Update 1: FAQs were added at the bottom of this page. PDF version of all these FAQs can be downloaded from this post.
In Galaxy S3 (as well as Galaxy Note 2), Samsung sold us Smart Stay, which prevents the display backlight from turning off while you are looking at the display.
In S4, Samsung moved one step further: when you move your head away, the video being played will be paused. This is what Samsung named as Smart Pause. When you move your head back (stare at the screen), it will resume automatically.
You can enable and disable this feature in Settings–My device–Smart screen–Smart pause. To disable this feature, just un-check it.
Have you tried this feature? What do you think about this feature? Share your experience with other owners in the comment box below.
FAQs on Smart Pause
Q1 : When playing a video, it is often stops by itself.
A : Please check whether Smart pause is turned on.
Path : Setting → My device → Smart screen → Smart pause
If you turn on the Smart pause, video will pause when the device detects that you are facing away from the screen.
Q2 : The Smart pause feature does not seem to function well.
A : Please check the following points.
1. To resume playback the front-camera needs to detect your eyes. Ensure you look at the device front camera
2. If there is strong lighting behind you or if you are using the device in a dark place.
3. When the device is shaken
4. SMART Pause does not function when connected to HDMI or AllShare Cast
5. Are you trying to control SMART Pause using a palm motion?
Anonymous says
May 13, 2013 at 5:22 ammine is doing the opposite it pauses when i look at it and plays she i look away
Abdu ssamad says
June 3, 2013 at 4:48 pmIts not working perfectly….
simon says
June 4, 2013 at 12:09 pmYes, sometimes it works well, sometimes, not so well.
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Jenni says
June 5, 2013 at 10:48 amThis feature is not working for me at all, very disappointing as it’s one of the feature that draw me in.
Sujan says
June 27, 2013 at 4:03 pmWorst feature, Not working 🙁
Anonymous says
July 6, 2013 at 12:08 pmit needs a better sensor.
Anonymous says
July 12, 2013 at 8:08 pmfor me it is not working at all….
Pollob says
August 3, 2013 at 9:16 amSmart Pause is not working? Please Help………
simon says
August 5, 2013 at 11:59 amPossible reasons:
1. you did not enable it: Setting → My device → Smart screen → Smart pause
2. ambient light is so strong (e.g., under the sun)
3. ambient is too dark
4. you are not looking at front camera before turning your head
5. device is not stationary (e.g., in a roller coaster)
6. …..
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Deb says
August 7, 2013 at 2:52 amMine works ONLY from the Gallery.
simon says
August 7, 2013 at 12:11 pmIt only work with some in-stock apps.not all apps.
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Nay Smile says
October 15, 2013 at 10:52 amMy galaxy s4 smart pause doesn’t work .. Need some help …
simon says
October 15, 2013 at 12:14 pmDisable, then enable. Also, you need look at front camera before turning your head.
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bilaal says
February 23, 2014 at 1:36 amWorks perfect with me pretty awazing
Anonymous says
November 5, 2014 at 6:27 pmmy is not working
simon says
November 6, 2014 at 10:14 amDid you see see the icon of smart pause in status bar?
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