Learn To Use Your Android Device Effectively

Any guide that explains how to use Android phone for beginners should include the very basic elements that are most commonly accessed. That includes things like the desktop, the status bar and other key features of your free Smartphone or other brand of Android phone.

How to Use Android Phone for Beginners

At the very least, you should become acquainted with the following items on your Android Smartphone:

• Home screen: The home screen is like your standard computer desktop. With an Android device like a Smartphone, you can have multiple desktops, or home screens. It’s up to you. But at first you’ll just see one home screen when you unlock your new device. All the essential icons are located there.
• Navigation bar: At the bottom of the home screen is the navigation bar. It varies from phone to phone but typically includes just three elements: the “back” button, as well as buttons for “home” and “recently apps used.” Simply tap any of the icons on the nav bar to take you to your last screen, the home screen, or to the app you were using most recently.
• Status bar: At the top of the home screen, you’ll see standard information on the status bar, including the time, the signal strength, notifications and your remaining battery power.
• App drawer: You’ll see a circle or rectangle that has several white or gray dots inside of it. That is the app drawer icon, from which you can access all the apps that came loaded with your phone and any others you download and put there. You’ll be using this button a lot, so note where it is and try it out a few times as soon as you open your phone.
• Notifications: One of the coolest things about Android devices is the notification bar. Whenever you have a Facebook alert, text message or an unread email, you’ll see a notification icon on the left-most side of the status bar up top. Pull it down and you’ll be able to see all the notifications at once.
• Dock: Some people call the dock their “favorites tray.” You can choose whatever icons or apps you want for the dock, and they’ll always show up, regardless of which home screen you are looking at. The dock allows you to always have access to your most-used apps and icons.

Important Safety Tips

There are two kinds of safety tips for new Smartphone users. The first are about keeping the device in good working order. The second is about keeping your data safe from thieves and hackers. Consider doing the following things to maintain a workable phone that is not a target for crime:

• Keep your phone away from water and heat: Moisture and excessive heat are your phone’s biggest enemies. If you drop it in water, pull it out as soon as possible and dry it off. And when it’s hot outside, be careful to not leave the device in your car or in direct sunlight. Heat won’t melt your phone immediately but it will cause the battery to become inefficient and can damage the circuitry.
• Never let others use your phone: Before phones were data-connected devices, it was no big deal to let someone borrow your phone. Nowadays, lending your phone to anyone is like giving them your ATM card or Social Security number. Unless it’s a person you fully trust, like a close relative or long-time friend, avoid letting anyone else use your Smartphone.