We have seen a lot of companies announce foldable phones in the last few months, but none can match the prowess or flexibility of the foldable phone from SAMSUNG. There are a few things to try out before you pick one up.

We are not talking about going through the setup process or getting the best apps. We have a baker's dozen of the first features and settings you should tinker with, from changing all four screens to getting rid of Bixby.

1. Customize all the screens

The first thing you will want to do after signing in and getting the best apps is to get your hands on the Galaxy Z Fold 3. There are two different lock screens and two different main screens with the Z Fold 3. Some of the best launchers work well, but some, like OneUI, are built with foldables in mind, and you might find yourself enjoying it.

These are the steps that you will want to take to make your Home Screen look better.

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1. Hold on to the empty space on the Home Screen.

2. The settings option can be found in the bottom toolbar.

Customize Z Fold 3 Home Screen Settings

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

You can modify the following options.

  • Home screen layout
  • Home screen grid
  • Apps screen grid
  • Folder grid

Customize Z Fold 3 Home Screen Settings Panel

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

There are more options to tinker with. The cover screen and home screen match at all times. The problem with this is that if you have more than one page on the cover screen, each page will appear as part of the big display. It is a nice concept for people who rely on muscle memory. It doesn't look great in practice.

2. Extend your battery life

The smaller battery in the Z Fold 3 is a bit disappointing. With the 120Hz refresh rate added to the cover screen, there is even more of a chance you will need to reach for the charge before the end of the day.

Dark Mode can help extend your battery life. This is not enabled out of the box, but it can help you get through the day.

1. Go to the settings app.

2. You can tap the display.

3. At the top of the page, tap Dark Mode.

4. To set a schedule for Dark mode, tap the settings.

Enable Dark Mode Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)

5. Turn on as scheduled.

6. You can choose Sunset to sunrise or a custom schedule.

Enable Dark Mode Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

This isn't the only way to save battery life, but using Dark Mode will go a long way.

3. Multitask away

It is one thing to enjoy all of your apps on the larger display, but the real power comes via multitasking. Flex Mode has been improved and you can use up to three apps at the same time in different windows. This windowed mode allows you to be on a video call, take notes, and keep up with social media at the same time.

These steps will help you start using apps in these windows.

1. You can open any app that you want.

2. You can open the Edge Panel bar by using the floating tab.

3. You can drag an app from the tray to open it.

Open App Multi Window Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

4. Let the app icon go.

Open App Multi Window Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

That is it! You can add a third app if you have two apps running side-by-side. Drag and drop it over either side of the screen after following the steps above. The two apps will be running on one side, while the third app spans the length of the other screen.

This is possible if you want to change the size of the apps. You just need to grab the two dots between each app. You will be greeted with even more options if you tap on these dots.

  • Switch window
  • Rotate clockwise
  • Add app combo to Edge panel

Open App Multi Window Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

It is wonderful that the Z Fold 3 can be used to take advantage of the massive display.

4. Apps on the big screen

Chances are you have heard about the issue where some apps don't fill up the entire screen, even if you've never owned or used one of the best foldable phones. The development of the tabletUI has never come to fruition, so it's the biggest offenders.

You can force any app to open in full-screen if you want. Here is how you can get those apps to appear the way you want.

1. Go to the settings app.

2. Click Advanced features to scroll down.

3. There is a tap lab.

4. You can modify app aspect ratios.

5. The search icon is in the top right corner.

6. You can search for the app.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 App Scaling Screenshots

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

7. The app has a tap on it.

There are 8. Select Full screen from the pop-up menu.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 App Scaling Instagram Screenshots

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

Voila! The next time you open an app, it will be across the entire screen.

5. Pin your apps

There is a new feature that could make the Z Fold 3 a real game-changer. From the best Chromebooks to your own custom-built PC, all of our computers have a dock. While that is true, it is not the case that the Z Fold 3 can be pinned to the side of the display with a select set of apps.

There is an app drawer button and you can access App Pairs from here. Think of it as a truedock, just like you would find when using Windows or Chrome OS, as it is always at the ready and never hidden.

The Taskbar can be pinned to the edge of the Z Fold 3 display.

1. Go to the settings app.

2. Click Advanced features to scroll down.

3. There is a tap lab.

How To Pin Apps Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

4. You can pin your favorite apps to the On position.

How To Pin Apps Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

The Taskbar doesn't automatically appear, but there aren't any other options to tinker with. We need to manually enable it.

1. The Edge Panel bar is on your display.

2. The three-line icon is at the bottom of the Edge panel.

How To Pin Apps Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

3. There is a tap pin.

How To Pin Apps Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

The screen will adjust to make way for the Taskbar. If you want to add more apps to the list, just tap the icon with six-dots, find the app, and drag and drop it onto the Taskbar. If you don't like the Taskbar as much, you can un-pin it from your screen by using the Pin icon.

6. Spruce up your gaming performance

While the performance scandal centered around the S22 series, the Games Optimization Service has been used by the company to help its phones get the best performance out of apps and games. You can still get better performance out of your Fold 3 if you tick a box in the settings.

1. Go to the app drawer on your home screen and open the Game Launcher.

2. The More menu is at the bottom of the screen.

3. The game booster can be tapped.

Galaxy-z-fold-3-game-launcher-how-to-1

(Image credit: Android Central)

4. From the list, tap Labs. The main Game Launcher menu has a Labs section.

5. The switch should be moved to enable alternate game performance management.

Galaxy-z-fold-3-game-launcher-how-to-2

(Image credit: Android Central)

7. Make your phone feel faster

Your phone might already feel fast, thanks to the power of the 12GB of RAM and the Snapdragon 800. Reducing the animation scales can be used to take things to the next level. You need to unlock Developer Options before you can do that.

1. Go to the settings app.

2. Go to the bottom and tap the phone number.

3. There is software information that you can tap.

Enable Developer Options Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

4. The build number was tapped seven times.

5. If prompted, enter your password.

Enable Developer Options Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

You will see the option on the left side of the screen now that Developer Options have been unlocked.

6. There are options to tap.

7. The following should be changed to 0.5x.

  • Window animation scale
  • Transition animation scale
  • Animator duration scale

Change Animation Speed Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

You will feel like you are flying around your phone with the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.

8. Switch up the keyboard

You can use a split-screen keyboard by default. This is designed to be easy to use, so you don't have to stretch your thumbs to reach the middle of the screen.

It sounds like a solid plan, but there is a definite learning curve if you rely on gestures to send and reply to emails. Thankfully, you can return to the normal keyboard layout.

1. You can open an app that uses text.

2. The gear icon is on the top of the keyboard.

Change Keyboard Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

3. There is a mode called tap mode.

Change Keyboard Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

4. Under the main screen, tap the keyboard.

Change Keyboard Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

When you pull up the keyboard again, it will show you a traditional layout without any gaps in the middle.

Change Keyboard Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)

9. Ditch Bixby

For better or worse, the default voice assistant is Bixby. While we like the idea of Bixby routines, it doesn't hold a candle to the likes of Google Assistant. When you hold the button, the power button is mapped to your hand. There is a way to change the traditional power menu.

1. Go to the settings app.

2. Click Advanced Features to scroll down.

3. The side key can be tapped.

Customize Z Fold 3 Power Button

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

4. Press and hold, then tap the Power off menu.

Customize Z Fold 3 Power Button

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

When you double-press the power button, you can change what gesture is performed. The Camera app is set to launch, but you can also choose to open another app.

10. Turn your Fold 3 into a portable charger

If you picked up the Buds 2 or the Watch 4, you might need to get more power. This is where you can use Wireless Power Share to turn your phone into a portable wireless power source. It is turned off out of the box, but you can turn it on again.

1. Go to the settings app.

2. Go to the bottom and tap the battery and device care.

3. The battery can be tapped.

Enable Wireless Powershare Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

4. Wireless power sharing is possible.

Enable Wireless Powershare Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

5. The On position is reached by pressing the top button.

6. The battery limit should be set at the bottom.

Enable Wireless Powershare Z Fold 3

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

Setting the battery limit will allow you to decide when your phone will stop sharing its juice. You will be able to borrow the battery when you put your accessories on the back of the Z Fold 3.

11. Use the good cameras for selfies

The under-display camera is not the best for selfies. The Cover Screen selfie camera is still not the best. You will want to enable cover screen preview so that you can take advantage of the Z fold 3's primary 12MP wide-angle camera.

1. The camera app is open.

2. The rectangular icon is in the top right corner.

Enable Cover Screen Preview Fold 3

(Image credit: Android Central)

It is that simple. You can see a preview of the image on the cover screen when you turn the phone around. You will need to use the Volume Up or Volume Down button to take the picture because you won't find a shutter button.

12. Fix broken notifications

It is still too aggressive when it comes to RAM management for OneUI to be as great as it is. Some of the most useful apps can be put to sleep because of this. The problem with doing so is that you may not get notifications quickly.

We need to dive into the battery settings to fix this.

1. Go to the settings app.

2. Go to the bottom and tap the battery and device care.

3. The battery can be tapped.

Z Fold 3 Never Sleeping Apps

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

4. There are limits on background usage.

Z Fold 3 Never Sleeping Apps

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

5. Never sleep.

Z Fold 3 Never Sleeping Apps

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)

6. The + icon is in the top right corner.

Z Fold 3 Never Sleeping Apps

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

7. Select the apps that you do not want to sleep on.

There are 8. The Add button is in the bottom right corner.

Z Fold 3 Never Sleeping Apps

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Android Central)

The tradeoff is that the apps you choose may drain more battery. If you want to get notifications for specific apps as soon as they arrive, then this is a necessary solution.

13. Accessorize your Z Fold 3

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 S Pen Box

Source: Nick Sutrich / Android Central (Image credit: Source: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)

The process of finding new and fun accessories to use with their new phones is something that everyone loves. The case makers have been working on new cases and accessories for the Z Fold 3. The case from the Z Fold 2 and Z Fold 3 will not be the same as the one from the Z Fold 2.

If you are looking for the best cases or chargers, we have got you covered.

Enjoy the future with the Galaxy Z Fold 3

No matter what you think of the device, it is one of the best phones you can buy, and in some cases, the best phone we have ever seen. It folds in half and fits in your pocket just like any other phone, even though you might be put off by the massive display.

If you happen to pick one up for yourself, we recommend having fun with it. You can learn everything you can about this new device by going through the settings, screens, and panels.