Android tablets are digital slates with the Android operating system, which you can use for a variety of things. You can use your Android tablet to check your email, play games, and even play videos and music. Today's Android tablets are also equipped with cameras and video recorders. However, due to differences in screen shape and size, the interface of Android tablets and phones is of course different.
Step
Step 1. Set up your Android tablet for the first time
To set up an Android tablet and download apps on the Play Store, you must have a Google account.
Step 2. Understand the function of the capacitive buttons on the bottom of the tablet
These buttons are used to control running applications. In addition, the three capacitive buttons are used to give basic commands to the operating system.
- The home button is used to move between the main screens on the Android device. If you press this button while another application is running (for example, while playing a game or using the browser), the currently running application will be "sent" to the background. Generally, the application will not be killed.
- The back button is used to return to the previous screen or activity.
- The multitasking button is used to display all the applications that are in the background. On the multitasking screen, swipe a running app left or right to disable the app. Cleaning running applications will reduce the RAM used by the device and speed up the performance of the device. This button is only available if your tablet comes with Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and above.
- The Menu key is used to access options in certain applications. This button is only available on some tablets with older operating systems, and is not available on tablets with the Android ICS operating system and above.
Step 3. Check the Android version used on your tablet
Each tablet uses a different Android operating system. You can check the Android version on your tablet from the About Tablet menu in the Settings app.
- Most tablets run the Android 4.0 ICS operating system and above. As of this writing, the highest Android version is Android Oreo (8.0). Generally, the higher the Android version on the device, the better it will perform.
- Some older tablets run Android 3.0 (Honeycomb). Android Honeycomb is a tablet-only operating system, and is not available for mobile phones.
- The Android version on the tablet you can use as a benchmark feature. For example, tablets with Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) provide Google Now Assistant by default. Google Now is Google's personal voice assistant.
Step 4. Download the app on your tablet.
The Play Store provides millions of apps and games to enrich the functionality of your tablet.
- For example, you can download an application to edit documents. Most Android tablets provide a document reader, but don't let you edit the document. Install Kingsoft Office to be able to edit documents on your tablet.
- Use your tablet to take notes, mark dates on the calendar, and look up directions on a map. Of course, there's still a lot you can do with an Android tablet.
- Install the wikiHow app for Android so you can access thousands of guides in one click.
Step 5. Customize the appearance and performance of the tablet
Since Android is open, you can do a lot to customize your tablet.
- Make a smart action, which is an action that will be taken when the tablet detects certain conditions. You can use smart actions to take actions as needed. While not all tablets provide smart action features by default, you can download third-party smart action apps from the Play Store.
- Adjust screen off time. The longer the screen is on, the more the battery drains on the device. Adjusting these settings can drastically save your tablet's battery.
- Change the background of your tablet to your liking, use widgets, and try the available customization options.
Step 6. Speed up your tablet performance
You can speed up tablet performance in several ways:
- Update the software on the device. Sometimes, device manufacturers provide updates to fix errors, reduce lag, and improve performance. Check for updates on the device periodically.
- Download task killer and antivirus. Some devices have a built-in task manager, but if your device doesn't provide this feature, you'll need to download an app of some kind. You can use task manager to close apps running in the background and consuming excess RAM. Meanwhile, the antivirus will protect your tablet from the dangers of viruses.
- Remove the widgets you don't need from the home screen. While widgets are useful for accessing information from various applications, they can also consume tablet resources and cause the tablet to slow down.
Step 7. Set tablet sync options
Sync is useful for transferring data (such as pictures, videos, contacts, messages, emails, or other data) between devices, including to computers. To set the sync options, go to the Settings menu -> Accounts & sync.
-
Sync data from Gmail account to Outlook or other applications. Data like email, contacts, and calendar will carry over to your tablet.
- Set up Gmail in Microsoft Outlook. Set Server Type as "IMAP", then fill Incoming Mail Server with "imap.gmail.com" and Outgoing Mail Server with "smtp.gmail.com". Enter your Gmail account information. Then, click More Settings, and select the Advanced tab. Set Incoming Server to 933 with SSL Encryption, and Outgoing Server to 587 with TLS Encryption..
- Set up Gmail in Mozilla Thunderbird. Thunderbird is an open source email application. To set up Gmail in Thunderbird, you must enable IMAP access on your Gmail account. After that, click Tools > Account Settings, and click Add. Enter your name, email address and password. Thunderbird will then set up your Gmail account.
Step 8. Back up the data on the device to a computer, another phone, an external drive, or the site of a cloud service provider like Google Cloud
Tips
- To easily access files on your storage media, download a file manager app.
- Turn off the device completely to clear temporary data and speed up device performance.
- Set a pattern lock in the Settings → Location & Security menu to increase tablet security.
Warning
- Installing a custom ROM may void the warranty, but you can access additional features and improve tablet performance. However, if not done carefully, your tablet can be permanently damaged.
- Like custom ROMs, root access can also be used to improve tablet functionality and performance. The risks you face are the same. If you fail to root, your tablet may be permanently damaged.
- The steps in this article may vary in order, depending on the version of Android you're using.
