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How to use an Android tablet

Android tablets have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their portability and numerous features. However, if you're a new owner of an Android tablet, you may have difficulty using it to its full potential.

In this article, we'll guide you through the basic steps to effectively use your Android tablet. We'll cover everything you need to set up your device, download essential apps, and customize your tablet according to your needs.

Additionally, we'll provide useful tips and tricks to help you make the most of your Android tablet's features. Keep reading to find out how to use your device to its fullest!

Choosing a Tablet

When choosing an Android tablet, there are some things to consider to ensure that you have the best experience possible. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:

Screen Size

Screen size is one of the most important features to consider when choosing an Android tablet. Tablets with larger screens offer more viewing area and are ideal for watching movies or playing games that require a lot of screen space. However, tablets with smaller screens are generally more portable and easier to carry around.

Screen Resolution

Screen resolution is another important feature to consider. A higher resolution means sharper images and more readable text. If you plan on using your tablet primarily for reading or browsing the internet, you may want to opt for a high-resolution screen.

Processor Power

The processor is the "brain" of your Android tablet, so it's important to choose one with enough power to meet your needs. If you plan on using your tablet primarily for simple tasks like web browsing or reading books, then you probably won't need a very powerful processor. However, if you want to use your tablet for more demanding games or applications, then a more powerful processor will be necessary.

Memory

Your tablet's memory is important if you want to install many apps or save many files. If you plan on using your tablet primarily for web browsing or reading books, then you probably won't need much memory. However, if you want to use your tablet for more demanding games or applications, then a higher amount of memory will be necessary.

Battery

Battery life is important if you want to use your tablet while on the go. Make sure to choose a tablet with good battery life so you don't have to recharge it too often.

Price

Finally, consider the price when choosing your Android tablet. There are many models available at different prices, so make sure to choose one that fits within your budget. Keep in mind that more expensive tablets generally offer better features, but there are also many affordable options that can meet your needs.

  • Choose an Android tablet with screen size and resolution suitable for your needs;
  • Make sure you have enough processor power and memory;
  • Choose excellent battery life;
  • Consider the price and choose a model that fits your budget.

Initial Setup

Once you have purchased your new Android tablet, the first thing to do is set it up. This process may vary slightly depending on the device model, but in general, you should follow these steps:

Turning On and Connecting to Wi-Fi Network

After removing the tablet from its packaging, press the power button to turn it on. Follow the instructions on the screen to select the language and connect to your home Wi-Fi network.

Create or Sign in to Your Google Account

To use apps like Gmail, Google Play Store, and Google Drive on your Android tablet, you need to create or sign in to your Google account. If you already have a Google account, enter your credentials when prompted. Otherwise, you can create one directly from your tablet by following the displayed instructions.

Operating System Updates

After completing the initial setup, make sure to check if there are any available operating system updates for your Android tablet. To do so, go to the device settings and look for the "Software Updates" option. If there are updates available, download and install them to ensure that your tablet always performs at its best.

Customizing Your Tablet

Now that you have completed the initial setup and operating system updates, you can start customizing your Android tablet. You can choose a wallpaper for the home screen, organize apps into folders, and add widgets to quickly access information that interests you.

  • To change your tablet's wallpaper, go to settings and look for the "Wallpapers & Themes" option. Here you can choose from a wide range of pre-set wallpapers or use your own personal photo.
  • To create a folder, press and hold an app icon on the home screen and drag it onto another similar app icon. The folder will be created automatically.
  • Widgets are small applications that can be placed on the home screen of your tablet to provide quick and easy-to-access information. To add a widget, press and hold an empty area of the home screen and select "Widget" from the menu that appears.

Now you're ready to use your new Android tablet! With these simple initial setup and customization steps, you'll be able to make the most of all its features.

Using Preinstalled Apps

Android tablets come with numerous preinstalled applications that can be useful for performing various activities. Here are some of the most common apps and how to use them:

Gallery

The Gallery app allows you to view photos and videos on your device. To access the gallery, tap the corresponding icon on the home screen or in the app drawer. Once you open the gallery, you can scroll through images and videos with a simple finger swipe. Additionally, you can perform tasks such as sharing images on social media or deleting unwanted photos.

Music

The Music app lets you listen to music directly from your tablet. To launch the application, tap the music icon on the home screen or in the app drawer. Once you open the app, you can choose from songs stored on your device's memory or an external SD card, create custom playlists, and adjust volume settings.

Chrome

Chrome is the default web browser for Android devices. To launch it, tap the corresponding icon on the home screen or in the app drawer. Once you open the browser, you can browse the internet by typing desired web addresses into the address bar or using saved bookmarks. Additionally, you can open multiple tabs simultaneously and view your browsing history.

Google Maps

The Google Maps app allows you to view maps and get driving directions. To launch the application, tap the corresponding icon on the home screen or in the app drawer. Once you open the app, you can search for a specific address or category of activity (such as restaurants or hotels), get driving directions to a destination, and discover interesting places nearby.

  • The Gallery app allows you to view photos and videos on your device;
  • The Music app lets you listen to music directly from your tablet;
  • Chrome is the default web browser for Android devices;
  • The Google Maps app allows you to view maps and get driving directions.

Downloading new apps and using the store

One of the best things about an Android tablet is the wide range of available applications. You can find apps for anything from gaming to productivity, health to fitness, and much more.

How to download new apps

Downloading a new app is easy:

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your tablet.
  2. Find the app you want to download by using the search bar or browsing through categories.
  3. Click on the app to view details and user reviews.
  4. Click on the "Install" button to start downloading and installing the app.

After downloading an app, you can find it on your home screen or in your list of installed apps. Click on its icon to open the app.

How to update apps

Updating your apps is important to ensure they work properly and that you have access to the latest features. Here's how:

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your tablet.
  2. Click on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner of the screen to open the side menu.
  3. Click "My apps & games".
  4. Find the app you want to update and click on the "Update" button.

If you have set your apps to update automatically, you don't need to worry about this step. Your apps will be updated automatically when new versions are available.

How to uninstall apps

If you have downloaded an app that you don't like or no longer use, you can easily uninstall it:

  1. Click on the app icon you want to uninstall.
  2. Hold down the icon until a contextual menu appears.
  3. Click "Uninstall" and confirm your choice.

The app will be removed from your tablet and storage space will be freed up.

In summary, the Google Play Store is the main source for downloading new apps on your Android tablet. Always remember to keep your apps updated to ensure their proper functioning and uninstall unused apps to free up storage space.

Browsing the internet

One of the main uses of an Android tablet is browsing the internet. Thanks to its portability, you can access the internet wherever you are, provided there is a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection available.

Opening the browser

To open the browser on your Android tablet, look for the browser icon on the home screen or in the app menu. Tap the icon to launch the browser.

Entering a web address

Once you have opened the browser, you can enter the web address you want to visit in the address bar at the top. You can also use the integrated search engine to search for information on a particular topic.

Tabbed browsing

The browser on your Android tablet offers the ability to use multiple tabs for browsing. This means that you can open multiple web pages simultaneously and switch between them without having to close other tabs. To open a new tab, tap the tab icon in the top right corner of the browser.

Bookmarks

Bookmarks are a useful feature for saving favorite websites for easy access in the future. To add a site to your bookmarks, tap the bookmark icon in the top right corner of the browser and select "Add to bookmarks".

Privacy protection

Browsing the internet can pose risks to your privacy and security. Make sure to use a secure connection, such as a Wi-Fi network protected by a password or a secure mobile data connection. Additionally, you can protect your privacy by using a browser with tracker blocking and private browsing features.

  • Tracker blocking: trackers are tools used by companies to collect information about your online behavior. A browser with tracker blocking functionality prevents these companies from tracking your activities.
  • Private browsing: this mode prevents the browser from saving the history of visited pages, cookies, and other personal information on the device.
  • Make sure to use these features to protect your privacy while browsing the internet.

    Email management

    The Android tablet offers many options for email management. You can use the default Gmail app or download other apps like Outlook, Yahoo Mail, or BlueMail.

    Email account setup

    To set up an email account on your Android tablet, follow these steps:

    • Open the email app you have chosen
    • Tap the "+" or "Add account" button
    • Enter your email address and password
    • Choose whether you want to sync all messages or only those from the last few days
    • Select advanced settings if necessary (e.g., to configure a custom SMTP server)
    • Done! Now you can access your email account from your Android tablet.

    Email management

    After setting up your email account, you can start managing your emails directly from your Android tablet. Here are some common operations you can do:

    • Read emails: tap the email to open and read it.
    • Reply to emails: tap the "Reply" or "Reply all" button to reply to an email. Alternatively, you can also forward it to other recipients.
    • Delete emails: tap and hold the email you want to delete, then select "Delete".
    • Archive emails: if you want to keep an email but remove it from your main inbox, you can archive it. Tap and hold the email, then select "Archive".
    • Organize emails into folders: many email apps allow you to create folders to organize your emails. Select the email you want to move, then choose the folder where you want to place it.

    Remember that email management on your Android tablet depends on the app you have chosen to use. Make sure to explore the available options in your favorite app to make the most of all its features!

    Using social media

    Android tablets are perfect for using social media. With a larger display compared to phones, they offer a better browsing experience on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and many others.

    Facebook

    To use Facebook on an Android tablet, you need to download the official app from the Google Play Store. Once installed, you can log in to your account and view the news feed, update your status, upload photos and videos, and interact with friends through comments and private messages.

    Twitter

    An official app for Twitter is also available in the Google Play Store. The app offers all the features of the website, including the ability to write tweets, follow favorite users, and view real-time news feed.

    Instagram

    Instagram is a very popular app for sharing photos and videos. An official app is also available in the Google Play Store. After creating an account or logging in with your credentials, you can take photos or record videos directly from the app and share them with your followers.

    Other social media

    In addition to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, there are many other social media platforms that can be used on an Android tablet. For example:

    • LinkedIn: The LinkedIn app allows you to access your profile, search for jobs, and connect with other professionals.
    • Reddit: The Reddit app offers an improved browsing experience compared to the website, allowing users to view content more intuitively.
    • Tumblr: The Tumblr app allows you to create personal blogs and share text, photos, and videos with other users.

    In general, using social media on an Android tablet is easy and intuitive thanks to the apps available in the Google Play Store. Just download the desired apps, log in to your account, and start browsing and interacting with friends and followers.

    File management

    Managing files on an Android tablet is very similar to managing files on a computer. However, there are some things to keep in mind when working with files on a mobile device.

    File Explorer

    To access files on your Android tablet, you can use the File Explorer app. This app allows you to view all the files on your device and organize them into folders.

    In addition, you can use File Explorer to search for and open files that you have downloaded or received via email or other applications.

    SD card

    Many Android tablets have an SD card slot. By inserting an SD card into your tablet, you can increase the available storage space for your files.

    You can use File Explorer to access your SD card and manage your files just as you would with those stored internally on the tablet.

    Data backup

    It is important to regularly backup data to avoid losing important information.

    You can use cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox to securely save your data and access it anywhere you go.

    Alternatively, you can use dedicated backup software to backup your Android tablet to a computer or external drive.

    • Remember to regularly backup data to avoid losing important information.
    • Use cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox to securely save your data and access it anywhere you go.

    In summary, managing files on an Android tablet is similar to managing them on a computer. By using the File Explorer app, you can access your files and organize them into folders. Additionally, you can use an SD card to increase available storage space and regularly back up your data to avoid losing important information.

    Customizing Your Tablet

    After setting up your Android tablet, you can further customize it to suit your needs and preferences. Here are some customization options you may want to consider:

    Change Wallpaper

    You can change the wallpaper on your Android tablet to make it more personal and unique. To do so, tap and hold on the empty screen until the options menu appears. Select "Wallpapers" from the menu and choose from the various available options.

    Add Widgets to Home Screen

    Widgets are small applications that can be added to your tablet's home screen to provide useful information or quick access to features. To add a widget, tap and hold on the home screen until the options menu appears. Select "Widgets" from the menu and choose the application or function you want to add.

    Organize Apps into Folders

    If you have many apps on your tablet, it may be helpful to organize them into folders for easier navigation. To create a folder, tap and hold an app icon until the options menu appears. Then drag the icon onto another app icon to create a folder. You can rename the folder by tapping and holding the folder icon and selecting "Rename".

    Change Launcher

    The launcher is the application that manages your tablet's home screen. If you are not satisfied with the default launcher, you can download a different launcher from the Google Play Store. There are many launchers available, each with different features and styles.

    Customize Quick Settings

    Quick settings are the icons at the top of the screen that allow you to quickly access settings such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness, and other options. You can customize quick settings to include only those that you use most often. To do so, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings panel. Tap the gear icon in the upper right corner to access system settings. Select "Quick Settings" and choose which icons you want to display.

    • Change Wallpaper
    • Add Widgets to Home Screen
    • Organize Apps into Folders
    • Change Launcher
    • Customize Quick Settings

    Tips and Tricks for Advanced Usage

    1. Use gestures to navigate faster

    Gestures are a quick and intuitive way to navigate through your Android tablet. For example, you can swipe up with two fingers to open the recent apps screen or swipe right with three fingers to quickly switch between apps.

    2. Customize your home screen

    Your Android tablet's home screen is your personal space, so customize it as you prefer. Add useful widgets like weather forecasts, calendars or important reminders. Additionally, you can create folders to organize your apps more efficiently.

    3. Use multi-window for multitasking

    Multi-window allows you to use two apps simultaneously on the same screen. For example, you can watch a YouTube video while checking your emails at the same time without having to switch between apps.

    4. Make the most of voice commands

    Voice commands are a useful feature for anyone who needs to use their Android tablet without touching the screen. You can ask your voice assistant to do things like sending messages, making calls or setting reminders simply by talking to your device.

    5. Use night mode to protect your eyes

    Night mode is a feature that reduces the amount of blue light emitted by your Android tablet, which can help prevent eye strain and improve sleep quality.

    • Remember to activate this feature during evening hours or when in low-light environments.
    • In addition, you can schedule night mode to turn on automatically every evening.

    6. Use a password management application

    Passwords are important to protect your online accounts, but can be difficult to remember. Use a password management application to securely save all your passwords and easily find them.

    • Make sure to use a complex and different password for each account.
    • The password management application will allow you to quickly access all your accounts without having to memorize all your passwords.

    7. Regularly update your operating system

    Operating system updates are important to ensure the security and proper functioning of your Android tablet. Make sure to install updates as soon as they become available to avoid any security or performance issues.

    Follow these tips and tricks to make the most of your Android tablet and make your user experience more efficient and effective.

    Conclusions

    As we have seen, an Android tablet can be a very useful tool for work and leisure. Thanks to its portability and multiple features, it can be used in different contexts.

    To make the most of your tablet's potential, we recommend that you:

    • Choose a model with features that suit your needs;
    • Install only the apps you really need;
    • Keep your device up to date;
    • Protect your privacy with passwords and antivirus software;
    • Experiment with new apps and features to discover new ways of using it.

    Remember that a tablet cannot completely replace a computer or smartphone, but it can integrate perfectly with these devices to offer greater flexibility in daily use.

    Whether you're working from home or just watching a movie on the couch, your Android tablet can become your perfect companion for every occasion.

    In summary, if you want to make the most of your Android tablet, you should choose the right one for you, install only necessary apps, keep it updated and protect its privacy. Experiment with new features and discover new ways of using it. Remember that a tablet cannot completely replace a computer or smartphone, but it can integrate perfectly with these devices to offer greater flexibility in daily use. Make the most of your Android tablet's potential and turn it into your perfect companion for every occasion.
    Ruggero Lecce - Consulente senior di personal branding in Italia

    Michael Anderson - Software Engineer

    My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.

    My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.

    With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.