Samsung Mobile

How to Enable AI Features on Samsung Galaxy Phones

Written by

Abhinav Mishra

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Galaxy AI is Samsung’s suite of artificial intelligence features designed to enhance various aspects of your smartphone experience, from communication and productivity to creative expression. These features, first introduced with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in early 2024, leverage a combination of on-device processing and cloud-based AI models (including Google’s Gemini AI) to deliver intelligent functionalities.

The integration of AI into mobile phones has been a gradual evolution. Early forms of AI on smartphones included basic voice assistants and intelligent photo organization. However, the advent of generative AI models has pushed the boundaries, allowing for capabilities like real-time translation, advanced photo manipulation, and sophisticated text generation. Samsung’s One UI 6.1 update was a pivotal moment, bringing many of these advanced Galaxy AI features to a wider range of older flagship devices. Understanding how to enable and utilize these features can significantly transform how you interact with your phone.

Compatibility: Does Your Phone Support Galaxy AI?

Before diving into how to enable these features, it’s crucial to confirm if your Samsung Galaxy phone is compatible. While the Galaxy S24 series launched with all AI features, Samsung has expanded support to many older flagship models through the One UI 6.1 update.

Currently Supported Devices (with One UI 6.1 or later):

  • Galaxy S Series: Galaxy S24 series (S24, S24+, S24 Ultra), Galaxy S23 series (S23, S23+, S23 Ultra), Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy S22 series (S22, S22+, S22 Ultra), Galaxy S21 series (S21, S21+, S21 Ultra), Galaxy S21 FE.
  • Galaxy Z Series (Foldables): Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy Z Fold4, Galaxy Z Flip4, Galaxy Z Fold3, Galaxy Z Flip3.
  • Galaxy Tab S Series (Tablets): Galaxy Tab S9 series (S9, S9+, S9 Ultra), Galaxy Tab S8 series (S8, S8+, S8 Ultra).
  • Select Mid-Range Devices: Some A-series and M-series phones have received or are receiving One UI 6.1, but the specific Galaxy AI features might be limited based on hardware capabilities (e.g., Galaxy A34, Galaxy A54).

Important Note: Samsung has stated that Galaxy AI features will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported devices. Pricing plans for these features beyond that date are expected to be announced later this year. Some features, particularly those requiring extensive cloud processing (like advanced Generative Edit), may also require an internet connection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling and Using Galaxy AI Features

For most Galaxy AI features, they are either enabled by default after the One UI 6.1 update or can be toggled on within specific app settings or a dedicated “Galaxy AI” section in your phone’s Settings.

Step 1: Ensure Your Device is Updated to One UI 6.1 (or later)

This is the foundational step. If your phone isn’t running One UI 6.1, you won’t have access to the Galaxy AI features.

  • How to Update:
    1. Open Settings on your phone.
    2. Scroll down and tap Software update.
    3. Tap Download and install.
    4. Your phone will check for available updates. If One UI 6.1 (or a newer version) is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it. Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection and sufficient battery life before starting the update.

Step 2: Explore the Dedicated Galaxy AI Settings

Samsung has centralized many AI-related settings for easy management.

  • How to Access:
    1. Open Settings.
    2. Scroll down and tap Advanced features.
    3. Tap Advanced intelligence (or simply Galaxy AI on some models).
    4. Here, you’ll find a list of various Galaxy AI features you can explore and configure. This is where you can often toggle features on or off, download language packs for offline translation, or adjust settings specific to each AI tool.

Step 3: Utilize Key Galaxy AI Communication Features

Galaxy AI excels at breaking down communication barriers.

  • Live Translate (Phone Calls): This feature provides real-time voice and text translation during phone calls.
    • How to Enable: Go to Settings > Advanced features > Advanced intelligence > Phone. Toggle Live translate on. Select your language (“Me”) and the other person’s language (“Other person”). You may need to download language packs for offline use.
    • How to Use: When making or receiving a call using the native Samsung Phone app, tap the Call assist button during the call, then select Live translate. Bixby will announce the translation is active, and you’ll see on-screen text translations while hearing the translated audio.
    • Note: Requires an internet connection for real-time translation and a Samsung Account login.
  • Interpreter: For face-to-face conversations, Interpreter provides real-time spoken and on-screen translations in a split-screen view.
    • How to Use: Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Panel. Look for the Interpreter toggle and tap it. The app will launch, allowing two people to speak into the phone’s microphone and see/hear real-time translations. You can flip the screen view for easier conversation. Offline use is available with downloaded language packs.
  • Chat Assist (Writing Assist): Integrated into the Samsung Keyboard, this feature helps with translation, adjusting writing style, and correcting grammar and spelling in messages.
    • How to Enable: Go to Settings > Advanced features > Advanced intelligence > Samsung Keyboard. Toggle on Chat translation and Writing style.
    • How to Use: When typing in a messaging app (e.g., Samsung Messages, WhatsApp), tap the Galaxy AI (star/sparkle) icon or Writing assist icon (a pen with a star) that appears above the keyboard.
      • Writing Style: Choose from options like “Professional,” “Casual,” or “Social” to rephrase your text.
      • Chat Translation: Select the translation option to translate your typed message into another language before sending.
      • Spelling & Grammar Check: Get suggestions for corrections.

Step 4: Leverage Galaxy AI for Productivity and Organization

Galaxy AI streamlines tasks in your note-taking and Browse apps.

  • Note Assist (Samsung Notes): This powerful feature can automatically format, summarize, correct spelling, and translate your notes.
    • How to Use:
      1. Open the Samsung Notes app and select or create a note.
      2. Tap the Galaxy AI (three stars) icon that appears above the keyboard or at the top of the screen when editing a note.
      3. Choose from:
        • Auto format: Convert handwritten notes to text, or organize text with headers and bullet points (e.g., “Meeting notes,” “Headers and bullets”).
        • Summarize: Get a concise summary of lengthy notes. You can choose between “Standard” or “Detailed” summaries. (Requires Samsung account login and internet for summarization).
        • Correct spelling: Identify and correct spelling and grammar errors.
        • Translate: Translate your note into a different language.
  • Transcript Assist (Voice Recorder): Convert recorded speech into text, and then summarize or translate the transcription.
    • How to Use:
      1. Open the Voice Recorder app and select a recorded file.
      2. Tap the Transcribe button. Select the language and tap Transcribe.
      3. Once transcribed, you can tap the Summary button (requires Samsung account login and internet for summarization) or the Translation icon to process the text further. This is incredibly useful for lectures, meetings, or interviews.
  • Browse Assist (Samsung Internet): Get quick summaries or translations of web pages.
    • How to Use:
      1. Open the Samsung Internet browser and navigate to a webpage.
      2. Tap the Galaxy AI (star/sparkle) icon in the address bar or bottom toolbar.
      3. Choose between Summarize (to get a bulleted overview) or Translate (to translate the entire page). (Requires internet connection).

Step 5: Unleash Creativity with Galaxy AI Photo and Visual Features

Galaxy AI brings advanced editing capabilities to your photos and enhances visual search.

  • Circle to Search with Google: Instantly search for anything on your screen by circling or tapping it.
    • How to Enable/Use:
      1. Ensure it’s enabled: Go to Settings > Display > Navigation bar. Toggle on Circle to Search.
      2. To Use: Long-press the Home button (or the gesture navigation bar if you use gestures). Your screen will dim, and a Google search bar will appear.
      3. Circle or tap any image, text, or object on your screen. The AI will analyze your selection and provide Google search results without leaving your current app. This is revolutionary for quick lookups of products, landmarks, or information. (Requires internet connection).
  • Generative Edit (Photo Assist): This feature allows you to resize, remove, or reposition objects in a photo, with AI intelligently filling in the background.
    • How to Enable/Use:
      1. Open the Gallery app and select a photo.
      2. Tap the Edit icon (pencil icon).
      3. Tap the Galaxy AI icon (three stars).
      4. Tap or draw around an object you want to adjust. You can then drag the object to a new position, resize it, or tap the Delete icon to remove it.
      5. Once you’ve made your adjustments, tap Generate. The AI will intelligently fill in the missing parts of the photo.
      6. Tap Save copy when you’re satisfied. Images edited with Generative Edit will have a watermark to indicate AI modification. (Requires internet connection).
  • Edit Suggestion: Get quick, AI-powered suggestions for improving your photos.
    • How to Use:
      1. Open the Gallery app and select a picture.
      2. Tap the Information icon (i) or the Galaxy AI icon (three stars).
      3. Look for available edit suggestions, such as “Remaster,” “Erase shadows,” or “Erase reflections.” Tap on a suggestion to apply it.
  • Instant Slow-Mo (Galaxy S24 series, S23 series, Z Fold5/Flip5, Tab S9 series): Create slow-motion versions of any video, even if it wasn’t originally recorded in slow-motion.
    • How to Use:
      1. Open the Gallery app and play a video.
      2. Long-press and hold anywhere on the video while it’s playing. The video will automatically slow down, with AI generating additional frames for a smooth slow-motion effect.

Conclusion

Galaxy AI represents a significant leap in smartphone intelligence, making everyday tasks simpler and more intuitive. By following these steps, you can successfully enable and integrate these powerful AI features into your daily use of your Samsung Galaxy phone. From seamlessly translating conversations to intelligently editing your photos, Galaxy AI is designed to enhance your mobile experience and unlock new possibilities. Remember to keep your device updated to ensure you have access to the latest AI functionalities.

FAQ

Q1: Do I need an internet connection to use all Galaxy AI features?

No, not all Galaxy AI features require an internet connection. Some features, like Live Translate and Generative Edit, benefit greatly from or require cloud processing and thus an internet connection. However, on-device AI models allow features like Interpreter (with downloaded language packs) and some aspects of Note Assist and Transcript Assist to function offline.

Q2: Are Galaxy AI features free?

Galaxy AI features are currently provided for free on supported Samsung Galaxy devices until the end of 2025. Samsung has indicated that different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties, and it is expected to announce pricing plans for its own AI features beyond 2025.

Q3: My Samsung phone is compatible, but I don’t see the AI features. What should I do?

First, ensure your phone is updated to One UI 6.1 or a later version by checking Settings > Software update > Download and install. If it’s updated and you still don’t see them, try restarting your phone. Some features also reside within specific apps (e.g., Samsung Notes, Samsung Internet, Gallery, Voice Recorder) and become accessible when using those apps. You can also check Settings > Advanced features > Advanced intelligence for general AI settings.

Q4: Can I use Galaxy AI on any Android phone?

Galaxy AI is a suite of features developed by Samsung specifically for its Galaxy-branded mobile devices. While some AI functionalities from Google (like Circle to Search) are also available on select Pixel devices, the full suite of Galaxy AI features is exclusive to compatible Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets.

Q5: Will my older Samsung Galaxy phone get all the same AI features as the S24 Ultra?

Not necessarily. While many Galaxy AI features have been expanded to older flagship devices through the One UI 6.1 update, some highly demanding features, like Instant Slow-Mo for all videos, may remain exclusive to the latest flagship models due to hardware requirements. Additionally, some mid-range devices receiving One UI 6.1 might get a more limited set of AI features.

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