Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Follow ZDNET:
Add ZDNET as a trusted and preferred technology news source directly on Google so you never miss the latest insights.
**ZDNET’s Comprehensive Takeaways**
Hidden deep within Samsung’s ecosystem lies an enigmatic and previously undisclosed section called **“Connectivity Labs.”** This concealed feature unlocks a suite of advanced Wi-Fi tools that go far beyond standard network controls. Among its array of capabilities are settings for Wi-Fi network diagnostics, enhanced data handover for faster switching between connections, and a host of other options designed to refine and accelerate your device’s performance. Notably, these functionalities are accessible exclusively on modern Samsung Galaxy models running **OneUI 6** or newer, reinforcing Samsung’s trend of integrating high-level features into its custom Android interface.
It appears that users on **Reddit** may have unintentionally revealed one of Samsung Galaxy’s best-kept digital secrets. OneUI, Samsung’s sophisticated launcher and operating system layer, is acclaimed for its extensive collection of features—so comprehensive, in fact, that many users never explore its full potential. Some tools remain unused simply because they’re buried under numerous layers of menus, while others are intentionally hidden to prevent casual users from tampering with advanced configurations.
**A Discovery Worthy of Attention**
Although countless hidden settings exist, the revelation of **Connectivity Labs** may stand out as the most fascinating to date. This feature can be unlocked with a subtle gesture sequence inside your device’s Wi-Fi settings, leading to an interface few Samsung owners have ever encountered. Once activated, it grants access to diagnostic functions that cater not just to everyday consumers but also to enthusiasts and developers who wish to monitor and fine-tune their connectivity performance.
The menu within Connectivity Labs is impressively comprehensive. It contains detailed tools such as a home Wi-Fi inspection utility, a function for AI-assisted mobile data switching, and developer-level network monitoring options. Each serves a specific purpose in helping users better understand and optimize their network environment.
**Step-by-Step: How to Activate Connectivity Labs**
Before proceeding, ensure you have a Galaxy device running **OneUI 6** or any newer version—practically any model beyond the **Galaxy S20 series** qualifies. Begin by navigating through your phone’s **Settings** application. From there, open the **Connections** tab, choose **Wi-Fi**, and then tap the three-dot icon located at the upper right corner of the screen to reveal additional options. Within that menu, select **Intelligent Wi-Fi**.
You’ll now see a list of features designed to improve adaptability and network responsiveness. To reveal the secret Connectivity Labs panel, scroll to the bottom of this page, locate the current software version (which might appear as “Intelligent Wi-Fi 7.0.0”), and tap it **seven times consecutively**. As you do this, you’ll notice a small prompt counting down the number of taps remaining before activation. Once completed, the hidden menu will materialize at the page’s lower section.
**Exploring the Interface**
Upon opening **Connectivity Labs**, the first thing presented on-screen is a series of graphs that dynamically display information about your phone’s active and available Wi-Fi bands, network types, and connected access points. At the top of the interface, there’s even a “Daily Average” tracker, which summarizes how much time your phone remains connected to Wi-Fi networks on an average day.
However, the real power of this feature lies in the lower portion of the screen. Scrolling deeper reveals an extensive list of advanced toggles and diagnostic options, including modes for **Wi-Fi 7**, rapid **network handover**, and detailed **network quality information**. Though some tools cater to niche situations, several are broadly useful and immediately practical for typical users.
**Three Highlight Features Worth Trying**
1. **Home Wi-Fi Inspection:** This option runs an active, real-time analysis of your wireless signal strength. It maps fluctuations in connectivity as you move through different areas of your home, pinpointing weak spots and ideal zones for device placement. For instance, when setting up new smart cameras or streaming devices, performing an inspection can help identify the location with the strongest signal. One user found an optimal area within their office simply by using this diagnostic visualization.
2. **Faster Mobile Data Switching:** Have you ever experienced sluggish connectivity due to hovering at the edge of a café’s public Wi-Fi or an office network? With this toggle activated, your phone will intelligently switch to mobile data the moment it detects a significant drop in Wi-Fi quality. This seamless transition prevents lag or complete disconnection, which is particularly valuable for users on unlimited data plans who prioritize continuous performance over conserving bandwidth.
3. **Wi-Fi Developer Options:** Within this subsection, you’ll find another tier of customizable network tools. One notable option is **“Nearby Wi-Fi Information,”** which lists all visible access points in your vicinity along with their respective signal strengths. This information can guide you in determining which hotspot to connect to—especially handy at busy venues like airports or cafes where multiple open networks compete for bandwidth.
**Final Thoughts**
Although this exploration only begins to uncover what **Connectivity Labs** can truly accomplish, its existence reveals Samsung’s deliberate intention to empower users with deeper control over their connectivity. It provides professionals, tech enthusiasts, and casual users alike with an opportunity to fine-tune their wireless experience without requiring third-party applications or paid upgrades. Taking a few minutes to explore these settings could reveal optimization opportunities you didn’t know existed—enabling faster transitions, stronger signals, and an overall smoother network experience.
For those eager to stay ahead of the curve in smartphone functionality and connectivity excellence, delving into Connectivity Labs is not merely a technical curiosity, but a valuable discovery. The next time you open your settings menu, consider taking the extra steps to unearth this hidden feature and experience firsthand the difference it can make.
Stay informed on other groundbreaking discoveries like this by subscribing to ZDNET’s **Tech Today Newsletter**, where the most important technology stories and innovations are delivered to your inbox daily.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/samsung-phones-have-a-secret-wi-fi-menu-that-can-solve-your-internet-problems-how-to-enable-it/
