How to: Android for Beginners

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How to: Android for Beginners

Android is a great mobile operating system with features to rival those of its closest competitor, Apple’s iOS. Its huge range of apps and high speed mean it’s a great operating system for anyone looking for a new smartphone.

If you’re new to Android and want some help getting used to its features, read our how to guide for tips on making the most of your new phone, including how to transfer contacts, update your apps and use Android Pay.

How to Transfer Contacts from iPhone to Android

Once you’ve got your new Android phone, one of the first things you’ll want to do is get your contacts on it. If you’re moving from an iPhone to an Android phone, the easiest way to do this is through iCloud. Follow these simple steps to get texting and talking with your friends:

Step 1: Go to iCloud.com and log in using your Apple ID

Step 2: Click on the Settings icon in the bottom left-hand corner (it looks like a gear)

Step 3: Select Export VCard. This will make your computer generate a VCF file containing you contacts’ details.

Step 4: Plug your Android phone into your computer using a USB cable

Step 5: Copy the VCF file

Step 6: Open My Computer and find your Android phone, which should be under Devices. Double click on this and then double click again on Local Storage. Copy the VCF file in there.

Step 7: Go to the Contacts app on your Android phone and select its Menu button

Step 8: Select Import from SD Card and select your VCF file

Your contacts should now appear in your address book.

How to Update Android

With updates being regularly issued to keep Android running at its best and most secure, knowing how to install updates is a must. Find out how to check for and install an update below:

Step 1: Make sure your device is connected to WiFi. Updates can involve large downloads that’ll eat up your data allowance.

Step 2: Go to Settings > About Device > Update (may appear as Software Update in some versions of Android)

Step 3: Tap Check for Updates

Step 4: If updates are available tap Update

Step 5: Press Install button. This might appear as Reboot and Install or Install System Software

You’ll be notified when the installation is complete.

How to Update Apps on Android

As well as keeping your phone up to date, you’ll want to make sure your apps are all updated too. You can set your Android apps to update automatically by following these steps:

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store

Step 2: Tap Menu > Settings

Step 3: Tap Auto Update Apps

Step 4: You’ll be given two options; Auto Update Apps at Any Time and Auto Update Apps Over WiFi Only. We suggest choosing the second option, so that updates don’t use up all your data allowance.

If you’d rather decide which updates are worth downloading, you can manually update your apps by carrying out the steps below:

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store

Step 2: Tap Menu > My Apps and Games

Step 3: Apps with an available update are labelled Update. Tap this word to update your app.

How to Use Android Pay

One of the great features of your Android phone is Android Pay; a secure contactless payment system. Paying for things using your phone means you can leave your wallet at home, lessening the load you have to carry when out and about.

On some devices, Android Pay is already pre-installed. If it isn’t on your phone, download it for free from the Google Play Store. Once you have the app, follow these instructions to make your first payment:

Step 1: Add a card to your Android Pay account. Launch Android Pay and press the + icon. Select the Credit or Debit Card option and enter the relevant details.

Step 2: Check the shop you’re at accepts Android Pay. You’ll usually find an Android Pay sticker on the card machine, scanner, or outside the shop.

Step 3: When you’re ready to pay, tap the back of your phone on the card reader; unlock your phone and confirm payment. This is possible through finger-tip recognition, if your Android device has this feature.

How to Screenshot on Android

It’s always handy to know how to screenshot on your phone. It can save you having to jot down an address or contact details and lets you easily capture something funny to share with your friends. Here’s how to screenshot with Android:

Step 1: Open the screen you want to capture

Step 2: Hold down the Power and Volume buttons at the same time for a few seconds and your phone will take a snapshot. This will appear in the top right corner of your screen.

Top Tip: If you phone operates on Android 2.3 or earlier hold down the Power and Home buttons instead

Step 3: To see your screenshot you can either tap on the small version of it in the corner of you screen, or go to the Photos app and press Menu > Device Folder > Snapshots