This document provides an overview of common features for Android devices, including navigation, home screens, apps, settings, and more. It discusses the different versions of Android named after desserts. It also explains basic functions like unlocking the screen, accessing apps and settings, customizing the home screen, using notifications and widgets, connecting to WiFi, and getting additional apps from the Google Play Store. The document is intended as an introductory class on using Android devices.

1. Android
Basics
What you need to know
about Android Devices

2. More than one Android
Each new version of Android is named after a
dessert. Most phones on the market have
Gingerbread, Jelly Bean, or KitKat.

3. Each Version Has “Flavors”
Android can be modified by manufacturers.
Each can add a different look, or “flavor”, to
Android.

4. Today’s Class: Common Among Androids
Basic Navigation
Menus, Options, and Settings
Common Icons and Symbols
Connecting to Wi-Fi/Internet
Installing and Managing Apps
Importing Contacts

5. Setup – If it’s a brand new phone…

6. Setup

7. Setup

8. Setup

9. The Lock Screen
A lock screen usually appears when you start your
device. This screen is meant to stop accidental
dialing and button pressing.
You may set a password for added security.

10. The Home Screen
The Home screen is where you
can find Apps you’ve installed,
access the settings, use the
camera, and other features.
There are some common icons
to look out for…

11. Home Screen & Buttons (Android 2.3)

12. Home Screen & Buttons (Android 4)

13. Home Screen and Buttons (Android 6)
Notification & Status Bar
Search Bar
Apps
Apps Dock
On Screen Buttons

14. Android Tablet Home Screens

15. Common Symbols
These are the most common navigation buttons on
Android devices. They vary in appearance by version
and flavor of Android.
The “SETTINGS” Button
Return Home Multitasking
View (Apps)

16. Multitasking You can see which Apps
are running, or were just
on, by checking the
“Multitasking” Display
Press the Multitasking
Button in Droid 4+
On older Droids (before 4.0) HOLD the
HOME button for a few seconds.

17. The Notification & Status Bar
Common
Status Icons

18. Common Notification Icons

19. Customizing the
Home Screen

20. Change Wallpaper
1. Press and Hold on the
background (empty space)
2. Choose from where the picture
for the wallpaper, or background,
will be chosen.
The default backgrounds are
found in “Wallpapers”.
3. Choose a wallpaper you like.

21. Move Apps Around
1. Press and Hold on
an App.
2. Move the App to a
new location.
You may feel it vibrate.
You can even move it to
another home screen.
In Android 4+ you can move Apps into FOLDERS
by placing an App ON TOP of another App.

22. Widgets
 Tiny programs that live on your home screen(s)
 Can show information (emails, weather, etc.)
 or preform specific tasks (turn off Wi-Fi).

23. Apps & the “App Drawer”
All of your installed Apps can be found in the App
Drawer. It looks like a bunch of boxes or dots.

24. Your Installed Apps
All of your Apps will appear in this display. You can
move Apps from the Drawer to the Home Screen

25. Installed Apps on Tablets
Tablets have a similar display – just a bit wider.

26. Connecting to Wi-Fi
Library Wi-Fi is called “unplugged”

27. Getting More Apps
You can download new Apps
from the Google Play Store.
Find the Play Store Icon on
the Home Screen or in the
App Drawer (see right)

28. The Play Store
You can use the search icon (magnifying glass)
to find Apps by keyword.

29. The Play Store
Once you find an
App be sure you
can read a
description and
then download /
install.
Not all Apps are free; not all Apps stay free.

30. The Keyboard
The keyboard will only appear if there is
somewhere for it to type into.

31. The Keyboard: Settings
Depending on your version of Android you
may see a settings button on your keyboard.
Menu  Settings  Language & Keyboard  Android Keyboard
Settings  Language & Input  Android Keyboard 4.0+
2.3+

32. Keyboard Settings
There are many
settings you can
adjust for the
keyboard.
“Haptic Feedback”
will have the keys
vibrate slightly when
touched to give the
illusion of a
mechanical press.

33. Other Features & Apps

34. Internet In Android 4+ Google
Chrome is your
internet browser.

35. Google Now (Android 4.4+)
Google Now provides
“Cards” that give you
updates based on your
location, search history,
preferences, and other
recommendations that
Google “discovers” as
you use Android.

36. Updating the Device

37. Keep Learning
 http://www.beginandroid.com/
An excellent place to review this class’s material and
to learn more about Android in simple and clear terms.
 http://www.androidcentral.com/help
More than just the basics (although they are there),
you can find all sorts of news and tutorials about
Android.

38. Questions ?Rino Landa, Librarian
Sarasota County Libraries & Historical Resources
Created 2015; Updated 2/15/16

39. Image Sources:
1. Android versions. http://www.funinventors.com/2016/09/versions-of-
androids-from-cupcake-to-nougat.html
2. Various screens. http://www.beginandroid.com
3. Google Apps for Android.
https://www.google.com/intl/en_us/mobile/android

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Originally created by Rino A. Landa, May 2015.