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How to use the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 with one hand

Afraid the Galaxy Note 4 is too big for one-handed use? It's actually easier than you think.

Andy Baryer Producer/Host, GetConnected TV/Radio

Producer and co-host of the GetConnected TV/Radio show in Canada, Andy reviews new tech gadgets for the GetConnected TV show during the day, and writes about them for CNET at night. He can be heard weekly on the 'GetConnected Radio Show with Mike Agerbo' answering open line tech questions Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. PT across Corus Radio.

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Andy Baryer

Oct. 21, 2014 2:44 p.m. PT

2 min read

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By default, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is too big for one-handed use for most people. Thankfully you can customize it to allow your thumb to reach across the entire screen.

In Settings, tap Display and wallpaper under Quick Settings, and select One-handed operation.

Tap Reduce screen size andenable the Reduce screen size switch to activate it. A demonstration screen illustrates how to switch to the one-handed operation mode.

In either hand, quickly drag your thumb from the edge of the screen to the center and back again. The screen shrinks down for one handed use. Adjust the screen size bytapping the upper left corner and adjusting the size to fit your thumb reach. You'll now have easy access to options like volume control, back, home, and recent apps.

If you just want one-handed use for the dialing keypad, in-call buttons and other input panels, you can set this within Settings> Display and wallpaper >Quick Settings> One-handed operation. From here, enable the One-handed input switch. Then, move the input panel left or right by tapping the arrow until you're satisfied with the panel's placement.

Activate the Side key panel for one-handed access to hardkeys and other functions. You can adjust the transparency level of the side panel and enable Quick minimize. Go to Settings>Display and wallpaper >Quick Settings> One-handed operation >Side key panel and tap the Side key panel activationswitch to enable it. From here tap Manage keys to customize which buttons appear on your side key panel.

To move the side panel, tap and hold the top arrow cross iconand move it to the desired area on the screen.

How to use the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 with one hand

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