Are you new to the Android platform? If so, Google has some essential tips to share with you. Google has posted its top 10 tips for getting the most out of your new Android phone and they predictably include installing and using a lot of different Google apps. And honestly, it’s hard to argue with them — Google’s mobile app ecosystem is really awesome and useful, even though some users might not be comfortable with all the information that they’re handing over to the company on a regular basis.
At any rate, here are Google’s 10 tips for Android newbies.
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- Never lose any of your stuff: Back up your files, photos, and videos on Google Drive and access them from anywhere. Make sure Drive is installed and tap the + button in the bottom right. Upload your files, photos and media. You’ll be able to access them from any of your devices.
- Get all your email accounts on your new phone: Add multiple email accounts to the Gmail app and view them grouped together or separately. In the Gmail app, tap the hamburger menu in the top left-hand corner. Tape the arrow to the right of your username. Select “add account” and follow the instructions.
- Get all your old photos on your new phone, instantly: Back up your old photos for free with Google Photos, and they’ll automatically appear on your new phone. Make sure the Google Photos app is installed. Open it and tap the hamburger menu in the top left. Tap “Settings.” Tap “Backup & Sync.” Turn on “Backup.” Once your photos are backed up, open Google Photos on your new phone.
- Get updates on news, weather and traffic right when you need them: Set up Now cards to get the info you want, when you need it. Make sure the Google app is installed. Tap the hamburger menu in the top left. Tap “Settings.” Tap “Now Cards.” Tap “Show Cards.”
- Never lose your to-dos: Create notes, lists, and reminders. Access them anytime on any of your devices. Make sure Google Keep is installed. Tap “take a note” in the bottom left. Create your list or note. Add a time or location reminder to share with your contacts.
- Use your phone without lifting a finger: Make calls, set alarms, and open apps just by asking Google. Make sure you’ve enabled “OK Google” voice detection in your Google app. Ask Google to make a phone call, set an alarm or start a search just by saying phrases like, “OK Google, call mom” or “OK Google, set a reminder for noon.”
- Edit documents, presentations and spreadsheets on the go: Write, edit and collaborate wherever you are with the Google Docs, Sheets and Slides apps. Make sure the Google Docs app is installed. Create a new document or open an existing document. Tap the “Edit” button in the bottom right. Edit as needed.
- See important emails first: Sort promotional and social messages into other tabs. Make sure the Gmail app is installed. Open it and tap on the hamburger menu and scroll down to “settings.” Tap on “Inbox Categories.” Check the boxes next to “Promotional” and “Social.” Promotional and social emails will now appear in separate tabs in your inbox.
- Pick up on your phone where you left off on your computer: Use Chrome to see the same tabs on your phone that you have open on your computer. Make sure the Chrome app is installed and you’re signed in. Tap the menu to the right of the URL bar. Tap on “History” to see websites you’ve visited on other devices.
- Outsmart your commute — every day: Add your home and work address to Google Maps and get real-time traffic and transit updates. This feature uses Google Now, which is available in the Google app in Android 4.1+. Open the Google Maps app and tap the hamburger menu in the top left. Tap “your places” and add your home and work addresses to start getting automatic route updates.
