Samsung’s Gallery app is a treasure trove of features, yet many users remain unaware of its hidden capabilities. While tools like Audio Eraser, Generative Edit, and the built-in video editor are well-known, a wealth of additional functionalities lies concealed within a secret menu known as Gallery Labs. This hidden gem is often overlooked by Galaxy users, despite its potential to enhance the photo management experience.
How to enable Samsung Gallery’s secret menu
To unlock the potential of Gallery Labs, users must first enable it. The process is straightforward:
- Open the Samsung Gallery app and tap the menu icon located in the bottom-right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Tap on About Gallery.
- Tap the version number ten times consecutively.
Upon seeing the message “[Labs] Gallery Labs is enabled,” users can return to the Gallery Settings menu and access the newly available Gallery Labs entry. This section presents a comprehensive list of features organized by One UI versions, including One UI 8.x, 7.x, and 6.x.
Lock albums instead of moving photos around
For those seeking privacy, the Gallery Labs feature offers an innovative solution: album locks. Unlike the existing Secure Folder and Private Album options, which require manual movement of files, this feature allows users to lock specific albums using their lock-screen PIN or fingerprint. Simply select an album, tap the three-dot menu, and choose Lock album. A padlock icon will appear, ensuring that authentication is required each time the album is accessed. While convenient, it’s important to note that this feature only protects images within the Gallery app and does not secure them from other applications.
Slideshow with selected items
The slideshow feature in Samsung Gallery traditionally cycles through every photo in an album, which can be cumbersome when only a few images need to be showcased. Gallery Labs addresses this limitation with the Slideshow with selected items option. Once activated, users can select specific photos and initiate a slideshow through More > Extended options > Start slideshow, streamlining the presentation process.
Save images as a PDF
In addition to creating GIFs and collages, the “Create” menu in Samsung Gallery now includes a Save as PDF option, thanks to Gallery Labs. By enabling this feature, users can select images and save them as a PDF document. This PDF opens in Samsung Notes, allowing for annotations, page reordering, and easy documentation without the need for third-party apps.
Add a seek bar for videos
Navigating through videos in the Samsung Gallery can be tricky, as it typically requires dragging a finger across a filmstrip view. However, the Gallery Labs menu offers a more user-friendly alternative. By selecting Video player mode on filmstrip and opting for Legacy video seekbar, users can enjoy a traditional seek bar with play/pause functionality, enhancing the viewing experience.
Enable timeline view for albums
When browsing through albums, Samsung Gallery presents a seemingly endless wall of images. The Timeline in album feature resolves this issue by grouping photos by date, similar to the main Pictures tab. This organization simplifies the process of locating images from specific days, months, or years.
Turn off video previews
Another feature of Gallery Labs allows users to disable video previews that autoplay while scrolling through images. This can improve battery life and scrolling speed, particularly on older devices. By selecting Video preview on picture list, users can opt for static thumbnails instead of unpredictable video previews.
Gallery Labs is fun
Exploring Gallery Labs is akin to venturing into Android’s Developer Options, revealing a mix of technical and practical features. While it may seem peculiar that useful functionalities like album locks and PDF creation are hidden away, their presence is a welcome surprise. Gallery Labs is regularly updated, encouraging users to revisit it periodically. For those concerned about making excessive changes, the Clear settings changed in Labs option allows for a quick reset, or users can disable the menu entirely for a fresh start.
Samsung’s penchant for concealing features isn’t limited to the Gallery app; similar hidden menus can be found in Wi-Fi settings and the My Files app, inviting users to explore and discover even more functionalities.
