10 Hidden Samsung Features Most Malaysians Don’t Know (2026)
You paid thousands of ringgit for your Samsung phone — but are you actually using everything it can do? Most Malaysians only use about 30% of their Samsung phone’s real capabilities. Hidden deep inside One UI 8 are powerful features that can protect your privacy, boost your productivity, speed up your phone, and completely change how you use it every day. This guide covers the 10 most powerful hidden Samsung features that most users in Malaysia have never discovered — and exactly how to turn them on right now.
Works on Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, S25 Ultra, S26, A56, A36, A26 and most Samsung phones running One UI 6 and above. No root needed. No third-party apps. All built-in — completely free.
📱 Why Most Malaysians Miss These Features
Samsung phones are packed with features — sometimes too packed. The sheer number of settings, menus, and options in One UI 8 means most users never explore beyond the basics: camera, WhatsApp, TikTok, and maybe mobile data settings. But buried inside your Samsung right now are tools that can genuinely improve your daily life.
Whether you own the flagship Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, the mid-range Samsung Galaxy A56 5G, or even an older Galaxy model — these features work across the entire Samsung lineup. Let’s unlock them one by one.
- Better privacy: Hide your private apps and files from anyone who touches your phone
- Faster performance: Unlock extra RAM your phone already has but never uses
- Repair without worry: Send your phone for repair without exposing your personal data
- PC-level productivity: Turn your Samsung into a desktop computer using DeX
- Smarter search: Search anything on your screen without typing a single word
- Automated routines: Make your phone do things automatically based on time, location, or activity
Circle to Search is one of Samsung’s most impressive Galaxy AI features — and most Malaysians have no idea it is sitting right there on their phone. Instead of copying text, opening a browser, and searching manually, you simply hold the Home button and circle, highlight, or tap anything on your screen. Google searches it instantly. A product in a TikTok video. A word in a WhatsApp message. A landmark in a photo. A phone number. Anything.
- Make sure you are running One UI 6.1 or above (check: Settings → About Phone → Software Information)
- Open any app — TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, anything
- Hold the Home button (bottom centre) for 1 second — the screen will dim slightly
- Now circle, scribble, or tap anything on the screen you want to search
- Google results appear instantly at the bottom — without leaving the app you were using
- Products: See a bag or shoe in a Reel? Circle it — find where to buy it instantly
- Text: Highlight any word or phrase to translate or define it
- Faces: Circle a person’s face to find more about them online
- Songs: Hum or play audio — Circle to Search identifies the song
- Places: Circle a landmark in any photo to find its location
- QR codes: Circle any QR code on screen to open it
Circle to Search is available on: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Galaxy S26, Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and most Samsung phones running One UI 6.1 and above. It requires an internet connection and a Google account signed in.
Samsung DeX is one of the most powerful features on any Android phone — and almost nobody in Malaysia uses it. Connect your Samsung phone to a monitor via USB-C or wirelessly to a Samsung TV, and your phone instantly transforms into a full desktop computer experience. A proper taskbar. Resizable windows. Mouse and keyboard support. File management. Multiple apps side by side. It is a real PC — powered entirely by your phone.
- Connect your Samsung phone to a monitor using a USB-C to HDMI cable or USB-C hub
- Your phone will automatically prompt you to Start DeX — tap it
- Connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for the full PC experience
- Alternatively: Go to Settings → Connected Devices → DeX to enable Wireless DeX on Samsung TVs
- Your phone screen becomes a trackpad while DeX runs on the monitor
- Work like a PC: Open multiple apps in resizable windows — Chrome, Word, Excel, email simultaneously
- Present professionally: Connect to a projector or TV for presentations — no laptop needed
- Edit documents: Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and Samsung Notes all work perfectly in DeX
- Browse properly: Chrome in DeX shows the desktop version of websites — no more mobile layouts
- Game on a big screen: Some games support DeX for a console-like experience
- Video editing: Edit on the big screen with mouse precision
For Malaysian business professionals, students, and remote workers — DeX means you only need one device. Carry your Samsung phone to the office, plug it into a monitor, and you have a full workstation. Go home — same phone, same data, no syncing needed. If you are a business professional in Malaysia, DeX transforms the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra into a complete laptop replacement. Also see our guide on best phones with desktop mode and best phones with wireless DeX.
| Feature | Samsung DeX | Regular Phone Screen |
|---|---|---|
| Window Style | Resizable Windows | Full Screen Only |
| Multitasking | Unlimited Apps Side by Side | Split Screen (2 apps max) |
| Mouse Support | Full Cursor Control | Touch Only |
| Screen Size | Any Monitor — Up to 4K | 6–7 inch phone screen |
| Productivity | PC Level | Mobile Level |
Secure Folder is a completely separate, encrypted space inside your Samsung phone — protected by Samsung Knox, the same security technology used by governments and militaries worldwide. Inside Secure Folder, you can install a second copy of any app, store private photos and videos, keep sensitive documents, and run a completely separate WhatsApp account — all completely invisible to anyone who does not have your Secure Folder PIN or fingerprint.
- Go to Settings → Biometrics and Security → Secure Folder
- Sign in with your Samsung account (create one free if you do not have one)
- Choose your lock method: PIN, Pattern, Password, or Fingerprint
- Tap Secure Folder icon that appears on your home screen to open it
- Tap Add Apps to install apps inside Secure Folder — they are completely separate from your main phone
- To hide the Secure Folder icon: Go to Secure Folder Settings → Hide Secure Folder
- Second WhatsApp: Run two separate WhatsApp accounts on one phone — personal and business
- Private photos: Keep personal photos and videos completely hidden from your main Gallery
- Banking apps: Move your banking apps into Secure Folder for an extra layer of protection
- Work documents: Store confidential work files separately from personal files
- Private social media: Run a second Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok account
- Password manager: Keep passwords and sensitive notes locked away
Secure Folder uses Samsung Knox hardware-level encryption — meaning even if someone connects your phone to a computer and tries to extract data, everything inside Secure Folder is completely encrypted and unreadable. It is not just a hidden folder — it is a physically separate encrypted environment on the phone’s processor itself. Learn more about Samsung Knox security features and best phones with Secure Folder.
RAM Plus is Samsung’s virtual RAM feature — it uses a portion of your phone’s internal storage as additional RAM to help with multitasking and app switching. If your Samsung has 8GB of physical RAM, RAM Plus can give you up to 8GB more — effectively making your phone feel like it has 16GB RAM. This is especially useful for budget Samsung phones like the Galaxy A26 5G and Galaxy A36 5G that come with less physical RAM.
- Go to Settings → Battery and Device Care → Memory
- Tap RAM Plus at the bottom of the screen
- Choose how much extra RAM to add: 2GB, 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB
- Tap Apply Now — your phone will restart to activate the change
- After restart, go back to check — your RAM will show the new total (e.g., 8GB physical + 8GB RAM Plus = 16GB total)
Virtual RAM is slower than physical RAM because storage is slower than actual memory chips. However, RAM Plus genuinely helps with keeping more apps open in the background without them refreshing when you return to them. For everyday multitasking — switching between WhatsApp, TikTok, Chrome, and Grab — the difference is noticeable, especially on phones with 6GB or 8GB physical RAM. For serious gaming and heavy tasks, physical RAM always wins. See our guide on phones with the most RAM and RAM vs processor — what matters more.
| RAM Plus Setting | Storage Used | Best For | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2GB Extra | 2GB storage | Phones with 8GB+ physical RAM | Minimal Impact |
| 4GB Extra | 4GB storage | Phones with 6–8GB physical RAM | Recommended |
| 6GB Extra | 6GB storage | Phones with 6GB physical RAM | Best Balance |
| 8GB Extra | 8GB storage | Heavy multitaskers with 256GB+ storage | Only if Storage is Plentiful |
Here is a problem every Malaysian phone user faces: your phone needs repair, but you cannot hand it to a stranger with all your photos, banking apps, messages, and personal files visible. Maintenance Mode is Samsung’s brilliant solution. When enabled, your phone boots into a completely separate profile — the repair technician can test everything normally, but cannot access any of your personal data. Your photos, contacts, messages, and apps are all completely hidden until you turn off Maintenance Mode.
- Go to Settings → Battery and Device Care
- Tap the three-dot menu (top right corner)
- Select Maintenance Mode
- Tap Turn On — your phone will restart into Maintenance Mode
- Hand your phone to the repair technician — they can test the phone fully but cannot see your data
- When you get the phone back: restart it, enter your PIN or fingerprint, and all your data returns instantly
- All your personal photos and videos — completely hidden
- All WhatsApp, Telegram, and messaging app conversations
- All banking and financial apps
- All contacts and call history
- All downloaded files and documents
- Everything in Secure Folder
Bixby Routines is Samsung’s powerful automation system — think of it as programming your phone to be smart without you doing anything. Set rules: IF this happens → THEN do that. When you arrive at the office, automatically turn on Wi-Fi and set it to work mode. When you plug in headphones, launch Spotify automatically. At midnight, switch to dark mode, lower brightness, and turn on Do Not Disturb. The possibilities are endless — and it all happens automatically.
- Go to Settings → Advanced Features → Bixby Routines
- Browse Recommended Routines — Samsung has pre-built ones for common scenarios
- Tap the + button to create a custom routine
- Set your IF condition: time, location, Wi-Fi network, charging, app opened, battery level, and more
- Set your THEN action: change settings, open apps, send messages, turn on/off features
- Save and activate — your routine runs automatically every time the condition is met
- Driving Mode: When connected to car Bluetooth → launch Waze, enable Do Not Disturb, maximize volume
- Sleep Mode: At 11PM → enable dark mode, lower brightness to 10%, turn off Wi-Fi, enable Do Not Disturb
- Office Mode: When connected to office Wi-Fi → disable personal notifications, enable work profile
- Gaming Mode: When PUBG or Mobile Legends opens → block calls, notifications, enable performance mode
- Battery Saver: When battery hits 20% → turn off background sync, lower brightness, enable power saving
- Morning Alarm: When alarm goes off → turn on Wi-Fi, disable Do Not Disturb, launch weather app
The Edge Panel is a hidden sidebar on the right edge of your Samsung screen. Swipe inward from the small tab on the edge — and a panel slides out showing your favourite apps, contacts, tools, and shortcuts. No need to go to the home screen, no need to scroll through apps. Your most used tools are always one swipe away, no matter what app you are currently using.
- Go to Settings → Display → Edge Panels
- Toggle Edge Panels ON
- Tap Panels to choose which panels to show: Apps, People, Tasks, Clipboard, and more
- Tap Handle to customise the tab position — move it up or down the screen edge
- On any screen, swipe inward from the Edge Panel tab to open your shortcuts
- Swipe left or right within the panel to switch between different panel types
- Apps Panel: Pin Grab, Shopee, WhatsApp, TikTok, and banking apps for instant access
- People Panel: Pin your most contacted people — one tap to call or message them directly
- Tasks Panel: Create quick to-do items without opening any app
- Clipboard Panel: Access everything you have recently copied — text, links, phone numbers
Samsung Knox is not just a feature — it is a complete security platform built into every Samsung phone at the hardware level. Most Malaysians do not realise that their Samsung phone has the same security technology used by the US Department of Defense, South Korean government agencies, and major banks worldwide. Knox works silently in the background, protecting your phone from malware, hacking attempts, and unauthorised access — even before your phone’s operating system fully boots.
- Malware and viruses: Real-time scanning before any app can run on your phone
- Phishing attacks: Detects suspicious links and warns you before you click
- Physical tampering: If someone opens your phone’s hardware, Knox permanently flags it — bank apps will stop working on a tampered device
- Unauthorised app installation: Blocks apps that have not been verified as safe
- Data theft during repair: Works together with Secure Folder and Maintenance Mode to protect your data
- Screen recording attacks: Prevents unauthorised apps from recording your banking app screens
Premium Samsung phones like the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy A56 5G include Knox Vault — a physically separate security chip inside the phone that stores your most sensitive data (biometrics, passwords, encryption keys) in complete isolation from the main processor. Even if a hacker compromises the main chip, Knox Vault data remains completely inaccessible. For the most secure Android phones available in Malaysia, see our guide on best phones with Samsung Knox security and best phones with advanced privacy features.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra has a massive 6.9-inch screen — beautiful, but difficult to use with one hand. One Hand Mode shrinks the entire display down to one corner of the screen, making everything reachable with your thumb. Perfect for using your phone while holding a bag on the LRT, eating, or any situation where only one hand is free. And beyond One Hand Mode, there are several more hidden gems buried in Samsung’s settings that most users never find.
- Go to Settings → Advanced Features → One-Handed Mode
- Toggle One-Handed Mode ON
- Choose activation method: Swipe down on the bottom of the screen or Double tap Home button
- When active, the screen shrinks to a smaller size in one corner
- Tap the arrow to flip it to the other side if needed
- Tap outside the small screen area to exit One Hand Mode
- 🎵 Quick Mute: Cover the screen with your palm to instantly mute a ringing call. Enable at: Settings → Advanced Features → Motions and Gestures → Mute with Gestures
- 📸 Assistant Menu: A floating accessibility button that gives quick access to Home, Back, Recent Apps, and Volume. Enable at: Settings → Accessibility → Interaction and Dexterity → Assistant Menu
- 📊 Device Diagnostics: Test every component of your phone before buying used or before returning for warranty. Dial *#0*# on the phone app to open the hidden diagnostic menu
- 🌙 Bedtime Mode: Automatically switches your phone to greyscale at bedtime — reduces screen addiction. Enable at: Settings → Digital Wellbeing → Bedtime Mode
- 🔗 Link to Windows: Mirror your Samsung screen on your Windows laptop wirelessly — see and reply to messages, use apps, and transfer files without touching your phone. Enable at: Settings → Connected Devices → Link to Windows. See our guide on best laptops that sync with Samsung phones
📱 Which Samsung Phones Support These Features?
All 10 features covered in this guide are available on Samsung phones running One UI 6.0 and above. Some features like Circle to Search require One UI 6.1. Samsung DeX requires a flagship or upper mid-range Samsung phone. Here is a quick compatibility overview:
| Feature | S26 Ultra / S26 | A56 / A36 | A26 / A07 | One UI Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circle to Search | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ⚠️ Limited | One UI 6.1+ |
| Samsung DeX | ✅ Full | ✅ A56 Only | ❌ Not Supported | One UI 6.0+ |
| Secure Folder | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | One UI 5.0+ |
| RAM Plus | ✅ Up to 8GB | ✅ Up to 8GB | ✅ Up to 4GB | One UI 4.0+ |
| Maintenance Mode | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | One UI 5.0+ |
| Quick Share | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | One UI 4.0+ |
| Bixby Routines | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ✅ Basic | One UI 4.0+ |
| Edge Panel | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | One UI 4.0+ |
| Samsung Knox | ✅ Knox Vault | ✅ Full Knox | ✅ Basic Knox | All Samsung Phones |
| One Hand Mode | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | ✅ Full | One UI 4.0+ |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do these hidden Samsung features work on budget Samsung phones in Malaysia?
Most of them — yes. Features like Secure Folder, RAM Plus, Maintenance Mode, Quick Share, Edge Panel, and One Hand Mode work on almost every Samsung phone running One UI 4.0 and above — including budget models like the Galaxy A26 5G and older A-series phones. However, Samsung DeX is limited to flagship and upper mid-range phones. Circle to Search requires One UI 6.1 and above. For the full Samsung experience across all 10 features, the Galaxy A56 5G is the most affordable Samsung phone that supports virtually everything in this guide. See our full list of best Samsung phones in Malaysia.
Is Samsung DeX free to use in Malaysia?
Yes — 100% free. Samsung DeX is built into the phone’s software — there is nothing to purchase or subscribe to. You only need a USB-C to HDMI cable or adapter (available at most Malaysian phone shops for RM20–RM50) or a Samsung TV that supports Wireless DeX. A Bluetooth keyboard and mouse are optional but make the experience much more productive. See our guide on best phones with desktop mode and flagship phones that offer desktop mode.
Can I run two WhatsApp accounts on Samsung without any extra app?
Yes — using Secure Folder. Install WhatsApp inside Secure Folder with a different phone number (you can use a second SIM or a number from any other source). Your main WhatsApp stays on your regular profile. Secure Folder WhatsApp is completely separate — different account, different chats, different contacts. No third-party dual-app tools needed — Samsung does it natively and securely. This is one of the most popular uses of Secure Folder among Malaysian Samsung users.
How do I check which One UI version my Samsung has?
Go to Settings → About Phone → Software Information. You will see your current One UI version listed there. If you are not on the latest version, go to Settings → Software Update → Download and Install to get the latest One UI update. Samsung provides 7 years of software updates for the Galaxy S26 series and Galaxy A56 — the longest update promise of any Android phone maker. See our guide on smartphones with the longest lifespan and support cycles.
Is Samsung Knox better than other Android security systems?
Samsung Knox is widely considered the most comprehensive security platform on any Android phone. It operates at the hardware level — not just software — meaning it cannot be bypassed by a software attack alone. It is certified by over 30 government agencies worldwide including the US Department of Defense. By comparison, most other Android phones rely only on Google’s Play Protect and software-level encryption. Samsung’s Knox adds physical hardware isolation through Knox Vault on premium models. Read our full guide on Samsung Knox security features and compare with iOS vs Android security.
🏆 Final Tips – Get the Most Out of Your Samsung
🔒 Security First: Secure Folder → Maintenance Mode → Samsung Knox awareness
⚡ Performance Next: RAM Plus → Bixby Routines for battery saving
🔍 Productivity Boost: Circle to Search → Edge Panel → Samsung DeX
📡 Convenience: Quick Share → One Hand Mode → Link to Windows
Total time to enable all 10: Under 15 minutes.
- Circle to Search — saves time every single day
- Secure Folder — essential for privacy and dual WhatsApp
- Maintenance Mode — protects you at repair shops
- Samsung DeX — replaces your laptop when needed
- Bixby Routines — your phone becomes truly smart
- RAM Plus — free performance boost on any Samsung
- Quick Share — best way to send files in Malaysia
- Always remember your Secure Folder PIN
- RAM Plus works best when storage is not full
- Circle to Search needs internet connection
- DeX needs a USB-C cable or Samsung TV
- Bixby Routines may use slightly more battery
- Update to latest One UI for best feature support
- → Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra – Price & Full Review Malaysia
- → Samsung Galaxy S26 – Price & Full Review Malaysia
- → Samsung Galaxy S26+ – Price & Full Review Malaysia
- → Samsung Galaxy A56 5G – Price Malaysia
- → Samsung Galaxy A36 5G – Price Malaysia
- → Best Samsung Phones in Malaysia 2026
- → Best Samsung Phones Under RM3,000
- → Samsung Phones Under RM500 in Malaysia
- → Samsung S24 Ultra vs S25 Ultra Comparison
- → Samsung S25 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
- → Best Phones with Samsung Knox Security
- → Best Phones with Desktop Mode Malaysia
- → Best Phones with Long-Term Software Support
- → Upcoming Smartphones 2026 Malaysia
