The transition from an iPhone to an Android handset might be unsettling. You may not receive the authentic Android experience that Google intended and will not see the same unification of messages across devices. 

On the other hand, you will likely not find the same in-app restrictions, giving you greater purchasing freedom than on an iPhone. So there’s much to figure out if you’re getting on the Android bandwagon for the first time. 

We have compiled full instructions on using the platform and its different features. If you wish to understand the Android ecosystem better, consider our list of the top smartphones and wearables.

Android smartphones are intuitive and straightforward to operate. Select a language to connect to a mobile network and hit “Start” to begin. You can use the cursor to indicate the location of the text, the Backspace key to erase the preceding character, and the Shift key to capitalize letters.

ANDROID 101: HOME SCREEN, NOTIFICATIONS, SEARCH BAR, APP DRAWER, AND DOCK

The Home Screen is the screen that appears when you are not within an app. There is a lot of intriguing content on this screen, and you can do a lot with it to make your Samsung Galaxy, Google Nexus, or other Android smartphone more productive.

THE NOTIFICATION FACILITY

The top of the Home Screen provides a wealth of information about your smartphone or tablet. The right side displays information such as your carrier’s or Wi-Fi connection’s strength, battery life, and time. This bar’s left side displays the types of notifications you have.

If you see the Gmail icon, you have new email messages. A battery icon may denote a low battery level. Holding your finger on this bar will provide a brief preview of your alerts, and swiping down will reveal the complete notifications.

THE SEARCH BAR

On the majority of Android smartphones and tablets, the Google Search bar is located above or below the time widget. Moreover, the Search bar allows direct access to Google voice search. Tap the microphone on the left side of the Search bar to utilize voice search.

APPLICATIONS AND WIDGETS

The screen’s primary part displays icons for programs and widgets. Widgets are little applications that run on the Home screen. For example, the Clock is an illustration of a widget.

When you travel from page to page by swiping from right to left, the Search bar and icons at the bottom of the screen appear on each page.

THE PIER

The App Dock is located at the bottom of the screen and can hold up to seven apps, depending on the device. The App Dock is an excellent shortcut to your most often-used applications. The App Dock is always present, regardless of whatever page of the home screen is displayed.

APP DRAWER

The App Drawer lists alphabetically every app installed and enabled on your smartphone or tablet. If you cannot find an application, open the App Drawer. A white circle with a row of black dots inside typically represents the App Drawer.

ANDROID BUTTONS

Some gadgets include virtual buttons at the bottom of the display, while others have physical buttons. These are the most common Android smartphone and tablet buttons:

• The left-pointing arrow or triangle is the Back button. This operates similarly to the browser’s Back button. Tap the Back button to return to a previous screen within an application.
• Either the Home button is a circle or significantly more significant than the other buttons. It conceals the application from view and displays the Home screen.
• Typically, the Task button is represented by a box or multiple boxes piled on top. This button displays recently used applications. Tap an application to move between applications, or hit the X icon to close an application.

There are three physical buttons on the device’s side. The button at the top is the Suspend button, used to turn the device off, put it to sleep, or reboot it. Hold the Suspend button to restart an electronic device for a few seconds, then select Power off. The remaining two buttons control the volume.

PERSONALIZE ANDROID’S HOME SCREEN

If you want to modify the Home screen to get more out of it, you may do numerous things by pushing and dragging your finger across the display. For example, move programs, create folders, and add widgets like a monthly calendar to the Home screen.

HOW TO RELOCATE AN APP

Put an app anywhere on display between the search bar and the dock as long as space is available. Moreover, if you relocate it to the exact location as an application or widget, it will move out of the way. All of this is performed using a drag-and-drop action.

To relocate an icon:

• Hold your finger on the icon of the app.
• When the icon grows somewhat, move your finger across the display.
• Remove your finger from the screen when the application has reached the desired area.
• To transfer the icon to a different page, drag the app icon to the edge of the display and wait for Android to advance to the next page.
• After the icon is at the desired spot, lift your finger to place the app.

HOW CAN I MAKE A FOLDER?

Create a folder similar to how you would relocate an app. However, rather than relocating it, place it directly on top of another program.

• Drag an application on top of another application. A circle with a notification that a folder is being created shows.
• Tap the new Folder to view the applications it includes.
• Tap Unnamed Folder, then input a name for the Folder.
• To add new apps to the Folder, drag & drop the app icon onto the Folder.

HOW DO I DELETE AN APPLICATION ICON?

When you delete an app icon from an Android smartphone, only the icon is removed, not the program or its data.

• Tap and hold the icon of the program you wish to delete.
• The icon must be dragged to the top of the display and dropped on the X Delete.
• The app icon is removed from the device but remains installed.

HOW CAN I DELETE THE APP ITSELF?

Occasionally, more than deleting the icon is required. For example, uninstall the application entirely to free up space on your smartphone. This task is straightforward, albeit more complex than dragging an icon across the screen.

• Launch the App Settings. If it is not on the Home Screen, open the App Drawer.
• Depending on the Android version, choose either Apps or Apps & notifications.
• Tap the program you wish to delete from the list of apps on the smartphone or tablet.
• Choose Uninstall, then confirm your selection.
• Some of the preinstalled applications cannot be removed. Instead, hit Disable to prevent the program from running in the background.

If your Android device runs out of storage space, remove the app to speed it up.

HOW CAN I INSERT WIDGETS ON THE HOME SCREEN?

Widgets are Android’s finest feature. Use widgets to customize your Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or Motorola Z device to your specifications.

Widgets are small applications intended to operate on a section of the Home Screen instead of in full-screen mode. For example, famous on most Android smartphones, the clock widget displays the time in a larger typeface than the Clock in the screen’s upper-right corner.

You may also place your calendar as a widget on the screen for quick access to meetings, appointments, events, and daily reminders. To include a widget on the Home screen:

• Tap an empty area of the Home screen with your finger.
• To view a list of available widgets, tap Widgets.
• Place your finger on a device. The widget menu is removed, and the Home screen is displayed.
• Move the widget to any vacant location.
• Place the widget on top of another program or widget. The app or widget shifts to accommodate the new widget.
• To move the widget to a different page on the Home Screen, drag it to the screen’s edge.
• Once the widget is at the desired area, remove your finger from the screen.

WHEN IS NO WIDGET OPTION AVAILABLE?

Not all devices are identical. The Nvidia Shield tablet, for instance, includes the widget mentioned above. The Google Nexus tablet employs an alternate strategy common among Android devices.

Follow these instructions if you do not see an option for widgets while you hold your finger on the screen:

• Activate the App Drawer. The App Drawer icon is a circle with a series of black dots aligned within.
• Choose the Widgets tab from the App Drawer.
• Touch and hold a widget to pick it.
• When the Home Screen displays, drag the widget to the desired area, then lift your finger from the screen to release it.

HOW TO USE VOICE COMMANDS ON ANDROID?

Google Assistant and Samsung Bixby are your best options if you want Siri-like functionality on a Samsung Galaxy, HTC, or Android tablet. The Google Play store also contains several personal assistant applications.

GOOGLE ASSISTANT

Google Assistant is the primary interface for the Google Home series of smart speakers and gadgets, and an Android or iOS app is also available. Once installed, use “Hey Google” or “OK Google” to issue voice commands to Google Assistant.

After launching Assistant, you can say, “Set a meeting for 8 a.m. tomorrow” The Assistant will request a meeting name and additional information. The Assistant will offer your options when you say, “Find me a nearby pizza restaurant.” Set alarms, compute tips, pose topics of general interest, and more.

Google Assistant can do complex activities, such as booking dinner reservations, using a technology powered by the artificial intelligence called Google Duplex. Duplex also facilitates simple online meal ordering by automatically filling up your personal and payment information throughout the checkout process. (You must find a participating partner restaurant to utilize this service.)

BIXBY

Google Assistant’s capabilities are comparable to those of Bixby. Google Assistant is interwoven into the Google ecosystem through its Google Home products, whereas Bixby is a convenient personal helper when you’re on the go.

Discover the complete capabilities of Bixby on the Samsung Galaxy S10, S9, and Galaxy Note 9. Some Samsung Galaxy devices offer Bixby capability with fewer features.

CONCLUSION

Android is more configurable and versatile than iOS, making it almost enticing if you’re willing to forego Apple’s ecosystem. It may be challenging for someone with many Mac products at home to convert, but it is possible with patience and persistence.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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