Just unboxed your new Galaxy Z8 Series phone? the essential settings to configure first
So, you've finally decided to make the switch to a Galaxy foldable. Whether it's the Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, or Z Flip8 sitting freshly unboxed in your hands, a smarter, more personal foldable experience is just a few settings away. Here's how to set things up properly, personalise the features that matter to you, and get the most out of One UI 9 and Galaxy AI from day one.
How do I set up my Galaxy Z8 Series phone for the first time?
Power on your Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, or Z Flip8, then follow the on-screen prompts to choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Google account. Signing in with your Samsung account is the step worth pausing on, because it unlocks Galaxy AI, Samsung Cloud, Samsung Wallet, SmartThings, and cross-device continuity across the Galaxy ecosystem. Set up fingerprint unlock through the side key sensor, add face recognition if you'd like, and turn on automatic software and security updates so your device stays current with One UI 9 the moment new features roll out.
How do I transfer data from my old phone?
Smart Switch makes moving to a Galaxy Z8 Series phone one of the easiest parts of setup. Open Smart Switch on your new device, choose wired or wireless transfer, and select your old phone type, whether it's another Android or an iPhone. Contacts, photos, messages, calendars, notes, apps and even home screen layouts come across in one go. If you're switching from iCloud, sign in to your Apple ID within Smart Switch to bring everything over directly. The full walkthrough is available on the Smart Switch support page on Samsung.com.
How do I customise the FlexWindow on the Galaxy Z Flip8?
The FlexWindow on the Z Flip8 is the fastest way to interact with your phone without opening it. Head into Settings, select FlexWindow, and start with the clock style and wallpaper. Add widgets by swiping right on the cover screen and tapping the plus icon, then stack the ones you'll use most, such as Calendar, Weather, Samsung Wallet, Samsung Health, Music and a Timer. To run full-screen apps directly on the FlexWindow, turn on Labs in Advanced Features and enable Cover Screen apps. Google Maps, Messages, YouTube, Spotify and the Camera app all work brilliantly here, giving you real-world utility from the FlexWindow without ever unfolding your Z Flip8.
How do I personalise the cover screen on the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra?
The cover screen on the Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra is designed for full-phone use, so treat it like your main display when you're on the move. In Settings, choose Wallpaper and style to set a lock screen wallpaper, then customise your always-on display and notification pop-ups. App continuity is what really brings the cover screen to life, letting you start a task closed and continue into the wider main display seamlessly. Messages, Chrome, WhatsApp, Samsung Wallet, and the Camera are the apps most worth having ready for quick, one-handed use on the cover screen.
How do I use flex mode on the Galaxy Z8 Series?
Flex Mode is the feature that makes your foldable a true multitasking enabler. Fold your Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, or Z Flip8 halfway on a flat surface, and supported apps automatically split into a viewing area on top and a control panel below. To extend Flex Mode to more apps, open Settings, select Labs, and turn on Flex Mode Panel. It's especially useful for hands-free YouTube, video calls, timer photography with the rear cameras, and casual gaming. On the Z Flip8, it transforms selfies, vlogs and video calls into a truly hands-free experience.
What should you turn on in One UI 9 and Galaxy AI?
Set up Circle to Search from the home button gesture, enable Live Translate for real-time call translation, and turn on Note Assist and Chat Assist for smarter writing across your favourite apps. Generative Photo Edit lives inside the Gallery app and is worth trying immediately. Adjust your home screen grid, taskbar, and Edge Panels through Settings so multitasking on the wider display of the Z Fold8 or the expansive productivity workspace of the Z Fold8 Ultra feels tailored to your workflow.
How do I set up multitasking on the Z Fold8 and Z Fold8 Ultra?
Split-screen multitasking is where the wider form factor of the Z Fold8 and the expansive display of the Z Fold8 Ultra shine. Drag any app from the taskbar to open it alongside another, save your favourite two or three app combinations as App Pairs, and pin them to the taskbar for one-tap access. Drag and drop text, images, and files between windows to move quickly between email, messages, browsing, and notes without breaking your workflow.
Which privacy and security settings should you configure first?
Every Galaxy Z8 Series phone is protected by Samsung Knox from the moment you switch it on, but a few extra steps will make your setup even more secure. Turn on Secure Folder to keep sensitive apps and files behind a separate lock, activate Auto Blocker to guard against risky installations and USB commands, and review app permissions in the Privacy Dashboard. Register your device with Find My Mobile, then set up biometric unlock for device tracking and theft protection.
Which battery and display settings are worth adjusting?
For everyday performance, keep adaptive refresh rate switched on so that the display scales up to 120Hz when you need it and eases down to save power. Enable Battery Protection under Device Care to preserve long-term battery health, turn on Eye Comfort Shield for a warmer viewing experience after dark, and let Device Care run its automatic optimisation weekly to keep your Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, or Z Flip8 running smoothly.
Make the most of your new Galaxy Z8 series device
Take a little time to explore One UI, switch on the Galaxy AI features that fit your routine, and shape your display, battery, and privacy settings to match your day. Those small choices are what turn a great phone into one that truly offers personalised foldable experience. Pairing it with Galaxy Buds, a Galaxy Watch or a device-fit case turns your phone into a Galaxy ecosystem that fits just as easily into work as it does into everyday life.
FAQs
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How do I set up my Galaxy Z Flip8 for the first time?Power on the device, connect to Wi-Fi, sign in with your Google and Samsung accounts, register your fingerprint, and use Smart Switch to bring your contacts, photos, apps and settings across from your old phone.
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How do I customise the FlexWindow on the Galaxy Z Flip8?Open Settings, select FlexWindow, then personalise the clock style, wallpaper and widget stack. To run full-screen apps directly on the FlexWindow, enable Cover Screen apps through Labs in Advanced Features.
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Which widgets work best on the Z Flip8 FlexWindow?Calendar, Weather, Samsung Wallet, Samsung Health, Music and Timer are the most useful daily picks. Swipe right on the FlexWindow, tap the plus icon and stack them in the order you use most often.
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Which apps should I add to the Z Flip8 FlexWindow?Google Maps, Messages, YouTube, Spotify and the Camera app all work beautifully on the FlexWindow, letting you navigate, reply and capture moments without opening your Galaxy Z Flip8.
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How do I customise the cover screen on the Galaxy Z Fold8?Head to Settings, choose Wallpaper and style, and personalise your lock screen, always-on display and notifications. App continuity lets any app you start on the cover screen open seamlessly on the main display.
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What are the best apps to use on the Galaxy Z Fold8 cover screen?Messages, Chrome, WhatsApp, Samsung Wallet and the Camera are ideal for quick, one-handed moments on the go, then continue naturally on the wider main display when you unfold your Z Fold8.
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How do I use Flex Mode on the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra?Open your Z Fold8 Ultra halfway on a flat surface, and supported apps split into a viewing area on top and controls below. Enable Flex Mode Panel in Labs to extend the feature to more apps.
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What are the One UI 9 features on the Galaxy Z8 Series?One UI 9 introduces a refreshed design, smoother multitasking, upgraded Edge Panels, and deeper Galaxy AI integration across the Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, and Z Flip8, tailored for foldable form factors.
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Which Galaxy AI features should I turn on first?Circle to Search, Live Translate, Note Assist, Chat Assist, and Generative Photo Edit are the essentials. Each can be activated through Settings under Advanced Intelligence on your new Galaxy Z8 Series device.
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What privacy and security features should I set up first?Samsung Knox for security is enabled on your Galaxy Z8 Series device by default. Additionally, activate Secure Folder for sensitive apps, Auto Blocker for safer installs, biometric unlock via the side key, and register your device with Find My Mobile.
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How do I transfer data from my old phone to a new Galaxy Z8 Series?Use Smart Switch, wired or wireless, to move contacts, photos, messages, apps and settings from any Android device or iPhone. Sign in to iCloud within the app if you're switching from iOS.
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When did the new Galaxy Z8 Series launch?The Galaxy Z Fold8, Z Fold8 Ultra, and Z Flip8 were officially unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked on July 22nd, 2026, with pre-orders available on Samsung Online and the Samsung Shop App shortly after.
