Smartphones incorporate so many features that they resemble a Swiss army knife and surpass the capabilities of other types of mobile phones. As a result, smartphones have become complex devices and require you to spend more time operating them properly and getting the most out of them. Apart from making phone calls and sending messages, smartphones offer a large number of functions that can be expanded according to individual settings. (Notes: some phone models may have slightly different features).
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Part 1 of 4: Setting Up a New Phone Configuration
Step 1. Unpack the device
Check the device and find the physical features. You should find the power button, volume control, and also the slots for the charger and audio cable. Also look for the location of the Action Bar (action bar) that helps navigate the phone. You'll find a Home button with a home icon, a Back button indicated by an arrow and a Recent Apps button that lets you view recently opened apps. Depending on the brand, you may not see it until after the device is turned on. You should also plug the charger into the phone before turning it on as the factory power will not be enough.
Step 2. Insert the SIM card
You need a SIM card to connect your phone to your carrier's network. The location of the SIM card slot may vary depending on the device manufacturer. Some brands place the SIM card slot behind the battery, under the cover or elsewhere. Read the user manual to locate the SIM card slot in the device.
Step 3. Add SD card
The SD card is a removable storage medium and allows you to increase the space capacity. This step is optional, but sometimes you need it to store more apps and multimedia files on your phone if the internal memory is full. The SD card slot may be found under the battery cover and supports the SD card, mini SD card or micro SD card format indicating its physical dimensions. Check the user manual to find out which type of SD card is suitable for the phone.
Some brands may not support SD cards and do not offer solutions to expand storage capacity
Step 4. Turn on the phone to go through the initial setup
Press and hold the power button for a few seconds to turn on the phone. The initial process of turning on the phone will take a few seconds and you will need to do the initial setup. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
Step 5. Choose a language
This option allows you to change the default language used on your phone and can change the language settings for certain apps. You can always change the language settings later.
Step 6. Select a Wi-Fi network
If you have a data plan, you will be directly connected to the network. You can also connect your smartphone to a local Wi-Fi network for a faster connection or if you want to save on your data plan. Slide your finger up and down to select an available Wi-Fi network, then tap the device to connect.
If you're connected to a secure network, you'll need to enter your password to connect. Tap the text field to bring up the keyboard and enter the password
Step 7. Create or enter a Google account
The Android platform is developed by Google and combines their services, such as Google Play Store, Gmail, YouTube and many more with a free Google account. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a Google account or sign in to an existing one. The account will then be connected to the cellphone.
Step 8. Set the date and time
You can connect it to the internet to set the time automatically or do it manually.
If you configured the time manually, select the date, time zone and time format
Step 9. Use the setup program to correct or change the configuration of the phone
This app lets you change almost all your phone settings, including settings for installed apps, notifications, sounds, languages, and more. When you are on the home screen, tap the icon that looks like a gear to open the apps panel. Use your fingertip to swipe sideways on the screen or from top to bottom to see all the apps installed on your phone. Find and tap the “Settings” icon to open it.
- You can tap Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Cellular Data to change settings, create new connections, or turn connections on and off. Wi-Fi connection takes priority over Cellular Data if a wireless network is available.
- You can also set a ringtone in the Sounds>Phone ringtone menu. You can also adjust the ringtone volume and multimedia sound settings separately under Sound>Volume menu.
Step 10. Ensure the security of the phone
You can choose to activate the lock screen on your phone. This option is especially useful if your phone is lost or stolen as it will prevent others from accessing your phone. Tap the “Settings” app icon, then go to “Security” and choose to lock the screen using one of the available methods, such as a password, PIN, or drawing a specific pattern by sliding your finger over the square with the specified pattern. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
- Make sure to remember how to bypass the lock screen so you don't lose access to your phone. Otherwise, you will have to do a factory reset, which will result in you losing all data on the phone.
- After the setup process is complete, you will be asked to enter a security code to unlock the phone if the screen is turned off. Press the power button to turn off the screen and lock the device. Press the power button again to turn on the screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to unlock the phone. You will be asked to enter a password to access the phone.
Part 2 of 4: Contacting Others from Mobile
Step 1. Contact someone else
Tap the “Phone” app to make a call using credit. Phone apps can be found in the favorites bar, which is usually at the bottom of the home screen or in the apps bar. Once the app is open, you will see a number pad. Otherwise, tap the “Keyboard” icon to bring it up. Enter the phone number you want to call, then tap the “Call” icon (or the green phone image) to make the call. You will see additional functions during the phone connection.
- The phone screen dims and the touch screen is disabled when you put the device to your ear. Position the phone upright if you want to access additional functions during a call.
- Tap the microphone icon to mute the microphone so the receiver can't hear your voice. Tap again to turn the microphone back on.
- Tap the speaker icon to turn the speaker on and off. If you want to change the volume, tap the volume button to adjust the sound intensity.
- Tap the keyboard icon, which looks like a square grid icon to bring up the number pad. This option is useful if you have to use the numeric keypad to enter information.
- Tap the “End call” button (or the red phone image) to end the call.
Step 2. Create a contact list
Smartphones allow you to store individual contact information in a personal phone list. Tap the “Contacts” app to open the contact list. The phone can pull contact information from the SIM card or Google account to populate the contact list.
- To add a contact, tap the + icon at the bottom of the screen. You can choose to save contact information on your phone or Google account. You can enter a contact's name, phone number, email address, and other information. After entering all the information, tap “Save” to save the contact information on the device.
- Slide your finger up and down on the screen to see all the contacts in the list. When you tap a name in the list, you can view detailed contact information and make calls, send text messages, send emails or edit information.
- Press and hold your finger on a name to open a list of quick actions for the contact, such as making a call, changing contact information, sending a text message or blocking a contact.
- Tap the magnifying glass icon to search by contact name.
Step 3. Send a text message
Tap the “Messages” app which can be found in the favorites bar or in the apps bar to send a text via short text message (SMS). The app will also show all outgoing and incoming messages and you can slide your finger up and down to see the whole thread. You must select a number to send the message
- You can send messages to contacts on the list or to phone numbers. Tap the + icon to compose a text message. In the “To” field, enter the name of the contact in the list or type the phone number you want to call. If the contact is in the list, the phone will display a list of suggestions that can be selected by tapping the name or phone number.
- You will see a text message box that will allow you to type a message. Tap the text message box to bring up the keyboard. Enter the text of the message, then tap “Send” to send the message.
- Tapping the paperclip icon allows you to add an attachment to the message. You can attach various files to a text message. Follow the on-screen instructions to add the files you want to attach, then tap “Send” to send the message.
Part 3 of 4: Configuring Home Screen
Step 1. Add a new page
Android lets you add new pages, allowing you to quickly access apps without needing to open the app bar. Tap and hold the home screen or tap the home button in the action bar to view the different available pages. Tap + to add a new page. To delete a specific page, tap and hold your finger on the selected page, then drag it to the “Delete” icon shaped like a trash can and release to delete it.
- Between all the pages there is always the main screen. If you tap the home button while on another page, the screen will scroll to the home screen.
- Press and hold the selected page, then move it forward or backward to change the order of the pages.
Step 2. Add the app on the page
Tap the icon that looks like a grid on the main screen to see all the installed apps. Swipe the screen left or right to scroll through the available pages. Press and hold the app icon to bring it to the main screen. Release the finger at the selected location on the main screen to place the icon.
- The apps panel also lets you start apps without placing them on the home screen. Tap the app icon to start the app.
- You can also place apps in the Favorites bar at the bottom of the screen. This bar doesn't move as you move from one page to another, it even appears when the screen is locked (on some phones).
Step 3. Move the icon to a different page
The home screen will be the reference point for navigating the phone. You can set application icons and other features on your device to quickly and easily access them according to your preferred preferences. Press and hold the icon for a few seconds to move it. Slide your finger to another location, then release to place the icon.
- Hold down the icon on the left or right edge of the screen to move it to another page.
- Some devices allow you to place icons on top of each other to create folders. After creating a folder, simply tap on the folder to view its contents. You can rename a folder by tapping its name to bring up the keyboard. Enter a new name, then press the Enter key to rename the folder.
- To remove an icon from a page, tap and hold the icon with your finger, then swipe over to the “Remove” icon and release to remove it.
Step 4. Place the widget on the home screen
Widgets are applications designed to run directly on the home screen. That way, you have immediate access to certain applications, such as a calculator or live video streaming on social networks or work as a music player. You can access the widget in one of the following two ways. Press and hold an empty space on the home screen or tap on the apps bar and slide your finger until you're in the widgets section. When adding a widget to the screen, you should consider its size as it will stick together like app icons in a grid format. Press and hold a widget to select it and drag it to the appropriate location. Release to place the widget on the home screen.
- If there isn't enough space for widgets, try adding a new page to place widgets or rearranging existing icons or widgets to free up space.
- Remember that widgets will drain battery faster. So, limit the number of widgets on your home screen and make sure only the ones you really need.
Part 4 of 4: Installing Apps from Google Play Store
Step 1. Open the Google Play store app
You need to be signed in to your Google account to access Google Play store apps. Tap the “Play Store” icon in the app bar to open the Google Play store.
Step 2. Find the app you want to download
There are several options for finding apps. Slide your finger up and down to see the list of available apps. Tap the app to see more information.
- If you know the name of the application you are looking for, tap the search bar at the top to bring up the keyboard and enter the name of the application then press the Enter key to display a list of applications that best match the search.
- If you don't know the right app for your phone, you can use the recommendations and popular apps that other users have downloaded. Slide your finger up and down to see the list of apps. The apps will be arranged horizontally by category and you can slide your finger left and right or tap the “More” option in front of the category list to see more apps.
Step 3. View the application information page
The information page displays additional information to help you make an informed decision.
- You can also add apps to your wish list by tapping the icon that looks like a ribbon at the top corner of the information page.
- Swipe your finger from left to right on certain areas to see different images in the app interface. You can also view reviews and recommendations written by other users.
- You will not be able to download the app if it is not compatible with the device. In this case, look for similar apps or other apps made by the same developer and suit your device.
- Some users will mention the model of Android device they are using in the review. Look for reviews from users who use the same type of device as you. The operation of some applications may vary slightly, depending on the capabilities of the mobile phone used.
Step 4. Download the app
At the top of the page, you can tap the “Install” or “Buy” icon to download the app to your phone. Google Play will tell you the features needed to run the app, such as a contact list, connection type or other information about your phone. Once you agree to the terms, the phone will download the app. The time it takes to download depends on the size of the file. A notification will be displayed on the screen after the download process is complete.
- If the app is paid for, prices will be listed in local currency. After allowing the app to use the feature on your phone, you'll see the option to select a payment method. You can use a credit card or Google Play balance. If you want to use a credit card, add a payment method to enter card information. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter credit card information. After that, the payment method by credit card will be displayed as the payment method and you will no longer need to enter the same information. If you don't have enough Google Play balance, you can pay for the shortfall with a credit card.
- Next to the “Install” button, you will see in-app purchases. This indicates that there are additional purchases to be made within the app itself. You will use your Google Play account information for purchases. Read the instructions inside the app for more information.
Step 5. Install the app on the device
The app will appear in the apps pane and on the home screen if there is still space there. Tap the app icon to run it.
The “Download” button on the information page will change to “Uninstall” which will allow you to remove the app from your phone. If you want to reinstall, you can do so by tapping the download button again. Pre-purchased apps can also be re-downloaded at no additional cost. You can view your purchase history by tapping the Menu button, then tapping My Apps & Games to display a list of apps
Tips
- After downloading the app from the Google Play store, a license will be granted to your account. This means you no longer have to pay if you want to download it again.
- If you have multiple Android devices, the Google Play store allows you to download purchased apps for other devices as long as you're signed in with the same Google account. However, there are some apps that impose a limit on the number of devices that can be installed. Check the app's information page to see if there are any restrictions.
- If you want to turn off your phone completely, press and hold the power button to bring up a list of options to turn your device off or on again.
- You can manage the apps installed on your phone by going to “Settings”, then going to Phone>Apps to see all the downloaded apps. Tap on an app to see a list of options that will show how much storage space has been used, delete apps from the phone or move app content to the SD card (if you have an SD card installed and it is possible to install apps there).
- You must enter your password to make purchases on Google Play. If you want to increase your security in case someone else accesses your phone, open the Play store app. Look for the Menu icon that looks like three horizontal lines to display the menu, then tap “Settings”. Scroll until you see the “Require Authentication for Purchases” option and select your preferred method.
- The Google Play store has a refund policy that allows you to get your money back if you remove the app from your account within 2 hours of purchase. To do this, open the Google Play app. Tap the menu icon>My Account. Scroll down to Purchase History to display a list of all the apps you recently purchased and tap Refund to delete the app and get your money back. You will receive a refund based on the purchase method previously used to purchase the app.
