How can I tell if my smartphone runs Android?

Many people, when booking for a course, say they need an iPhone course, without really understanding what brand of smartphone they have. To check what sort of smartphone you have, look on the back (behind the screen) and if you see an Apple, it is a iPhone, otherwise it will most likely be an Android phone. Unlike iPhones which are manufactured by Apple, smartphones running Android are manufactured by many different companies, and Android may have a different look and feel across brands and models. SeniorNet Eden-Roskill workshops for Android devices are normally based on Samsung devices, but other brands are also welcome.

How can I find out what version of Android is on my phone?

The steps for checking your version vary depending on your device (and sometimes depending on your version, believe it or not!). Below are general instructions that should work for most Android devices. Open your device's Settings. Look for an option that says About Device, About Phone, or something similar, and tap it. Find your Android version on the list of specifications, although sometimes it may be within Software information. A summary of all Android versions can be found here.

How do I access the Recycle Bin on my Android phone?

While there is no general-purpose Recycle Bin in Android, some apps may provide one but it depends on the version of Android on your device and the apps that are installed. For example, with the Google Photos app there is a Recently Deleted folder or Library Trash folder, while the Gallery app has a Recycle Bin. As long as the appropriate option is turned on (see app Settings), when you delete a photo or a video, it will be moved to one of these folders and stay there for 30 days. If you deleted a photo or video and want it back within 30 days, check the appropriate folder to see if it's there. Touch and hold the photo or video you want to restore, and then tap Restore. The photo or video will then be accessible from the app you are using. Alas, for most of the other apps, there is no Recycle Bin or Undo facility.

What is the difference between Mobile Data and WiFi?

In discussion with members attending the Basic Android Phone courses, it seems the hardest aspect of Smartphone use for many is the understanding of the difference between Mobile Data and WiFi. So here is an attempt at a simple explanation. A mobile phone will always be switched on to the Mobile Network enabling phone calls and texts to be sent and received, as specified by the SIM card inside your phone. The only exception to this is if "Flightmode" is switched on, necessary when flying, so that you can use the other features of your mobile phone without interference to aircraft communication systems. Mobile Data refers to data (apart from TXT messages) that is sent to your phone by your Mobile Service Provider (be it Spark, Vodafone, 2degrees or whoever). Mobile Data is available anywhere you can send or receive a mobile phone call or text. Mobile Data is limited to the relatively small amount of data you get monthly as part of your Mobile phone plan, although many plans now offer limited free data at certain times on certain days. When used up, more will need to be bought, so it can be expensive and is especially so when travelling overseas. Unless you are using 5G, Mobile Data is usually slower than WiFi. WiFi on the other hand typically connects to a named service that you select and input a specific password, either using a local modem/router with a secure connection to the Internet, or an unsecured WiFi connection such as in hotels, cafes, public libraries, airport terminals, many of which are "Free" but you may still require a password. WiFi has a limited range, a matter of a few metres only as it is necessary to be close to the "modem/router" or transmitter in your home (or hotel, cafes, public library, airport terminal, etc). WiFi is usually "free" as you will have already paid for lots of "data" as part of your monthly broadband bill from your Internet Service Provider, or someone else is paying. WiFi is usually faster than mobile data, so better for watching films etc. Most WiFi modem/routers for home use operate on 2.4GHz or 5GHz, while dual-band routers support both. 5GHz is faster and less prone to interference but has a shorter range. Due to WiFi's limited range and depending on the frequency band being used, many users find it necessary to install WiFi extenders so that they have access over the entire house. With a Smartphone, the huge advantage over a basic mobile phone is their ability to use Mobile Data or WiFi to access the Internet, to send/receive emails, search the web, use Apps to find out the weather etc. The phone can then be used as a computer. An easy way to think of the difference is: WiFi can be switched on for use in your home (or hotel, cafes, public library etc) whereas Mobile Data can be switched on for use when you are mobile, i.e. out and about. Bear in mind also, your home WiFi and Mobile Data connections can be regarded as secure, but DO NOT log into your bank account, or other sensitive sites that require passwords, using WiFi anywhere but your home, or the home of someone you trust. WiFi in cafes, hotels, libraries, airport terminals, etc must NEVER be regarded as secure. WiFi and Mobile Data can be switched on and off as needed. Don't leave them on all the time as they use power and your battery will not last. Apps can quietly use up Mobile Data to receive updates without your realising it. App and phone updates should use WiFi data for the reasons given above. It is also very important to make sure GPS (called Location in some phones) is not left switched on. In Android phones when Google Maps is switched on, GPS (Location) will also be switched on so the map knows where you are and can plan routes for you. However, when Google Maps is switched off, GPS (Location) is not switched off automatically. Presumably this is to enable Google to track your movements. So, do actively switch off GPS (Location) after Google Map use to avoid this and to save power. The screen and GPS (Location) use the most power in a smartphone and can flatten your battery very quickly.

How do I reload a web page when using the Chrome browser on Android?

It important to understand that most web pages consist of multiple files and in normal mode all of these files must be loaded into cache before the web page can be displayed. The file name displayed in the URL is only one of those files. The exception to this is if you use Incognito mode (from the menu), which does not use cache but requires all of the files to be reloaded whenever the page is accessed, leaving any existing cache files untouched. If you want to reload just the file shown in the URL: It appears to depend on the version being used, but for later versions: Drag down from the top of the web page and the reload symbol will appear and run or press to display the menu and then press at top right. If any of the other files used by the web page have been changed they will not be reloaded and the versions already in cache will be re-used for them instead. This means that your web page may not necessarily reflect the latest changes. If you want to reload all of the files associated with the web page you will need to clear the browser cache before reloading the page. From the browser screen tap to display the menu and then tap on Settings. On the Settings screen tap Site Settings then scroll down and tap on Storage. On the Storage screen tap the CLEAR SITE STORAGE... button. A confirmation box will appear explaining what it will do - tap CLEAR. Alternatively, you could switch to Incognito mode (from the menu) and access the page from there, remembering that the browser cache will not be updated. If, for some reason, you do not want to clear the browser cache, and you know the names of the other files, you can enter them in the URL and reload them individually, but this can be rather tedious.

How do I transfer files from my Android device to my PC?

There are several ways this can be done, and it depends on the operating system of your computer. Google provide a detailed explanation here. Many people prefer to simply plug their smartphone into their computer using a USB cable. Using File Explorer in Windows, the camera will show up as a device that you can click on to access it. Photos and Screenshots will be located within the DCIM folder, and can be manipulated as with any other file. Moreover, your smartphone will be charging while you are connected.