You'll see a section for the volume key. Tap this and choose whether to use the volume key to take a photo, start shooting video or to zoom. Once you've set this up you'll use it all the time.

AndroidPIT Note 4 camera volume button shortcut
The volume key (bottom left) can be used a shutter button, record button or zoom. / © ANDROIDPIT

20. Set your Note 4 image quality

Speaking of the camera, make sure you are shooting photos and recording video in the quality you want. There's nothing worse than capturing that elusive UFO photo only to realize you've been shooting in the the lowest resolution possible.

Image stabilization doesn't work in video resolutions above Full HD, so if you're a little shaky handed you might want to keep that in mind when selecting a video quality setting. Camera shots always have image stabilization, but full 16 MP shots are only available in 16:9 aspect ratio. There's also a 1:1 option for Instagram fiends.

AndroidPIT Note 4 camera image size
Make sure you have your picture and video quality settings where you want them. / © ANDROIDPIT

21. Manage vibration on the Note 4

The Note 4 can practically vibrate itself off the table, so if you're not a big fan of lots of haptic feedback, you can limit just how much moving and shaking your Galaxy Note 4 does. Doing this also saves battery life.

You can toggle between sounds, vibrate and mute in the quick settings or just go to Settings > Sounds and Notifications > Vibration Intensity to change the settings for incoming calls, notifications and haptic feedback.

AndroidPIT Note 4 mute vibration settings
You definitely want to reduce the intensity of the Note 4's vibration. / © ANDROIDPIT

22. Remove Quick Settings from the Note 4 Settings screen

There are a few larger round icons at the top for your Settings menu. These are the quick settings for this section. If you want to get rid of them, tap the + icon and uncheck all of the boxes. When you tap Done you'll be returned to your Settings menu with no quick settings at the top anymore.

AndroidPIT Note 4 settings quick options
If you remove all the check marks you'll have no more big round icons in Settings. / © ANDROIDPIT
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23. Personalize your Galaxy Note 4

Take a good look at the Personalization section in the settings. There's heaps of cool stuff here, such as Guest Mode, Backup, Blocking and Private Mode, Accessibility options and the finger scanner. Register your fingerprints and set up your PayPal and Samsung accounts. You can even use your digits to sign in on the web! Once you're done with this, why not try a custom launcher to see how cool you can make your Note 4? 

AndroidPIT Note 4 perosnalization fingerprint scanner
Take a good look through the Personalization settings and get busy. / © ANDROIDPIT

What are your favorite tips and tricks for the Galaxy Note 4? What do you think is its best feature? Be sure to let us know!

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Kris Carlon

Kris Carlon
Senior Editor

Kris is a former AndroidPIT Editor who came to the team via a lengthy period spent traveling and relying on technology to keep him in touch with the outside world. He can usually be found juggling three phones at once and poring over G+ posts, Reddit and RSS feeds.

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42 comments
Write new comment:
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Write new comment:
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  • 1
    Yoxolo Sep 10, 2016 Link to comment

    My Samsung Note 4 does not show quick settings on the notification panel and this change took place after the software upgrade I perfomed on the device. Please assist


  • 7
    Deactivated Account Nov 4, 2015 Link to comment

    Being able to disable Flipboard on my Note 4 doesn't help me at all. That goddamn bloatware is still there.


    • Jennifer C 1
      Jennifer C Jun 16, 2016 Link to comment

      If you touch and hold on your home screen, a menu pops up for wallpapers, widgets and home screen settings. Click home screen settings then unchecked Flip board briefing! :)


  • 5
    william Deeson Nov 4, 2015 Link to comment

    I love TouchWiz, I have owned every Note series device since they came out with the note 1 i717 model,up until then my first smartphone was the Samsung Captivate. As far as I am concerned all devices should of Ben made in the captivates image, as far as hardware. I owned one HTC, because AT&T was out of the S3 model and i needed a device,it was the HTC ONE X, not a bad device but i purchased the Note 1 after that.there sence OS could not compare to TouchWiz. I have owned 28 devises since 2010 and all but 2 being samsung.i love Samsung and i am very displeased with the rumor going around that Samsung will stop making Smartphones in 5 years.but no ui can compare with TouchWiz I can deal with the little bit of lag on my Note 4,better than I can deal with no SD card, and no removable battery, I hope Samsung changes that back with the note 6 model,and the S7 models.if not i will be forced to buy another Note 4 untill then.long live Samsung touchwiz....

    Hans FDeactivated AccountDeactivated Account


  • Alfredo Pollock 2
    Alfredo Pollock Oct 19, 2015 Link to comment

    Thank you pal.

    Chris Marshall


  • 1
    Nida Maynard Oct 12, 2015 Link to comment

    How do you set the voice announcing the callers name.


  • Patricia K. 2
    Patricia K. Oct 6, 2015 Link to comment

    Very informative! Especially the section on the S. pen tips.I thought they were just replacement tips, now @ know the REAL story! However, no information was given about when a new tip should be installed. I am sure this tips don't last forever! (or however long one owns the unit).


  • 1
    Deactivated Account Sep 11, 2015 Link to comment

    Hi there,
    This is a very helpful post. However for some reason I do not have an edit function available for my quick settings menu. I have tried to reset and everything but the option does not seem to be available. Any ideas?


    • 1
      Michael Rehkemper Nov 9, 2015 Link to comment

      You need to use 2 fingers to pull down the quick settings. My guess is you used one finger, which just pulls the standard notifications.


  • l38767 1
    l38767 Jul 4, 2015 Link to comment

    Frankly I am not happy with Note capability on how many apps can be downloaded on the screen.
    Mine is telling me that no more room for apps etc.
    this is upsetting me because I had iPhone 6plus 128 and never run out of room but this??? Rrrrrrr.
    Does anyone know how to add more room?


    • Olyuriel 2
      Olyuriel Jul 4, 2015 Link to comment

      That means you ran out of room on that screen, you are not out of storage space, pinch down on your home screen this will open a settings menu and swipe right, you will see a plus sign you can add more space that way or delete as necesary, hope this helps.


    • robert perry 1
      robert perry Jul 23, 2015 Link to comment

      use folders to condense space on screens.


    • 2
      Jim Andrews Feb 5, 2016 Link to comment

      Nova Prime best launcher ! Allows me to have tons of apps, folders and widgets on each screen. Dock has even more space ..... an extra 35 apps, or 35 folders, or combination .....


  • 10
    Moussa May 18, 2015 Link to comment

    In my setting menu, I do not have the large round icons. Does anyone know how to get them?


    • Steven Rogers 2
      Steven Rogers Sep 10, 2015 Link to comment

      That is the quick settings in your settings app. Open Settings and press the button at the top-right that looks like a vertical ellipses (the three dots). It says "Edit quick settings" and from there you may choose whatever you'd like.


  • 1
    Maydrian May 14, 2015 Link to comment

    Since the new upgrade I have lost the weather overview on the main screen and also the ability to "uncheck" read emails not explanations anywhere on how to reinstate these which came a standard on the old software and guess what it worked Do not like this new system with the loss of useful functions that I had got accustomed to. No explanation anywhere on how to get them back either


  • 3
    cherry May 14, 2015 Link to comment

    Note4 works well on green gallery,cleanwiz and lockwiz apps that my company created.


  • 1
    Heather Fritz May 14, 2015 Link to comment

    I just read the article "Galaxy note 4 tips and tricks you need to know. Under personalization you say there are heaps of cool stuff such as guest user mode. I have the note 4 through sprint with lollipop 5.0.1 and I do not have that feature. I was told Samsung left that out but also read it will be included in the 5.1 update but the only confirmed Samsung devices receiving that are the S6 and S6 Edge. I've called sprint. I've done tons of research and still do not know for sure if any note 4 has that feature. Why would you write about it if it didn't ? Can you tell me if the note 4 running lollipop should have that feature?


    • Olyuriel 2
      Olyuriel Jul 4, 2015 Link to comment

      I also have the note 4 with sprint and those features are available, not sure how maybe just play around with it, that is how i find most of the stuff


  • 2
    Young Age May 5, 2015 Link to comment

    My note 2 had options in which my videos were viewing a quick short clip of each video when i was on my video playlist as well as when i point my s pen on a video (it eventually start to play withput me selecting it). I dont know if anymore knowd what am talking about but these options are not longer available it seems. I really liked them on note 2 but note 4 don't seem to have them (videos are as fixed as pictures...I find it really boring). Plz anyone help if there is an option where I can enable this thanks.

    rosemarie charalambous

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