Database Info

[Q] Questions about hidden settings in Android 2.3

I have quite a few questions some hidden settings I found while using ANYcut app.
My phone is the Epic 4G and on Gingerbread leak EH17 if that matters.
1) MSL code. I did some google searches and found that is an algorithm to determine the ESP and other things. What is the algorithm? If a phone had a bad ESP could you change the MSL to make Sprint think there is a clean ESP?
2) Cell broadcast SMS. What is this? And what is it for? some of the settings are Emergency broadcast, administrative, maintenance, local weather, area traffic reports
general news:
local
regional
national
international
And those same options for other types of news also
3) Data Create. I think this one is self explanatory. But is this for the maximum number of each I can store on the phone before it deletes them. So if i set the maximum number of texts in my inbox to 500, that is the maximum I can store?
4) Dial up networking. I thought this was going to be the 3G but I was wrong. What is it? I turn it on and click on the connection settings but nothing happens why?
5) Dock settings. Its obvious. But I herd that you can connect your phone to the a computer via USB and have it act as a dock and play songs or videos through the speakers on your computer. Is this true?
6) DUN. It has a picture of a computer with 2 green arrows. And 2 progress like bars, labeled, RX and TX. Any ideas? I was thinking it might have to do with USB activity.
7) EVDO settings??? I am on the Sprint network. Why would they not opt this options out of there SDKs? Isnt EVDO T-Mobile network? But I am on a leaked build so maybe they haven't removed it yet?
8) Preconfig? I really not sure what this is. It says sales code and then an input field. And at the bottom a button that says install and one for cancel. What would this be for?
9) License settings. most of the options are obvious but there is one for expiry reminder. whats that? reminds you when your DRM content is going to expire?
10) MMS Provision Settings. some settings are transaction logs, optional field attendance, UA string, UAP url, and test modes. Anyone know what this is for?
11) Now one that is just called advanced. Some options are home orig. vocoder. homepage vocoder, roam orig. vocoder. whats this for?
12) USB Logging(DM) One section is Function, with the options of, enable and disable. And other section called Type. the options are CP only, AP only, CP+AP. No idea about this one
13) WiMAX CT. there is a button at the top that says open device. then options of max num of used FA, FA Index, BW, FA index. Are these settings for WiMAX networking?
14) WiMAX Mode Change. The options are, SDIO, WTM, DM, USB, Auth modes. What are these different modes and what do they do?
15) WiMAX LineTest. Optioins are, write eeprom, power on, power off, write mac with and input field, and read mac. any ideas??
16) Work mode. it says Work Mode :2 and then a button that says set work mode. and i can set it to 1, 2 or 3. what are these different modes for?

Bump - Anybody want to jump in and help the op?
Wow, with all the brilliant minds on here no takers? Or is the question too big for anyone to take a stab at?
First off, as someone who somehow burnt out my 4G chip, I would suggest that anyone reading this be very careful, search here and google before fiddling with settings. lol
Since I am doing research to see if I can get my Wimax to work better I will answer a couple of questions a day, however anyone feel free to jump in.
1) MSL code. I did some google searches and found that is an algorithm to determine the ESP and other things. What is the algorithm? If a phone had a bad ESP could you change the MSL to make Sprint think there is a clean ESP?
The MSL code or (Master Subsidy Lock) is how a phone carrier keeps the phone from going to another network, however some phones including the E4GT can be found through using Android Debug Bridge (adb) a command line tool that lets you communicate with an emulator instance or connected Android-powered device - or even easier just go to the market and download, for free, Get My MSL which will display your Master Subsidy Lock code.
2) Cell broadcast SMS. What is this? And what is it for? some of the settings are Emergency broadcast, administrative, maintenance, local weather, area traffic reports general news:localregionalnationalinternationalAnd those same options for other types of news also
According to Wikipedia:
Quote:
Cell Broadcast is not as affected by traffic load; therefore, it may be usable during a disaster when load spikes tend to crash networks, as the 7 July 2005 London bombings showed. Another example was during the Tsunami catastrophe in Asia. Dialog GSM, an operator in Sri Lanka was able to provide ongoing emergency information to its subscribers, to warn of incoming waves, to give news updates, to direct people to supply and distribution centres, and even to arrange donation collections using Celltick's Cell Broadcast Center, based on Cell Broadcast Technology.
All for today. Peace

Sony Xperia Shortcut Codes

At your own risk:
"These codes are compatible with Sony Xperia Z, Xperia J, Xperia P, Xperia U, Xperia ION, Xperia S, Xperia E, Xperia L, Xperia tipo, Xperia arc, Xperia zola and any other model of sony xperia series.
Then dial the secret code *#*#7378423#*#*
After dialing the code you will get a screen with options of service info,service setting, service test, customization setting.
ANDROID secret codes
*#*#4636#*#*
This code can be used to get some interesting information about your phone and battery. It shows following 4 menus on screen:
* Phone information
* Battery information
* Battery history
* Usage statistics
Code :-
*#*#7780#*#*
This code can be used for a factory data reset. It'll remove following things:
* Google account settings stored in your phone
* System and application data and settings
* Downloaded applications
It'll NOT remove:
* Current system software and bundled applications
* SD card files e.g. photos, music files, etc.
PS: Once you give this code, you get a prompt screen asking you to click on "Reset phone" button. So you get a chance to cancel your operation.
code:-
*2767*3855#
Think before you give this code. This code is used for factory format. It'll remove all files and settings including the internal memory storage. It'll also reinstall the phone firmware.
PS: Once you give this code, there is no way to cancel the operation unless you remove the battery from the phone. So think twice before giving this code.
code:-
*#*#34971539#*#*
This code is used to get information about phone camera. It shows following 4 menus:
* Update camera firmware in image (Don't try this option)
* Update camera firmware in SD card
* Get camera firmware version
* Get firmware update count
WARNING: Never use the first option otherwise your phone camera will stop working and you'll need to take your phone to service center to reinstall camera firmware.
code:-
*#*#7594#*#*
This one is favorite one. This code can be used to change the "End Call / Power" button action in your phone. Be default, if you long press the button, it shows a screen asking you to select any option from Silent mode, Airplane mode and Power off.
You can change this action using this code. You can enable direct power off on this button so you don't need to waste your time in selecting the option.
code:-
*#*#273283*255*663282*#*#*
This code opens a File copy screen where you can backup your media files e.g. Images, Sound, Video and Voice memo.
code:-
*#*#197328640#*#*
This code can be used to enter into Service mode. You can run various tests and change settings in the service mode.
WLAN, GPS and Bluetooth Test Codes:
*#*#232339#*#* OR *#*#526#*#* OR *#*#528#*#* - WLAN test (Use "Menu" button to start various tests)
*#*#232338#*#* - Shows WiFi MAC address MAC (Media Access Control), address is a globally unique identifier assigned to network devices, and therefore it is often referred to as hardware or physical address. MAC addresses are 6-byte (48-bits) in length, and are written in MM:MM:MM:SS:SS:SS format. The first 3-bytes are ID number of the manufacturer, which is assigned by an Internet standards body. The second 3-bytes are serial number assigned by the manufacturer.
*#*#1472365#*#* - GPS test
*#*#1575#*#* - Another GPS test
*#*#232331#*#* - Bluetooth test
*#*#232337#*# - Shows Bluetooth device address
*#*#8255#*#*
This code can be used to launch GTalk Service Monitor.
Codes to get Firmware version information:
*#*#4986*2650468#*#* - PDA, Phone, H/W, RFCallDate
*#*#1234#*#* - PDA and Phone
*#*#1111#*#* - FTA SW Version
*#*#2222#*#* - FTA HW Version
*#*#44336#*#* - PDA, Phone, CSC, Build Time, Changelist number
Codes to launch various Factory Tests:
*#*#0283#*#* - Packet Loopback
*#*#0*#*#* - LCD test
*#*#0673#*#* OR *#*#0289#*#* - Melody test
*#*#0842#*#* - Device test (Vibration test and BackLight test)
*#*#2663#*#* - Touch screen version
*#*#2664#*#* - Touch screen test
*#*#0588#*#* - Proximity sensor test
*#*#3264#*#* - RAM version
GSM codes
Type the code and press send button.
Barring code: 0000
Check barring
Outgoing: *#33#
Incoming: *#35#
Cancel all: #330*BC# (BC=barring code)
Set out: *33*BC#
Cancel out: #33*BC#
Set in: *35*BC#
Cancel in: #35*BC#
Set out msg: *33*BC*16#
Cancel out msg: #33*BC#
Set in msg: *35*BC*16#
Cancel in msg: #35*BC#
Divert calls (N=number)
set all: **21*N#
check all: *#21#
Cancel all: ##21#
Smart menu
GP: *111#
Robi: *140#
Banglalink: *789#
Waiting
Set: *43#
Cancel:#43#
Check:*#43#
Restore PIN by PUK:
**04*PUK*PIN*PIN#
Restore PIN2 by PUK2:
**042*PUK2*PIN2*PIN2#
International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI):*#06#
Type code and press the green key!
Caller's ID: *#30#
My caller ID: *#31#
Answering number: *#76#
My ID on ans: *#77#
Type*#61# and press call - Check redirection status.
Cancel all redirections:##002# ;
*43# to activate call waiting, to deactivate#43#.
If your phone doesn't have incoming call barringand outgoing call barring, You can try this.
For outgoing call barring dial *33*barcode*# and pres OK.
To deactivate it dial #33#barcode*#.
On any phone on any network type in **43# to enable conference calls. You can make up to7 calls at once .
If you need to block SMS reception (if you are spammed by someone) just press this code: *35*xxxx*16#
xxxx is your Call Barring code (default is 0000).
To remove this barring type: #35*xxxx# .
If you want to hide/show your phone number when calling, putone of these codes below in front of the number that you are going to call. (*#30# / *#31# or*31# / #31# ) Works onsome networks.
Typing *0# or *nm# on the beginning of a txt message gives you detailed delivery report on some networks.. But turn off reports in message settings before.
When the sim card-pin blocked type **042*pin2 old*newpin2*newpin2* .
To hide Your number while texting (only 02 network n Nokia phone) go 2 the messages menu select create e-mail, it will ask for an e-mail adress, enter [email protected], enter a subject, write the msg than send. It will ask e-mail server number, enter the number of your friend and send!
When roaming, type*#111*# or *#111# to call home abroad."

GearBlynk - standalone app and widget for Samsung Gear S3

Imagine you could control any of your Blynk running device from your wrist. Now it is possible with GearBlynk app!
App main menu consists of four items:
1. Send Triggers - send Triggers to your Blynk-running devices.
2. Setup Tokens - add or delete your blynk Tokens (this will not delete token from your Blynk project). Required fields:
3. Setup Trigger - add or delete your Triggers. Required fields:
4. Setup Widget - assign Triggers to Widget slots.
App widget
App has a built-in Widget with four slots: top, bottom, left, right. Custom Trigger could be assigned to each slot.
Internet connection
GearBlynk app uses internet connection only to send requests when you press widget slot buttons or choose an item from Send Triggers list.
Send Triggers menu item shows a notification if internet connection is absent on your device.
You are able to use GearBlynk app even without WiFi connection. In this case your smartwatch should be connected to your phone over bluetooth. Bluetooth internet tethering should be enabled in your phone Connection Settings.
P.S.
Not able to post external links, search GearBlynk on youtube to watch the demo.

MS web site login.live.com rejected over WiFi networks

My Samsung Note8 SM-N950F/Android v. 9 can log to MS login Web site OK via 3/4G networks. And it can open other web sites on mu home WiFi Network.
But, when trying to login to MS over my home WiFi Network, login.live.com page indicates that the site is not accessible, asking to check if the login.live.com address is correct, with error message: DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN . Idem with my second Note 8 phone. Connecting to my neighbour’s WiFi network: same issue with MS login.!
Tried with Chrome, Edge and Firefox browsers on same phone: idem. On MS support site found other users with Samsung Galaxy 8 S and Huawei P Smart phones report the same issue.
But my son's OnePlus 6T Android v. 10 phone can login to MS without any problem over my WiFi network. And no problem with my Win10 PC via WiFi either!!!
What is the reason? Android version 9 vs 10, WiFi configuration on the phone, or phone brand related issue??
Please Help!
Regards,
Radivoj

Delete & re-add network
Delete a Wi-Fi network from your phone
Open your phone’s Settings app.
Tap Network & internet And then Wi-Fi.
If needed, turn on Wi-Fi.
At the bottom, tap Saved networks.
In the list, tap the saved network that you want to delete.
Tap Forget.
Add the Wi-Fi network again
Open your phone’s Settings app.
Tap Network & internet And then Wi-Fi.
At the end of the list, tap Add network.
If needed, enter the network name (SSID) and other security details.
Tap Save. If needed, enter a password.
Check for problem apps
The problem can be from an app that you downloaded. To find out, restart your phone in safe mode.
Turn on safe mode. Learn how to turn on safe mode.
Try connecting to the Wi-Fi network again.
Open your phone’s Settings app.
Tap Network & internet And then Wi-Fi And then the network name.
See whether the Wi-Fi connection works in safe mode.
If the Wi-Fi connection works in safe mode
A downloaded app is most likely causing the issue.
To exit safe mode, restart your phone.
Uninstall recently downloaded apps one by one. See whether the connection works.
After you remove the app that's causing the problem, reinstall the other apps.
If the Wi-Fi connection doesn't work in safe mode
Likely, there's a problem with the Wi-Fi network or internet connection.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Bruce

Hi Bruce,
Thank you for your advise. I already tried everything what you told me to, and it still does not work I tried this also on a brand new Note 8, without any additional apps installed. I can modify DNS1/2, but the SAVE button is greyed out, so the modification can not be registered !
Just had a chat with Samsung France technical support, asking them whether DNS change can or can not be done in their phones, and received the response that to modify DNS I should contact Google and not Samsung !!!

GOOD NEWS !
Searching Internet I found an excellent article concerning DNS modifications under different Android versions:
https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/03/26/make-android-use-dns-server-choice/
I followed it's recommendations for changes in My Note 8/Android 9 (pie) and MS connect worked flawlessly when I selected either Quad9 or Cloudflare Private DNS!
I found there was also another solution: from Google Store download and install DNSet application (others also available). After starting it overrides current DNS Setup and all performs perfectly.
However, preferred using the first solution for safety reasons.
Best regards,
Radivoj

How To Guide [GUIDE] Device Settings Menu Guide, Tips & Discussions | Part I - Connections

Device Settings Guide, Tips & Discussions
Part 1 - Connections
If you're new to this series or want to see the index, please read Post #2 first.
​
Wi-Fi
Click on Gear icon besides any network:
View supported Network speed and security
Auto reconnect: If on, automatically connects to this network when Wi-Fi is ON. Switch it off for backup Wi-Fi i.e. you can keep it ON for 5 GHz network and OFF for 2.4 GHz so that it always connects to 5 GHz automatically.
Manage Router: Opens up the router admin page by going to your Gateway IP Address.
IP Settings: Choose from DHCP or Static. If you want to use custom DNS, you have to use Static IP. If you want to know the Network info like IP, Gateway or Subnet Mask, choose Static once and note the displayed info.
Proxy: Set manual or auto-config proxy here.
Click advanced to show:
View device's MAC address and allocated IPv6/IPv4. Learn about MAC and IPs here.
Metered Network: If you set a connection as metered, you or device can restrict background processes, big downloads and save data.
Randomized MAC: Devices are supposed to have a permanent MAC but this could be used to track you. From Android 10, you get an option to use randomized MAC each time your device connects to Wi-Fi. You can disable this if you use MAC Filtering on your router.
QR Scan (icon on top-right): Connect to Wi-Fi without entering password. Use a device that is already connected to the network and scan the QR code displayed by the former.
Menu > Wi-Fi Direct: Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on a nearby device as well to transfer files wirelessly and fastly. Works best with Samsung Devices and it does NOT require connection to a Wi-Fi network. You get speeds maxed out at the supported wireless speed of your devices! It is a better and more secure alternative than ShareIT or JioSwitch.
Menu > Advanced:
Sync with Samsung Cloud: Backup your Wi-Fi usernames and passwords and use the same on synced devices.
Switch to mobile data: If your Wi-Fi network quality drops, use mobile internet directly even if Wi-Fi is still connected (needs Mobile Data to be ON). You can add (Wi-Fi) Network Exceptions to prevent switching. Get notified to Allow individual apps to switch to mobile data i.e. if WhatsApp is blocked on your college Wi-Fi, you can allow WhatsApp to use Mobile data while keep using the Wi-Fi!
Turn on Wi-Fi Automatically: Your device will automatically enable Wi-Fi where you use it frequently. For example, you or your device can turn off your Wi-Fi when you go out and you won't need to enable it again when you get back home (you can configure the frequent networks after they appear here). Tasker used to handle this job for me (try IFTTT for simpler setup) but now the OEM solution is more optimized.
Wi-Fi power saving mode: For example, if you get WhatsApp messages every 30 minutes on average, the device learns about this traffic pattern and can toggle Wi-Fi accordingly to fetch notifications every 30 minutes. I keep this disabled as my usage pattern is dynamic like most of you. Better use App Sleep or Hibernation Apps like Greenify to save battery. Learn more about this mode here.
Wi-Fi control history: View apps that have toggled Wi-Fi recently. You can figure out if there's any culprit app that is toggling your Wi-Fi frequently when you have explicitly turned it off/on.
Hotspot 2.0: Automatically connects to APs that support Hotspot 2.0 or 802.11u. Network providers are themselves upgrading existing Wi-Fi in public areas like airports and encryption is a must for Hotspot 2.0 so you can trust and rely on it while you don't have to manually guess the right network. Learn more about Hotspot 2.0 here.
WPS push button; WPS PIN Entry: (Pie doesn't support WPS but Google says it's coming back, Read here) Connect the device to WiFi by pushing WPS button on the router or entering WPS PIN in case these are enabled on the router. Learn about WPS here.
Install network certificates: Normally not needed. Some organizations would need you to install certificates to access their domains. Same as what you do on a PC to install certificates.
Wi-Fi Calling
(Formerly VoLTE calling) Uses Wi-Fi to transmit voice instead of the mobile network but they still appear to be done via your SIM or number. This saves your mobile plan and also beneficial when you have low mobile network inside your home but good Wi-Fi! You'll see the SIMs in case the carrier supports VoLTE calling. #JioWaale
Bluetooth
When the Bluetooth is ON, you can STOP/SCAN for nearby devices manually. Keep BT on for playing with the following settings.
Menu > Advanced:
Sync with Samsung Cloud: Note that this only sync Samsung devices like Galaxy Home Speakers and Galaxy Buds.
Music Share: Enables your friends (or else) to connect with a speaker connected to your phone without requiring you to unpair and them to pair with the speaker. Useful in cases like you want your car to be always connected to your device. However, on a trip, your friend wants to play music from his phone while you drive. Get more explanation here.
Ringtone sync: Sync the ringtone you set on your phone to the connected speaker. I did not know they played different tones!
Bluetooth control history: Similar to 'WiFi control history' above.
Block pairing requests: Block spammers to request pairing.
Bluetooth scan history: Shows apps that scanned for BT devices. Review this once in a while as Apps can scan even when the BT is off!
[Discontinued] Dual Audio: Enables your device to connect to 2 different audio devices and play the same audio on both of them. Samsung explains this here.
[Discontinued] Media volume sync: In case the connected audio device supports this, you can change the player's volume by your device's volume rockers by enabling this i.e. you don't have to manually raise the volume to the fullest on both your device and the connected player to get the highest volume possible for your house party.
[Discontinued] Phone visibility: (Moved to Separate section after Bluetooth in Pie, please tell if it works for BT as well) Allow devices (with Samsung Connect) to find your device for connection. You can disable it unless you live in a Smart Home or transfer files from other devices more often. Learn more about this mode here.
NFC and contactless payments
It's turned ON by default on a new phone so do turn it OFF first. Samsung Pay will turn that ON if needed. Samsung Pay uses only NFC now starting from S21. MST is discontinued though no other brand could use this for payments. In case you don't know about MST (patented by LoopPay), must-read here. More information on the discontinuation in the FAQ.
[Discontinued] Android Beam: Allows you to share stuff when you tap your phone with some other-phone-with-already-enabled-NFC.
Contactless payments (Formerly Tap and pay): Select the default app for Payments and Others. Your default app will open up when you, for instance, tap your phone on an NFC-enabled POS (of course you need NFC to remain ON beforehand).
Pay with currently open app: By enabling, if currently opened app supports payment, it will used instead of the default app above. I have kept it enabled because I don't want Samsung Pay to open up when I know I am going to use GPay!
[Discontinued] Default NFC Method: By default and normally needed, 'Auto select'. In case you are the curious breed, learn about the different options here.
Flight Mode
Disables your operator's network. Since enabling this will also disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth altogether, you can turn back these two on without toggling flight mode.
Mobile networks
Data roaming: Enable it if your carrier doesn't charge you for roaming or you're rich enough.
Network mode: By default, 'auto connect'. You can play with the options in case you're facing network mode changing issues or want to save battery (put to 2G only). If your region does not have 5G yet, you can go back to 4G/LTE to save battery!
Access Point Names: I recommend you to request or configure your operator's settings for the first time even if it had been automatically fetched. Nerdy guide here.
Network operators: Suggest usage?
Data usage
Data saver: Formerly known as 'Restrict background data'. Your background apps will stop using network data i.e. you'll receive WhatsApp notifications only when you open the app again. You can also whitelist apps in 'Allowed to use data while Data saver on'. This feature can help a lot in saving battery or making you check the phone less when you're hanging out with your girl. Me no girl so no enable!
Mobile data usage; Billing cycle and data warning: Do check this in a while to review the apps that use most of your mobile data (maybe you don't need those apps that much on mobile data); Change your operator billing cycle, set data warning and enable data limit in case your operator doesn't give you free GBs. The app options you change here will be reflected in the Data saver section above.
Mobile data only apps: You can choose apps that you only want to use mobile data. Useful in case your organization's Wi-Fi blocks some apps like WhatsApp. This is related to 'Allow individual apps to switch' in the Wi-Fi section.
Wi-Fi data usage; Restrict networks: Like mobile data, you can also review your Wi-Fi usage! Do review it once in a while to identify data-hungry apps that can affect battery and CPU as well. The apps you disable here for background usage will be blocked while Mobile Data is on OR the Wi-Fi is metered. Please confirm?
SIM card manager
Select Icon, Name and Network mode (described above) for the corresponding 'SIM slot' (not the SIM). Select preferred slot for calls, messaging and data. Learn about Smart Dual SIM here.
Mobile Hotspot and Tethering
Mobile Hotspot > Advanced:
Wi-Fi sharing: In addition to mobile data, you can also share your Wi-Fi. This can be helpful in case you don't want to reveal your network or its credentials or don't know about them. Also, your device can become a repeater for devices that are too far away from the Wi-Fi (keep your phone on charging).
Security: Use 'WPA2/WPA3-Personal' (Learn about wireless encryption here).
Timeout: Keep timeout low so that hotspot turns itself OFF earlier in case there's no client or change to 'Never Timeout' if you are going to need it for some time.
Hidden network: Enable 'Hide my device' to stop exposing your SSID.
Power saving mode: Similar to PMS in Wi-Fi Advanced. Keep Protected Management Frames (PMF) on by default and change in case the client doesn't support.
[Discontinued] Menu > Allowed Devices: Enter MAC addresses of clients you want only to connect to your hotspot. Same as MAC filtering in routers.
Mobile Hotspot > Auto Hotspot: You might get this ON by default. Turn it off! This enables your or family devices to share your internet connection via Hotspot. You know when you need it!
Bluetooth tethering; USB tethering; Ethernet tethering: Learn about BT/USB tethering here.
More connection settings
Advanced Calling & Messaging: Some iMessage kinda thing? Anyone?
Nearby device scanning: Although it uses Bluetooth Low Energy, I have it disabled. If you enable it, you get notifications for nearby devices like TVs that support connections through your device (will annoy you at airports).
Printing: Do download Google Cloud Print and any other printing plugin required by your or your organization's printer.
[Discontinued] MirrorLink: Learn more here.
[Discontinued] Download Booster: Uses both WiFi and LTE at the same time to download apps over 30MB from Play Store and Galaxy Apps. In case you want that app as soon as possible.
VPN: Configure your VPNs here in case you have. I use Psiphon. You can also manually configure profiles as you do on PC.
Ethernet: Yes, you can use a wired connection on your device too. Discussions here.
Private DNS: Supports DNS over HTTP/TCP and I recommend reading about this here. I use 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com.

Series - Full Menu Guide Explained
Series - Device Settings Menu Guide​
Hey XDA! I just got free from the initial setup of my Galaxy S22 Ultra. I don't know how many of you do this but I'm one of a kind that gives a considerable amount of time to explore every setting, feature and every single option whenever I get a new device or even when I factory reset the existing one. It's been years since I have started with this curiosity and I have never found an 'all-in-one' menu guide to explain each and every option in the device. Yes, you could also simply google the option you want to know about but how about compiling all of them in one guide? I don't know if this experiment would work or not but here's I am starting with this. I have spent the past three weeks taking out time whenever I could to compile this guide.
There are a couple of reasons I had decided upon to start with this series. Firstly, I want to help newbies (or even experienced) out there to explore and know about every feature or option your device could offer. I have seen many duplicate threads that are created every day to query fellow users even about an individual but unfamiliar option in the settings. I intend to do my bit to clear this clutter and help potential askers to get answers beforehand. Secondly, this guide could serve as a manual in case you want to find or get briefed about an option. You could then simply 'Find in a page' over the threads or simply use XDA's 'search in the thread' option to save your time. Thirdly, since I've broken the settings into different threads, this could help users engage and discuss over a particular device's super-menu and spread their knowledge, come up with new ideas and explore more of their devices. Fourthly, this series is not constrained to Note9 only. The settings on every Android device out there is similar and you would be able to find any common to your device settings here as well. Fifthly, since I have provided links and sources to some options, this can serve as directory map as well. Sixthly, this guide consists of tips for many options that you won't probably find normally.
This guide is intended and recommended to be read by anyone at least once. If you're reading a thread for the first, I recommend you to open up the corresponding settings in your phone and read the settings description in case there is. All the threads are arranged in the same order as the settings would come up. You could then simply read out my description of the same, my selected configuration and hyperlinks to some articles or videos in case you're the curious breed. This guide is strongly recommended after a fresh start. I want you all to give some time to explore each and every option your device can offer.
Hope this experiment lives up to the marks. Both criticism and appreciation are greatly needed and appreciated. Please comment.
I've tried to explain each option you could find by going deep into any setting. No matter whatever links I have provided, I will feel grateful if you want me to explain any feature more than I have done already. Please ask questions related to any settings. Do provide me suggestions and your take on my configuration. Please provide me with more guides and articles for a particular feature. I want to have the precious contribution of XDA members in this guide. Discussion over any feature, setting, your configuration, did-you-knows and anything else is greatly appreciated. This is a newbie-friendly place so don't hesitate to ask questions - besides the fellow XDA members, I'm always here for you.
Regards,
Paras Lehana
Index
Part 1 - Connections
Part 2 - Sounds and vibration, Notifications, Wallpaper and themes
Part 3 - Display, Lock screen, Biometrics and security
Part 4 - Advanced features, Device maintenance, Apps
Part 5 - Cloud and accounts, Google, Accessibility, General management, Software update, User manual, About phone, Developer options​

FAQs
Why did Samsung discontinue MST for Samsung Pay? (Contributed by @sansart)
Ans: With big card companies like Mastercard ditching Magnetic Stripes due to security concerns, Samsung could be taking a step in this direction. Starting with Galaxy S21, Samsung discontinued MST and, in a statement, it added: "Due to the rapid adoption of near field communication (NFC) technology by consumers and businesses, beginning with devices launched in 2021, Samsung Pay will focus its support on NFC transactions, across the Galaxy portfolio. While future devices will no longer include magnetic stripe technology (MST), customers with previous, compatible Galaxy devices will be able to continue using Samsung Pay, including MST." (Source: The Verge)
Mastercard nicely explains about ditching Magnetic Stripes here: Swiping left on magnetic stripes

Good read, thanks! I think your NFC section needs updating though, Samsung no longer uses MST.

Updated. FAQ too. Thank you for contributing!
Since S22U is my upgrade after spending over 3 years with Note 9, I was doubting about the MST thing after the payment failed once. Now I have read about it. Thanks again!
sansart said:
Good read, thanks! I think your NFC section needs updating though, Samsung no longer uses MST.
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