A How-to Guide for Using Basic Android Features

For those of us who didn’t grow up with cell phones, it can be harder to know how to use all of their features, and getting used to a new Android cell phone can be tough. Even if you’ve had yours for a few months, chances are there are a few features you have missed — and definitely need to know about.

In honor of Senior Citizen’s Day, which was August 21st, here’s a slew of fantastic Android features to take advantage of right now. Learn how to use them to make the most of your Android cell phone, and surprise the grandkids with your tech savvy.

Switching Screens

To get from one screen to another, turn to those buttons at the bottom of your phone’s screen. The home button returns you to your home screen. The back button will send you back to the app you were last using or to the screen you were at. Finally, the rectangular button is for multitasking. You can see what apps and screens you currently have open — and then click the “x” button on them or swipe them away. For some Android phones, the multitasking button is gone, but the function remains — just double-tap or long-press the home button.

Home Screen Notifications

Pull down at the very top of your screen to access your notifications. At a glance, you can view your newest email, see who has texted you — and respond instantly from within the same screen — and find out any other important information, like if your apps have been updated, and if your system has a update.

Search Functions

If you want to start a search, click the Google search box at the top of your home screen. From there, you can tap the microphone symbol to issue a voice command, you can use your keyboard to type in what you need to know, or you can say “Ok Google” along with the terms you want to hunt for.

Now that you know more about your Android phone, it’s time to keep it protected from vicious viruses and sneaky malware. Install PSafe TOTAL for antivirus protection and surf the web without worrying about your phone’s security.