21,99 €
Take command of your Android smartphone.
Android Smartphones For Seniors For Dummies is the best no-nonsense guide for members of the older-and-better crowd who want to use their smartphone's features without making a support call. This fluff-free guide shows you the essentials of a smartphone running the Android operating system. Thanks to larger-print type and full-color images, it's easy to learn how to turn your phone into a communications, photography, security, and media streaming powerhouse—without wasting time on the features you may never use. You'll definitely pick up a few tricks to show off to friends and family.
This is the perfect Dummies guide for Android smartphone users who want to feel confident handling the basics of apps and functions that they'll use every day.
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Seitenzahl: 366
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Introduction
About This Book
Foolish Assumptions
Icons Used in This Book
Beyond the Book
Where to Go from Here
Part 1: Your Phone in the Android Universe
Chapter 1: Why Android? What’s the Deal?
A Little Android History
The Many Flavors (Versions) of Android
Reasons That People Choose Android
Why You Need a Google Account
So Many Choices!
A Word about Privacy and Security
Chapter 2: Buying Your Android Smartphone and Accessories
Investigate First — Then Make a Buying Decision
Consider Your Carrier Choice
You Need a Few Accessories, Too
Chapter 3: Activating and Connecting Your Phone
Unbox Your New Phone
Insert a SIM Card or Use an eSIM
Hardware Buttons and What They Do
Turn On Your Phone for the First Time
Learn Android Smartphone Symbols and Gestures
Part 2: Getting Started with Your Android Smartphone
Chapter 4: Safety First: Making Your New Phone Private
Set Up a Screen Lock
Establish Data Backup
Place Owner Information on the Lock Screen
Add Emergency Info
Chapter 5: Personalizing Your Handset
Find and Sort Your Apps
Move App Shortcuts to the Home Screen
Group Apps into Folders
Deal with Preinstalled Applications (or Bloatware)
Get the News (and Other Media) You Can Use
Customize the Home Screen’s Look and Feel
Try Out the Android Accessibility Suite
Chapter 6: Android Typing Tricks with Google’s Gboard
Make the Keyboard Decision
Check Out Keyboard Contenders
Dictate with Voice Typing
Extended Keyboard and Special Characters
Learn the Emoji Language
Delete, Copy, and Paste Text
Chapter 7: Handling Notifications and Google Assistant
Meet the Android Notifications Drawer
Manage Your Phone with Quick Settings
Get the 411 from Google Assistant
Part 3: Let’s Start Communicating
Chapter 8: Setting Up and Maintaining Contacts
Establish Your Phone’s Contacts
Save Contacts from Email
Add a Contact in Other Ways
Type a Full Contact in the Contacts App
Merge Duplicate Contacts and Other Fixes
Customize, Delete, and Update Contacts
Chapter 9: Chatting via Voice or Video
Make a Voice Call
Check Voicemail
Get Voicemail Transcriptions
Reply to an Incoming Call by Sending a Text
Busy? Have Google Assistant Handle Your Calls
Using Audio Emoji
Set a Built-in Ringtone
Spend Face Time with Google Meet
Chapter 10: Texting with Poise and Character
Compare Types of Text Messaging
Dress Up Texts in Google Messages
The Text Message Bar and Emoji in Gboard
Find Even More Texting Options
Share Multimedia in Texts
Voice-Type (Dictate)
Manipulate the Text in Your Message
Act on Text Messages You Receive
Chapter 11: Managing Email with the Gmail App
Discover Gmail Features
Send a Gmail Email
Perform Basic Gmail Tasks
Print Other Messages, Documents, and Web Pages
Link to Other Apps and Gmail Settings
Part 4: Exploring Your Phone’s Handy Apps
Chapter 12: Choosing and Using a Smartphone Camera
Examine Smartphone Cameras and Brands
Take a Camera-Spec Safari
Exercise Your Android Camera’s Capabilities
Go Pro with Pro Mode
Chapter 13: Organizing and Editing Photos
Find and Organize Photos on Your Phone
Edit Your Photos in the Gallery
Getting into the Google Photos App
Chapter 14: Google Mobile Services and Apps for Android
Find Popular Google Apps
Google Photos
Google Maps
Google Find My Device Network
Take Note(s) with Google Keep
Chapter 15: Useful Apps in Google Play Store
Frequent the Google Play Store
Establish App Privacy Permissions
Connect to Radio (Yes, Radio), Podcasts, and Music
Find Favorite and Fun Apps — a Consensus
Engaging Social Media
Chapter 16: Marsha’s MUST-DO Things for Your Phone
Make the Orientation Decision
Take a Screenshot
Configure Do Not Disturb
Use Your Home Wi-Fi for Calls and Browsing
Practice Safety When Using Public Connections
Protect the Heart of Your Phone
Set Up Emergency Call and SOS
Index
About the Author
Connect with Dummies
End User License Agreement
Chapter 1
TABLE 1-1 Customer Service Contact Info for Android Phone Manufacturers
Chapter 2
TABLE 2-1: System and Security Updates
Chapter 3
TABLE 3-1 Power Options by Phone Brand
TABLE 3-2 Google One Subscription Tiers
TABLE 3-3 Common Android Symbols
Chapter 10
TABLE 10-1 Text Message Features
Chapter 11
TABLE 11-1: Email Tasks and How You Do Them
Chapter 12
TABLE 12-1 Basic Smartphone Camera Tools
Chapter 1
FIGURE 1-1
FIGURE 1-2
FIGURE 1-3
FIGURE 1-4
Chapter 2
FIGURE 2-1
FIGURE 2-2
FIGURE 2-3
FIGURE 2-4
FIGURE 2-5
FIGURE 2-6
FIGURE 2-7
FIGURE 2-8
FIGURE 2-9
FIGURE 2-10
Chapter 3
FIGURE 3-1
FIGURE 3-2
FIGURE 3-3
FIGURE 3-4
FIGURE 3-5
FIGURE 3-6
FIGURE 3-7
FIGURE 3-8
FIGURE 3-9
FIGURE 3-10
FIGURE 3-11
FIGURE 3-12
Chapter 4
FIGURE 4-1
FIGURE 4-2
FIGURE 4-3
FIGURE 4-4
FIGURE 4-5
FIGURE 4-6
Chapter 5
FIGURE 5-1
FIGURE 5-2
FIGURE 5-3
FIGURE 5-4
FIGURE 5-5
FIGURE 5-6
FIGURE 5-7
FIGURE 5-8
FIGURE 5-9
FIGURE 5-10
FIGURE 5-11
FIGURE 5-12
FIGURE 5-13
Chapter 6
FIGURE 6-1
FIGURE 6-2
FIGURE 6-3
FIGURE 6-4
FIGURE 6-5
FIGURE 6-6
FIGURE 6-7
FIGURE 6-8
FIGURE 6-9
FIGURE 6-10
FIGURE 6-11
FIGURE 6-12
FIGURE 6-13
FIGURE 6-14
FIGURE 6-15
FIGURE 6-16
FIGURE 6-17
Chapter 7
FIGURE 7-1
FIGURE 7-2
FIGURE 7-3
FIGURE 7-4
FIGURE 7-5
FIGURE 7-6
FIGURE 7-7
FIGURE 7-8
FIGURE 7-9
FIGURE 7-10
FIGURE 7-11
FIGURE 7-12
FIGURE 7-13
FIGURE 7-14
FIGURE 7-15
Chapter 8
FIGURE 8-1
FIGURE 8-2
FIGURE 8-3
FIGURE 8-4
FIGURE 8-5
FIGURE 8-6
FIGURE 8-7
FIGURE 8-8
FIGURE 8-9
FIGURE 8-10
FIGURE 8-11
FIGURE 8-12
FIGURE 8-13
Chapter 9
FIGURE 9-1
FIGURE 9-2
FIGURE 9-3
FIGURE 9-4
FIGURE 9-5
FIGURE 9-6
FIGURE 9-7
FIGURE 9-8
FIGURE 9-9
FIGURE 9-10
FIGURE 9-11
FIGURE 9-12
FIGURE 9-13
FIGURE 9-14
Chapter 10
FIGURE 10-1
FIGURE 10-2
FIGURE 10-3
FIGURE 10-4
FIGURE 10-5
FIGURE 10-6
FIGURE 10-7
FIGURE 10-8
FIGURE 10-9
FIGURE 10-10
FIGURE 10-11
FIGURE 10-12
FIGURE 10-13
FIGURE 10-14
FIGURE 10-15
FIGURE 10-16
Chapter 11
FIGURE 11-1
FIGURE 11-2
FIGURE 11-3
FIGURE 11-4
FIGURE 11-5
FIGURE 11-6
FIGURE 11-7
FIGURE 11-8
FIGURE 11-9
Chapter 12
FIGURE 12-1
FIGURE 12-2
FIGURE 12-3
FIGURE 12-4
FIGURE 12-5
FIGURE 12-6
FIGURE 12-7
FIGURE 12-8
FIGURE 12-9
FIGURE 12-10
Chapter 13
FIGURE 13-1
FIGURE 13-2
FIGURE 13-3
FIGURE 13-4
FIGURE 13-5
FIGURE 13-6
FIGURE 13-7
FIGURE 13-8
FIGURE 13-9
FIGURE 13-10
FIGURE 13-11
FIGURE 13-12
FIGURE 13-13
FIGURE 13-14
Chapter 14
FIGURE 14-1
FIGURE 14-2
FIGURE 14-3
FIGURE 14-4
FIGURE 14-5
FIGURE 14-6
FIGURE 14-7
FIGURE 14-8
FIGURE 14-9
FIGURE 14-10
FIGURE 14-11
FIGURE 14-12
FIGURE 14-13
Chapter 15
FIGURE 15-1
FIGURE 15-2
FIGURE 15-3
FIGURE 15-4
FIGURE 15-5
Chapter 16
FIGURE 16-1
FIGURE 16-2
FIGURE 16-3
FIGURE 16-4
FIGURE 16-5
FIGURE 16-6
FIGURE 16-7
Cover
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Begin Reading
Index
About the Author
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Android® Smartphones For Seniors For Dummies®, 2nd Edition
Published by: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774, www.wiley.com
Copyright © 2025 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies.
Media and software compilation copyright © 2025 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies.
Published simultaneously in Canada
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Trademarks: Wiley, For Dummies, the Dummies Man logo, Dummies.com, Making Everything Easier, and related trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and may not be used without written permission. Android is a trademark or registered trademark of Google LLC in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.
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ISBN 978-1-394-28157-2 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-394-28159-6 (ePDF); ISBN 978-1-394-28158-9 (epub)
This, the second edition of Android Smartphones For Seniors For Dummies, is for you, even if you’re not a senior. You no doubt live a busy life and may rarely have the desire (or time) to learn to operate every last feature of your Android smartphone. Android has so many options, and in this book, I share some of my favorites, some really hidden nuggets, and some basic tricks for beginning (and not-so-beginning) users. Most of all, I want you to be comfortable with your Android phone.
I’ve met too many people who refuse to learn anything regarding technology, and it upsets me. As you grow older (don’t we all?), improving cognitive abilities is a top way to fend off mental decline. What better way to boost brainpower than to master the tiny computer in your pocket? Challenge yourself and think of spending time on your smartphone as a form of self-care — while having fun at the same time. While writing this book I learned so much, going deep into different brands; it was an entertaining challenge.
So, buy the book. I know we’ll have fun learning together.
The idea for the first edition of this book was born during the coronavirus pandemic, on the day that vaccinations became available in Los Angeles. I scoured the internet, found the active link with the information, and wanted to be sure that my over-65 neighbors could sign up for the vaccine as well.
I went from house to house, helping others sign up for an appointment (much to their relief). The problem was not necessarily determining where to go for shots, but rather how to schedule the appointments via their phones.
From my research, I’ve found that not everyone rushes out to buy the latest, most expensive phones. I suspected as much because that’s my philosophy as well. So, I used eight different phone models and brands (Samsung, Pixel, and OnePlus), and not just the latest-and-greatest; older phones upgraded to new software easily. The figure in this introduction shows screens from some of my “coauthors” for this book.
The coauthor phones ran the latest version of Android 14 and a Beta (not fully released) Android 15. They include a 2021 OnePlus 9 Pro 5G, a 2024 OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R, a 2021 Pixel 6 Pro (used by my Tech Editor, TJ), a 2022 Pixel 7 Pro, 2024 Pixel 8 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S22, 2022 and a Samsung Galaxy Flip 4.
All these phones are really impressive, and the manufacturers did a great job with the design and functionality. Even the oldest phone performed flawlessly when upgraded to the latest software.
I assume that you have used a smartphone — or at least used a computer. I also assume that you may be in the market for a phone or have just acquired one. I guide you through the intricacies of buying a phone that best meets your needs, the specific features to look for in a mobile service provider, the basic operations of navigating your Android smartphone, and the most important apps you need to master (even for photography and entertainment). I highlight ways to use your phone that we (my editors and I) expect will improve your Android experience. Most importantly, I present the content in nontechnical language!
I’m all about illustrating a book. Many figures illustrate the phone screens and tasks laid out in the chapters. You’ll also see small icons that point to special advice from me — here they are:
Tips are short notes — from me to you — that make the process of using your smartphone easier.
These notes are like tips, but a bit more technical sounding. I provide only the technical info that’s both important and worthwhile to know.
Don’t forget these notes. They show up often and are good to stash in the back of your mind.
Warnings contain information that you need to heed. Sometimes, performing certain actions can cause an expensive problem, but don’t worry: You won’t find many of these.
You can find a section on www.dummies.com with more Android tips and new Android features as they roll out. While visiting dummies.com, type Android Smartphones For Seniors For Dummies, 2nd Edition in the search box to find the book’s Cheat Sheet. I also have a blog at https://mcollier.blogspot.com, where I post related articles.
In this book, I give you links and contact information for the tech support department for several major phone manufacturers, which should help with any immediate issue.
If you have specific questions, feel free to reach me by completing the contact form at my website (http://www.coolebaytools.com/contact) or on any of the social media platforms. I’d love to hear from you about the topics you want me to add to the next edition.
You can hear my tech news segment every Thursday with Mr. Mo Kelly on the Los Angeles KFI AM 640 and the iHeartRadio Radio network. I also have a podcast, “Computer and Technology Radio,” which I host with Marc Cohen. You can find it on your favorite podcast platform.
Start reading this book anywhere you want. The incredible index will help you find almost any topic you want to learn about. Go to the table of contents and pick a chapter that interests you or read the book from the beginning.
Interesting and helpful nuggets of information for you abound everywhere in this book. I really hope you enjoy it.
Part 1
IN THIS PART …
Meeting the Android OS
Setting up a Google account
Choosing a smartphone and accessories
Options for buying your phone
Starting up and connecting your phone