Smartphone and tablet usage basics

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Other Resources: Collection of Popular Abbreviations used in texting and tweeting | Computer Usage Tips |Factors to consider when Purchasing a New Device | "Old" Device to New Device Migration Guide | Phone Contacts Export-Import Guide

    Device Basics - Familiarizing Yourself with your Device

    - Switching Phone or Tablet On & Off long pressing the Power Button (left, right or top side of the device)
    - Switching Phone or Tablet Off using the Menu Options (via installed 3rd party app)

    - Location of Microphone (bottom/"chin" side) and Headphone Ports (top or bottom of device)

    - Location of Home, Bixby (Samsung Galaxy devices), Fingerprint Scanner* & Vol Up/Down Buttons
    (*Back of Device or in some Google Pixel models doubles as the Power button)

    - Location of SIM Card Slots/Tray (hidden by back cover or inserted at the sides of the device)
    - Removing the Back cover* to access Battery, Memory Card and SIM Card slots
    *device has a removeable back cover

    - Hidden screens and app drawers (pull down from top, swipe up or swipe left/right)

    - Determining Free Space:
    => Use the "Settings" shortcut: pull down from top and tap on the cog wheel that is on the top right.
    => Navigate to "Battery and device care" section

    - Changing the language, currency, date and time
    Go to "Settings" => "General management"

    - Folder Access and Structure:
    Storage location of Downloads, Pics, WhatsApp Media, etc.. using the My Files app or any alternate Files Manager App

    - Taking a Screenshot (Simultaneously hold the power and volume down buttons until you hear a click)


    Data and Device Security

    Securing physical access to your device:
    - PIN, Password or Pattern:
    => Go to "Settings" => "Lockscreen" => tap on "Screen lock type"
    => Sometimnes managed by or tied to your cloud Account

    - Face ID
    - Fingerprint
    Go to "Settings" => "Biometics and security"

    Securing your data:
    - Enable Google FRP (Factory Reset Protection - preventing Android from being reinstalled if device was lost or stolen)
    - Enable Two Factor Authentication (onscreen login + code sent to alternate email address or phone)
    - Adding an alternative contact number and email address to enable faster account Recovery
    - Adding accounts to back up your contacts, photos, WhatsApp chats, etc..


    Personalizing your device

    - Selecting and relocating app shortcuts to homescreens (long press and drag method)

    - Adding and Deleting App shortcuts (dragging from the Apps drawer or to the trash after long pressing shortcut icon)

    - Uninstalling apps by long pressing their homescreen shortcuts (drag to trash or tap text to delete/uninstall)

    - Reducing the number of homescreens (long press or pinch then delete)


    - Waking the device (hand gestures, picking up device, tapping screen, etc..)
    Go to Settings => Advanced Features => Motions & Gestures*
    *Do note that this depends on the Device's hardware sensors and Android version

    - Selecting notification sounds and setting ringtones w/ volume
    - Adjusting Brightness and other screen settings (timeout and wake up methods by tapping etc..)

    - Font (Size & Type) Selection
    Go to "Settings" => "Display" => "Font size and style"

    - Choosing and setting a theme (device may provide local options or prompt a download )
    - Theme: Choosing images and setting as wallpaper backgrounds (for Home and Lockscreens)

    - Selecting and setting a keyboard
    Go to "Settings" => "General Management"=> "Keyboard list and default"

    - Enabling Spellcheck
    For Android Devices, Go to General Management => Default Installed Keyboard (Samsung)=> Tap on "Auto spell check"

    Battery Life Management Tips

    Choose DARK static wallpaper images for Home and Lockscreens

    If not needed, disable or turn off Bixby, Google Assistant and GPS/Location services

    Be sure your chosen WiFi network is selected and BlueTooth is OFF otherwise your device will drain your battery constantly scanning for wireless networks and other devices with which to pair. If none are available/preferable, best to temporarily switch it off until you are ready to connect to those that are known .

    Limit the number of Apps you install as each app will try to connect to its own server cloud for updates, new messages and notifications, etc.. If apps are unused for a period of time, uninstall them.

    New device or new battery? Remember to "teach/train" the battery its full capacity: Switched off, charge it till full, switch on and then let it drain completely with normal use. Leave it off and charge it back up till full, switch it back on and use it normally till fully discharged. Repeat this cycle several more times.

    Lower your screen's brightness and shorten the timeout settings

    Enable Power Saving Mode to slow battery drain under load (Device will turn off non critical components/functions)

    Clear your notifications often.


    Device Maintenance Tips

    Reboot your device at least once per week to clear its working memory of miscellaneous processes and forgotten apps and opened files running in the background.

    Manage your free space for continued performance by:
    - identifying and locating files safe for deleltion
    - Uninstalling Unused or Useless Apps

    Clean the device surface touchscreen with a light soap solution and a non-abrasive lint-free cloth
    Clean/clear the charging port (use a soft toothbrush, tweezers and compressed air)


    DO's and DON'Ts

    Do protect your device with a scratch resistant screen protector and a drop resistant ("rugged") case if the ones that your device came with is not adequate.

    Do switch your device off to charge it quickly if you don't have a fast charger. Modern devices will indicate inscreen when the charge rate is subpar (often older car & wall chargers) resulting in the device taking a much longer time to be fully charged.

    Do apply critical and important OS (Operating System) updates as these may patch security vulnerabilities exploited by hackers and sometimes may give your device a noticeable performance improvement.

    Do Keep an eye on your free space. The less space there is for the operating system to swap files, the more chance you will eventually encounter errors which requires more processing power, thus generating more heat while draining the battery resulting in much hotter and slower device.

    Do unplug devices when they fully charged. Older chargers and devices may not have protection circuits so run the risk of overcharging which may result in shorter battery, charger and device life.

    Do use the correct charger: make sure the Wattage matches the device to avoid damaging the charger and the charging port of your device. Modern devices will display an error or warning onscreen if the output power s inadequate..

    Do replace batteries when they are swollen (the back cover is separating and/or you can easily spin it on a flat surface). Continuing to charge and use it like that runs the risk of explosion resulting in the loss of the device and/or personal injury.

    Don't use your device when it is being charged. The device will take longer to charge and if there are defective components like a swollen battery, you are risking personal injury if it explodes.

    Don't forget to enable the device's hardware and software security features (Biometrics, Password/PIN, Find Device, Factory Reset Protection(s), Remote lock and erase, Etc..)

    Don't overcharge your device, unplug when full especially if you suspect the battery has to be replaced. This pertains to older chargers and devices as modern ones may have sensors to prevent this.

    Don't use damaged or defective cables or chargers. Replace them ASAP to decrease the risk of sudden device failures, explosions/fire and increase the safety and useful life of your device(s). Besign a broken exterior, a tell tale sign of damaged/defective cables is that they will get warm and/or the device charges slowly or not at all.