To open your Samsung S20 phone, press and hold the Side button until the Samsung logo appears.
What 'opening' your Samsung S20 really means
When you search for "how to open Samsung s20 phone," you likely want to turn on and unlock your device for the first time or after it has been powered off. The steps below use only the Side button and Volume down button, as documented by Samsung for Galaxy devices with a Side button.
How to open your Samsung S20 phone by powering it on
To turn on your Samsung S20 for the first time or after a shutdown, follow these steps:
- Locate the Side button on the right edge of the phone.
- Press and hold the Side button until you feel a vibration and the Samsung logo appears on the screen.
- Release the button. The phone will boot up and display the lock screen.
If the phone does not power on, ensure it has enough battery charge by connecting it to the included charger and power source for a few minutes before trying again.
How to open the power menu on your Samsung S20
To access options like Power off and Restart, you need to open the power menu. On the Samsung S20, this is done using a specific button combination:
- Press and hold the Side button and the Volume down button simultaneously for a few seconds.
- The power menu will appear on the screen, showing options such as Power off and Restart.
- Tap Power off to shut down the device, or tap Restart if you are restarting and rebooting phones.
To turn the phone back on after shutting down, simply press and hold the Side button until the Samsung logo appears.
Unlocking your Samsung S20's screen
Once the phone is powered on, you need to unlock the screen to access the home screen and apps. The basic method is:
- Press the Side button or tap the screen to wake it up.
- Swipe the screen upward to unlock it.
For added security, you can set up one of these unlock methods in Settings > Lock screen:
- PIN or Password: Enter a numeric PIN or alphanumeric password on the lock screen.
- Fingerprint scanner: Place a registered finger on the under-display fingerprint sensor.
- Face recognition: Position your face in front of the front-facing camera for instant recognition.
- Pattern lock: Draw a unique pattern on the lock screen.
- Smart Lock: Keep the device unlocked when connected to trusted devices or in trusted locations.
Setting up your Samsung S20 for the first time
When you power on your Samsung S20 for the very first time, the initial setup wizard guides you through configuration. Follow these steps:
- Insert your SIM card into the SIM card tray (located on the side of the device) using the SIM eject tool included in the box. Push the tray back in until it clicks.
- Press and hold the Side button until the Samsung logo appears to power on the phone.
- Select your language from the on-screen list.
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network by selecting it from the list and entering the password if required.
- Sign in with your Google account or Samsung account to access services and personalize your device.
- Set up additional security measures, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to protect your phone and data.
Once the setup is complete, you can explore the home screen, swipe up to access the app drawer, and start using your phone.
Adjusting Settings
Samsung's Wi‑Fi Calling page says you can turn on Wi‑Fi Calling in Settings > Connections > Wi‑Fi Calling and tap the switch to turn it on. A popup may ask for Emergency contact information, which must be reviewed, entered, and saved before Wi‑Fi Calling is enabled. An alternate Wi‑Fi Calling path is to open the Phone app, tap More options (three vertical dots), then Settings, then turn on Wi‑Fi Calling. Wi‑Fi Calling can also be enabled from Quick settings by swiping down from the top of the screen with two fingers and tapping the Wi‑Fi Calling icon.
Making and Receiving Calls
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open my Samsung S20 without using the Side button?
No, the Side button is required to power on the device. If the button is damaged, you may need to have the phone serviced by a professional.
What should I do if my Samsung S20 does not turn on?
Then press and hold the Side button for 10-15 seconds. If it still does not respond, try a forced restart by pressing and holding the Side button and Volume down button simultaneously for 10-15 seconds.
How do I turn off my Samsung S20 without the power menu?
If the power menu does not appear, press and hold the Side button and Volume down button together for a few seconds to force the phone to restart or shut down. Alternatively, you can access the power menu from the quick settings panel by swiping down with two fingers and tapping the Power icon.
Can I unlock my Samsung S20 if I forget my PIN or password?
Yes, you can use Samsung's Find My Mobile service from another device. Log in to your Samsung account, select your S20, and choose the unlock option. This will remotely remove the lock screen without deleting your data.
Is it safe to open the phone physically to replace the battery?
Opening the phone yourself may void the warranty and risk damaging internal components. For battery replacement, contact an authorized Samsung service center.
