Samsung Galaxy XCover 3 User Manual & Setup Guide

If you need a manual or help with the setup of your Samsung Galaxy XCover 3, check out our user guide to start using your handset, connect to the internet and more!

1. Unboxing and assembling your Samsung Galaxy XCover 3
2. Set up your phone for the first time
3. Connecting to Wi-Fi and mobile networks
4. Find out how to add your email accounts
5. How to add and import contacts to your Samsung
6. Using the Play Store to find new apps
7. Securing your Samsung Galaxy XCover 3 with a lock screen
8. How to make phone calls on your Samsung
9. Send text & picture messages
10. Sending emails and attachments on your Samsung
11. How to set alarms on the Samsung Galaxy XCover 3
12. Read our tips to learn more about your phone

click here for Samsung's Galaxy XCover 3 user manual

Unboxing and assembling your Samsung Galaxy XCover 3

So you've opened the box and taken out your Samsung Galaxy XCover 3 for the first time, but what now? Well, it's now time to get your new mobile phone up and running, personalising it in the process. Before we begin putting the pieces together, let's make sure you have everything you need.

Unboxing

Inside the box* you should find:

• 1 x Samsung Galaxy XCover 3
• 1 x Battery
• 1 x Mains power adaptor
• 1 x USB lead
• 1 x In-line earphones and pack of replacement earbuds
• 1 x Information pack

*some box contents may vary

The XCover 3 takes a micro-SIM card, which needs to be installed underneath the back cover. If you wish to expand the storage space available by adding a microSD (memory) card, you'll need to have that to hand as well.

Insert the SIM and memory cards

In order to insert the SIM and memory cards into your new Galaxy XCover 3, you'll need to take the back cover off. Look at the right-hand edge of the phone just above the power button and you should find a small notch in the edge of the back cover. Use your thumbnail in the notch to prise the back cover away from the phone, then place the phone screen side down on a soft, non-scratching surface.

The micro-SIM card and memory cards slides into a dual housing found at the top of the battery compartment. The micro-SIM slides into the lower part of the housing, with the gold-coloured contacts facing down, and with the cut-off corner inserted first. Slide the card into place until it stops flush with the edge of the battery compartment.

If you wish to install a microSD (memory) card in your new Galaxy XCover 3, then this slides into the upper part of the housing. Insert the memory card into this slot with the gold-coloured contacts facing down, and narrow end first, as shown in the picture. Slide the microSD card home until it latches into place.

Finally insert the battery into the phone, ensuring the electrical contacts line up with those in the compartment. Replace the back cover, pressing it down gently around the edge until it is secure.

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Set up your phone for the first time

Before you turn the Galaxy XCover 3 on, please check that the SIM card has been installed (as shown in the previous chapter). Press the power button on the right-hand edge of the handset for a few seconds and you will see the screen illuminate as the handset starts to power up.

At any time during the setup you may see a SIM service pop-up on screen asking you to select your mobile network from a list; tap on the correct network name and OK, then it will disappear.

1. When you first turn on your phone, you may be asked to confirm which network you're with. Make sure to pick the correct network, as this will set your mobile internet settings as well as let you make and receive calls and texts.
2. The first screen of the setup wizard will be asking you to Select your language. Choose your preferred language by tapping the language box and scrolling through the menu (English UK is the default option) and then tap Start.
3. The next screen prompts you to connect to a nearby wireless network. If you don't see any network names, check the switch at the top is on (showing green). If it isn't, tap the switch to turn it on. In the list of networks shown, tap on the name of the wireless network you wish to connect to.
4. When prompted, enter the password for the Wi-Fi network. This is usually shown on a sticker on your router, and may be referred to as a WEP key, WPA key or wireless passphrase. Passwords are case-sensitive, and you can check your typing by ticking the Show password box. When you're ready to proceed, tap Connect.
5. Once the screen shows you've connected, you will be able to see a Wi-Fi symbol on the top line of the display next to the signal bars. The signal strength may vary, so not all the curved bars may be lit up, but as long as the symbol is there you're connected. Tap Next to continue.

6. If you want to use the handset you will have to read and agree to the EULA (End User License Agreement). Tick the box to agree, and choose whether to provide anonymous diagnostic data to Samsung or not by tapping the appropriate circle, then tap Next.
7. On the next page you will be if you have a Google account (an email address ending in gmail.com or googlemail.com). Using a Google account unlocks some great features of the phone; without one you can't browse the Play Store or sync your contacts to your Google email address. If you haven't already got a Google account tap No and then create one for free, or skip this step (not recommended). Enter your Google address in the space provided, then tap Next. If you're creating a new account, complete the form, filling the details in as you go.

8. On the next page, enter your Gmail password. Press Next when you're ready to continue.
9. You will have to accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy in order to use the XCover 3. Inspect them if you wish by tapping on the links, and when you're happy to agree, tap OK.
10. The Play store offers paid-for as well as free content and you will be invited to set up a billing method. To securely register a credit or debit card to pay for content, or redeem a Play Store voucher tap the appropriate option. You may also be offered the option of having purchases billed through your mobile network, if they allow this. Once you've made your decision, tap Continue to move on. To skip setting up a payment method at this stage tap Skip.
11. The next page is about background services your Google account can perform. Backup allows your Google account to back up your handset's apps and settings, which is extremely useful when it comes to upgrading or replacing a lost or damaged handset, and therefore something we would recommend. Location settings relate to letting your phone (and Google) know where in the world you are, which will help improve internet search results, and satellite navigation apps will thank you for it.

12. You will then be asked about using a Samsung account. This is optional, but gives you access to exclusive apps and content from Samsung, as well as special offers from them. If you've set this up on a previous Samsung handset, tap Sign in. If you're new to Samsung, you can tap Create account to set one up for free or use your Google account to do so. You can, of course, Skip this and do it later if you wish.
13. If you're signing in, enter your Samsung account ID (this will be an email address) and your Samsung account password into the boxes on screen and tap Sign in. If you're creating a new account, complete the form to sign up for the service. If you're skipping using a Samsung account, tap Skip to confirm this.
14. The final screen allows you to name your device. This will show up whenever you connect it to anything else, so try to keep it clean! When you've named your XCover 3, tap Finish.

At the bottom of the phone itself, below the screen, there is a button in the middle. This is the Home button, and will always bring you back to the home screen. Either side of this are touch-sensitive areas which also act as "buttons", and these are used to help you navigate around your new phone. The area to the left shows you Recent apps that you have opened, which are still running in the background allowing you to switch between them easily, and the area to the right is the Back button, which takes you back one step in any app or menu.

The icon on the front screen that you will probably use most of all is the Apps icon. This gives you access to all the apps on your new phone, as well as the settings menus. It looks like a grid of small squares, and is usually found in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen (unless you move it).

Now that you have completed the setup wizard, read through the other chapters in this guide to learn how to receive emails on your handset, download apps, and import your contacts!

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Connecting to Wi-Fi and mobile networks

Your new Samsung Galaxy XCover 3 is a powerful piece of kit, but without an internet connection many of its finest features are redundant! Fresh apps can't be downloaded, existing apps can't be updated, even your social networks and email accounts can't retrieve new data! Make sure your phone is working to its fullest by using our short guide below.

Connecting to a Wi-Fi network

1. From the home screen, tap the Apps icon (its a grid of squares, in the bottom-right hand corner of the screen).
2. Find and tap the Settings icon to view your phone's configurable settings.
3. In the Wireless and networks section of the settings, tap Wi-Fi.
4. If you don't see any network names displayed on screen, check the switch at the top. To turn it on, tap the switch (it will display green when it's on).

5. Under Wi-Fi networks, you will see a list of nearby Wi-Fi connections you can access. Tap on the one you want to connect to (if it's your home Wi-Fi it should be close to the top of the list).
6. Enter your wireless password when prompted. Remember, passwords are case sensitive, so ensure you enter it correctly! Wireless passwords are usually found on a sticker on the underside of your router, and may also be called a WEP key, WPA key, or wireless passphrase. If you wish to check your typing, tick the Show password box to verify you've entered the password correctly, then tap Connect.
7. If the password was entered successfully, you will now see the word Connected below your network's name, and a Wi-fi symbol on the status bar at the top of the XCover 3's screen.

Connecting to Mobile Internet

An active mobile internet connection is indicated by a letter (or letters) next to the signal bars, on the top row of the display. The letters you could see are G, E, 3G, H or H+, which denote the various speeds of data connection. This will vary depending on your network, and where you are at the time. The arrows flicker when data is being transferred, but the key thing to remember is that if the letter is there, your data connection is configured correctly.

1. In the settings menu, scroll down and tap More networks.
2. On the More networks screen, tap Mobile networks.
3. Check that there is a tick in the box next to Mobile Data to ensure that your mobile internet connection is turned on.
4. If Mobile Data is turned on but you still have no internet, tap Access Point Names. These are the settings that configure the internet connection on your XCover 3. Look at the list of network names in the settings, ensuring that the correct one is selected by tapping in the circle at the right-hand side of its name to turn the indicator green.

5. If your network name isn't listed, tap the Menu button in the top right-hand corner (it looks like three dots), then tap Reset to default. Choose your network when it appears on the screen, then check your internet connection again.

If these options still don't work, then you can enter new APN settings manually by tapping the + and completing the onscreen form. We have produced a guide to APN settings for all major UK networks to help you, but if your provider is not listed you may need to contact them directly for further assistance and troubleshooting.

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Find out how to add your email accounts

Your new Galaxy XCover 3 can manage multiple POP, IMAP and Exchange email accounts with a minimum of fuss. Follow our guide below to start receiving your emails on your new smart phone!

Gmail account setup

We covered setting up a Google account in the initial setup, but if you didn't complete it then you can add one now.

1. Swipe down from the top of the phone screen and tap on the Cog to open the Settings menu. Scroll down the Settings menu and tap on Accounts.
2. You will see any accounts already set up on your XCover 3. Tap Add account.
3. On the list of account types, tap Google.
4. To sign in, enter your existing Gmail address into the space provided then tap Next.

5. Enter your password on the next page, then press Next when you're ready to continue.
6. You must agree to the Terms of service and Privacy Policy in order to use a Google account on your new XCover 3. Tap a link to inspect any which you would like to look at, then tap Accept to proceed.
7. The Google account can be used to back up your apps and settings, and Google would like to update you with information from the Play Store. If you'd like to opt out of either of these, untick the box then tap Next.
8. You will then be asked to set up some payment details in order to purchase premium content, including chargeable apps and other media, from the Play Store. This is optional, as many apps are free. Select your billing option and tap Continue, or tap Skip to leave this for later.

The newly-added Google account should now show in the Accounts list, and your emails will start to arrive in the Gmail app very shortly (it's in the Apps tray accessible from the home screen).

Email setup

1. Open your Settings, then scroll down and tap Accounts.
2. Next tap Add account.
3. If you have an Exchange email account (often used by employers, or education providers) choose Microsoft Exchange. For all other account types (apart from Google, shown above) tap Email.

5. Most email accounts can be configured quite quickly, simply type in your email address and password, then tap Next to continue.
6. If all goes well and the account sets up, you will be able to alter the account options to choose how often your handset checks for new mail, and how much mail to keep on your new phone. When you are happy with the settings, tap Next.
7. You will then be asked to give the account a name (your email address will show by default, but you can edit this) then tap Done at the bottom of the keyboard.
8. If successful, you'll be taken back to the Accounts screen when you can confirm the accounts which are set up on your smartphone.

If your account failed to set up automatically, you will be returned to the main email setup page with your email address and password in the boxes. In order to add your email account to the XCover 3 you will have to do a Manual Setup. In order to do this, you will need to know the type of account you have (POP3, IMAP or Exchange) and additional, account specific information.

This additional information will include the account Username, Password, and also incoming& outgoing mail server settings, all of which will have to be entered onto the form. If your account is an Exchange account, you will need to know domain and Exchange server information.

We have written a guide to email server settingsfor most of the popular UK email providers to help you complete these, but if your mail provider is not listed, or your Exchange email account is provided by your company, you may need to contact them directly for detailed assistance.

If you are still having difficulty adding your email account, why don't you check out our support options and give us a call at any time 24/7 on 0800 049 3040.

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How to add and import contacts to your Samsung

Moving your contacts from one phone to another can be stressful, so let us help out with our handy guide to importing your address book. We'll help transfer your contacts from any other type of smartphone, from iPhone and Android to Windows Phone and BlackBerry. Click the link to check out our instructions and get your contacts safely transferred today.

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Using the Play Store to find new apps

Looking for apps and not sure where to start? Check out our guide to the Google Play Store for all the help, tips and support you need to find the apps and games you want. We'll show you how to browse the store, and even find all the apps you've enjoyed in the past and want to download again. Click the link to find out more!

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Securing your Samsung Galaxy XCover 3 with a lock screen

Your Samsung XCover 3 has a lot of valuable information on it, and will likely be signed into accounts inside various apps to give you quick access to your data; Email, social media and file sharing apps to name but a few. The best way to keep all of this data from prying eyes is to secure your Galaxy with a PIN or Password. Read on to discover how!

1. Swipe down from the top of the phone screen and tap on the Cog in the top-right corner to access Settings.
2. Scroll down the settings menu to the Device section, and tap on Lock screen.
3. To set up lock screen security, tap Screen lock.
4. Choose what type of unlock method you'd like to use; Swipe is the default method which is quite insecure, Pattern allows you to draw a pattern on a grid of dots, PIN is a numerical code and Password. is a longer, more complex security code. The relative strengths of each type of security are indicated. To proceed, tap your chosen method.

5. In our example we're entering a PIN, but a password is set in much the same manner. Enter your chosen code via the keyboard, then tap Continue (a pattern requires you to set a PIN as a backup).
6. Confirm your unlock PIN or Password by entering it again, then tap OK.
7. Your new method of securing your lock screen will be displayed. In order to change it, you will need to enter it when you tap on that option.

You can change the time needed for the lock to be activated after the display times out by tapping Lock automatically. If you do change this, remember that although your screen may have gone off, your handset may not be locked securely until a period of time has elapsed. When you're happy, tap the Home button to return to the home screen.

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How to make phone calls on your Samsung

The first step to making a phone call is to open the Phone icon from the home screen by tapping on it. This is usually in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.

1. The phone app will open to the phone dialler keypad. Unsurprisingly, this can be used to simply enter the number you wish to call, and then tap the green button bottom left to dial the number.
2. Your keypad can also be used to spell out the name of a contact. Use the numbers which correspond to the letters shown to spell the name (in our example we're spelling out "Ben" by tapping "236") and the XCover 3 will find them in your contact list, just tap their name to call them! If you know more than one person with the name you're searching, you'll need to tap the correct contact from the suggestions.
3. If you prefer, you can search your contacts directly from the first Phone screen by tapping Contacts at the top.
4. Whenever you have the contact you'd like to call on screen, tap the phone icon on their contact and the XCover 3 will automatically dial them!

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Send text & picture messages

Find and tap the Messaging app from your home screen. The icon is a white envelope with a yellow sheet emerging from it. If you have unread messages, you will see a red badge in the corner showing you have unread items.

1. To compose a new message, tap on the compose button (which looks like a pen and paper) at the bottom of the screen.
2. Now you're looking at a blank text message. Pick the recipient by tapping in the Enter recipient box.
3. You can enter a mobile number directly using the numeric keyboard, or you can start to type a contact's name. If you're entering text, matching contacts will appear below as you type. Tap on the contact you're trying to text to select them as the recipient. You can add further recipients if you wish to send the same message to multiple people.
4. Now you've chosen who you're messaging, it's time to type out what you want to say. Tap into the Enter message box and using the keyboard, type your message.

5. If you're just sending a text message, tapping the orange Send button to the right of the text entry box will send your message. If you want to add an attachment, such as a picture, video or sound recording, tap the paper clip.
6. Options will appear to allow you to choose what you'd like to attach to your message. You could take a new picture using the camera, attach an image that's already on your phone or one of many other options, each of which can be selected by tapping on the icon. (If you're sending a picture or video, it will be sent as a Multimedia message, and you may be charged for this - check with your mobile network about costs!).
7. Once you've attached your item, it will display in the body of the message, allowing you to add further text before you send it by tapping the Send button.

How to delete a message thread

If you'd like to delete a thread of messages from your handset, open the Messaging app and locate the thread you'd like to delete by finding the other person's name in the message list.

Touch and hold on their name, and a tickbox will appear beside it. When you see this, look in the top right-hand corner of the screen and tap the bin icon to delete the thread.

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Sending emails and attachments on your Samsung

To send an email, you must have already set up an email account on your Samsung Galaxy. If you haven't added your account yet, please check our chapter on adding an email account for more information. To see your emails, tap the Apps icon followed by the Email icon.

1. When you can see your email inbox, tap the compose button. This is a white pen-and-paper icon in the bottom-left corner of the email inbox screen.
2. Tap into the To line to select the intended recipient. Start to type their name using the keyboard, and any matching contacts will appear. Tap on the correct contact to add them to the recipient list. You can add further recipients or send carbon copies to yourself or others by tapping the down arrow.
3. Enter a Subject for your email by tapping on that line and entering it via the keyboard.
4. Now that you've set it up, type your message by tapping into the white portion of the window in the middle of the screen. If you just want to send a text email, then you can send it by tapping the envelope icon on the title bar.

5. To add an attachment, tap the paper clip on the title bar. When the menu opens, you can choose what you'd like to attach.
6. Navigate through your files by using the on screen menu to find the item you want, and tap it to select it. When you've made your selections, tap Done.
7. When sending images, you may be asked whether to resize them - handy if you're using mobile internet, as large images and video can use a lot of data!
8. Add further attachments if you wish, and compose your message. To send, tap the envelope.

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How to set alarms on the Samsung Galaxy XCover 3

Setting an alarm is a popular occurrence on most phones, as you tend to always have it with you, turned on and telling the correct time. Read on to find out how to set an alarm on your Galaxy XCover 3.

Setting an alarm

1. Alarms are set and amended through the Clock app on your XCover 3. From the home screen, tap Apps and then Clock.
2. The first time you open the app, you'll see there aren't any alarms set (surprise surprise!) and there are buttons across the top of the app allow you to select World Clock, Stopwatch and Timer functions. Tap the + to set an alarm.
3. Set the alarm time using the arrows, but before you tap Save you may wish to look at the other options.
4. Repeat is great to set the same alarm time on multiple days (such as every weekday) by ticking the boxes, and tapping OK.

5. You can also edit the melody, volume, vibration and snooze duration for each alarm. You can even set it as a smart alarm, which gradually gets louder the longer you leave it before turning it off - so much better than your old alarm clock, eh? When you're happy with the settings, tap Save to store and set the alarm.
6. The displayed alarm will now show up brightly in the menu. This indicates the alarm is set to go off at the date and time displayed.
7. To turn an alarm off, tap the green alarm clock. This will dim the alarm line, indicating it is not set. To set an alarm that is greyed out, tap the alarm clock again.

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Read our tips to learn more about your phone

You should now be a little more familiar with your new Galaxy XCover 3, so let's take a moment to run through a couple of tips to help you get the most out of your new phone.

Manage your Samsung Galaxy XCover 3 remotely

We mentioned in the original setup of your XCover 3 that having a Samsung account on your handset allows you to do such things as updating your handset and backing it up, but it also allows you to manage your phone from any internet enabled device. Simply go to the Samsung account website, and log in with the same Samsung account details that you used on your phone.

If you're unable to find your phone, you can click Ring my device - it will ring for a minute, even if your phone's sound is muted. As long your XCover 3 is turned on, you can Locate my device on a map, and if your worst fears are realised, you can remotely Lock my screen or even Wipe my device of all your data - somebody may have your phone, but the last thing you want is for them to have access to your email and social media accounts!

One of the best features in my opinion is the ability to remotely unlock a locked device. In the contact centre we take dozens of calls every week where people have found themselves locked out of their phones, often because a "friend" has put a PIN or password onto the device and then can't remember what it was. Until now, that meant doing a factory reset on the phone, wiping all the data from it (including any pictures on the device, and your message history). Now there is an option called Unlock my screen, which resets the screen lock to the out-of-the-box standard swipe.

If you haven't already set this up on your XCover 3, go to Settings> Add account and set up your Samsung account today!

Using the XCover Button

The Galaxy XCover 3 has a special blue button, just above the volume keys on the side of the phone. By default, pressing this button will turn on the torch and holding the button down shortcuts to your camera app, but that's not all the button can do for you!

Head into your Settings and scroll down until you spot Xcover Key. Tap this to view the Xcover Key settings.

Next, you'll see two options at the bottom of the screen for short press and long press. Tap on each one to pick a new shortcut for the button - this can be anything from your favourite app to a shortcut to a function of your smartphone.

While you're in Camera mode, the Xcover button will act as a shutter button so you can take photos without having to tap on the screen, obscuring your view.

Editing the Quick Settings menu

You can change which settings are shown in the Quick Settings menu, and they order they appear, by going to Settings> Display> Notification panel.

There are two rows of button which show you the quick settings displayed via the notifications bar, and you will find additional settings in the section below this. To change the order, or to bring new settings icons to the notifications panel, touch and hold on an icon then drag it to the place you'd like to to appear before releasing it.

Don't worry if you get things in the wrong place, you can always tap the Reset button to return your edited selections back to the default settings.

Once you have finished tweaking these, press the Home button then swipe down to check your new quick settings menu in the notification area!

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