The following list has 11 tips and tricks you can use to improve your Samsung Galaxy J3. You may think that it doesn’t need much improving in the first place, but we’ll try our best. Let’s get the list started with one of the quickest tips we’ve found;
1. Quick Launch the Camera
If you can’t wait to get snapping, this is a quick shortcut that will open your camera fast. Once you’re used to it, it should prove to be useful.
- Double tap the Home button quickly.
- Your device should now quickly open the camera application.
2. Enable Power Saving Mode
This is a handy feature that will help you to keep the battery ticking for extended periods. It’s not like the J3 battery is particularly poor, but it’s always nice to know you can keep going for longer.
- Tap Apps on the home screen.
- Tap Settings.
- Scroll to System and tap Battery.
- Tap Power saving mode.
- Toggle the switch to ON, and you’ll be good to go. Have a look at the different settings in the battery menu to see which one is right for you. If you’re having continued problems with the battery, try closing background apps, or lower the brightness on your device.
3. Deleting Your Internet History
If your keen to keep your browsing history private, it’s simple enough to delete it from within the browser. This is how to clear your history from the default internet browser.
- Open your Internet browser.
- Tap the Menu icon and tap Settings.
- Tap Privacy, and tap Delete Personal Data.
- Choose Browsing History to delete all data.
- You can also delete your website data from here. You might not have anything to hide, but it’s nice to know exactly how to get rid of your browsing history. It’s not like the NSA couldn’t get a copy if they wanted anyway, so this is more for personal use. (Like friends and family who can’t help but snoop.)
4. Clearing the App Cache
Why would you want to clear the app cache? Well, it can help to speed up misbehaving apps, while it’ll also free up some extra memory on your device. It’s worth checking out if your device starts to misbehave.
- Tap My Account from the home screen. Swipe left to open up the Device Diagnostics.
- Tap Power Usage, and tap Battery Usage.
- Tap on an individual application.
- Tap App Info, and tap Clear Cache. If it can help to speed up your device, why not give it a try? Nothing important will be deleted along the way.
5. Enabling Developer Options
Developer options is a (somewhat) hidden menu that you’ll first have to unlock through your settings.
- Open the Settings menu.
- Select About Device.
- Tap the Build Number several times to become a developer. You should receive an onscreen message telling you that you’re now a dev. You can find the developer options menu in the main settings menu. Have a look through to see your new options.
6. Change the Sync Settings to Improve Battery
If you set your sync settings to be less frequent, it could potentially save you a tonne of battery power.
- Open the apps drawer and tap Settings.
- Tap Accounts.
- Select the account you want to change.
- Clear the check boxes next to the sync options you want to disable.
- Tap Menu, and tap Sync now. It might not be the biggest boost for the battery, but everyone can think of a time when they needed a little more juice.
7. Google Voice Typing
It feels like the technology shouldn’t work, but Google’s voice typing software should be able to understand you as long as you speak clearly.
- When the keyboard is onscreen, open the Notification Panel.
- Tap Select Keyboard, and tap Google Voice Typing to start.
- Alternatively, you can tap the microphone icon on the Samsung keyboard to quickly open Google Voice typing. Once you get used to how it works, it’s amazing to think that this technology is available for smartphones. Just how long will it be before I’m dictating reports to my device?
8. Customizing the Home Screen
There are lot of things you can do to personalize your home screen. You can add widgets or icons, but one of the best ways to sort your apps and files is to make folders on your home screen.
- Tap and hold a shortcut that you want to sort.
- Drag and drop it onto another shortcut to make a folder containing both.
- You can add a number of files to a folder.
- To rename a folder, hold it down and you should be rename it. It’s up to you to decide on which background you desire. It’s also worth remembering that widgets will drain your battery, so be careful if you decide to go all out.
9. Editing Images
The camera app is really useful if you’re constantly taking photos, and there’s a few editing features you can use without downloading anything from the Play Store. You can rotate and crop your images to get them just right, while you should still have a copy of the original image if anything goes wrong. Of course, you could always try out an alternative on the store if the stock option isn’t robust enough for you. Check our guide for a great free photo editing application.
10. CallWatch
If you’re tired of getting spammed by suspicious calls and text messages, there’s a pre-installed app called CallWatch that might be found on your J3. Once you’ve updated the app, you have a week’s trial to decide whether it’ll be useful to you. It costs $3/mo afterwards. Here’s a list with some of the features on offer;
ScamBlock: automatic detection and blocking of scam callsUnlimited call blockingUnlimited real-time caller IDUnlimited reporting of abusive numbersUnlimited reverse number lookup to identify previous callers
If your number has been posted online, or you’re just used to getting a lot of spam, it could be worth trying CallWatch out to see if It can solve your problems.
11. Easy Mode
If you want a simpler experience when you’re using your Galaxy J3, Easy Mode could be the one for you. It offers an easy layout, and it should be easier to navigate and use if you’re not used to a smart device.
- Tap Apps, and open the Settings menu.
- Tap and choose Easy Mode from the list.
- Choose which apps you want in the easy app list from the next menu.
- Tap Done, and your settings will now be applied. If you don’t like the new look, swipe the screen left and tap Settings. Tap Easy Mode, and choose Standard Mode. You should now know how to go to and from easy mode, and it could be worth a try if you’re giving the phone to an elderly relative. Once they’re used to easy mode, it shouldn’t be to hard to make the jump to the full-fat experience.
Conclusion:
Now you should have a better idea of just what the Galaxy J3 can do. It’s a capable device, and as long as you look after it, it’ll take care of you. For an entry-level phone it has so much to offer, and it’s unlikely to let you down along the way. If we’ve missed a great tip for the J3, or you have questions about the device, let us know in the comments below, or you can contact us via Facebook or Twitter. Featured Image credit
