How to use Android Lollipop guest user mode and multiple users?

This guide shows you how to use guest mode and manage (and use) multiple users on Android Lollipop.

Android Lollipop makes it possible to share your Android Lollipop phones with other users temporally with some restrictions(guest user mode) or for an extended period without restrictions (multiple users mode).

This is a new Android Lollipop feature for phones. For Android tablet, multiple users has been supported since Jelly Bean 4.3.

Most Android phones with Android Lollipop support guest user mode and multiple users, e.g., Nexus devices (Nexus 4, 5 and Nexus 6), Motorola Moto devices (Moto X, Moto X 2nd Gen, Moto G, Mot G 2nd Gen, Moto E, and Moto E 2nd Gen), LG G3, LG G Flex 2, Sony Xperia Z3 and many others.

But Samsung currently does not support this guest user and multiple users feature in the Android Lollipop 5.0 update. For example, the Android Lollipop update for Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5, and Galaxy Note 4, removed this feature for unknown reasons.  But they will very likely add this feature in future updates.

What’s the difference between “user” and “account” when talking about Android Lollipop guest user mode and multiple users?

A lot of Android users may get confused on user and account.

In all Android devices, you can have multiple Google accounts (as well as other accounts, e.g., email accounts, Facebook account…..). Butthese accounts always belong to a user. Normally, you need setup at at least one Google account for the user to use some features.

Before Android Lollipop multiple users were introduced, there is only one user on your phone. So, there is no confusion: all accounts are “yours”.

Now, in your phones with Android Lollipop update, you can have more than one user. You can switch among these users.

Each user owns its own multiple accounts.  These accounts are NOT shared among users.

What’s the difference between the Android Lollipop guest user and normal user? Who is the device owner (administrator)?

Android Lollipop Guest user is normally used for sharing the device temporally. There is only one guest user. So, you can continue a guest user session or start a new from scratch when switching to guest user mode in Android Lollipop.

Please note, guest user has similar permissions as other users.  Guest user can add Google account to access his own contents and apps, in addition to pre-installed apps. Guest user can set screen lock, but new guest can always start a new session to clean all settings of previous guest users without unlocking the phone.

Normal users (multiple users) have own identification and own storage space. They can set their own screen lock to protect their contents. Normal users have almost identical privileges as device administrator except removing users.

The first user setup in the phone is always the device owner(administrator).  Only device owner (administrator) can remove other users.

How to use Android Lollipop guest user mode?

Android Lollipop guest user mode is always available.  There is no activation (or deactivation).

Step 1: Go to quick settings panel.

In quick settings panel (if you are not sure about Lollipop quick settings panel, please check this guide.), tap the avatar of current user in top right (as shown below).

Then tap more settings as shown below if you want to enable phone calling  features to guest user.

 

Step 2: Setup guest user features.

You should be directed to Settings—Users page. You can also access this page from Settings, instead of the quick settings panel if you want.

Tap the gear icon next to Guest as shown below.

Drag the switch for Allow phone calls to right to enable this feature for guest user.  By default, phone calls are not allowed for guest user.

Once this feature is enabled, the switch will change to blue as shown blow.

 

Step 3: Enter Android Lollipop guest user mode

In quick settings panel, tap Add guest as shown below. You can also enter guest user mode directly from Settings – Users – Guest.

If there is no saved sessions for guest users, you will see the Switching to Guest screen.  It may take from a few seconds to 1 min to enter  Android Lollipop guest user mode depending on your phone.

 

Step 4: Using Android Lollipop guest user mode

Once entering guest user mode, you will get a default home screen.

Guest user can use all pre-installed apps, i.e., apps installed before the owner setup the phone.

Although Android Lollipop guest user can use these pre-installed apps, the data and settings associated with these apps are NOT shared. Each user has own settings and data for the same app. For example, the contacts should be empty for guest user by default.

Android Lollipop guest user can install apps after adding his own Google account as shown below.

 

 

Step 5: Exit Android Lollipop guest user mode

When in guest user mode,  you can tap the user avatar in quick settings panel. Then tap another user to exit guest user mode as shown above.

Please note, after switching to other users, the setting and data for the guest user is saved in the phone.

How to remove guest user in Android Lollipop?

If you are using other people’s phone as a guest user, it is recommended to remove your account so that all your data and settings are cleared from the phone.

If you simply switch to other user without removing guest user, next time the guest user (maybe someone else) will have the option to continueyour session (and therefore access all of your data and settings saved under guest user mode) or start over (to clear the your data and settings).

To remove Android Lollipop guest user apps, data and settings, in the quick settings panel (in guest user mode), tap Remove guest as shown below.  This sill remove all apps, data and settings linked to current guest user. Essentially, this removes this guest user. So, the guest user can remove the guest account himself.

Once the Android Lollipop guest user is removed, the phone will switch back to lock screen.

 

How to add a user to your Android Lollipop devices?

If you want to share the phone with other users for extended time, it is better to create a new user for him so that the user can use it as if it is his own phone.

This is the multiple users feature in Android Lollipop phone. You can add several users as you want.

The user you added will have his own space for app data and personal files. When a single app is shared by you and other users, each of you can only access your own app data and app settings.

To add a user to your Android Lollipop device, please follow these steps.

Step 1: Go to Quick Settings panel

If you are not sure how to access quick settings panel, please read this guide. In short, swipe down from the status bar (top of the screen) withtwo fingers.

Step 2: Tap avatar for current user in top right.

Step 3: Tap Add user as shown below.

After tapping Add user, your phone screen should indicate it is switching to new user as shown below.

 

Step 4: Set up new user.

You need confirm to add a new user by tapping OK as shown below.

After a few seconds, you will be redirected to the new user setup page.

Tap the Arrow icon to proceed.

From now on, you can let the user control the process if you want.

 

When setting up a new user, you can optionally skip the Google account setup so that the user can add it later by himself.

So,in the Add your account screen as shown below, you can ask the user to add his Google account (not yours) if the user is beside you.

If not, you can simply tap skip as shown below. Of course, your Android system will remind you that before adding the Google account, the user cannot access his Google content (quite straightforward).

 

Next, the user need provide a name so that it can be shown in the user list. Otherwise, you don’t know who is who.

After setting up the user name, tap the Finish button as shown below to set up this user account.

You will see the default screen for this user as shown below. Currently, only pre-installed apps are available. The user can add apps after adding his Google account.

 

 

How to switch to other users in Android Lollipop multiple users mode ?

When you have more than one user in your phone, you can switch among users in either of the two locations:

1. In the quick settings panel, tap the avatar for current user in the top right, then tap the account which you want to switch to. Please see the image above.
2. In Settings –Users. Tap the user name to which you want to switch (as shown in the image below). Current user is always listed in the first.

 

How to remove users from your Android Lollipop phone?

Please note, only the phone owner can delete other users. Other users are not allowed to remove other users or himself on the phone. Guest user is an exception: it can remove himself.

So, to remove users from your Android Lollipop phone, you need switch to phone owner, which is always indicated in Settings—Users.

In Settings–Users page, tap the gear icon as shown above. This settings (gear icon) is only available for phone owner.

Tap Remove user as shown below.

Tap Delete to confirm the deletion as shown below.

Now, the user is removed from your Android Lollipop powered phone as shown below.

 

Why I cannot find the option for the restricted profiles in Android Lollipop phones?

Restricted profiles are only available in Android tablets, not phones.

So, in Android Lollipop phones, you cannot create a restricted profile. There is no such an option currently.

What are actually shared among users and what are not shared when using Android Lollipop guest user mode and multiple users?

1. App files are always shared.

Each app has only one copy on the phone. So, any user can upgrade the app and accept new permissions.  This is similar to the PC.

2. App data are NOT shared.

Each app has its own settings and user data. These are NOT shared.

For example, there is only one copy of GMail app. But each user can only see emails (and email settings) of his own accounts.  He cannot see email or settings for accounts that are under other users.

3. Accounts are NOT shared.

Each user can have a lot of accounts (multiple Google accounts, Facebook account, multiple email accounts..). These accounts are NOT shared. Each user can only access accounts added by him.

4. SD card is always shared.

If your phone has a SD card, and you saved some files in the SD card, or you choose SD card as the photo/video storage location for camera app, these files are shared. In other words, other users can see these files in the SD card.

Do you have any questions of problems on how to use Lollipop guest user mode and manage (and use) multiple users on Android Lollipop phones?

If you encounter any problems or encounter any issues on using Android Lollipop guest user mode, or managing/using multiple users in your Android Lollipop phones, please let us know in the comment box below.  The community will try to help you.

For more Android Lollipop guides, please visit on Android Lollipop Guide page.

Top 6 Samsung Galaxy S6 defects

Galaxy Note 5 vs Galaxy Note 4: what are the missing features? No Micro SD card support, non-removable battery, no IR blaster, smaller battery, and missing Lollipop features.

Knowing the 6 top defects of Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge before purchasing

Samsung Galaxy S6 (and S6 edge) is a good, but not great smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge are the most beautiful smartphone Samsung has ever designed and manufactured.

The unibody metal design with Corning Gorilla Glass 4 in the back and front makes it standing out among 2015 flagship smartphones.

The curved edge screen in S6 edge makes it very unique, although some may complain on the usability and reduced strength due to the edge screens.

Samsung Galaxy S6 also boosts the performance through their own Exynos SoC, and new storage technology.

The camera in Galaxy S6 is fast and can take decent photos in auto mode.

But if you check the phone carefully, you will easily find themany Samsung Galaxy S6 defects that prevent it from being a great smartphone.

In this post, I share with you the top 6 Samsung Galaxy S6 defects based on my knowledge and hands-on experience.

Samsung Galaxy S6 defects #1: non-removable battery

I would list this as the No.1 Samsung Galaxy S6 defect.

I know many may disagree.

iPhone never has a removable battery.

HTC does not offer removable battery in recent years.

Recent Nexus devices do not have removable battery.  T

he list can be very long.

Removable battery still matters for Samsung Galaxy S6 for those:

• who use the phone heavily. This means the battery  very likely must be replaced within about one year.  Samsung is not Apple: 1). there is no universal and transparent pricing  for replacing the battery. Some Galaxy S6 owners may pay several times higher price for replacing it than someone in other regions; and 2). Samsung has so many models of smartphone that they technicians are often confusing on the models. This means the stock can be an issue. and 3). in some regions, Samsung relies on distributors and subcontractors who only care about immediate profit and are not interested in stock batteries for “old models” when Galaxy Note 5 or Galaxy S7 comes out..
• who want to pass the phone to kids after one or two years. Battery shelf life (3-4 years maximum) is the hard limit, even you are not a heavy user. You will face the same problems when you need replace the battery.
• who lives in a region with limited access to official Samsung service center. In some regions, as mentioned, the distributors and contractors have no incentive to stock batteries or train new staff for previous generation phones.

In current smartphone market, only Apple is successful with non-removable battery due to its extensive service network.

Nexus users are feeling the pain  (except Nexus 6 users) now or have to throw away the device already.  HTC still has no idea why their sales are not proportional to positive reviews.

Samsung and LG used to be the two major smartphone manufactures that give owners the removable battery. And sometimes, this can be a deciding factor for conscious buyers.

Now Samsung decides to use a non-removable battery for Galaxy S6, and S6 edge.

LG is probably a better choice if removable battery matters for you.

Samsung Galaxy S6 defects #2:  No USB 3

When Samsung removed USB 3.0 from Galaxy Note 4, I considered lacking of USB 3.0 is a No.1 defect (see this post) of Galaxy Note 4.  Both of the previous generation of Note 4 and S6, Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S5,  have US 3.0 support.

Some owners do not understand why USB 3.0 is important for a smartphone, because most users never connect the phone to the PC and transfer large quantity of files.

If you have thousands of photos to be copied to a PC, or you want to copy a few Gigs movie files for your next trip, you will understand the importance of USB 3.0. With USB 2.0, very  frequently, you will get timeout errors and have to transfer again and again.

You may not need USB 3.0 very often. But when you need it, you will feel the pain with USB 2.0.

The only drawback of USB 3.0 is the port size is almost doubled compared to USB 2.0. And USB 3.,0 cable is usually a few percentage more expensive than USB 2.0’s. You can actually use USB 2.0 cables for USB 3.0 port.

Apparently, Samsung decides to cater Samsung Galaxy S6 (and S6 edge) for mass market and believes only a few owners need USB 3,0. They are probably correct. But for some, this can be a big disappointment, and a defect of Galaxy S6.

There are no other well-known smartphone vendors support  USB 3.0 yet. So, if you are looking for a smartphone with USB 3.0 support, forget it now.

Samsung Galaxy S6 defects #3: no water resistant

Galaxy S5 is IP67 certified dust and water resistant. This is one of the most welcomed features in Galaxy S5 as explained in this post, although it is not on a par with Sony’s waterproof Xperia phones.

Nowadays, smartphone owners, especially young owners, do not take much care of the phone. Spilling coffees over phones is not news.

Unfortunately, Samsung Galaxy S6 is not water resistant, although the back cover is non-removable (by owner).

Lacking water resistant is obviously one of the Samsung Galaxy S6 defects.  Samsung will add water resistant only after iPhone get it.

If you are looking for a smartphone with water resistant, Sony Xperia series should be your choice.

Samsung Galaxy S6 active? Not worth the wait.

Samsung Galaxy S6 defects #4: TouchWiz is still TouchWiz

Samsung is criticized for packing too many useless, half-baked features in the TouchWiz. Galaxy S4 is the milestone of how a phone can be bloated with useless features.

Although Galaxy S4 sold well thanks for Samsung’s deep pocket in marketing, customers started to lose confidence (and patience) on Galaxy phones.

Galaxy S5 is actually a great phone except the camera.  But consumers have the perception that Galaxy phones are lagging, bloated and plastic.

Samsung tried hard to re-brand its Galaxy S phones with “premium” materials, iPhone-like (with a bit HTC One elements) design, and a “new” TouchWiz.

If you are a long-term Samsung Galaxy phone user, you will noticethe new TouchWiz is less bloated, but:

• many useful features (together with useless features) are removed. For example, in Galaxy S6 app screen or home screen, you cannot cycle though panels. In Galaxy App screen (app drawer), you cannot sort apps.
• quick settings panel is worse than vanilla Android Lollipop, and looks ugly. If you cannot improve it, then you should not change it.
• TouchWiz is still a resource hogger.

Samsung Galaxy S6 defects #5:  non-genuine Android Lollipop

Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 edge comes with Android 5.0.2 (Android Lollipop).

But this is a less sweet Lollipop. Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge gives owners a non-genuine Android Lollipop.

Some excellent Android Lollipop features were removed in Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge.  This is surely a Samsung Galaxy S6 defect.

Here are just a few examples:

• no guest user support. Android Lollipop offers guest user mode and multiple users in smartphones. This makes device sharing easier and safer. But you cannot find these features in Galaxy S6 or S6 edge.
• no multiple user support.
• messed notification and interruption system. AlthoughAndroid Lollipop notification and interruption system received some negative feedback, it is still the best notification system compared to iOS, Windows phone. In Samsung Galaxy S6, Samsung implemented a hybrid of new notification system and the old one. It simply makes more confusions.

Anyway, non-genuine Android Lollipop is another Samsung Galaxy S6  defect.

If you want to try “genuine” Android Lollipop, you ma considerNexus 6 or Moto X, or even Moto G.

Samsung Galaxy S6 defects #5: too many options = you cannot get what you want

Because Samsung removed SD card support for Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge, they offer 3 storage options: 32GB, 64GB and 128GB, for Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge.

If we consider the 3-color (more is on the way) options. So, you may have 18 options (3 colors* 3 storage size *2 variants) for your Galaxy S6 purchase.

It sounds great. iPhone has been very successful in similar configurations.

But Samsung is NOT Apple. Apple has a tight control of the distribution channel.

In some regions, Samsung still relies on distributors who definitely have no interest to carry 18 inventories for one product. So, it is not strange, some buyers actual have only one or two options.

What do you think about the Samsung Galaxy S6 defects?

Please leave your comments and thoughts in the comment box below.

For other features of Galaxy S6, please check Galaxy S6 online manual page.

For detailed guides on how to use Samsung Galaxy S6, please checkGalaxy S6 how-to guides page.

Everything about Galaxy Note 5 S Pen

This guide shows you Galaxy Note 5 S Pen components and their functions, the difference between white and grey S Pen nibs, and how to replace S Pen nibs...

S Pen is the signature accessory for Galaxy Note devices. A lot of special features and functions on Galaxy Note 5 require S Pen.

This guide will try to cover all aspects of Galaxy Note 5 S Pen.  So, this guide will be helpful for you even you are a new user of S Pen.

For experienced S Pen users, the difference between Galaxy Note 5 S Pen and S Pen in previous generations is illustrated.

Because S Pens in all Galaxy Note devices share similar design. This guide also applies to old generation Galaxy Note devices, e.g., Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note 10.1, Galaxy Note 8.0, Galaxy Note Pro.

If something is exclusive to Galaxy Note 5, it will be highlighted.

Galaxy Note 5 S Pen components and their functions

In your Samsung Galaxy Note 5 box, you should find following components related to Galaxy Note 5 S Pen:

1. a S Pen (with  a S Pen button) attached to Galaxy Note 5 S Pen slot (see Galaxy Note 5 layout here);
2. 5 spare S Pen nibs (in 2 colors), and
3. tweezers.

The 5 spare spare S Pen nibs and the tweezers were put inside a small plastic bag in the box.

The functions of the Galaxy Note 5 S Pen nib:

1. Use the S Pen to write, draw, or perform touch actions on the screen.
2. Hover the S Pen over items on the screen to access additional S Pen features, such as Action button and the Air view feature.

The functions of the Galaxy Note 5 S Pen button:

1. Hover the S Pen over the screen and press the S Pen button to display the Air command features.
2. While pressing and holding the S Pen button, drag the S Pen over items to select them.

The function of tweezers is to remove the S Pen nib when replacing the nib.

What are the differences between the white and grey S Pen nibs?

You may notice among the 5 spare S Pen nibs, 3 are white and 2 are grey.

By default, the S Pen attached to Galaxy Note 5 is white in most regions.

The color is not random. The white nibs are actually different from the grey ones.

The white one is harder and it is easy to move it on the screen with less friction. The grey one, on the other hand, is like rubber. It provides more friction.

So, these two types of S Pen nibs give you different S Pen experience depending on your habit.

But if you applies screen protector to your Galaxy Note 5 screen, you may find it is hard to use the grey one.

How to replace Galaxy Note 5 S Pen nib?

You may need replace the Galaxy Note 5 S pen nib when:

• you want to get more friction (grey) or less friction (white).
• the S Pen nib is dull or not responsive as usual.

Please note, S Pen nibs are NOT reusable.  So, don’t waste your S Pen nibs.

You may follow these steps to replace Galaxy Note 5 S Pen nib.

Step 1: Remove the old nib with tweezers

You need hold the nib firmly with the tweezers, then pull it out as shown below. Do not use any other tools.

Step 2: Insert the new S Pen nib.

Insert the new S pen nib into the S pen with your hand as shown below.

Do not insert the rounded end of the nib into Galaxy Note 5 S Pen.

How to detach Galaxy Note 5 S Pen?

To detach Galaxy Note 5 S pen, you need press the end of the S Pen to disengage it. Then, pull the S Pen from the slot as shown below

This is different from detaching S Pen from previous Galaxy Note devices. The Galaxy Note 5 S Pen is loaded with a spring. And you must press the end to disengage it.  For S Pen in Galaxy Note 4 and older devices, you can pull out the S Pen directly.

In Galaxy Note 5, the S Pen is fully inserted into the slot and you cannot pull it without pressing the end.

How to store Galaxy Note 5 S Pen?

To store Galaxy Note 5 S Pen, push it back into the S Pen slot until you hear it click. You need insert the S Pen’s nib first as shown below. Failure to do so can
cause the S Pen to become stuck. Forcefully detaching the S Pen from the slot may cause damage to the S Pen and Galaxy Note 5.

The Galaxy Note 5 S Pen design has a flaw: you may accidentally insert the S Pen in wrong direction without applying much force until it is stuck. If you pull out the S Pen after it is stuck, your Galaxy Note 5 will not be able to detect S Pen any more. You have to visit local Samsung service center to repair it.

If the Galaxy Note 5 S Pen is stored properly, the whole S Pen should be in the S Pen slot.

What can I do if I accidentally insert Galaxy Note 5 S Pen into the slot in wrong direction?

As mentioned, Galaxy Note 5 S pen has a design flaw. You may insert the S Pen in wrong direction without getting any warnings until it is stuck.

It is too late!

If this happened to you, you may damage the S Pen slot. Galaxy Note 5 will unlikely detect whether the S Pen is in the slot or not from now on.

This means you cannot use screen off memo. You have to use air command by pressing the S Pen button.

As it is a hardware damage, you have to visit local Samsung service center to repair the S Pen slot.  Factory data reset will NOT solve the problem.

For other Galaxy Note 5 features and detailed Galaxy Note 5 how-to guides , please check Galaxy Note 5 how-to guides page.

You may also download and read the official Samsung Galaxy Note 5 user manual here.

Air View in Galaxy Note 3

Get to know how to use Air View in your Galaxy Note 3. Point at an item with the S Pen or your finger to preview content or view information in a pop-up window.

Back to Table of Contents

Use Air View to perform various functions in Galaxy Note 3 while the S Pen or your finger is hovering over the screen.

On the Home screen, tap Apps → Settings → Controls → Air view, and then drag the Air view switch to the right.

Point at an item with the S Pen or your finger to preview content or view information in a pop-up window.

You can scroll through panels or lists by moving the S Pen pointer to an edge (top/bottom/left/right) of the screen.


When you point at an area on a webpage for a few seconds with your finger, the device magnifies the area.

Galaxy Note 5 layout

Get to know the layout of Samsung Galaxy Note 5. The part name and major functions are illustrated in front view and rear view.

Galaxy Note 5 has a new and refreshed design. The location of some ports and buttons are quite different from those in Galaxy Note 4 or other Galaxy Note devices.

Galaxy Note 5 layout is actually similar to that of Galaxy S6 edge andGalaxy S6 edge+.

It is important to understand the Galaxy Note 5 layout before trying your phone if you want to use the phone properly (e.g., not cover the antenna area). This guide will show you the Galaxy Note layout and main functions of some parts.

Galaxy Note 5 layout: front view

The front (top, right and bottom) view of Galaxy Note 5 layout is shown below.

In the front of Galaxy Note 5, you will find:

• LED indicator. This LED will light up and show different colors forcharging or notifications.
• Proximity/light sensor. Galaxy Note 5 may use this sensor to adjust the screen brightness if you set brightness as auto. So, do not cover this area.
• Touch screen. The screen will respond to your gestures depending on apps you are using. The Galaxy Note 5 touch screen gestures are discussed in this page.
• Home key with fingerprint sensor. Tap this button to return to Galaxy Note 5 home screen. Fingerprint sensor is also embedded in this home key.
• Recent Apps key. Tap this key to show a list of recent apps. You can quickly switch to them.
• Back key. Tap back key to return to previous screen. The behavior in different apps may be different. If you need return to home screen quickly, use the home key.
• Front camera.

In the bottom of Galaxy Note 5, you will find:

• Headset jack. In previous Galaxy Note phones, the headset jack is on the top.
• Microphone.
• Loud speaker.
• Micro USB port (multipurpose jack). This micro USB port is for you to charge Galaxy Note 5, or to connect Galaxy Note 5 to PC. You can also use this port to connect accessories, e.g., USB OTG storage.
• S Pen and S Pen slot.

In the right side of your Galaxy Note 5, you will find:

• Power key.  You can use power key to reboot the phone, lock the screen, or wake up screen. In some apps, you can assign some special functions for power key.

In the top of Galaxy Note 5, you will find:

• SIM card tray. You need put your nano SIM card into the tray. Please followthis guide on how to use SIM card on Galaxy Note 5.
• Microphone.

Galaxy Note 5 layout: front view

Galaxy Note 5 layout: rear view

Galaxy Note 5 layout: rear view

The rear view of Galaxy Note 5 layout is shown above.

In the back of Galaxy Note 5, you will find:

• Rear camera (16MP main camera)
• LED flash for main camera. You can also use the flash as torch.
• Heart-rate monitor sensor. You can use the sensor to measure heart rate, SpO2 (Peripheral capillary oxygen saturation) and stress level in S Health app. You can also use it as shutter button  when taking selfie.
• GPS antenna, main antenna, NFC antenna and wireless charging coil are under the back cover.

In the left side of Galaxy Note 5, you will find the volume key (volume up and down)

You need pay attention to the location of antenna area as mentioned in the above Galaxy Note 5 layout.  You should not cover the antenna area with your hands or other objects. This may cause connectivity problems or drain the battery faster in Galaxy Note 5.

If you want to use a screen protector for Galaxy Note 5, using a Samsung-approved screen protector is recommended. Unapproved screen protectors may cause the sensors to malfunction.

Galaxy Note 5 is NOT water resistant. So, you should not allow water to contact the Galaxy Note 5 touchscreen or other parts. The touchscreen may malfunction in humid conditions or when exposed to water. In most regions, water damage to Galaxy Note 5 isNOT covered by Samsung local warranty.

Do you know Galaxy Note 5 layout now?

If you have any questions on Galaxy Note 5 layout or the functions, please let us know in the comment box below.

We will try to help you.

For other Galaxy Note 5 features and detailed Galaxy Note 5 how-to guides , please check Galaxy Note 5 how-to guides page.

Top 5 new features of Galaxy Note 5 you will like

Galaxy Note 5 vs Galaxy Note 4: what's new and exciting? New design, fast wireless charging, improved S pen features, improved camera, more RAM, faster CPU, better fingerprint sensor.....

Update 1: Official Samsung Galaxy Note 5 user manuals are available now. You can download and read them in your language from this page.

Update 2: Galaxy Note 5 how-to guides page is available now. You can get detailed guides on how to use Galaxy Note 5.

On August 13 2015, Samsung announced the 5th generation of Galaxy Note phone: Galaxy Note 5 (together with Galaxy S6 edge+). In Asia, Galaxy  Note 5 has been available 2 days later (August 15). In US and North America, the release date is August 21.

If you are a long term Galaxy Note device user, you will notice Galaxy Note 5 was announced 2-3 weeks earlier than its predecessors.

All previous generations of Galaxy Note phones were announced in IFA Berlin (International radio exhibition Berlin, Berlin Radio Show).  The event usually starts from last week of August or first week of September. Galaxy Note (Note 1)  was announced in IFA Berlin 2011, Galaxy Note II in IFA Berlin 2012 (August 29, 2012), Galaxy Note 3 in IFA Berlin 2013 (September 4, 2013) and Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge in IFA Berlin 2014 (September 3, 2014).

But this year, Samsung desperately rolls out Galaxy Note 5 earlier due to competition of the 5.5″ iPhone 6 plus, and the upcoming S version of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus next month.

So, Samsung not only announced Galaxy Note 5 three weeks earlier than IFA Berlin 2015, but also released it immediately. It used to take Samsung 1-2 months to release Galaxy Note devices after the device was announced.

many Galaxy note users may wonder what the new features of Galaxy Note 5 are, and whether you should get this new Galaxy Note device.

To help you understand Galaxy Note 5 better, two posts are prepared. This post shows you the new and cool features in Galaxy Note 5. The other one will focus on flaws of Galaxy Note 5.

A new design, full metal-glass construction andcurved glass back

Galaxy Note 5 looks fundamentally different from Galaxy Note 4 and other older Note devices, although Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy Note 4 share similar 5.7″ screen.

The new design of Galaxy Note 5 follows Galaxy S6. And, sadly, the design also reminds you about iPhone.

Galaxy Note 5 also says bye-bye to plastic (or faux leather). Metal and glass are used instead. It look gorgeous.

The unique point of Galaxy Note 5 design is the curved back. All Samsung Galaxy devices have a flat back, including Galaxy S6 edge which has curved screen in front side, not back.

The curved back reminds you Motorola design for Moto X or Moto G. But Galaxy Note 5 is only curved near the frame/edge. So, it still looks very different from Moto devices.

This curved edge in the back actually is far more useful than the curved screen (edge screen) in Galaxy S6 edge+, or Galaxy S6 edge. It makes it is very easy to hold Galaxy Note 5.

Wireless charging and fast wireless charging

Galaxy Note 4 supports fast charging, but not wireless charging.

Galaxy S6 comes with fast charging and wireless charging.

Now, Galaxy Note 5 gives you fast charging, wireless charging andfast wireless charging.

The fast wireless chargingis absolutely new for smartphones. Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 edge+ probably are the first duo to get this feature. You can simply enjoy fast charging with wireless charging.

Improved S Pen features in Galaxy Note 5

S Pen is the signature feature of Galaxy Note devices.

Of course, Samsung continues to improve the S Pen features in Galaxy Note 5.

Here are some remarkable improved or new S Pen features:

• New S Pen design. There is a serious flaw in Galaxy Note 5 design. You may accidentally insert the S Pen in wrong direction, and this will damage the S Pen slot. Please read this page for details.
• You can customize air command menu by adding your favorite apps to it.
• Scroll capture. You can take screenshot for multiple screens to cover whole web page, not just current screen.
• Screen off memo. You can write memos on the screen without turn the screen on.

We will prepare individual guides to show you how to use these cool features.

Improved camera

For the front camera, compared to Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note 5 upgrade the camera sensor. You can take 5MP selfies. A jump form 3.7MP in Galaxy Note 4.

The rear camera in Galaxy Note 5 has a similar 16MP sensor withOIS as you have in Galaxy Note 4.

But Samsung improved camera features significantly through software. For example:

• Pro mode. You can have detailed control of your photo.
• Camera quick launch. You can launch Galaxy Note 5 camera by tapping home button twice. Quick launch works even when the screen is locked.
• Tracking AF (auto focus) for you to take photos with moving objects..
• Lock focus and exposure.
• RAW support in Pro Mode. For advanced users,  Galaxy Note 5 can save photos in RAW format. This means you have the full freedom to edit the photos after they are taken. You are not limited to effects and filters. You can travel back and re-adjust camera settings.
• Video collage mode. You can capture multiple videos and play them in a single collage.
• Live broadcast. You can broadcast yourself live through YouTube in Galaxy Note 5 camera app. You can set the broadcast as private (only invited contacts can watch) or public. It is up to you.

More RAM, faster CPU, better fingerprint sensor

Compared to Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note 5 is equipped  with 4GB RAM (3GB in Note 4), faster 64-bit processor (Octa-core Exynos 7420). These surely boosts the performance of Galaxy Note 5 significantly.

Another improvement in Galaxy Note 5 is the UHS 2.0 storage, which is about 2-3 times faster than other smartphones with eMMC storage.  This is actually one of the  excuses of removing  micro SD card support in Galaxy Note 5.

Galaxy Note 5 also updated to touch-based fingerprint sensor. In Galaxy Note 4, you have to swipe your finger across the home button to register your fingerprint. In Galaxy Note 5, you need just touch the home button.