Enable a superfast shortcut to your device’s camera so you won’t miss that perfect photo opportunity because you’re busy fiddling with your phone.
(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)
This How To isn’t about lock-screen widgets. Yes, they are exciting. And yes, they bring additional functionality to your lock screen — but unfortunately, a lot of people have not had their devices updated to Android 4.2 as of yet. If you have, check out Jason Cipriani’s post on how to set up lock-screen widgets.
Instead, let’s work with the wonderful world of TouchWiz that comes preloaded on your Samsung Galaxy S3 or Note 2. TouchWiz, in short, is a home replacement for Android (think Facebook Home), that adds proprietary theming and options. Deep within these options hides a very useful one: a quick camera shortcut! Here’s how to enable it:
Note: This will only work on devices that are using Swipe to unlock. This is unfortunate because it doesn’t provide much security. As an alternative for those who use PINs or patterns: you could check out locking down the individual apps with sensitive information instead of the entire device. Again, not ideal, but an option.
(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)
Open the Settings menu on your device. Now head to Lock screen > Lock screen options.
(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)
Under the Features heading, enable the slider button next to “Camera quick access.”
That’s all you need to do for setup, now to use it:
Wake up your device with either the Home button or Power button. Then, press and hold on the screen while turning the phone into the position you’d use for taking photos. You’ll see the camera load on the screen.
Do you know any other tips and tricks for newer TouchWiz devices? Share them in the comments!
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