Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 Tips and Tricks

Android 8 (Oreo)
Phone: Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5
Factory OS: Android 8 (Oreo)

Have you updated your Operating System?
Then view tips for the most recent OS version(s): Android 9 (Pie)
Or view tips for all Android versions

To see which firmware version of Android you are using, use the pull-down menu by dragging your finger from the top of the phone. Select Settings and under System, choose About Device. ?

This should list your Android version, Build number and Model Number.

When taking photos or videos, tap the screen where you want to focus on. The phone will automatically adjust the settings to improve the image or video

If you would prefer to correct your own mistakes, then go to Settings – System – Language and input.

Then select the keyboard you are using and press the Settings icon again.

You should be able to find a predictive text option on this screen.

To adjust your screen brightness, there are two options:

1) Simply drag your finger from the top of the phone down to pull down your quick settings screen. Then at the top there will be a brightness bar. Drag this left or right or press Auto.

2) Drag your notifications screen down and select Settings. Then under Device, select Display – Brightness. Then choose the desired brightness setting.

You can also select Automatic brightness to let the phone decide for you.

Looking to find the IMEI nunber for your Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10 5? Read on.

An IMEI is a unique serial number that is assigned to your phone. Each phone has a unique IMEI, regardless of brand and model. Most insurance companies would ask for your IMEI because this helps them report and block the device once it gets lost or stolen.

If you’ve just bought your Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10 5, it is best to keep its package box and avoid throwing that to the bin. That could be very handy when you do lose your phone and you need to trace it using the IMEI code.

There are several ways to get your IMEI number by just using your phone. The easiest way is to go to the dialer and press *#06#. The IMEI should be displayed on your screen after entering the code.

Now for those who dialled *#06# on their phones, some might be seeing two types of serial numbers. Just take note of the first one, because that is most likely the IMEI.

Aside from that, you can also go to Settings → System → About Device → Status, then scroll down to locate your IMEI number. This could vary a bit depending on your phone model. Some smartphones list the IMEI under the About Device section. So just scroll down in case you don’t see it under System or Status.

The IMEI is also often imprinted on your battery cover. This means that you have to dismantle the back cover of your phone to get a copy of it. This is rather inconvenient. If you can still access your IMEI using the phone itself, then just do so. Except if your Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10 5 is locked or has no power for some reason.

If you want to install Apps outside of the Play Store (called sideloading), then go to Settings – Personal – Lock screen and security and select Unknown sources.

This setting will allow you to download Apps onto your device that would normally be blocked in the Play store.

Note: use at your own risk.

While viewing your list of Contacts you can swipe from Right to Left to send a text message to the selected contact.

This might not work on all models.

Recent Android versions use a special mode that hides all Android related visuals. The mode is called immersive mode and it essentially means certain Apps have the whole screen available.

Sometimes this can be annoying however and you want to see the time, signal strength or batter indicator.

To temporarily leave immersive mode, simply drag down your notifications screen and the phone will exit immersive mode so you can see other features.

If you find yourself being stalked or receiving unwanted calls nuisance calls from people or companies then you should use the Call rejection mode.

Open your Dialler App and press More. Then Settings and More settings. Then find Call rejection. From here you can manage your rejection list of numbers.

If you have forgotten your custom unlock pattern, then don’t panic.

After 5 unsuccessful tries a button should appear saying ‘Forgot pattern’. Press this and you will be asked to enter your Gmail username/password.

The phone will then ask for a new unlock pattern. If you don’t have a Gmail account, then you might have to either call your carrier or factory reset your phone.