"There and Back Again" or "Little Odds and Ends"

I’m going to tackle a bunch of little “how to” items in this article for Android phones.  Once again, I’ll be describing procedures using a Motorola Droid 4, so there may be some small differences in the way items are arranged.  All procedures are explained assuming you are at the home screen.

Changing Wallpapers (aka The Background)

Menu Key -> Wallpaper

You will see three options pop up - "Live Wallpapers," "My Gallery," and "Wallpapers."  "Live Wallpapers" and "Wallpapers" will let you choose from preinstalled and downloaded background images.   "Live Wallpapers" are animated backgrounds while "Wallpapers" and "My Gallery" are static images.  "Live" is one of those really cool things you'll try out when you first get an Android device.  Just be forewarned, as cool as it is to have Mario running across your screen, abusing turtles, and torching flowers, your battery will die faster than the Twins' chances at making the playoffs.

Get Rid of Wi-Fi Pop Up Notifications

I've learned from teaching classes that some people won't read what actually comes up on the screen and have been conditioned by Windows that if a pop-up menu comes up then something must be wrong.  So when someone opens up YouTube or the browser and a Wi-Fi notification emerges, something must be wrong and the internet must be broken.  

I've already shown you where to go connect your device to a router.  What I forgot to mention is that your device will ask you to connect to Wi-Fi each time you launch a data intensive app and there is a visible router.

Chances are you do not, I repeat, do not need to connect to every wireless router you come across unless you consistently stream audio, (20 hours per week) video, (HBO GO, Netflix) or make video calls (Skype, Tango).  

To turn on Wi-Fi notifications select the following.  Menu -> Settings -> Wireless and Networks -> Wi-Fi Settings -> Uncheck Notify Me

Change Your Keyboard

Keyboards are a very personal choice.  Some people can't give up their physical keyboards, some love Swype, and some people speak Japanese.  I for one love the Skype keyboard.  I can easily enter text with one hand on a 4-inch screen.  I know not everyone can, so here's how to switch keyboards.

Open up a new text message ->  Press and your finger in the area where you compose the text -> Select input method -> Select your desired keyboard

If you want/need an alternative keyboard then search for them in Play Store (aka Market Place) and download the keyboard like you would any other app.  Before you can select this new keyboard you need to enable it.  I downloaded the Google Japanese Input keyboard for this example.

Menu -> Settings -> Language and Keyboard -> Make sure the check mark is lit next to the downloaded keyboard.

My On Screen Keyboard Stopped Working

Your keyboard is an app.  It takes up memory and can eventually get bogged down.  So if you start typing and you can only enter a word or two, following this process can save you a trip to the store or call to your carrier for troubleshooting.  

Menu -> Manage Apps -> Tap the tab labeled "All" -> Choose Your Keyboard

For the part where you choose your keyboard, it will most likely be "Multi-touch keyboard" or "Swype."  Once you've selected your keyboard, tap "clear data."  This will clear out any words, names, slang, or abbreviations your phone has learned.  It's a small price to pay to fix, but if it is the solution to your problem, it is a lot better than a master reset.

Speaking of Master Resets

Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and reset your phone.  Other times, it just makes good sense to reset your phone before you ship it to the person you sold it to.  Regardless of the reasons, this will reset your phone back to it's factory settings.  Every app, picture, message, email, and song will be erased from your device.  

Menu -> Settings -> Privacy -> Factory Data Reset

Save Your Battery Life

Read this article and add a widget called "Toggle: Power Control."  The icons you see on this widget function as light switches.  From left to right your icons are Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, Sync, and Brightness.  The first three are simply on-off switches.  If you're not using a particular feature, then turn it off and save yourself some battery life.  Always leave Sync on unless you don't want your phone to periodically check for new emails, tweets, or Facebook notifications.  Lastly, pick a screen brightness level and you're set.

Keep Your Screen on Longer

Do you feel like your screen dims itself to quickly?  You can adjust it, although I wouldn't go much higher than two minutes as it will start to hamper your battery life.

Menu -> Settings -> Display -> Screen Time Out

Thanks again!

We're going to stop here for now.  As always, I appreciate those who frequently visit and have passed the site along.  Last month was the fourth consecutive month of increased visitors!  And for anyone who felt duped into reading the article based off the title, here's a little peace offering.