{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2023-09-15T12:01:04+00:00"},"categoryId":33545,"data":{"title":"Androids","slug":"androids","image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Cell Phones","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33544"},"slug":"cell-phones","categoryId":33544},{"name":"Androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"},"slug":"androids","categoryId":33545}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":33544,"title":"Cell Phones","slug":"cell-phones","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33544"}},"childCategories":[],"description":"They always said androids would take over the world, but this is nuts. Android is now the most popular mobile OS on the planet. Learn what makes it tick with our helpful articles.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=33545&offset=0&size=5"},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":66,"bookCount":4},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":10,"total":66,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2022-11-17T18:41:51+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-11-17T18:41:51+00:00","timestamp":"2022-11-17T21:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Cell Phones","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33544"},"slug":"cell-phones","categoryId":33544},{"name":"Androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"},"slug":"androids","categoryId":33545}],"title":"Android Smartphones For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"android smartphones for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"android-smartphones-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This Cheat Sheet includes some handy information about your Android smartphone, including how to customize its features to suit you.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"One of the best things about your Android smartphone is that it is, well, <em>yours.</em> Android gives you a number of ways to customize not only the look and feel of your phone, but also the way it works for you.\r\n\r\nFrom adding widgets to your home screen, disabling notifications from apps of your choosing, and setting tap and zoom accessibility settings, you can add a little personality to your Android smartphone and turn it into a unique device for a truly unique user experience.","description":"One of the best things about your Android smartphone is that it is, well, <em>yours.</em> Android gives you a number of ways to customize not only the look and feel of your phone, but also the way it works for you.\r\n\r\nFrom adding widgets to your home screen, disabling notifications from apps of your choosing, and setting tap and zoom accessibility settings, you can add a little personality to your Android smartphone and turn it into a unique device for a truly unique user experience.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":35210,"name":"Jerome DiMarzio","slug":"jerome-dimarzio","description":" <p><b>J.F. DiMarzio </b>has nearly 30 years&#8217; experience developing games and applications for a variety of operating systems and in several programming languages. He is a veteran Android developer, the author of 15 books, and has worked with organizations including The Walt Disney Company and the U.S. Department of Defense. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35210"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33545,"title":"Androids","slug":"androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273407,"title":"Travelling with Androids","slug":"travelling-with-androids","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273407"}},{"articleId":273396,"title":"Help and Troubleshooting for Android","slug":"help-and-troubleshooting-for-android","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273396"}},{"articleId":273383,"title":"10 Things That Need Set Up on a New Android Phone","slug":"10-things-that-need-set-up-on-a-new-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273383"}},{"articleId":272975,"title":"Android For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"android-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/272975"}},{"articleId":251466,"title":"How to Adjust the Audio on Your Android Device","slug":"adjust-audio-android-device","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251466"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":295702,"slug":"android-smartphones-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119900382","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119900387/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119900387/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119900387-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119900387/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119900387/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-smartphones-for-dummies-cover-9781119900382-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Android Smartphones For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b>J.F. DiMarzio </b>has nearly 30 years&#8217; experience developing games and applications for a variety of operating systems and in several programming languages. He is a veteran Android developer, the author of 15 books, and has worked with organizations including The Walt Disney Company and the U.S. Department of Defense.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":35210,"name":"Jerome DiMarzio","slug":"jerome-dimarzio","description":" <p><b>J.F. DiMarzio </b>has nearly 30 years&#8217; experience developing games and applications for a variety of operating systems and in several programming languages. He is a veteran Android developer, the author of 15 books, and has worked with organizations including The Walt Disney Company and the U.S. Department of Defense. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/35210"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119900382&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6376a10e937a1\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119900382&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6376a10e9472d\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"Adding home screen widgets","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>A <em>widget</em> is an extension of an app that can be added to your Android smartphone’s home screen. Think of it like a small window into your application that enables you to interact with an app without having to fully open it.</p>\n<p>Widgets can be placed, resized, and moved around your home screens. This lets you customize your Android smartphone in a way that is not only distinctly you, but lets you work with apps in exactly the way you want to work with them.</p>\n<p>Here’s how to add a widget to your Android smartphone home screen:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong> Navigate to your Android smartphone’s home screen.</strong></li>\n<li><strong><strong> Long press anywhere on an empty space on the home screen.</strong></strong>&nbsp;\n<p>A context menu appears.</li>\n<li><strong><strong> Tap the Widgets menu item to open the Widgets menu.</strong></strong>&nbsp;\n<p>The Widgets menu lists all the widgets available to you (based on the apps you have installed on your Android smartphone) in alphabetical order.</li>\n<li><strong><strong> Locate the widget for the app you want to display on your home screen.</strong></strong>&nbsp;\n<p>Depending on the app you choose, you may see multiple widgets to choose from.</li>\n<li><strong><strong> Long press on the widget of your choosing.</strong></strong>&nbsp;\n<p>A black outline appears under the widget. This outline indicates what space the widget will occupy once you place it. You can use this outline to get a better idea of where you want the widget to go.</li>\n<li><strong><strong> Release the widget to drop it into place on the home screen.</strong></strong>&nbsp;\n<p>Once dropped, the widget will fill the space that was outlined under your finger.</li>\n</ol>\n"},{"title":"Disabling notifications from specific apps","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Notifications are a convenient feature of Android smartphones that let you know when an app might need your attention. However, have you noticed that some apps seem to abuse the feature? Sometimes you get peppered with notifications you don’t really need — and always at the most inopportune time.</p>\n<p>Not to worry; your Android smartphone lets you turn of notifications from any app.</p>\n<p>Following the steps below, you are able to turn off app notifications from a specific app, and only that app. Any other app that sends you notifications will not be affected. However, if you want to go on a notification-disabling spree, just repeat these steps for each app you want to stop notifying you.</p>\n<p>Follow these steps to disable notifications for a particular app:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong><strong> Swipe down on the home screen to open the notification drawer.</strong></strong>&nbsp;\n<p>This action is known as an Android <em>gesture</em>. You perform it by placing one finger on the screen near the top of the phone. Then, with a smooth motion, pull your finger down the screen until it is more than halfway down the phone. Finally, release your finger from the screen and you should see the open notification drawer.</li>\n<li><strong><strong> Swipe down again to expand the notification drawer and see more options.</strong></strong>&nbsp;\n<p>The standard notification drawer only shows the most important or most commonly used options by default. You need to expand it to see app of the available options.</li>\n<li><strong> Tap the gear icon to open the settings screen.</strong></li>\n<li><strong> Tap on Notifications.</strong></li>\n<li><strong> Tap on App notifications.</strong></li>\n<li><strong><strong> Locate the app that you want to turn on notifications for and tap the toggle switch next to it.</strong></strong>&nbsp;\n<p>This disables all notifications from that app.</li>\n</ol>\n<p>If you want to disable notifications from more than one app, simply repeat these steps for each app. The best part about this process is that this action is completely reversible. You can always go back into the notification settings and turn notifications back on at any time.</p>\n"},{"title":"Turning on accessibility features","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The Tap and Zoom accessibility feature in Android lets you zoom in and magnify any part of your smartphone’s screen. This is especially helpful if your eyes have trouble focusing on some of the small icons and font sizes.</p>\n<p>With Tap and Zoom enabled, you can tap anywhere on the screen with a single finger and instantly zoom into that area — no pinching needed. Also, unlike pinching, this feature works anywhere on the screen.</p>\n<p>To turn on the Tap and Zoom accessibility feature, follow these steps:</p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong> Swipe down on the home screen to open the notification drawer.</strong></li>\n<li><strong> Swipe down again to expand the notification drawer and see more options.</strong></li>\n<li><strong> Tap the gear icon to open the settings screen.</strong></li>\n<li><strong> Tap on Accessibility settings.</strong></li>\n<li><strong> Tap on Magnification.</strong></li>\n<li><strong> Tap the toggle to turn on Magnification.</strong></li>\n</ol>\n<p>After Magnification has been turned on, a pink magnifying glass icon will be docked to the side on your Android smartphone’s home screen.</p>\n<p>Now, when you need to magnify something on your screen, tap the pink magnifying glass icon to enable Magnification, and then tap anywhere on the screen to instantly enlarge that area.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-11-17T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":295791},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T11:17:44+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-01-14T21:26:18+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:01+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Cell Phones","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33544"},"slug":"cell-phones","categoryId":33544},{"name":"Androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"},"slug":"androids","categoryId":33545}],"title":"How to Handle Roaming on an Android Phone","strippedTitle":"how to handle roaming on an android phone","slug":"how-to-handle-roaming-on-an-android-phone","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to avoid surcharges from another cellular service when you're roaming with your android phone outside of your network.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"The word <i>roam</i> takes on an entirely new meaning when applied to an Android phone. It means that your phone receives a cell signal whenever you’re outside your cell phone carrier’s operating area. In that case, your phone is <i>roaming</i>.\r\n\r\nRoaming sounds handy, but there’s a catch: It almost always involves a surcharge for using another cellular service — an <i>unpleasant</i> surcharge.\r\n\r\nRelax: Your Android phone alerts you whenever it’s roaming. A Roaming icon appears at the top of the screen, in the status area, whenever you’re outside your cellular provider’s signal area. The icon differs from phone to phone, but generally the letter <i>R</i> figures in it somewhere, similar to what’s shown in the image.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/431125.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"82\" height=\"84\" />\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >How to turn off data roaming on your phone</h2>\r\nThere’s little you can do to avoid incurring roaming surcharges when making or receiving phone calls. Well, yes, you could wait until you’re back in an area serviced by your primary cellular provider. You can, however, altogether avoid using the other network’s data services while roaming. Follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Settings app.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">In the Wireless & Networks section, touch the More item.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose Mobile Networks.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">On some Android phones, you may have to choose Battery & Data Manager and then Data Delivery.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Remove the check mark by the Data Roaming option.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">On some phones the option is titled Global Data Roaming Access. Choose it and then choose the Deny Data Roaming Access option.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nYour phone can still access the Internet over the Wi-Fi connection when it roams. Setting up a Wi-Fi connection doesn’t make you incur extra charges, unless you have to pay to get on the wireless network.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >How to avoid texting surcharges</h2>\r\nAnother network service you might want to disable while roaming has to do with multimedia, or <i>MMS,</i> text messages<i>.</i> To avoid surcharges from another cellular network for downloading an MMS message, follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the phone’s text messaging app.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ensure that you’re viewing the apps’ main screen, the one that lists all the conversations.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Touch the Back icon or the app icon in the upper-left corner of the screen until the app’s main screen is displayed.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Touch the Action Overflow icon or Menu icon.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose the Settings or the Messaging Settings command.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Remove the check mark by the Auto-Retrieve or Roaming Auto-Retrieve command.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Or if the item isn’t selected, you’re good to go — literally.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nThe lock screen may also announce that the phone is roaming. You might see the name of the other cellular network displayed. The text <i>Emergency Calls Only</i> might also appear.","description":"The word <i>roam</i> takes on an entirely new meaning when applied to an Android phone. It means that your phone receives a cell signal whenever you’re outside your cell phone carrier’s operating area. In that case, your phone is <i>roaming</i>.\r\n\r\nRoaming sounds handy, but there’s a catch: It almost always involves a surcharge for using another cellular service — an <i>unpleasant</i> surcharge.\r\n\r\nRelax: Your Android phone alerts you whenever it’s roaming. A Roaming icon appears at the top of the screen, in the status area, whenever you’re outside your cellular provider’s signal area. The icon differs from phone to phone, but generally the letter <i>R</i> figures in it somewhere, similar to what’s shown in the image.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/431125.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"82\" height=\"84\" />\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >How to turn off data roaming on your phone</h2>\r\nThere’s little you can do to avoid incurring roaming surcharges when making or receiving phone calls. Well, yes, you could wait until you’re back in an area serviced by your primary cellular provider. You can, however, altogether avoid using the other network’s data services while roaming. Follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Settings app.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">In the Wireless & Networks section, touch the More item.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose Mobile Networks.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">On some Android phones, you may have to choose Battery & Data Manager and then Data Delivery.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Remove the check mark by the Data Roaming option.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">On some phones the option is titled Global Data Roaming Access. Choose it and then choose the Deny Data Roaming Access option.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nYour phone can still access the Internet over the Wi-Fi connection when it roams. Setting up a Wi-Fi connection doesn’t make you incur extra charges, unless you have to pay to get on the wireless network.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >How to avoid texting surcharges</h2>\r\nAnother network service you might want to disable while roaming has to do with multimedia, or <i>MMS,</i> text messages<i>.</i> To avoid surcharges from another cellular network for downloading an MMS message, follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the phone’s text messaging app.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ensure that you’re viewing the apps’ main screen, the one that lists all the conversations.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Touch the Back icon or the app icon in the upper-left corner of the screen until the app’s main screen is displayed.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Touch the Action Overflow icon or Menu icon.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose the Settings or the Messaging Settings command.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Remove the check mark by the Auto-Retrieve or Roaming Auto-Retrieve command.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Or if the item isn’t selected, you’re good to go — literally.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nThe lock screen may also announce that the phone is roaming. You might see the name of the other cellular network displayed. The text <i>Emergency Calls Only</i> might also appear.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33545,"title":"Androids","slug":"androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"How to turn off data roaming on your phone","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"How to avoid texting surcharges","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273407,"title":"Travelling with Androids","slug":"travelling-with-androids","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273407"}},{"articleId":273396,"title":"Help and Troubleshooting for Android","slug":"help-and-troubleshooting-for-android","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273396"}},{"articleId":273383,"title":"10 Things That Need Set Up on a New Android Phone","slug":"10-things-that-need-set-up-on-a-new-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273383"}},{"articleId":272975,"title":"Android For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"android-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/272975"}},{"articleId":251466,"title":"How to Adjust the Audio on Your Android Device","slug":"adjust-audio-android-device","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251466"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b15c130c\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b15c1baa\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-29T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":151892},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T11:18:09+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-10-15T18:09:00+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:42+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Cell Phones","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33544"},"slug":"cell-phones","categoryId":33544},{"name":"Androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"},"slug":"androids","categoryId":33545}],"title":"How to Tether an Internet Connection with an Android Phone","strippedTitle":"how to tether an internet connection with an android phone","slug":"how-to-tether-an-internet-connection-with-an-android-phone","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Similar to creating a Wi-Fi hotspot, you can get Internet access through your Android phone with its Tethering feature.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"One way to share the Android phone’s digital cellular connection is to connect the phone directly to a computer and activate the tethering feature. Not every Android phone has this capability.\r\n\r\nTethering is a solid way to provide Internet access to another gizmo, such as a laptop or a desktop computer. Follow these steps to set up Internet tethering:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Connect the phone to a computer or laptop by using the USB cable.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The best success with this operation is when the computer is a PC running Windows.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Settings app.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose More, and then choose Tethering & Mobile Hotspot.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Place a check mark by the USB Tethering item.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Internet tethering is activated.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nThe other device should instantly recognize the phone as a “modem” with Internet access. Further configuration may be required, which depends on the computer using the tethered connection. For example, you may have to accept the installation of new software when prompted by Windows.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When tethering is active, a Tethering or Hotspot Active notification icon appears. Choose that notification to further configure tethering.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/430860.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"84\" height=\"84\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unlike creating a <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/smartphones/droid/how-to-create-a-mobile-hotspot-with-an-android-phone/\">Wi-Fi hotspot</a>, you don’t need to disable the Wi-Fi radio to activate USB tethering.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Sharing the digital network connection incurs data usage charges against your cellular data plan. Be careful with your data usage when you’re sharing a connection.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"One way to share the Android phone’s digital cellular connection is to connect the phone directly to a computer and activate the tethering feature. Not every Android phone has this capability.\r\n\r\nTethering is a solid way to provide Internet access to another gizmo, such as a laptop or a desktop computer. Follow these steps to set up Internet tethering:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Connect the phone to a computer or laptop by using the USB cable.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The best success with this operation is when the computer is a PC running Windows.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Settings app.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose More, and then choose Tethering & Mobile Hotspot.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Place a check mark by the USB Tethering item.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Internet tethering is activated.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nThe other device should instantly recognize the phone as a “modem” with Internet access. Further configuration may be required, which depends on the computer using the tethered connection. For example, you may have to accept the installation of new software when prompted by Windows.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When tethering is active, a Tethering or Hotspot Active notification icon appears. Choose that notification to further configure tethering.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/430860.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"84\" height=\"84\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unlike creating a <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/smartphones/droid/how-to-create-a-mobile-hotspot-with-an-android-phone/\">Wi-Fi hotspot</a>, you don’t need to disable the Wi-Fi radio to activate USB tethering.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Sharing the digital network connection incurs data usage charges against your cellular data plan. Be careful with your data usage when you’re sharing a connection.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33545,"title":"Androids","slug":"androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273407,"title":"Travelling with Androids","slug":"travelling-with-androids","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273407"}},{"articleId":273396,"title":"Help and Troubleshooting for Android","slug":"help-and-troubleshooting-for-android","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273396"}},{"articleId":273383,"title":"10 Things That Need Set Up on a New Android Phone","slug":"10-things-that-need-set-up-on-a-new-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273383"}},{"articleId":272975,"title":"Android For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"android-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/272975"}},{"articleId":251466,"title":"How to Adjust the Audio on Your Android Device","slug":"adjust-audio-android-device","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251466"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0233b2d\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b02345f9\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-08T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":151931},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T11:17:38+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-10-08T16:02:48+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:41+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Cell Phones","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33544"},"slug":"cell-phones","categoryId":33544},{"name":"Androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"},"slug":"androids","categoryId":33545}],"title":"Adroid Phones: The Apps Drawer and Adding Apps to the Home Screen","strippedTitle":"adroid phones: the apps drawer and adding apps to the home screen","slug":"how-to-add-apps-to-the-android-phone-home-screen","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to add apps to your home screen so you can find them quickly, and learn how to access your apps drawer.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"You don't have to live with the unbearable proposition that you’re stuck with only the apps that come preset on your Android’s home screen. Nope — you’re free to add your own apps. Just follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Visit the home screen page on which you want to stick the app icon, or launcher.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The screen must have room for the app icon.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Touch the Apps icon to display the apps drawer.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Long-press (press and hold) the app icon you want to add to the home screen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Drag the app to the home screen page, lifting your finger to place the app.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">A copy of the app’s icon is now placed on the Home screen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nThe app hasn’t moved: What you see is a copy or, officially, a <i>launcher.</i> You can still find the app in the apps drawer (see below for more on this), but now the app is also available — more conveniently — on the home screen.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Not every app needs a launcher icon on the home screen. I recommend placing only those apps you use most frequently.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The best icons to place on the home screen are those that show updates, such as new messages, similar to the icon shown. These icons are also ideal to place in the favorites tray.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/431134.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"86\" height=\"70\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">You can add apps to the home screen also by choosing the Apps command from the home screen menu. Often this command merely skips over Steps 1 and 2 in this section; you still have to long-press the icon and drag it to a Home screen page.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/431135.image1.jpg\" alt=\"image1.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"277\" /></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Finding apps in the apps drawer</h2>\r\nThe place where you find all apps installed on your Android phone is the <i>Apps drawer.</i> Even though you can find launcher icons (app shortcuts) on the home screen, the Apps drawer is where you need to go to find <i>everything</i>.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">To view the Apps drawer, tap the Apps icon on the home screen. This icon has a different look to it, depending on your Android phone. Here are some variations on the Apps icon, though more varieties may exist.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/491311.image0.jpg\" alt=\"Apps icon varieties.\" width=\"535\" height=\"92\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Apps icon varieties</div>\r\n</div>\r\nAfter you tap the Apps icon, you see the Apps drawer. Swipe through the pages left and right or up and down across the touchscreen.\r\n\r\nTo run an app, tap its icon. The app starts, taking over the screen and doing whatever magical thing the app does.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">As you add new apps to your phone, they appear in the Apps drawer.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Some phones allow you to create folders in the Apps drawer. These folders contain multiple apps, which helps keep things organized. To access apps in the folder, tap the Folder icon.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The Apps drawer displays apps alphabetically. On some phones, you can switch to a non-alphabetical viewing grid. With that feature active, it’s possible to rearrange the apps in any order you like.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">For apps that you use all the time, consider creating launcher icons on the Home screen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"You don't have to live with the unbearable proposition that you’re stuck with only the apps that come preset on your Android’s home screen. Nope — you’re free to add your own apps. Just follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Visit the home screen page on which you want to stick the app icon, or launcher.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The screen must have room for the app icon.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Touch the Apps icon to display the apps drawer.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Long-press (press and hold) the app icon you want to add to the home screen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Drag the app to the home screen page, lifting your finger to place the app.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">A copy of the app’s icon is now placed on the Home screen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nThe app hasn’t moved: What you see is a copy or, officially, a <i>launcher.</i> You can still find the app in the apps drawer (see below for more on this), but now the app is also available — more conveniently — on the home screen.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Not every app needs a launcher icon on the home screen. I recommend placing only those apps you use most frequently.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The best icons to place on the home screen are those that show updates, such as new messages, similar to the icon shown. These icons are also ideal to place in the favorites tray.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/431134.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"86\" height=\"70\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">You can add apps to the home screen also by choosing the Apps command from the home screen menu. Often this command merely skips over Steps 1 and 2 in this section; you still have to long-press the icon and drag it to a Home screen page.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/431135.image1.jpg\" alt=\"image1.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"277\" /></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Finding apps in the apps drawer</h2>\r\nThe place where you find all apps installed on your Android phone is the <i>Apps drawer.</i> Even though you can find launcher icons (app shortcuts) on the home screen, the Apps drawer is where you need to go to find <i>everything</i>.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">To view the Apps drawer, tap the Apps icon on the home screen. This icon has a different look to it, depending on your Android phone. Here are some variations on the Apps icon, though more varieties may exist.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/491311.image0.jpg\" alt=\"Apps icon varieties.\" width=\"535\" height=\"92\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Apps icon varieties</div>\r\n</div>\r\nAfter you tap the Apps icon, you see the Apps drawer. Swipe through the pages left and right or up and down across the touchscreen.\r\n\r\nTo run an app, tap its icon. The app starts, taking over the screen and doing whatever magical thing the app does.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">As you add new apps to your phone, they appear in the Apps drawer.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Some phones allow you to create folders in the Apps drawer. These folders contain multiple apps, which helps keep things organized. To access apps in the folder, tap the Folder icon.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The Apps drawer displays apps alphabetically. On some phones, you can switch to a non-alphabetical viewing grid. With that feature active, it’s possible to rearrange the apps in any order you like.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">For apps that you use all the time, consider creating launcher icons on the Home screen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33545,"title":"Androids","slug":"androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Finding apps in the apps drawer","target":"#tab1"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":273407,"title":"Travelling with Androids","slug":"travelling-with-androids","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273407"}},{"articleId":273396,"title":"Help and Troubleshooting for Android","slug":"help-and-troubleshooting-for-android","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273396"}},{"articleId":273383,"title":"10 Things That Need Set Up on a New Android Phone","slug":"10-things-that-need-set-up-on-a-new-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273383"}},{"articleId":272975,"title":"Android For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"android-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/272975"}},{"articleId":152248,"title":"How to Make a Conference Call on an Android Phone","slug":"how-to-make-a-conference-call-on-an-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/152248"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273407,"title":"Travelling with Androids","slug":"travelling-with-androids","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273407"}},{"articleId":273396,"title":"Help and Troubleshooting for Android","slug":"help-and-troubleshooting-for-android","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273396"}},{"articleId":273383,"title":"10 Things That Need Set Up on a New Android Phone","slug":"10-things-that-need-set-up-on-a-new-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273383"}},{"articleId":272975,"title":"Android For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"android-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/272975"}},{"articleId":251466,"title":"How to Adjust the Audio on Your Android Device","slug":"adjust-audio-android-device","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251466"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281628,"slug":"android-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9781119711353","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119711355/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119711355/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119711355-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119711355/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119711355/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9781119711353-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Android For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9003\">Dan Gookin</b></b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119711353&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b01b2ee5\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119711353&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b01b39b1\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-15T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":151882},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T11:17:45+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-10-06T16:33:26+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:41+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Cell Phones","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33544"},"slug":"cell-phones","categoryId":33544},{"name":"Androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"},"slug":"androids","categoryId":33545}],"title":"How to Change the Wallpaper of an Android Phone","strippedTitle":"how to change the wallpaper of an android phone","slug":"how-to-change-the-wallpaper-of-an-android-phone","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"You can choose from a variety of backgrounds (wallpapers) on your Android phone, including your own photos and animated images. Here's how.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Wallpaper is one of the standard items controlled by your Android’s home screen menu. The home screen background can be decorated with two types of wallpaper:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Traditional:</b> The wallpaper is chosen from a selection of still images. These images can be preloaded as wallpapers on the phone, or you can pluck an image from the phone’s gallery, such as a photo you’ve taken.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Live:</b> The wallpaper image is animated, either displaying a changing images or reacting to your touch.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >For your home screen</h2>\r\nTo set new wallpaper for the home screen, obey these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Long-press the home screen.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/431130.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"359\" height=\"400\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose the Set Wallpaper or Wallpapers command or icon.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/431131.image1.jpg\" alt=\"image1.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"277\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose the wallpaper type.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">For example, choose Gallery to use a photo you’ve taken or Wallpapers to select a preset wallpaper design.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">You may see a scrolling list of wallpaper options. The Pick Image option lets you use the Gallery or Photo app to choose an image. Live wallpapers may be shown in the list by name.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If prompted, choose the wallpaper you want from the list.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">For selecting an image from the phone, you see a preview of the wallpaper. A cropping tool may appear, and you can select and crop part of the image.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">For certain live wallpapers, a Settings icon appears. It lets you customize certain aspects of the interactive wallpaper.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Touch the Save, Set Wallpaper, or Apply button to confirm your selection.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The new wallpaper takes over the home screen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nLive wallpaper is interactive, usually featuring some form of animation. Otherwise, the wallpaper image scrolls slightly as you swipe from one home screen page to another.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Other options</h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">You may also be able to change the lock screen wallpaper on some phones. For example, after Step 2 (in the preceding list), you may be prompted to select wallpaper for the home screen, the lock screen, or both.</p>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The Settings apps may feature a Wallpaper command. Choose Display and then look for a Wallpaper command. Likewise, you might find a Lock Screen command on the Settings app’s main screen. Use it to set the lock screen’s wallpaper.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">The Zedge app has some interesting wallpaper features. Check it out on the Google Play store.</p>","description":"Wallpaper is one of the standard items controlled by your Android’s home screen menu. The home screen background can be decorated with two types of wallpaper:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Traditional:</b> The wallpaper is chosen from a selection of still images. These images can be preloaded as wallpapers on the phone, or you can pluck an image from the phone’s gallery, such as a photo you’ve taken.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Live:</b> The wallpaper image is animated, either displaying a changing images or reacting to your touch.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >For your home screen</h2>\r\nTo set new wallpaper for the home screen, obey these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Long-press the home screen.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/431130.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"359\" height=\"400\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose the Set Wallpaper or Wallpapers command or icon.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/431131.image1.jpg\" alt=\"image1.jpg\" width=\"535\" height=\"277\" /></li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose the wallpaper type.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">For example, choose Gallery to use a photo you’ve taken or Wallpapers to select a preset wallpaper design.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">You may see a scrolling list of wallpaper options. The Pick Image option lets you use the Gallery or Photo app to choose an image. Live wallpapers may be shown in the list by name.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If prompted, choose the wallpaper you want from the list.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">For selecting an image from the phone, you see a preview of the wallpaper. A cropping tool may appear, and you can select and crop part of the image.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">For certain live wallpapers, a Settings icon appears. It lets you customize certain aspects of the interactive wallpaper.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Touch the Save, Set Wallpaper, or Apply button to confirm your selection.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The new wallpaper takes over the home screen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nLive wallpaper is interactive, usually featuring some form of animation. Otherwise, the wallpaper image scrolls slightly as you swipe from one home screen page to another.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Other options</h2>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">You may also be able to change the lock screen wallpaper on some phones. For example, after Step 2 (in the preceding list), you may be prompted to select wallpaper for the home screen, the lock screen, or both.</p>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The Settings apps may feature a Wallpaper command. Choose Display and then look for a Wallpaper command. Likewise, you might find a Lock Screen command on the Settings app’s main screen. Use it to set the lock screen’s wallpaper.</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">The Zedge app has some interesting wallpaper features. Check it out on the Google Play store.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33545,"title":"Androids","slug":"androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"For your home screen","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Other options","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273407,"title":"Travelling with Androids","slug":"travelling-with-androids","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273407"}},{"articleId":273396,"title":"Help and Troubleshooting for Android","slug":"help-and-troubleshooting-for-android","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273396"}},{"articleId":273383,"title":"10 Things That Need Set Up on a New Android Phone","slug":"10-things-that-need-set-up-on-a-new-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273383"}},{"articleId":272975,"title":"Android For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"android-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/272975"}},{"articleId":251466,"title":"How to Adjust the Audio on Your Android Device","slug":"adjust-audio-android-device","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251466"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b0151e93\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b015293c\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-10-06T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":151893},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T11:18:08+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-09-13T17:28:30+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:37+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Cell Phones","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33544"},"slug":"cell-phones","categoryId":33544},{"name":"Androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"},"slug":"androids","categoryId":33545}],"title":"Android Phone USB and HDMI Connections","strippedTitle":"android phone usb and hdmi connections","slug":"how-to-connect-an-android-phone-to-an-hdmi-monitor","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to connect your Android phone to other devices, like a computer, TV, or monitor. Here's how to handle those connections.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"It's nice to be able to take advantage of the ability to connect your Android phone to other devices, like a computer or monitor. Here's how to handle those connections.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Connecting to an HDMI TV set or monitor</h2>\r\nA popular feature on several Android phones is the capability to connect the phone to an high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) TV set or monitor. To make that connection, the phone must have an HDMI connector, and you need to buy an HDMI cable. After doing so, you can enjoy viewing your phone’s media on a larger-size screen. Nothing beats playing <i>Angry Birds</i> on an 80-inch plasma TV.\r\n\r\nAfter making the HDMI connection, you see a pop-up menu on the screen or you can choose the HDMI notification. Among the options you’ll find for using the larger screen are the following:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Gallery:</b> You can view pictures or a slideshow, according to the directions on the screen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Music:</b> Choose a playlist, an album, or an artist, and enjoy watching the Music app on the big screen. (The sound should play from the TV’s speakers.)</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Mirror on Display:</b> The screen output on your Android phone is duplicated on the HDMI TV or monitor. This option is the one you choose when you want to watch a rented movie on the big screen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 class=\"TechnicalStuff\">How to Configure Your Android’s USB Connection</h2>\r\nUpon the successful connection of your Android phone to a computer using a USB cable, you have the option of configuring the USB connection. A menu appears, either automatically or when you choose the USB connection notification. If not, you can manually configure the USB connection by following these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Settings app.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose Storage.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Touch the Action Overflow icon and choose the USB Computer Connection command.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose either Media Device (MTP) or Camera (PTP).</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Select Media Device (MTP) if it’s not already selected.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nMTP stands for <i>Media Transfer Protocol</i>. When that setting is chosen, the computer believes the phone to be a portable media player, which it is, kind of. This option is the most common option.\r\n\r\nPTP stands for <i>Picture Transfer Protocol</i>. In this setting, the computer is misled into thinking that the phone is a digital camera. Select this option only when the MTP option fails to make the connection.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you can’t get the USB connection to work, check to see whether the phone features a proprietary synchronization program, such as Samsung’s Kies utility.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">No matter which USB connection option you’ve chosen, the phone’s battery charges whenever it’s connected to a computer’s USB port — as long as the computer is turned on, of course.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"It's nice to be able to take advantage of the ability to connect your Android phone to other devices, like a computer or monitor. Here's how to handle those connections.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Connecting to an HDMI TV set or monitor</h2>\r\nA popular feature on several Android phones is the capability to connect the phone to an high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) TV set or monitor. To make that connection, the phone must have an HDMI connector, and you need to buy an HDMI cable. After doing so, you can enjoy viewing your phone’s media on a larger-size screen. Nothing beats playing <i>Angry Birds</i> on an 80-inch plasma TV.\r\n\r\nAfter making the HDMI connection, you see a pop-up menu on the screen or you can choose the HDMI notification. Among the options you’ll find for using the larger screen are the following:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Gallery:</b> You can view pictures or a slideshow, according to the directions on the screen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Music:</b> Choose a playlist, an album, or an artist, and enjoy watching the Music app on the big screen. (The sound should play from the TV’s speakers.)</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Mirror on Display:</b> The screen output on your Android phone is duplicated on the HDMI TV or monitor. This option is the one you choose when you want to watch a rented movie on the big screen.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 class=\"TechnicalStuff\">How to Configure Your Android’s USB Connection</h2>\r\nUpon the successful connection of your Android phone to a computer using a USB cable, you have the option of configuring the USB connection. A menu appears, either automatically or when you choose the USB connection notification. If not, you can manually configure the USB connection by following these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Open the Settings app.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose Storage.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Touch the Action Overflow icon and choose the USB Computer Connection command.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose either Media Device (MTP) or Camera (PTP).</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Select Media Device (MTP) if it’s not already selected.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nMTP stands for <i>Media Transfer Protocol</i>. When that setting is chosen, the computer believes the phone to be a portable media player, which it is, kind of. This option is the most common option.\r\n\r\nPTP stands for <i>Picture Transfer Protocol</i>. In this setting, the computer is misled into thinking that the phone is a digital camera. Select this option only when the MTP option fails to make the connection.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you can’t get the USB connection to work, check to see whether the phone features a proprietary synchronization program, such as Samsung’s Kies utility.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">No matter which USB connection option you’ve chosen, the phone’s battery charges whenever it’s connected to a computer’s USB port — as long as the computer is turned on, of course.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33545,"title":"Androids","slug":"androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Connecting to an HDMI TV set or monitor","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"How to Configure Your Android’s USB Connection","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273407,"title":"Travelling with Androids","slug":"travelling-with-androids","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273407"}},{"articleId":273396,"title":"Help and Troubleshooting for Android","slug":"help-and-troubleshooting-for-android","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273396"}},{"articleId":273383,"title":"10 Things That Need Set Up on a New Android Phone","slug":"10-things-that-need-set-up-on-a-new-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273383"}},{"articleId":272975,"title":"Android For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"android-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/272975"}},{"articleId":251466,"title":"How to Adjust the Audio on Your Android Device","slug":"adjust-audio-android-device","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251466"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221afd5b3fc\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221afd5be93\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-13T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":151927},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T11:21:12+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-09-13T15:43:53+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:37+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Cell Phones","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33544"},"slug":"cell-phones","categoryId":33544},{"name":"Androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"},"slug":"androids","categoryId":33545}],"title":"How to Make a Conference Call on an Android Phone","strippedTitle":"how to make a conference call on an android phone","slug":"how-to-make-a-conference-call-on-an-android-phone","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Want to get a whole bunch of people talking? Here's how to easily make conference calls on an Android phone.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Unlike someone interrupting a conversation by making an incoming call, a <i>conference call</i> is one you set out to make intentionally. You make one call and then <i>add</i> a second call to it, allowing three (or more) people to talk together at once. Touch an icon on the phone’s touchscreen and then everyone is talking. Here’s how it works:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Phone the first person.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">After the call connects and you greet the first person, touch the <strong>+</strong> symbol labeled \"Add Call.\"</p>\r\n \r\n<p class=\"child-para\">After touching that, the first person is put on hold.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Call the second person.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">You can use the dial pad or choose the second person from the phone’s address book or the recent calls log.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Say hello and let this person know that the call is about to be merged.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Touch the Merge or Merge Calls icon.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/429621.image1.jpg\" alt=\"image1.jpg\" width=\"71\" height=\"84\" />\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The two calls are now joined. The touchscreen says <i>Conference Call,</i> and the End Last Call icon appears. Everyone you’ve dialed can talk to and hear everyone else.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Touch the End Call icon to end the conference call.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">All calls are disconnected.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">When several people are in a room and want to participate in a call, you can always put the phone in speaker mode. Touch the Speaker icon on the ongoing call screen.</p>\r\nYour Android phone may feature the Manage icon while you’re in a conference call. Touch this icon to list the various calls, to mute one, or to select a call to disconnect.","description":"Unlike someone interrupting a conversation by making an incoming call, a <i>conference call</i> is one you set out to make intentionally. You make one call and then <i>add</i> a second call to it, allowing three (or more) people to talk together at once. Touch an icon on the phone’s touchscreen and then everyone is talking. Here’s how it works:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Phone the first person.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">After the call connects and you greet the first person, touch the <strong>+</strong> symbol labeled \"Add Call.\"</p>\r\n \r\n<p class=\"child-para\">After touching that, the first person is put on hold.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Call the second person.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">You can use the dial pad or choose the second person from the phone’s address book or the recent calls log.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Say hello and let this person know that the call is about to be merged.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Touch the Merge or Merge Calls icon.</p>\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/429621.image1.jpg\" alt=\"image1.jpg\" width=\"71\" height=\"84\" />\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The two calls are now joined. The touchscreen says <i>Conference Call,</i> and the End Last Call icon appears. Everyone you’ve dialed can talk to and hear everyone else.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Touch the End Call icon to end the conference call.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">All calls are disconnected.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">When several people are in a room and want to participate in a call, you can always put the phone in speaker mode. Touch the Speaker icon on the ongoing call screen.</p>\r\nYour Android phone may feature the Manage icon while you’re in a conference call. Touch this icon to list the various calls, to mute one, or to select a call to disconnect.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33545,"title":"Androids","slug":"androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":273407,"title":"Travelling with Androids","slug":"travelling-with-androids","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273407"}},{"articleId":273396,"title":"Help and Troubleshooting for Android","slug":"help-and-troubleshooting-for-android","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273396"}},{"articleId":273383,"title":"10 Things That Need Set Up on a New Android Phone","slug":"10-things-that-need-set-up-on-a-new-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273383"}},{"articleId":272975,"title":"Android For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"android-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/272975"}},{"articleId":151882,"title":"Adroid Phones: The Apps Drawer and Adding Apps to the Home Screen","slug":"how-to-add-apps-to-the-android-phone-home-screen","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/151882"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273407,"title":"Travelling with Androids","slug":"travelling-with-androids","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273407"}},{"articleId":273396,"title":"Help and Troubleshooting for Android","slug":"help-and-troubleshooting-for-android","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273396"}},{"articleId":273383,"title":"10 Things That Need Set Up on a New Android Phone","slug":"10-things-that-need-set-up-on-a-new-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273383"}},{"articleId":272975,"title":"Android For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"android-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/272975"}},{"articleId":251466,"title":"How to Adjust the Audio on Your Android Device","slug":"adjust-audio-android-device","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251466"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281628,"slug":"android-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9781119711353","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119711355/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119711355/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119711355-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119711355/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119711355/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9781119711353-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Android For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9003\">Dan Gookin</b></b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119711353&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221afd4945e\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119711353&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221afd49f08\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-13T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":152248},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2018-03-29T18:48:11+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-09-09T19:21:30+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:37+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Cell Phones","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33544"},"slug":"cell-phones","categoryId":33544},{"name":"Androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"},"slug":"androids","categoryId":33545}],"title":"How to Connect Your Android Device to a Wi-Fi Network or WPS Router","strippedTitle":"how to connect your android device to a wi-fi network or wps router","slug":"connect-android-device-wps-router","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to connect your Android phone or tablet to a Wi-Fi network and WPS router, which provides more security.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"It's handy to know how to connect your Android phone to a Wi-Fi network and a WPS router. Here's how.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Connecting to a Wi-Fi network</h2>\r\nAfter you activate the Wi-Fi function on your Android phone or tablet, it automatically connects to any known Wi-Fi network ― meaning one that you’ve accessed before and for which the password is still valid. If not, you can hunt down an available network. Follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Visit the Wi-Fi screen in the Settings app.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Select a wireless network from the list.\r\n</strong>Available Wi-Fi networks appear on the screen, similar to what’s shown in the figure. When no wireless networks are listed, you're out of luck regarding wireless access from your current location.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>If prompted, type the network password.\r\n</strong>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Tap the Show Password check box so that you can see what you’re typing; some of those network passwords can be long.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Tap the CONNECT button.\r\n</strong>The network is connected immediately. If not, try the password again.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>If prompted to remember the network, do so.\r\n</strong>Some Androids may ask whether you want to automatically reconnect to the same Wi-Fi network in the future. Choose that option.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_251349\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"399\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-251349\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-wireless.jpg\" alt=\"android-wireless\" width=\"399\" height=\"400\" /> Hunting down a wireless network[/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhile your Android is connected to a wireless network, the Wi-Fi Connected status icon, which looks like a tiny fan, appears at the top of the touchscreen (see the figure above). This icon indicates that the Wi-Fi function is on and the device is connected and communicating with a Wi-Fi network.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Some public networks require that you sign in to their web pages after connecting. The sign-in page may appear automatically. If not, open the web browser app and visit any page to be redirected to the sign-in page. Heed the directions there to gain network access.</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">A wireless network without a password is considered unsecure. The absence of security makes it easier for people to do bad things on the network. My advice is to use the connection but avoid sending sensitive information over a nonsecured public network.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>The Wi-Fi connection works best when you plan on being in a specific location for an extended time. That’s because the Wi-Fi signal goes only so far. If you wander too far away, the signal — and your connection — are lost.</li>\r\n \t<li>The Wi-Fi connection stays active until you wander out of range. To deliberately disconnect from a Wi-Fi network, turn off the device’s Wi-Fi function.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Connecting to a WPS router</h2>\r\nMany Wi-Fi routers feature a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). It’s a network authorization system that’s simple and secure. If the wireless router features WPS, follow these steps to quickly connect your phone or tablet to the network:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Visit the Wi-Fi screen in the Settings app.\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-251357\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-wps.jpg\" alt=\"android-wps\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" /></strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Tap the WPS connection button on the router.\r\n</strong>The button either is labeled WPS or uses the WPS icon, shown here.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>On your Android, choose Wi-Fi Preferences.\r\n</strong>This item is found at the bottom of the list of available networks on the Wi-Fi screen. If not, tap Action Overflow and choose Advanced.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Choose WPS Push Button or WPS Pin Entry, depending on how the router does its WPS thing.\r\n</strong>If you don’t see these items, expand the Advanced category.\r\nFor a WPS push-button router, push the WPS button on the router.\r\nFor a WPS PIN router, look on the device’s touchscreen for a PIN. Type that number on the Wi-Fi router.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nConnection with the router may take a few moments, so be patient. The good news is that, as on all Wi-Fi networks, once the initial connection is established, the connection is made again automatically in the future.","description":"It's handy to know how to connect your Android phone to a Wi-Fi network and a WPS router. Here's how.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Connecting to a Wi-Fi network</h2>\r\nAfter you activate the Wi-Fi function on your Android phone or tablet, it automatically connects to any known Wi-Fi network ― meaning one that you’ve accessed before and for which the password is still valid. If not, you can hunt down an available network. Follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Visit the Wi-Fi screen in the Settings app.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Select a wireless network from the list.\r\n</strong>Available Wi-Fi networks appear on the screen, similar to what’s shown in the figure. When no wireless networks are listed, you're out of luck regarding wireless access from your current location.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>If prompted, type the network password.\r\n</strong>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Tap the Show Password check box so that you can see what you’re typing; some of those network passwords can be long.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Tap the CONNECT button.\r\n</strong>The network is connected immediately. If not, try the password again.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>If prompted to remember the network, do so.\r\n</strong>Some Androids may ask whether you want to automatically reconnect to the same Wi-Fi network in the future. Choose that option.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_251349\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"399\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-251349\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-wireless.jpg\" alt=\"android-wireless\" width=\"399\" height=\"400\" /> Hunting down a wireless network[/caption]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWhile your Android is connected to a wireless network, the Wi-Fi Connected status icon, which looks like a tiny fan, appears at the top of the touchscreen (see the figure above). This icon indicates that the Wi-Fi function is on and the device is connected and communicating with a Wi-Fi network.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Some public networks require that you sign in to their web pages after connecting. The sign-in page may appear automatically. If not, open the web browser app and visit any page to be redirected to the sign-in page. Heed the directions there to gain network access.</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">A wireless network without a password is considered unsecure. The absence of security makes it easier for people to do bad things on the network. My advice is to use the connection but avoid sending sensitive information over a nonsecured public network.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>The Wi-Fi connection works best when you plan on being in a specific location for an extended time. That’s because the Wi-Fi signal goes only so far. If you wander too far away, the signal — and your connection — are lost.</li>\r\n \t<li>The Wi-Fi connection stays active until you wander out of range. To deliberately disconnect from a Wi-Fi network, turn off the device’s Wi-Fi function.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Connecting to a WPS router</h2>\r\nMany Wi-Fi routers feature a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). It’s a network authorization system that’s simple and secure. If the wireless router features WPS, follow these steps to quickly connect your phone or tablet to the network:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Visit the Wi-Fi screen in the Settings app.\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-251357\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-wps.jpg\" alt=\"android-wps\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" /></strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Tap the WPS connection button on the router.\r\n</strong>The button either is labeled WPS or uses the WPS icon, shown here.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>On your Android, choose Wi-Fi Preferences.\r\n</strong>This item is found at the bottom of the list of available networks on the Wi-Fi screen. If not, tap Action Overflow and choose Advanced.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Choose WPS Push Button or WPS Pin Entry, depending on how the router does its WPS thing.\r\n</strong>If you don’t see these items, expand the Advanced category.\r\nFor a WPS push-button router, push the WPS button on the router.\r\nFor a WPS PIN router, look on the device’s touchscreen for a PIN. Type that number on the Wi-Fi router.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nConnection with the router may take a few moments, so be patient. The good news is that, as on all Wi-Fi networks, once the initial connection is established, the connection is made again automatically in the future.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33545,"title":"Androids","slug":"androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Connecting to a Wi-Fi network","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Connecting to a WPS router","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273407,"title":"Travelling with Androids","slug":"travelling-with-androids","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273407"}},{"articleId":273396,"title":"Help and Troubleshooting for Android","slug":"help-and-troubleshooting-for-android","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273396"}},{"articleId":273383,"title":"10 Things That Need Set Up on a New Android Phone","slug":"10-things-that-need-set-up-on-a-new-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273383"}},{"articleId":272975,"title":"Android For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"android-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/272975"}},{"articleId":251466,"title":"How to Adjust the Audio on Your Android Device","slug":"adjust-audio-android-device","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251466"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221afd04bdb\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221afd05705\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-09-09T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":251356},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2020-08-30T01:22:27+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-02-22T20:04:49+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:17:54+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Cell Phones","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33544"},"slug":"cell-phones","categoryId":33544},{"name":"Androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"},"slug":"androids","categoryId":33545}],"title":"Android For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"android for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"android-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Explore some tips and tricks and other useful information that help make your Android mobile device experience a productive one.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"An Android is a complex piece of electronics: delightful, inspirational, intimidating. Obviously, that qualifies an <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/tablets/android-tablets/android-phones-tablets-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">Android phone or tablet</a> as the next great thing. It also means that if you want to get the most from the device, you need some gentle hand-holding and careful explanation.\r\n\r\nThis Cheat Sheet provides that information, plus plenty of tips and tricks and other useful information that help make your Android mobile device experience a pleasant and productive one.","description":"An Android is a complex piece of electronics: delightful, inspirational, intimidating. Obviously, that qualifies an <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/tablets/android-tablets/android-phones-tablets-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">Android phone or tablet</a> as the next great thing. It also means that if you want to get the most from the device, you need some gentle hand-holding and careful explanation.\r\n\r\nThis Cheat Sheet provides that information, plus plenty of tips and tricks and other useful information that help make your Android mobile device experience a pleasant and productive one.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33545,"title":"Androids","slug":"androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":273407,"title":"Travelling with Androids","slug":"travelling-with-androids","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273407"}},{"articleId":273396,"title":"Help and Troubleshooting for Android","slug":"help-and-troubleshooting-for-android","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273396"}},{"articleId":273383,"title":"10 Things That Need Set Up on a New Android Phone","slug":"10-things-that-need-set-up-on-a-new-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273383"}},{"articleId":152248,"title":"How to Make a Conference Call on an Android Phone","slug":"how-to-make-a-conference-call-on-an-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/152248"}},{"articleId":151882,"title":"Adroid Phones: The Apps Drawer and Adding Apps to the Home Screen","slug":"how-to-add-apps-to-the-android-phone-home-screen","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/151882"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273407,"title":"Travelling with Androids","slug":"travelling-with-androids","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273407"}},{"articleId":273396,"title":"Help and Troubleshooting for Android","slug":"help-and-troubleshooting-for-android","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273396"}},{"articleId":273383,"title":"10 Things That Need Set Up on a New Android Phone","slug":"10-things-that-need-set-up-on-a-new-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273383"}},{"articleId":251466,"title":"How to Adjust the Audio on Your Android Device","slug":"adjust-audio-android-device","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251466"}},{"articleId":251463,"title":"How to Set Keyboard Options on Your Android Device","slug":"set-keyboard-options-android-device","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251463"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281628,"slug":"android-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9781119711353","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119711355/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119711355/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119711355-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119711355/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119711355/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9781119711353-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Android For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9003\">Dan Gookin</b></b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119711353&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ad2a6448\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;technology&quot;,&quot;electronics&quot;,&quot;cell-phones&quot;,&quot;androids&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119711353&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221ad2a6ce0\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":0,"title":"","slug":null,"categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/"}}],"content":[{"title":"Android Home Screen","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The main screen on an Android is called the Home screen. It&#8217;s where all the action takes place: where you start the apps, work the widgets, and check out what&#8217;s going on via notification and status icons.</p>\n<p>You find several Home screen pages, some marching off to the left and others marching to the right, for a total of anywhere up to nine Home screen pages, depending on the device. Each Home screen page can be adorned with icons, widgets, and sneeze globs. Only the sneeze globs are easily removed by using a microfiber cloth.</p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272976\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-home-screen.jpg\" alt=\"Android Home screen\" width=\"535\" height=\"692\" /></p>\n"},{"title":"Android Navigation Icons","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Androids feature common methods of using the Home screen as well as various apps. The two forms of navigation are gesture navigation and the traditional navigation icons found at the bottom of the touchscreen and illustrated nearby.</p>\n<table width=\"721\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"114\"><strong><em>Gesture</em></strong></td>\n<td width=\"114\"><strong><em>Method</em></strong></td>\n<td width=\"114\"><strong><em>Icon</em></strong></td>\n<td width=\"378\"><strong><em>Function</em></strong></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"114\">Back</td>\n<td width=\"114\">Swipe the screen inward from the outer left or right edge.</td>\n<td width=\"114\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272977\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-back-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"87\" height=\"100\" /></td>\n<td width=\"378\">Go back, close, or dismiss the onscreen keyboard.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"114\">Home</td>\n<td width=\"114\">Swipe up the screen from the bottom.</td>\n<td width=\"114\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272978\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-home-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" /></td>\n<td width=\"378\">Go to the Home screen.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"114\">Recent</td>\n<td width=\"114\">Swipe up the screen, but pause about one-third of the way.</td>\n<td width=\"114\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272979\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-recent-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" /></td>\n<td width=\"378\">Display recently opened apps.</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Common Android Icons","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Various icons appear while you use your Android mobile device. These icons serve common functions in your apps as well as in the Android operating system. Common icons and their functions are shown here:</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"78\"><strong>Icon</strong></td>\n<td width=\"104\"><strong>Name</strong></td>\n<td width=\"349\"><strong>Function</strong></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"78\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272981\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-action-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"25\" height=\"100\" /></td>\n<td width=\"104\">Action Overflow</td>\n<td width=\"349\">Displays a list of actions, similar to a menu.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"78\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272982\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-add-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" /></td>\n<td width=\"104\">Add</td>\n<td width=\"349\">Adds or creates an item. The plus symbol (+) may be used in combination with other symbols, depending on the app.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"78\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272983\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-chevron-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100\" height=\"63\" /></td>\n<td width=\"104\">Chevron</td>\n<td width=\"349\">Pointing in various directions, expands or collapses a card, menu, or other item.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"78\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272984\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-close-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" /></td>\n<td width=\"104\">Close</td>\n<td width=\"349\">Dismisses a card, clears text from an input field, or removes an item from a list.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"78\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272985\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-delete-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"89\" height=\"100\" /></td>\n<td width=\"104\">Delete</td>\n<td width=\"349\">Removes one or more items from a list or deletes a message.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"78\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272986\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-dictation-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"71\" height=\"100\" /></td>\n<td width=\"104\">Dictation</td>\n<td width=\"349\">Activates voice input.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"78\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272987\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-done-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"104\" height=\"75\" /></td>\n<td width=\"104\">Done</td>\n<td width=\"349\">Dismisses an action bar or confirms and saves edits.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"78\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272988\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-edit-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" /></td>\n<td width=\"104\">Edit</td>\n<td width=\"349\">Lets you edit an item, add text, or fill in fields.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"78\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272989\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-favorite-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"105\" height=\"100\" /></td>\n<td width=\"104\">Favorite</td>\n<td width=\"349\">Flags a favorite item, such as a contact or a web page.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"78\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272991\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-refresh-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"90\" height=\"100\" /></td>\n<td width=\"104\">Refresh</td>\n<td width=\"349\">Fetches new information or reloads.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"78\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272992\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-search-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" /></td>\n<td width=\"104\">Search</td>\n<td width=\"349\">Searches the screen, tablet, or the Internet for a tidbit of information.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"78\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272993\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-settings-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" /></td>\n<td width=\"104\">Settings</td>\n<td width=\"349\">Adjusts options for an app.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"78\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272994\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-share-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"95\" height=\"100\" /></td>\n<td width=\"104\">Share</td>\n<td width=\"349\">Shares information via a specific app, such as Gmail or Facebook.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"78\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-272995\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-side-menu-icon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"107\" height=\"75\" /></td>\n<td width=\"104\">Side Menu</td>\n<td width=\"349\">Also called the <em>hamburger,</em> lets you view the navigation drawer available in most Android apps.</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Android Touchscreen Operations","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>It takes a certain finesse to work a touchscreen. Here are some of the common operations you can perform using your fingers on an Android’s touchscreen:</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"97\"><strong>Action</strong></td>\n<td width=\"329\"><strong>How It’s Done</strong></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"97\"><strong>Tap</strong></td>\n<td width=\"329\">The basic touchscreen technique is to touch it. You tap an object, an icon, a control, a menu item, a doodad, and so on. The tap operation is similar to a mouse click on a computer. It may also be referred to as a <em>touch</em> or a <em>press</em>.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"97\"><strong>Double-tap</strong></td>\n<td width=\"329\">Tap the screen twice in the same location. A double-tap can be used to zoom in on an image or a map, but it can also zoom out. Because of the double-tap’s dual nature, I recommend using the pinch and spread operations to zoom.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"97\"><strong>Long-press</strong></td>\n<td width=\"329\">Tap part of the screen and keep your finger down. Depending on what you’re doing, a pop-up or card may appear, or the item you’re long-pressing may get “picked up” so that you can drag (move) it around. Long-press might also be referred to as <em>tap and hold</em>.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"97\"><strong>Swipe</strong></td>\n<td width=\"329\">To swipe, tap your finger on one spot and then move your finger to another spot. Swipes can go up, down, left, or right; the touchscreen content moves in the direction in which you swipe your finger, similar to the way scrolling works on a computer. A swipe can be fast or slow. It’s also called a <em>flick</em> or <em>slide</em>.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"97\"><strong>Drag</strong></td>\n<td width=\"329\">A combination of long-press and then swipe, the drag operation moves items on the screen. Start with the long-press, and then keep your finger on the screen to swipe. Lift your finger to complete the action.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"97\"><strong>Pinch</strong></td>\n<td width=\"329\">A pinch involves two fingers, which start out separated and then are brought together. The effect is used to zoom out, to reduce the size of an image, or to see more of a map. This move may also be called a <em>pinch close</em>.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"97\"><strong>Spread</strong></td>\n<td width=\"329\">In the opposite of pinch, you start out with your fingers together and then spread them. The spread is used to zoom in, to enlarge an image or see more detail on a map. It’s also known as a <em>pinch open</em>.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"97\"><strong>Rotate</strong></td>\n<td width=\"329\">Use two fingers to twist around a central point on the touchscreen, which has the effect of rotating an object on the screen. If you have trouble with this operation, pretend that you’re turning the dial on a safe.</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Android Tricks to Remember","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You&#8217;ll feel like an expert user with your Android after you absorb this assortment of handy, time-saving tricks:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dictation! You can speak to your gizmo as an effective and quick alternative to using the onscreen keyboard.</li>\n<li>Use the Recent gesture or navigation icon to quickly switch between apps.</li>\n<li>Modify the Home screen: Change the wallpaper, add your favorite apps, slap down some useful widgets.</li>\n<li>Whenever possible, use the phone or LTE tablet’s Wi-Fi Internet connection to avoid incurring mobile data surcharges.</li>\n<li>Long-press a key on the onscreen keyboard to peruse alternative characters.</li>\n<li>Spread your fingers to zoom into a web page, which makes clicking links much easier.</li>\n<li>Swipe the Camera icon on the Lock screen to snap a quick photo.</li>\n<li>Quickly put the Android into Vibration mode by pressing the volume-down key until the phone vibrates.</li>\n<li>Use the various Search icons to look for things on the Android, on the Internet, or in a specific app.</li>\n<li>When downloading updates or new apps, or for faster web browsing, activate Wi-Fi.</li>\n<li>Use Google Assistant to control the Android with your voice or to search the Internet.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Android Help and Support","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you ever happen to find yourself in serious mobile trouble, here’s a smattering of trusted places to check out for help with your Android phone or tablet.</p>\n<p><strong>Cellular providers</strong></p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"95\">AT&amp;T</td>\n<td width=\"108\">800-331-0500</td>\n<td width=\"261\"><a href=\"http://www.att.com/esupport\">www.att.com/esupport</a></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"95\">Sprint</td>\n<td width=\"108\">888-211-4727</td>\n<td width=\"261\"><a href=\"http://www.sprint.com/\">sprint.com</a></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"95\">T-Mobile</td>\n<td width=\"108\">800-866-2453</td>\n<td width=\"261\"><a href=\"http://www.t-mobile.com/Contact.aspx\">www.t-mobile.com/Contact.aspx</a></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"95\">Verizon</td>\n<td width=\"108\">800-922-0204</td>\n<td width=\"261\"><a href=\"http://www.verizonwireless.com/support\">verizonwireless.com/support</a></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p>Here are some support numbers you can dial from your Android phone:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>AT&amp;T, T-Mobile, Verizon: 611</li>\n<li>Sprint Nextel: *2</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Device manufacturers</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.htc.com/us/support\">HTC</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.lg.com/us/support\">LG</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones\">Samsung phones</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/tablets/\">Samsung tablets</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.motorola.com/\">Motorola</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Google support</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https://support.google.com/googleplay/\">Google Play support</a></li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":"Six months","lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":272975},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T07:27:12+00:00","modifiedTime":"2020-09-21T17:33:08+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:17:50+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Electronics","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33543"},"slug":"electronics","categoryId":33543},{"name":"Cell Phones","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33544"},"slug":"cell-phones","categoryId":33544},{"name":"Androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"},"slug":"androids","categoryId":33545}],"title":"10 Tips, Tricks, and Shortcuts for Your Android","strippedTitle":"10 tips, tricks, and shortcuts for your android","slug":"10-tips-tricks-and-shortcuts-for-your-android","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Check out these 10 tips, tricks, and shortcuts to help you get the most from your Android device, including how to bring back the navigation buttons.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Your <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/smartphones/droid/android-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">Android</a> may be capable of doing things you never imagined was possible. Check out these 10 tips, tricks, and shortcuts to help you get the most from your device.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709012\"></a>Switch apps quickly</h2>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Android apps don’t quit. Sure, some of them have a Quit action or Sign Out option, but most apps loiter in the device’s guts while you do other things. The Android operating system may eventually kill off a stale app. Before that happens, you can deftly and quickly switch between all running apps.</p>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-273393\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-recent-navigation.jpg\" alt=\"recent navigation icon\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" />\r\n\r\nThe key to making the switch is to use the Recent gesture or tap the Recent navigation icon, found at the bottom of the touchscreen. When you see the <em>Overview,</em> or list of open apps, swipe the screen up or down to peruse what’s available. To dismiss the list, use the Back or Home navigation gestures or navigation icons.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>To remove an app from the list of recent apps, swipe it from the list (up, down, left, or right). This technique is effectively the same thing as quitting an app.</li>\r\n \t<li>For devices with the Recent navigation icon, double-tap this icon to switch between the two most recently used apps.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709013\"></a>Deploy the Flashlight</h2>\r\nOne of the first “killer apps” on mobile devices is the flashlight. It uses the camera’s LED flash to help you see in the dark. For a while, everyone had to get a flashlight app, but today the flashlight feature is frequently found on the quick settings drawer.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-273392\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-flashlight-icon.jpg\" alt=\"Flashlight icon\" width=\"60\" height=\"100\" />\r\n\r\nUse two fingers to swipe down the screen and display the quick settings. If one of the icons looks like a flashlight, tap it to activate the flashlight feature. Tap again to turn off the flashlight.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>The flashlight feature might also appear as a lock screen app, or you might be able to place it on the lock screen as an option.</li>\r\n \t<li>Be aware that keeping the LED lamp on for extended durations drains the battery.</li>\r\n \t<li>Use the Flashlight quick setting instead of obtaining a flashlight app. Though it may no longer be the case, at one time flashlight apps spied on their users. The apps collected data and beamed it back to a remote server somewhere. Such malicious apps were purged from Google Play long ago. In any event, the availability of the quick settings feature has rendered such apps unnecessary.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709014\"></a>Improve the display</h2>\r\nTwo things to consider helping your eyeballs when looking at your pet Android are to enable the dark theme and activate the night light feature.\r\n\r\nDark theme inverses the color scheme of many apps, replacing the obnoxious, glaring, white background with a gentle, power-saving, dark background.\r\n\r\nThe night light feature removes the blue end of the spectrum from the display, which provides for an easy transition to sleep during the night hours.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709015\"></a>Avoid data surcharges</h2>\r\nAn important issue for anyone using an Android phone or LTE tablet is whether you’re about to burst through your monthly data quota. Mobile data surcharges can pinch the wallet, but your Android has a handy tool to help you avoid data overages. In the Settings app, you can use the data usage screens, illustrated here.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_273390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-273390\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-data-usage.jpg\" alt=\"Data usage screens and settings.\" width=\"556\" height=\"401\" /> Data usage screens and settings.[/caption]\r\n\r\nTo access the data usage screens, open the Settings app and choose Network & Internet. Tap the Mobile network item to view cellular data information, as shown on the far left.\r\n\r\nTo view the Wi-Fi usage screen (shown on the far right), from the Network & Internet screen, choose Wi-Fi and then Wi-Fi Data Usage.\r\n\r\nOn Samsung devices, in the Settings app, choose Connections and then choose Data Usage.\r\n\r\nThe data usage screens show how much data your device has consumed for both mobile data and Wi-Fi connections. A list of data-consuming apps is also presented.\r\n\r\nShowing the details is interesting, but what’s useful is setting warnings and limits on mobile data. Follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Open the Settings app.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Network & Internet.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Data Saver.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Ensure that the master control by Use Data Saver is in the On position.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Use the Back gesture or tap the Back navigation icon to return to the Network & Internet screen.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Mobile Network.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Data Warning & Limit. </strong>The Data Warning & Limit screen appears.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap Set Data Warning.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Data Warning and use the slider to set the data warning limit. </strong>Say your plan allows for 3.0GB (gigabytes) of mobile data per billing cycle. Set the warning at 2.5GB. Tap the Set button.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Ensure that the master control by Set Data Limit is in the On position.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap Data Limit and set a limit. </strong>This value should be just below your allowed usage — say, 2.8GB for a plan that allows 3.0GB per month.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nOn a Samsung device, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Open the Settings app.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Connections.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Data Usage.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Activate the setting Alert Me About Data Usage.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose the item Mobile Data Usage.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap the Settings icon.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Continue with Step 8 in the preceding set of steps.</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">It’s important to remember that your device and the cellular provider monitor data usage differently. For example, your monthly quota may be 5GB, but if you set the limit (when the device stops using the mobile-data network, in Step 5) to 5GB, you may still be surcharged. That’s why I recommend (in Step 5) to set a limit below your maximum allowed monthly usage.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709016\"></a>Watch your Android dream</h2>\r\nAfter the touchscreen time-out kicks in, the apps keep running and activity goes on, but does the device dream?\r\n\r\nWell, of course it does! You can even see the dreams, if you activate the Daydream feature — and if you keep a power source connected. Heed these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Start the Settings app.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Display.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Screen Saver. </strong>You may need to tap the Advanced item to find Screen Saver.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap the Current Screen Saver item to choose a screen saver. </strong>On Samsung devices, the list of screen savers is shown instantly.\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-273389\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-settings-icon.jpg\" alt=\"Settings icon\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" />\r\nSome daydream options feature the Settings icon, which customizes the daydream’s appearance.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose When to Start. </strong>If this item is unavailable, the screen saver is activated only when the device is charging.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Select an option, such as While Charging or While Docked. </strong>Choosing the Never option disables the screen saver.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nThe daydreaming begins when the screen would normally time-out and lock. For some Androids, the device must be receiving power for the screen saver to activate: when charging, when docked, or both.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709017\"></a>Bring <a name=\"_Toc44709018\"></a>back the navigation buttons!</h2>\r\nUsing gestures for the Home, Back, Recent, and other activities can be useful, but as an old-timer, I like having navigation buttons. To me, they bring a consistency to the interface and are welcome, like familiar friends.\r\n\r\nTo restore the navigation buttons, heed these directions:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Open the Settings app.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose System.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Gestures.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose System Navigation.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Select 3-Button Navigation.</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nThe three familiar navigation icons appear at the bottom of the screen. Use them to navigate your Android when the gestures are disabled.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab7\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709019\"></a>Add spice to dictation</h2>\r\nIf you’ve used dictation, you might notice that it occasionally censors some of the words you utter. Perhaps you’re the kind of person who doesn’t put up with that kind of s***.\r\n\r\nRelax. You can follow these steps to lift the vocal censorship ban:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Start the Settings app.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose System and then choose Languages & Input. </strong>On Samsung devices, choose General Management and then choose Language & Input.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Virtual Keyboard and then choose Google Voice Typing. </strong>On Samsung devices, choose On-Screen Keyboard and then choose Google Voice Typing.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Disable the option Hide Offensive Words.</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nAnd just what are offensive words? I would think that <em>censorship</em> is an offensive word. But no — apparently, only a few choice words fall into this category. I won’t print them here.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab8\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709020\"></a>Visit the dictionary</h2>\r\nBetcha didn’t know that your Android sports a dictionary. The dictionary keeps track of words you type that may not be recognized as being spelled properly.\r\n\r\nUnrecognized words are highlighted on the screen. Sometimes the word is shown in a different color or on a different background, and sometimes it’s underlined in red. To add that word to the internal dictionary, tap it and choose Add to Dictionary.\r\n\r\nTo review or edit the dictionary, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Start the Settings app.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose System and then Languages & Input.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Virtual Keyboard.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Gboard.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Dictionary.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Personal Dictionary.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose English. </strong>Behold your added words, if any.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nWith the dictionary visible, you can review words, edit them, remove them, or manually add new ones. Tap a word to edit or delete.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-273388\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-add-icon.jpg\" alt=\"Add icon\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" />\r\n\r\nTo add a new word to the list, tap the Add icon.\r\n\r\nSamsung devices (which use the Samsung Keyboard instead of the Gboard) lack an editable dictionary. This situation may change in the future.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab9\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709021\"></a>Add useful widgets</h2>\r\nYour Android features a wide assortment of widgets with which to festoon the Home screen. They can be exceedingly handy, though you may not realize it because the sample widgets that are preset on the Home screen are weak and unimpressive.\r\n\r\nGood widgets to add include navigation, contact info, eBook, and web page favorites. Adding any of these widgets starts out the same. Here are the brief directions:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Long-press a Home screen page that has room for a widget.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Widgets.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Drag a widget to the Home screen.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Complete the process. </strong>The process is specific for each type of widget suggestion.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc44709022\"></a>Direct Dial widget</h3>\r\nUse the Contacts/Direct Dial widget on an Android phone to access those numbers you dial all the time. After adding the widget, choose a contact from the address book. Tap this widget to dial the contact’s default number instantly.\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc44709023\"></a>Directions widget</h3>\r\nThe Maps/Directions widget allows you to quickly summon directions to a specific location from wherever you happen to be. After you add the widget to the Home screen, select a traveling method and destination. You can type a contact name, an address, a business name, and so on. Add a shortcut name, which is a brief description to fit under the widget on the Home screen. Tap the SAVE button.\r\n\r\nTap the Directions widget to use it. Instantly, the Maps app starts and enters Navigation mode, steering you from wherever you are to the location referenced by the widget.\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc44709024\"></a>eBook widget</h3>\r\nWhen you’re mired in the middle of that latest potboiler, put a Google Play Books/Book widget on the Home screen: Choose the Book widget and then select which eBooks in your digital library you want to access. Tap the widget to open the Play Books app and jump right into the book at the spot where you were last reading.\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc44709025\"></a>Web bookmark widget</h3>\r\nIf you collect bookmarks in the Chrome app, add their list to the Home screen. Choose the Chrome Bookmarks widget. For a specific web page, however, open the Chrome app and visit the page. Tap the Action Overflow and choose Add to Home Screen, edit the web page name (if necessary), and then tap the Add button. A widget is created to access that specific page.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab10\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709026\"></a>How to take a screen shot on Android</h2>\r\nA <em>screen shot,</em> also called a <em>screen cap</em> (for <em>cap</em>ture), is a picture of your Android’s touchscreen. If you see something interesting on the screen or you just want to take a quick pic of your digital life, you take a screen shot.\r\n\r\nThe stock Android method of shooting the screen is to press and hold both the Volume Down and Power/Lock keys at the same time. Upon success, the touchscreen image reduces in size, you may hear a shutter sound, and the screen shot is saved.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Screen shots are accessed through the Photos app or from a screen shot notification. In the Photos app, the images appear along with any photos you’ve snapped from the camera.</li>\r\n \t<li>Some Samsung galactic gizmos use a Motion command to capture the screen: Hold your hand perpendicular to the touchscreen, like you’re giving it a karate chop. Swipe the edge of your palm over the screen, right-to-left or left-to-right. Upon success, you hear a shutter sound.</li>\r\n \t<li>Internally, screen shots are stored in the Pictures/Screenshots folder. They’re created in either the PNG or JPEG graphics file format.</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"Your <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/consumer-electronics/smartphones/droid/android-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">Android</a> may be capable of doing things you never imagined was possible. Check out these 10 tips, tricks, and shortcuts to help you get the most from your device.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709012\"></a>Switch apps quickly</h2>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Android apps don’t quit. Sure, some of them have a Quit action or Sign Out option, but most apps loiter in the device’s guts while you do other things. The Android operating system may eventually kill off a stale app. Before that happens, you can deftly and quickly switch between all running apps.</p>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-273393\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-recent-navigation.jpg\" alt=\"recent navigation icon\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" />\r\n\r\nThe key to making the switch is to use the Recent gesture or tap the Recent navigation icon, found at the bottom of the touchscreen. When you see the <em>Overview,</em> or list of open apps, swipe the screen up or down to peruse what’s available. To dismiss the list, use the Back or Home navigation gestures or navigation icons.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>To remove an app from the list of recent apps, swipe it from the list (up, down, left, or right). This technique is effectively the same thing as quitting an app.</li>\r\n \t<li>For devices with the Recent navigation icon, double-tap this icon to switch between the two most recently used apps.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709013\"></a>Deploy the Flashlight</h2>\r\nOne of the first “killer apps” on mobile devices is the flashlight. It uses the camera’s LED flash to help you see in the dark. For a while, everyone had to get a flashlight app, but today the flashlight feature is frequently found on the quick settings drawer.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-273392\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-flashlight-icon.jpg\" alt=\"Flashlight icon\" width=\"60\" height=\"100\" />\r\n\r\nUse two fingers to swipe down the screen and display the quick settings. If one of the icons looks like a flashlight, tap it to activate the flashlight feature. Tap again to turn off the flashlight.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>The flashlight feature might also appear as a lock screen app, or you might be able to place it on the lock screen as an option.</li>\r\n \t<li>Be aware that keeping the LED lamp on for extended durations drains the battery.</li>\r\n \t<li>Use the Flashlight quick setting instead of obtaining a flashlight app. Though it may no longer be the case, at one time flashlight apps spied on their users. The apps collected data and beamed it back to a remote server somewhere. Such malicious apps were purged from Google Play long ago. In any event, the availability of the quick settings feature has rendered such apps unnecessary.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709014\"></a>Improve the display</h2>\r\nTwo things to consider helping your eyeballs when looking at your pet Android are to enable the dark theme and activate the night light feature.\r\n\r\nDark theme inverses the color scheme of many apps, replacing the obnoxious, glaring, white background with a gentle, power-saving, dark background.\r\n\r\nThe night light feature removes the blue end of the spectrum from the display, which provides for an easy transition to sleep during the night hours.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709015\"></a>Avoid data surcharges</h2>\r\nAn important issue for anyone using an Android phone or LTE tablet is whether you’re about to burst through your monthly data quota. Mobile data surcharges can pinch the wallet, but your Android has a handy tool to help you avoid data overages. In the Settings app, you can use the data usage screens, illustrated here.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_273390\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-273390\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-data-usage.jpg\" alt=\"Data usage screens and settings.\" width=\"556\" height=\"401\" /> Data usage screens and settings.[/caption]\r\n\r\nTo access the data usage screens, open the Settings app and choose Network & Internet. Tap the Mobile network item to view cellular data information, as shown on the far left.\r\n\r\nTo view the Wi-Fi usage screen (shown on the far right), from the Network & Internet screen, choose Wi-Fi and then Wi-Fi Data Usage.\r\n\r\nOn Samsung devices, in the Settings app, choose Connections and then choose Data Usage.\r\n\r\nThe data usage screens show how much data your device has consumed for both mobile data and Wi-Fi connections. A list of data-consuming apps is also presented.\r\n\r\nShowing the details is interesting, but what’s useful is setting warnings and limits on mobile data. Follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Open the Settings app.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Network & Internet.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Data Saver.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Ensure that the master control by Use Data Saver is in the On position.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Use the Back gesture or tap the Back navigation icon to return to the Network & Internet screen.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Mobile Network.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Data Warning & Limit. </strong>The Data Warning & Limit screen appears.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap Set Data Warning.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Data Warning and use the slider to set the data warning limit. </strong>Say your plan allows for 3.0GB (gigabytes) of mobile data per billing cycle. Set the warning at 2.5GB. Tap the Set button.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Ensure that the master control by Set Data Limit is in the On position.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap Data Limit and set a limit. </strong>This value should be just below your allowed usage — say, 2.8GB for a plan that allows 3.0GB per month.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nOn a Samsung device, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Open the Settings app.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Connections.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Data Usage.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Activate the setting Alert Me About Data Usage.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose the item Mobile Data Usage.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap the Settings icon.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Continue with Step 8 in the preceding set of steps.</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">It’s important to remember that your device and the cellular provider monitor data usage differently. For example, your monthly quota may be 5GB, but if you set the limit (when the device stops using the mobile-data network, in Step 5) to 5GB, you may still be surcharged. That’s why I recommend (in Step 5) to set a limit below your maximum allowed monthly usage.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709016\"></a>Watch your Android dream</h2>\r\nAfter the touchscreen time-out kicks in, the apps keep running and activity goes on, but does the device dream?\r\n\r\nWell, of course it does! You can even see the dreams, if you activate the Daydream feature — and if you keep a power source connected. Heed these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Start the Settings app.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Display.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Screen Saver. </strong>You may need to tap the Advanced item to find Screen Saver.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Tap the Current Screen Saver item to choose a screen saver. </strong>On Samsung devices, the list of screen savers is shown instantly.\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-273389\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-settings-icon.jpg\" alt=\"Settings icon\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" />\r\nSome daydream options feature the Settings icon, which customizes the daydream’s appearance.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose When to Start. </strong>If this item is unavailable, the screen saver is activated only when the device is charging.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Select an option, such as While Charging or While Docked. </strong>Choosing the Never option disables the screen saver.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nThe daydreaming begins when the screen would normally time-out and lock. For some Androids, the device must be receiving power for the screen saver to activate: when charging, when docked, or both.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709017\"></a>Bring <a name=\"_Toc44709018\"></a>back the navigation buttons!</h2>\r\nUsing gestures for the Home, Back, Recent, and other activities can be useful, but as an old-timer, I like having navigation buttons. To me, they bring a consistency to the interface and are welcome, like familiar friends.\r\n\r\nTo restore the navigation buttons, heed these directions:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Open the Settings app.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose System.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Gestures.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose System Navigation.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Select 3-Button Navigation.</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nThe three familiar navigation icons appear at the bottom of the screen. Use them to navigate your Android when the gestures are disabled.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab7\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709019\"></a>Add spice to dictation</h2>\r\nIf you’ve used dictation, you might notice that it occasionally censors some of the words you utter. Perhaps you’re the kind of person who doesn’t put up with that kind of s***.\r\n\r\nRelax. You can follow these steps to lift the vocal censorship ban:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Start the Settings app.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose System and then choose Languages & Input. </strong>On Samsung devices, choose General Management and then choose Language & Input.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Virtual Keyboard and then choose Google Voice Typing. </strong>On Samsung devices, choose On-Screen Keyboard and then choose Google Voice Typing.</li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Disable the option Hide Offensive Words.</strong></li>\r\n</ol>\r\nAnd just what are offensive words? I would think that <em>censorship</em> is an offensive word. But no — apparently, only a few choice words fall into this category. I won’t print them here.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab8\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709020\"></a>Visit the dictionary</h2>\r\nBetcha didn’t know that your Android sports a dictionary. The dictionary keeps track of words you type that may not be recognized as being spelled properly.\r\n\r\nUnrecognized words are highlighted on the screen. Sometimes the word is shown in a different color or on a different background, and sometimes it’s underlined in red. To add that word to the internal dictionary, tap it and choose Add to Dictionary.\r\n\r\nTo review or edit the dictionary, follow these steps:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Start the Settings app.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose System and then Languages & Input.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Virtual Keyboard.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Gboard.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Dictionary.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Personal Dictionary.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose English. </strong>Behold your added words, if any.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nWith the dictionary visible, you can review words, edit them, remove them, or manually add new ones. Tap a word to edit or delete.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-273388\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-add-icon.jpg\" alt=\"Add icon\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" />\r\n\r\nTo add a new word to the list, tap the Add icon.\r\n\r\nSamsung devices (which use the Samsung Keyboard instead of the Gboard) lack an editable dictionary. This situation may change in the future.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab9\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709021\"></a>Add useful widgets</h2>\r\nYour Android features a wide assortment of widgets with which to festoon the Home screen. They can be exceedingly handy, though you may not realize it because the sample widgets that are preset on the Home screen are weak and unimpressive.\r\n\r\nGood widgets to add include navigation, contact info, eBook, and web page favorites. Adding any of these widgets starts out the same. Here are the brief directions:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong> Long-press a Home screen page that has room for a widget.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Choose Widgets.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Drag a widget to the Home screen.</strong></li>\r\n \t<li><strong> Complete the process. </strong>The process is specific for each type of widget suggestion.</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc44709022\"></a>Direct Dial widget</h3>\r\nUse the Contacts/Direct Dial widget on an Android phone to access those numbers you dial all the time. After adding the widget, choose a contact from the address book. Tap this widget to dial the contact’s default number instantly.\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc44709023\"></a>Directions widget</h3>\r\nThe Maps/Directions widget allows you to quickly summon directions to a specific location from wherever you happen to be. After you add the widget to the Home screen, select a traveling method and destination. You can type a contact name, an address, a business name, and so on. Add a shortcut name, which is a brief description to fit under the widget on the Home screen. Tap the SAVE button.\r\n\r\nTap the Directions widget to use it. Instantly, the Maps app starts and enters Navigation mode, steering you from wherever you are to the location referenced by the widget.\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc44709024\"></a>eBook widget</h3>\r\nWhen you’re mired in the middle of that latest potboiler, put a Google Play Books/Book widget on the Home screen: Choose the Book widget and then select which eBooks in your digital library you want to access. Tap the widget to open the Play Books app and jump right into the book at the spot where you were last reading.\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc44709025\"></a>Web bookmark widget</h3>\r\nIf you collect bookmarks in the Chrome app, add their list to the Home screen. Choose the Chrome Bookmarks widget. For a specific web page, however, open the Chrome app and visit the page. Tap the Action Overflow and choose Add to Home Screen, edit the web page name (if necessary), and then tap the Add button. A widget is created to access that specific page.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab10\" ><a name=\"_Toc44709026\"></a>How to take a screen shot on Android</h2>\r\nA <em>screen shot,</em> also called a <em>screen cap</em> (for <em>cap</em>ture), is a picture of your Android’s touchscreen. If you see something interesting on the screen or you just want to take a quick pic of your digital life, you take a screen shot.\r\n\r\nThe stock Android method of shooting the screen is to press and hold both the Volume Down and Power/Lock keys at the same time. Upon success, the touchscreen image reduces in size, you may hear a shutter sound, and the screen shot is saved.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Screen shots are accessed through the Photos app or from a screen shot notification. In the Photos app, the images appear along with any photos you’ve snapped from the camera.</li>\r\n \t<li>Some Samsung galactic gizmos use a Motion command to capture the screen: Hold your hand perpendicular to the touchscreen, like you’re giving it a karate chop. Swipe the edge of your palm over the screen, right-to-left or left-to-right. Upon success, you hear a shutter sound.</li>\r\n \t<li>Internally, screen shots are stored in the Pictures/Screenshots folder. They’re created in either the PNG or JPEG graphics file format.</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33545,"title":"Androids","slug":"androids","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33545"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Switch apps quickly","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Deploy the Flashlight","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Improve the display","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Avoid data surcharges","target":"#tab4"},{"label":"Watch your Android dream","target":"#tab5"},{"label":"Bring back the navigation buttons!","target":"#tab6"},{"label":"Add spice to dictation","target":"#tab7"},{"label":"Visit the dictionary","target":"#tab8"},{"label":"Add useful widgets","target":"#tab9"},{"label":"How to take a screen shot on Android","target":"#tab10"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":273407,"title":"Travelling with Androids","slug":"travelling-with-androids","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273407"}},{"articleId":273396,"title":"Help and Troubleshooting for Android","slug":"help-and-troubleshooting-for-android","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273396"}},{"articleId":273383,"title":"10 Things That Need Set Up on a New Android Phone","slug":"10-things-that-need-set-up-on-a-new-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273383"}},{"articleId":272975,"title":"Android For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"android-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/272975"}},{"articleId":152248,"title":"How to Make a Conference Call on an Android Phone","slug":"how-to-make-a-conference-call-on-an-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/152248"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":273407,"title":"Travelling with Androids","slug":"travelling-with-androids","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273407"}},{"articleId":273396,"title":"Help and Troubleshooting for Android","slug":"help-and-troubleshooting-for-android","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273396"}},{"articleId":273383,"title":"10 Things That Need Set Up on a New Android Phone","slug":"10-things-that-need-set-up-on-a-new-android-phone","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/273383"}},{"articleId":272975,"title":"Android For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"android-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/272975"}},{"articleId":251466,"title":"How to Adjust the Audio on Your Android Device","slug":"adjust-audio-android-device","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/251466"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281628,"slug":"android-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9781119711353","categoryList":["technology","electronics","cell-phones","androids"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119711355/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119711355/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119711355-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119711355/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119711355/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/android-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9781119711353-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Android For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"9003\">Dan Gookin</b></b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. 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Androids Articles

They always said androids would take over the world, but this is nuts. Android is now the most popular mobile OS on the planet. Learn what makes it tick with our helpful articles.

Articles From Androids

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Androids Android Smartphones For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 11-17-2022

One of the best things about your Android smartphone is that it is, well, yours. Android gives you a number of ways to customize not only the look and feel of your phone, but also the way it works for you. From adding widgets to your home screen, disabling notifications from apps of your choosing, and setting tap and zoom accessibility settings, you can add a little personality to your Android smartphone and turn it into a unique device for a truly unique user experience.

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Androids How to Handle Roaming on an Android Phone

Article / Updated 01-14-2022

The word roam takes on an entirely new meaning when applied to an Android phone. It means that your phone receives a cell signal whenever you’re outside your cell phone carrier’s operating area. In that case, your phone is roaming. Roaming sounds handy, but there’s a catch: It almost always involves a surcharge for using another cellular service — an unpleasant surcharge. Relax: Your Android phone alerts you whenever it’s roaming. A Roaming icon appears at the top of the screen, in the status area, whenever you’re outside your cellular provider’s signal area. The icon differs from phone to phone, but generally the letter R figures in it somewhere, similar to what’s shown in the image. How to turn off data roaming on your phone There’s little you can do to avoid incurring roaming surcharges when making or receiving phone calls. Well, yes, you could wait until you’re back in an area serviced by your primary cellular provider. You can, however, altogether avoid using the other network’s data services while roaming. Follow these steps: Open the Settings app. In the Wireless & Networks section, touch the More item. Choose Mobile Networks. On some Android phones, you may have to choose Battery & Data Manager and then Data Delivery. Remove the check mark by the Data Roaming option. On some phones the option is titled Global Data Roaming Access. Choose it and then choose the Deny Data Roaming Access option. Your phone can still access the Internet over the Wi-Fi connection when it roams. Setting up a Wi-Fi connection doesn’t make you incur extra charges, unless you have to pay to get on the wireless network. How to avoid texting surcharges Another network service you might want to disable while roaming has to do with multimedia, or MMS, text messages. To avoid surcharges from another cellular network for downloading an MMS message, follow these steps: Open the phone’s text messaging app. Ensure that you’re viewing the apps’ main screen, the one that lists all the conversations. Touch the Back icon or the app icon in the upper-left corner of the screen until the app’s main screen is displayed. Touch the Action Overflow icon or Menu icon. Choose the Settings or the Messaging Settings command. Remove the check mark by the Auto-Retrieve or Roaming Auto-Retrieve command. Or if the item isn’t selected, you’re good to go — literally. The lock screen may also announce that the phone is roaming. You might see the name of the other cellular network displayed. The text Emergency Calls Only might also appear.

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Androids How to Tether an Internet Connection with an Android Phone

Article / Updated 10-15-2021

One way to share the Android phone’s digital cellular connection is to connect the phone directly to a computer and activate the tethering feature. Not every Android phone has this capability. Tethering is a solid way to provide Internet access to another gizmo, such as a laptop or a desktop computer. Follow these steps to set up Internet tethering: Connect the phone to a computer or laptop by using the USB cable. The best success with this operation is when the computer is a PC running Windows. Open the Settings app. Choose More, and then choose Tethering & Mobile Hotspot. Place a check mark by the USB Tethering item. Internet tethering is activated. The other device should instantly recognize the phone as a “modem” with Internet access. Further configuration may be required, which depends on the computer using the tethered connection. For example, you may have to accept the installation of new software when prompted by Windows. When tethering is active, a Tethering or Hotspot Active notification icon appears. Choose that notification to further configure tethering. Unlike creating a Wi-Fi hotspot, you don’t need to disable the Wi-Fi radio to activate USB tethering. Sharing the digital network connection incurs data usage charges against your cellular data plan. Be careful with your data usage when you’re sharing a connection.

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Androids Adroid Phones: The Apps Drawer and Adding Apps to the Home Screen

Article / Updated 10-08-2021

You don't have to live with the unbearable proposition that you’re stuck with only the apps that come preset on your Android’s home screen. Nope — you’re free to add your own apps. Just follow these steps: Visit the home screen page on which you want to stick the app icon, or launcher. The screen must have room for the app icon. Touch the Apps icon to display the apps drawer. Long-press (press and hold) the app icon you want to add to the home screen. Drag the app to the home screen page, lifting your finger to place the app. A copy of the app’s icon is now placed on the Home screen. The app hasn’t moved: What you see is a copy or, officially, a launcher. You can still find the app in the apps drawer (see below for more on this), but now the app is also available — more conveniently — on the home screen. Not every app needs a launcher icon on the home screen. I recommend placing only those apps you use most frequently. The best icons to place on the home screen are those that show updates, such as new messages, similar to the icon shown. These icons are also ideal to place in the favorites tray. You can add apps to the home screen also by choosing the Apps command from the home screen menu. Often this command merely skips over Steps 1 and 2 in this section; you still have to long-press the icon and drag it to a Home screen page. Finding apps in the apps drawer The place where you find all apps installed on your Android phone is the Apps drawer. Even though you can find launcher icons (app shortcuts) on the home screen, the Apps drawer is where you need to go to find everything. To view the Apps drawer, tap the Apps icon on the home screen. This icon has a different look to it, depending on your Android phone. Here are some variations on the Apps icon, though more varieties may exist. Apps icon varieties After you tap the Apps icon, you see the Apps drawer. Swipe through the pages left and right or up and down across the touchscreen. To run an app, tap its icon. The app starts, taking over the screen and doing whatever magical thing the app does. As you add new apps to your phone, they appear in the Apps drawer. Some phones allow you to create folders in the Apps drawer. These folders contain multiple apps, which helps keep things organized. To access apps in the folder, tap the Folder icon. The Apps drawer displays apps alphabetically. On some phones, you can switch to a non-alphabetical viewing grid. With that feature active, it’s possible to rearrange the apps in any order you like. For apps that you use all the time, consider creating launcher icons on the Home screen.

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Androids How to Change the Wallpaper of an Android Phone

Article / Updated 10-06-2021

Wallpaper is one of the standard items controlled by your Android’s home screen menu. The home screen background can be decorated with two types of wallpaper: Traditional: The wallpaper is chosen from a selection of still images. These images can be preloaded as wallpapers on the phone, or you can pluck an image from the phone’s gallery, such as a photo you’ve taken. Live: The wallpaper image is animated, either displaying a changing images or reacting to your touch. For your home screen To set new wallpaper for the home screen, obey these steps: Long-press the home screen. Choose the Set Wallpaper or Wallpapers command or icon. Choose the wallpaper type. For example, choose Gallery to use a photo you’ve taken or Wallpapers to select a preset wallpaper design. You may see a scrolling list of wallpaper options. The Pick Image option lets you use the Gallery or Photo app to choose an image. Live wallpapers may be shown in the list by name. If prompted, choose the wallpaper you want from the list. For selecting an image from the phone, you see a preview of the wallpaper. A cropping tool may appear, and you can select and crop part of the image. For certain live wallpapers, a Settings icon appears. It lets you customize certain aspects of the interactive wallpaper. Touch the Save, Set Wallpaper, or Apply button to confirm your selection. The new wallpaper takes over the home screen. Live wallpaper is interactive, usually featuring some form of animation. Otherwise, the wallpaper image scrolls slightly as you swipe from one home screen page to another. Other options You may also be able to change the lock screen wallpaper on some phones. For example, after Step 2 (in the preceding list), you may be prompted to select wallpaper for the home screen, the lock screen, or both. The Settings apps may feature a Wallpaper command. Choose Display and then look for a Wallpaper command. Likewise, you might find a Lock Screen command on the Settings app’s main screen. Use it to set the lock screen’s wallpaper. The Zedge app has some interesting wallpaper features. Check it out on the Google Play store.

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Androids Android Phone USB and HDMI Connections

Article / Updated 09-13-2021

It's nice to be able to take advantage of the ability to connect your Android phone to other devices, like a computer or monitor. Here's how to handle those connections. Connecting to an HDMI TV set or monitor A popular feature on several Android phones is the capability to connect the phone to an high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) TV set or monitor. To make that connection, the phone must have an HDMI connector, and you need to buy an HDMI cable. After doing so, you can enjoy viewing your phone’s media on a larger-size screen. Nothing beats playing Angry Birds on an 80-inch plasma TV. After making the HDMI connection, you see a pop-up menu on the screen or you can choose the HDMI notification. Among the options you’ll find for using the larger screen are the following: Gallery: You can view pictures or a slideshow, according to the directions on the screen. Music: Choose a playlist, an album, or an artist, and enjoy watching the Music app on the big screen. (The sound should play from the TV’s speakers.) Mirror on Display: The screen output on your Android phone is duplicated on the HDMI TV or monitor. This option is the one you choose when you want to watch a rented movie on the big screen. How to Configure Your Android’s USB Connection Upon the successful connection of your Android phone to a computer using a USB cable, you have the option of configuring the USB connection. A menu appears, either automatically or when you choose the USB connection notification. If not, you can manually configure the USB connection by following these steps: Open the Settings app. Choose Storage. Touch the Action Overflow icon and choose the USB Computer Connection command. Choose either Media Device (MTP) or Camera (PTP). Select Media Device (MTP) if it’s not already selected. MTP stands for Media Transfer Protocol. When that setting is chosen, the computer believes the phone to be a portable media player, which it is, kind of. This option is the most common option. PTP stands for Picture Transfer Protocol. In this setting, the computer is misled into thinking that the phone is a digital camera. Select this option only when the MTP option fails to make the connection. If you can’t get the USB connection to work, check to see whether the phone features a proprietary synchronization program, such as Samsung’s Kies utility. No matter which USB connection option you’ve chosen, the phone’s battery charges whenever it’s connected to a computer’s USB port — as long as the computer is turned on, of course.

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Androids How to Make a Conference Call on an Android Phone

Article / Updated 09-13-2021

Unlike someone interrupting a conversation by making an incoming call, a conference call is one you set out to make intentionally. You make one call and then add a second call to it, allowing three (or more) people to talk together at once. Touch an icon on the phone’s touchscreen and then everyone is talking. Here’s how it works: Phone the first person. After the call connects and you greet the first person, touch the + symbol labeled "Add Call." After touching that, the first person is put on hold. Call the second person. You can use the dial pad or choose the second person from the phone’s address book or the recent calls log. Say hello and let this person know that the call is about to be merged. Touch the Merge or Merge Calls icon. The two calls are now joined. The touchscreen says Conference Call, and the End Last Call icon appears. Everyone you’ve dialed can talk to and hear everyone else. Touch the End Call icon to end the conference call. All calls are disconnected. When several people are in a room and want to participate in a call, you can always put the phone in speaker mode. Touch the Speaker icon on the ongoing call screen. Your Android phone may feature the Manage icon while you’re in a conference call. Touch this icon to list the various calls, to mute one, or to select a call to disconnect.

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Androids How to Connect Your Android Device to a Wi-Fi Network or WPS Router

Article / Updated 09-09-2021

It's handy to know how to connect your Android phone to a Wi-Fi network and a WPS router. Here's how. Connecting to a Wi-Fi network After you activate the Wi-Fi function on your Android phone or tablet, it automatically connects to any known Wi-Fi network ― meaning one that you’ve accessed before and for which the password is still valid. If not, you can hunt down an available network. Follow these steps: Visit the Wi-Fi screen in the Settings app. Select a wireless network from the list. Available Wi-Fi networks appear on the screen, similar to what’s shown in the figure. When no wireless networks are listed, you're out of luck regarding wireless access from your current location. If prompted, type the network password. Tap the Show Password check box so that you can see what you’re typing; some of those network passwords can be long. Tap the CONNECT button. The network is connected immediately. If not, try the password again. If prompted to remember the network, do so. Some Androids may ask whether you want to automatically reconnect to the same Wi-Fi network in the future. Choose that option. While your Android is connected to a wireless network, the Wi-Fi Connected status icon, which looks like a tiny fan, appears at the top of the touchscreen (see the figure above). This icon indicates that the Wi-Fi function is on and the device is connected and communicating with a Wi-Fi network. Some public networks require that you sign in to their web pages after connecting. The sign-in page may appear automatically. If not, open the web browser app and visit any page to be redirected to the sign-in page. Heed the directions there to gain network access. A wireless network without a password is considered unsecure. The absence of security makes it easier for people to do bad things on the network. My advice is to use the connection but avoid sending sensitive information over a nonsecured public network. The Wi-Fi connection works best when you plan on being in a specific location for an extended time. That’s because the Wi-Fi signal goes only so far. If you wander too far away, the signal — and your connection — are lost. The Wi-Fi connection stays active until you wander out of range. To deliberately disconnect from a Wi-Fi network, turn off the device’s Wi-Fi function. Connecting to a WPS router Many Wi-Fi routers feature a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). It’s a network authorization system that’s simple and secure. If the wireless router features WPS, follow these steps to quickly connect your phone or tablet to the network: Visit the Wi-Fi screen in the Settings app. Tap the WPS connection button on the router. The button either is labeled WPS or uses the WPS icon, shown here. On your Android, choose Wi-Fi Preferences. This item is found at the bottom of the list of available networks on the Wi-Fi screen. If not, tap Action Overflow and choose Advanced. Choose WPS Push Button or WPS Pin Entry, depending on how the router does its WPS thing. If you don’t see these items, expand the Advanced category. For a WPS push-button router, push the WPS button on the router. For a WPS PIN router, look on the device’s touchscreen for a PIN. Type that number on the Wi-Fi router. Connection with the router may take a few moments, so be patient. The good news is that, as on all Wi-Fi networks, once the initial connection is established, the connection is made again automatically in the future.

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Androids Android For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-22-2021

An Android is a complex piece of electronics: delightful, inspirational, intimidating. Obviously, that qualifies an Android phone or tablet as the next great thing. It also means that if you want to get the most from the device, you need some gentle hand-holding and careful explanation. This Cheat Sheet provides that information, plus plenty of tips and tricks and other useful information that help make your Android mobile device experience a pleasant and productive one.

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Androids 10 Tips, Tricks, and Shortcuts for Your Android

Article / Updated 09-21-2020

Your Android may be capable of doing things you never imagined was possible. Check out these 10 tips, tricks, and shortcuts to help you get the most from your device. Switch apps quickly Android apps don’t quit. Sure, some of them have a Quit action or Sign Out option, but most apps loiter in the device’s guts while you do other things. The Android operating system may eventually kill off a stale app. Before that happens, you can deftly and quickly switch between all running apps. The key to making the switch is to use the Recent gesture or tap the Recent navigation icon, found at the bottom of the touchscreen. When you see the Overview, or list of open apps, swipe the screen up or down to peruse what’s available. To dismiss the list, use the Back or Home navigation gestures or navigation icons. To remove an app from the list of recent apps, swipe it from the list (up, down, left, or right). This technique is effectively the same thing as quitting an app. For devices with the Recent navigation icon, double-tap this icon to switch between the two most recently used apps. Deploy the Flashlight One of the first “killer apps” on mobile devices is the flashlight. It uses the camera’s LED flash to help you see in the dark. For a while, everyone had to get a flashlight app, but today the flashlight feature is frequently found on the quick settings drawer. Use two fingers to swipe down the screen and display the quick settings. If one of the icons looks like a flashlight, tap it to activate the flashlight feature. Tap again to turn off the flashlight. The flashlight feature might also appear as a lock screen app, or you might be able to place it on the lock screen as an option. Be aware that keeping the LED lamp on for extended durations drains the battery. Use the Flashlight quick setting instead of obtaining a flashlight app. Though it may no longer be the case, at one time flashlight apps spied on their users. The apps collected data and beamed it back to a remote server somewhere. Such malicious apps were purged from Google Play long ago. In any event, the availability of the quick settings feature has rendered such apps unnecessary. Improve the display Two things to consider helping your eyeballs when looking at your pet Android are to enable the dark theme and activate the night light feature. Dark theme inverses the color scheme of many apps, replacing the obnoxious, glaring, white background with a gentle, power-saving, dark background. The night light feature removes the blue end of the spectrum from the display, which provides for an easy transition to sleep during the night hours. Avoid data surcharges An important issue for anyone using an Android phone or LTE tablet is whether you’re about to burst through your monthly data quota. Mobile data surcharges can pinch the wallet, but your Android has a handy tool to help you avoid data overages. In the Settings app, you can use the data usage screens, illustrated here. To access the data usage screens, open the Settings app and choose Network & Internet. Tap the Mobile network item to view cellular data information, as shown on the far left. To view the Wi-Fi usage screen (shown on the far right), from the Network & Internet screen, choose Wi-Fi and then Wi-Fi Data Usage. On Samsung devices, in the Settings app, choose Connections and then choose Data Usage. The data usage screens show how much data your device has consumed for both mobile data and Wi-Fi connections. A list of data-consuming apps is also presented. Showing the details is interesting, but what’s useful is setting warnings and limits on mobile data. Follow these steps: Open the Settings app. Choose Network & Internet. Choose Data Saver. Ensure that the master control by Use Data Saver is in the On position. Use the Back gesture or tap the Back navigation icon to return to the Network & Internet screen. Choose Mobile Network. Choose Data Warning & Limit. The Data Warning & Limit screen appears. Tap Set Data Warning. Choose Data Warning and use the slider to set the data warning limit. Say your plan allows for 3.0GB (gigabytes) of mobile data per billing cycle. Set the warning at 2.5GB. Tap the Set button. Ensure that the master control by Set Data Limit is in the On position. Tap Data Limit and set a limit. This value should be just below your allowed usage — say, 2.8GB for a plan that allows 3.0GB per month. On a Samsung device, follow these steps: Open the Settings app. Choose Connections. Choose Data Usage. Activate the setting Alert Me About Data Usage. Choose the item Mobile Data Usage. Tap the Settings icon. Continue with Step 8 in the preceding set of steps. It’s important to remember that your device and the cellular provider monitor data usage differently. For example, your monthly quota may be 5GB, but if you set the limit (when the device stops using the mobile-data network, in Step 5) to 5GB, you may still be surcharged. That’s why I recommend (in Step 5) to set a limit below your maximum allowed monthly usage. Watch your Android dream After the touchscreen time-out kicks in, the apps keep running and activity goes on, but does the device dream? Well, of course it does! You can even see the dreams, if you activate the Daydream feature — and if you keep a power source connected. Heed these steps: Start the Settings app. Choose Display. Choose Screen Saver. You may need to tap the Advanced item to find Screen Saver. Tap the Current Screen Saver item to choose a screen saver. On Samsung devices, the list of screen savers is shown instantly. Some daydream options feature the Settings icon, which customizes the daydream’s appearance. Choose When to Start. If this item is unavailable, the screen saver is activated only when the device is charging. Select an option, such as While Charging or While Docked. Choosing the Never option disables the screen saver. The daydreaming begins when the screen would normally time-out and lock. For some Androids, the device must be receiving power for the screen saver to activate: when charging, when docked, or both. Bring back the navigation buttons! Using gestures for the Home, Back, Recent, and other activities can be useful, but as an old-timer, I like having navigation buttons. To me, they bring a consistency to the interface and are welcome, like familiar friends. To restore the navigation buttons, heed these directions: Open the Settings app. Choose System. Choose Gestures. Choose System Navigation. Select 3-Button Navigation. The three familiar navigation icons appear at the bottom of the screen. Use them to navigate your Android when the gestures are disabled. Add spice to dictation If you’ve used dictation, you might notice that it occasionally censors some of the words you utter. Perhaps you’re the kind of person who doesn’t put up with that kind of s***. Relax. You can follow these steps to lift the vocal censorship ban: Start the Settings app. Choose System and then choose Languages & Input. On Samsung devices, choose General Management and then choose Language & Input. Choose Virtual Keyboard and then choose Google Voice Typing. On Samsung devices, choose On-Screen Keyboard and then choose Google Voice Typing. Disable the option Hide Offensive Words. And just what are offensive words? I would think that censorship is an offensive word. But no — apparently, only a few choice words fall into this category. I won’t print them here. Visit the dictionary Betcha didn’t know that your Android sports a dictionary. The dictionary keeps track of words you type that may not be recognized as being spelled properly. Unrecognized words are highlighted on the screen. Sometimes the word is shown in a different color or on a different background, and sometimes it’s underlined in red. To add that word to the internal dictionary, tap it and choose Add to Dictionary. To review or edit the dictionary, follow these steps: Start the Settings app. Choose System and then Languages & Input. Choose Virtual Keyboard. Choose Gboard. Choose Dictionary. Choose Personal Dictionary. Choose English. Behold your added words, if any. With the dictionary visible, you can review words, edit them, remove them, or manually add new ones. Tap a word to edit or delete. To add a new word to the list, tap the Add icon. Samsung devices (which use the Samsung Keyboard instead of the Gboard) lack an editable dictionary. This situation may change in the future. Add useful widgets Your Android features a wide assortment of widgets with which to festoon the Home screen. They can be exceedingly handy, though you may not realize it because the sample widgets that are preset on the Home screen are weak and unimpressive. Good widgets to add include navigation, contact info, eBook, and web page favorites. Adding any of these widgets starts out the same. Here are the brief directions: Long-press a Home screen page that has room for a widget. Choose Widgets. Drag a widget to the Home screen. Complete the process. The process is specific for each type of widget suggestion. Direct Dial widget Use the Contacts/Direct Dial widget on an Android phone to access those numbers you dial all the time. After adding the widget, choose a contact from the address book. Tap this widget to dial the contact’s default number instantly. Directions widget The Maps/Directions widget allows you to quickly summon directions to a specific location from wherever you happen to be. After you add the widget to the Home screen, select a traveling method and destination. You can type a contact name, an address, a business name, and so on. Add a shortcut name, which is a brief description to fit under the widget on the Home screen. Tap the SAVE button. Tap the Directions widget to use it. Instantly, the Maps app starts and enters Navigation mode, steering you from wherever you are to the location referenced by the widget. eBook widget When you’re mired in the middle of that latest potboiler, put a Google Play Books/Book widget on the Home screen: Choose the Book widget and then select which eBooks in your digital library you want to access. Tap the widget to open the Play Books app and jump right into the book at the spot where you were last reading. Web bookmark widget If you collect bookmarks in the Chrome app, add their list to the Home screen. Choose the Chrome Bookmarks widget. For a specific web page, however, open the Chrome app and visit the page. Tap the Action Overflow and choose Add to Home Screen, edit the web page name (if necessary), and then tap the Add button. A widget is created to access that specific page. How to take a screen shot on Android A screen shot, also called a screen cap (for capture), is a picture of your Android’s touchscreen. If you see something interesting on the screen or you just want to take a quick pic of your digital life, you take a screen shot. The stock Android method of shooting the screen is to press and hold both the Volume Down and Power/Lock keys at the same time. Upon success, the touchscreen image reduces in size, you may hear a shutter sound, and the screen shot is saved. Screen shots are accessed through the Photos app or from a screen shot notification. In the Photos app, the images appear along with any photos you’ve snapped from the camera. Some Samsung galactic gizmos use a Motion command to capture the screen: Hold your hand perpendicular to the touchscreen, like you’re giving it a karate chop. Swipe the edge of your palm over the screen, right-to-left or left-to-right. Upon success, you hear a shutter sound. Internally, screen shots are stored in the Pictures/Screenshots folder. They’re created in either the PNG or JPEG graphics file format.

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