13 Simple Steps To Setup Your Android Smartphone For The First Time

If you've just bought a shiny new smartphone or tablet, you'll probably want to start playing with it right away. But first of all, you need to configure it. In this beginners' article, we'll explain step-by-step how to set up your new smartphone.

Each Android device is different, and each manufacturer gives its own devices little extras that make it stand out from the crowd of competitors. But deep down, Android devices are ultimately similar. Below is how the procedure looks with stock Android (on a Nexus 6). 

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• The Best Free Applications For Android
• 10 Best Android Lock Screens You Should Have
• How To Root Any Android Phone
• 5 Things You Shouldn't Do With Your Android Device

1. Select a language

Once you've switched on the phone on, you’ll arrive at a welcome screen where you will be prompted to choose a language. A tap on the default language opens a list of all those available on the system. Select your preferred language from the list and tap the arrow to continue.

Android's friendly first screen. / © EnTech

2. Insert the SIM card and enter your PIN

Next, you will be asked to insert a SIM card. Putting your SIM card in your phone can sometimes be tricky – Sony devices usually have flaps that you need to open, while Nexus phones require a pin to open the slot. Sometimes the SIM needs to go under the battery, in which case you will need to carefully open the device rear.

You will then be asked to enter your PIN number, which usually comes in the SIM package.

3. Select a Wi-Fi network 

If you find yourself within range of a wireless network, you can now connect to it. Simply select your network from the list and enter the password if required. Then tap "Connect".

Log into your Wi-Fi and wait for the device to connect. / © EnTech

4. Got another device?

At this point, you will be asked if you wish to copy your data from another Android device. If you can do this, and wish to, then do so. Otherwise, hit “No thanks”.

The easiest way to do this is with Google’s Tap & Go feature. This works by placing the two devices from which the transfer will take place together.

If you have another Android device you wish to transfer content from, the process is simple. / © EnTech

5. Set up/login to Google account (optional)

If you skipped the step above, the next stage is to set up or log into an account in order to use your smartphone with Google's apps and services, such as Gmail or the Play Store.

If you already have a Google account, you can enter those details now. Then you will be asked to accept Google’s terms of service and privacy policy. Read them (if you want) by tapping the highlighted phrases then hit “Accept”.

You can opt to make a Gmail account later, log in with an existing account, or create one. / © EnTech

If you don't already have a Google account, but would like to set one up, just follow the steps to choose a username and create a password. You don't need to have a Google account to use the phone, but you will need one in order to use all of its functions, including installing apps from the Play Store.

Some manufacturers, such as Samsung, ask you during the registration whether you want to create an extra account. This is only necessary if you want to use some special services from that company. You can simply skip this step if you want to.

You can opt-out of Google's data collection, if you wish. / © EnTech

Google will also ask which services you would like to opt-into. This includes backing up your device, which is recommended in case anything should happen to your device. The others you can assess on a case-by-case basis. None of them are essential and they can be switched on or off at any time.

6. Add another email and protect your phone

If you have an existing email address which you wish to sync with your Android phone, this is where you can add it. As with almost all of the steps in this list, this can be done at a later date.

Add further email accounts and secure your phone. / © EnTech

Next, you will be asked if you want to set up a security code on your device: we strongly recommend this. Should you lose your device, this security measure is a key step in preventing unwanted access to your device.

You will also be asked whether you want a PIN for when you start your device, which we recommend for the same reasons. Finally in this section, select your desired PIN.

EnTech strongly recommends setting up a PIN. / © EnTech

7. Notifications 

In this section, you set up how your device displays content when your phone is locked. You have three options:

"Show all notification content" means that, when you device is locked, if you receive a message, for example, this message will be displayed on your lock screen.

"Hide sensitive notification content" will show some notification information, like that you have received a message, but will hide the content of the message.

"Don’t show notifications at all" means you won’t see any notifications on your lock screen at all, but these will still be found in your device's notification shade.

We’ve applied this to message notifications purely because it’s easiest to visualize but this actually applies to all notifications you receive, no matter what app it is.

Configure how you want notifications to appear on your lock screen. / © EnTech

Following this, if you didn't already transfer files and data from a previous device, you now have a chance to restore files from a cloud backup. Select the backup you want, or skip this process.

8. Get Google Now

"Get Google Now" is the last setup screen you see on Nexus devices, but it's just a reminder of the benefits of using Google's clever assistant. Hit "Next" once you've read the information. 

Hit next at the Get Google Now screen and you're all set. / © EnTech

9. Other services

Many smartphones come with pre-installed software, such as cloud storage services like Dropbox, Box or Google Drive. If you already have an account for these services you may be asked to log into them now, or you can register for the ones you want. 

10. Insert your microSD card

If your phone has a microSD card slot, the last thing to do is to insert a microSD card, if you have one spare. This will provide extra storage space in your handset to allow you to save more files. If you don't have a mircoSD card, consider buying one to save space on your phone's internal storage.

• How to pick the right microSD card

If your device supports microSD cards, and you have one going spare, insert it. / © EnTech

11. Download apps from the Google Play Store (optional)

The initial setup of the smartphone is now complete. For an overview of the apps that have already been installed on your device, have a look at the app drawer. The app drawer is a list of icons for all the apps on your phone and the chances are that you'll find this at the bottom of the home screen (the screen you should currently be on). It's a gray circle with six dots inside. 

Tap it and look around your app drawer. If there are any apps you don't have that you want, you can go to Google's Play Store to download them – the Play Store itself will be installed on your phone already. Installing apps is a simple process and the handset will walk you through anything you need to do (like signing in).

If you don't find an app drawer, it means your phone doesn't have one. To find your apps in this case, you simply swipe your finger left or right to see your other home screens, where your apps will be contained. 

The Google Play Store is the place to get all your Android apps. / © EnTech

12. Install software and Android updates

When your Android is turned on for the first time, it might not be running the latest version of the software available for your specific model. For example, your phone could come with Android Lollipop or perhaps Android Marshmallow. It depends on the phone.

To check to see if an update is available, simply go into the settings of your phone. This is found as an app in the app drawer or by going through the notification shade and tapping on the settings icon (usually a cogwheel or a set of tools of some sort).

When you get a new phone, you usually have to install a system updated straight away. / © EnTech

Find the About Phone tab, which is usually located at the bottom of the settings menu, and tap it. It will look different depending on your manufacturer, however you will likely tap on something along the lines of Check for software updates.

Make sure that when you do this, you are connected to a Wi-Fi connection and that your battery is at least 50 percent full. The reason why you should update is that it (usually) provides more functions, better battery life and better security.

13. Personalize your phone

If you don't like the background image that came with your device, do not despair – every smartphone offers a selection of different backgrounds from which you can choose. The way to do this changes depending on the manufacturer, but look for Display or Wallpaper in the settings menu.

Quite often, if you press on the home screen anywhere for a couple of seconds, a window will appear that enables you to change your wallpaper.

Got a favorite picture? Make it the wallpaper for your new phone or tablet. / © EnTech

If none of the options are to your liking, you could try out a new icon pack or test some other backgrounds – there are lots of these on the net.

How do you like your new Android smartphone? Did setting up your phone run smoothly? Let us know in the comments.

Why You Don't Need A Flagship Smartphone

As we reach the second half of 2016, most Android manufacturers have now released the flagship phones which will drive their sales and carry them into 2017. And I've realized that there's no major incentive to purchase any of them.

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You don't need a particle accelerator on your smartphone

This year we've seen modular components become a larger focus of the premium tier, despite lacking impressive modules. And Samsung continues to pursue curved-edge smartphones, despite that most of the functionality would work just as well on phones with flat displays. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 3 doesn't even make use of its 6 GB of RAM (though as of today that might be changing).

A phone doesn't need a built-in particle accelerator. It doesn't need to turn into a jet pack. You don't need to weigh items on them. The difference between premium phones and mid-range devices is increasingly coming down to price and gimmicks alone.

The Xperia X Performance is just one of the Android smartphones that isn't worth the money in 2016. / © EnTech

Though you won't often read about it, a device with a "mid-range'" processor, a decent GPU and 2 GB or 3 GB of RAM will take care of day-to-day tasks in the same way as very expensive phones.

    The OnePlus 3 only makes use of 4 GB of its 6 GB of RAM

If, like me, your daily smartphone use involves sending messages, watching short videos, emailing and playing casual games, you can get by on phones that cost less than $200. Activities that 95 percent of the population are engaged in 95 percent of the time work just the same whether you spend an extra 500 bucks or not.

You do not need to win a Pulitzer prize for best photo

If you're really serious about photography, you aren't taking pictures with a smartphone. While it's great to have a high-performing smartphone camera, often the difference between the best and almost best is in the margins. The overwhelming majority of users simply want photos of holidays, landscapes, time spent with family and friends, or to record an exciting live incident: situations when professional quality isn't important.

Personally, smartphone cameras are one of the most important factors when I buy a new phone: it's one of the few features where I actually feel a difference compared to a past device: RAM, GPU, CPU and battery capacity usually go unnoticed.

Smartphone activities that 95 percent of the population are engaged in 95 percent of the time are the same whether you spend an extra 500 bucks or not

But what I don't need is a telescope for my phone. A 12 MP camera with good software integration and optical image stabilization will do just fine. More megapixels could make photos look better blown up on a huge area, but most times I only look at photos on a smartphone or monitor anyway. In these circumstances, the thousands of extra pixels generally go to waste.

You don't need to sell a kidney to get a smartphone with a good camera. / © EnTech

You don't need an iMax movie screen

When a phone says it has QHD resolution (2,560 x 1,440 pixels), how often would you think this can be taken advantage of? PhoneArena conducted some excellent research on this that suggest that pixelation (being able to identify individual pixels) occurs at 7.8 inches from your eyes on a 5-inch 1080p phone and at 6.44 inches on a 5.5-inch QHD device, assuming the person has 20/20 vision.

What this means is that, unless the phone is really, really close to your face, you can't even notice the more densely populated display. 7.8-inches away from your eyes is already closer than you will look at a phone most of the time.

QHD media isn't yet found in many places: it's not on Netflix, and only a few YouTube creators are making use of it. You certainly won't find it on any TV streaming or news websites. Thus a Full HD panel, with well-calibrated colors and a strong brightness level, is basically all you need.
EnTech Samsung Galaxy s7 15

 A Full HD display is already arguably more than you need on a phone. / © EnTech

You don't need 128 GB of storage

This topic is a little more tricky to discuss. More storage costs more money, and more storage is better, right? Having said that, you have to pay a premium to get 64 or 128 GB of internal storage capacity, as phones typically come with between 16 and 32 GB.

One way around this is to make us of microSD cards and cloud storage. As any Android fan will point out, cloud and external storage does not act the same as internal storage space. However, because microSD can house all your media and specific app data, the internal storage space is mostly going to be necessary for apps: and making use of 64 or 128 GB of apps is madness.

A 32 GB MicroSD card is ostensibly cheaper than buying the more expensive smartphone variant, and most users aren't going to notice a difference compared to accessing data held on a microSD. What's more, services like Google Photos offer unlimited storage of images at a certain size.

MicroSD cards are cheap and solve the problem of space. / © EnTech

Final thoughts

Let me make this clear: I have nothing inherently against paying a lot of money for smartphones. In fact, if you were to choose between a regular cellular phone, or a (more expensive) smartphone, I would implore you pay more money to get a smartphone. The reason is that the gap between those two is very tangible: smartphones have offered a completely different experienced to what phones before them could do.

But the difference between budget and premium smartphones is becoming ever-smaller. And in 2016, I don't see much between them at all.

Do you think it's necessary to buy premium smartphones? If yes, what do you think is the main advantage? I look forward to reading your thoughts in the comments.

Android Nougat update: overview for smartphones and tablets

Google just released the name Android Nougat. But when should you expect the Android 7.0 Nougat update on your device? HTC is the first out of the gate, confirming the update for three devices. This is what we know so far.

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When will your device receive Android Nougat? / © EnTech

When will the Android Nougat update be released?

We expect to see Android 7.0 Nougat appear in final form in the late summer. It will replace Android Marshmallow, which many of you are still waiting for. Currently, you can install the Android Nougat Developer Preview on supported Nexus devices. Find out what smartphones and tablets the Android Nougat update will make its way to and when right here.

Android 7.0 Nougat update: Samsung

It's still early days in Android Nougat land, and manufacturers are reluctant to make concrete promises at any given time, let alone this far in advance. However, normally, Samsung maintains a two-year update window on devices, so it's a safe bet to assume that the Android Nougat will be making its way to all Samsung Galaxy S6 and S7 variants. The Galaxy S5 is a less safe bet. The Galaxy S4 has not seen an update to Marshmallow, so Android Nougat may be the S5's turn to fall behind.

Samsung was not so hot on the Marshmallow update front. Expect to wait six months following the official Nexus roll out before your flagship Galaxy gets Android Nougat. The Galaxy Note 6 may launch with Android 7.0 Nougat in the late summer, but if not, the update shouldn't be far behind.

Android Nougat update: Nexus

The Nexus line is Android blue blood. They are the first devices to see updates and this will continue to be the case so long as there is a Google above. Updates roll out over the air, and you have nothing to worry about. Come late summer, the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, and Nexus Player are all certain to see Android Nougat.

Android Nougat update: HTC

HTC has taken steps to streamline its development process in an attempt to ensure more timely Android updates. So our hopes are high that by the time the new years rolls around, HTC 2016 devices will bear Android 7.0 Nougat inside them.

The day after Android Nougat was detailed at Google I/O, HTC announced that the new firmware would be making its way to the HTC 10, One A9 and One M9. The announcement also made it clear that more devices would receive the update, but this confirmation would come later in the year, "when Google ships Android Nougat to manufacturers."

Life is about to get a little sweeter. Android N will be coming to the HTC 10, HTC One A9 and the HTC One M9. pic.twitter.com/XzOEwTCVlU

— HTC (@htc) May 18, 2016

Android Nougat update: Sony

Sony usually lags behind the other major manufacturers when pushing out updates. Ahead of its Android Marshmallow rollout, Sony advised: "Sony Mobile is working hard to bring this update to as many of [its recent Xperia] devices as possible in a timely manner," but was unspecific on dates.

Given Sony's recent past, it's unlikely that we'll see a Sony device updated to Android Nougat before the start of 2017.

Having said that, Sony is working together with Google on this one, and the Xperia Z3 can already receive the Android Nougat Developer Preview – the only non-Nexus device currently in such a privileged position – so perhaps our hopes can be a little higher.

Android 7.0 Nougat update: LG

LG was one of the first manufacturers to produce the Marshmallow update last year, bringing its LG G4 up to date with Android 6.0 as early as October in some regions. 

Even better, they made the software available for download online, so users didn't have to wait for updates over-the-air. There's nothing to suggest that LG won't be able to achieve the same again this year with its flagship device, the LG G5. So far, the Korean manufacturer hasn't made any announcements, however.  

Android Nougat update: Huawei

Huawei are generally quick to make promises and slow to fulfill them. The company's track record of rolling out updates is, shall we say, not excellent. You can expect its latest flagships to receive an update to Android Nougat, but whether that will be before Android O is released is the real question.

Android Nougat update: Levono / Motorola

Lenovo is now running things over in Moto land, but given the near-stock nature of the devices' software, there is little reason why timely updates should not continue as usual. The roll out of Marshmallow did see some upsetting exclusions, however, so let's hope Lenovo decides to be a little more welcoming of the entire Moto family.

How to install Android Nougat manually

Install the Android Nougat update on the Sony Xperia Z3

Google had previously hinted that the Android Nougat Developer Preview might make its way to non-Nexus devices, and shortly thereafter, Sony announced official support for the experimental software on the Z3 (D6603 and D6653 models) through its Xperia Companion application.

The Xperia Companion app makes installing Android Nougat a pain-free procedure. However, before you proceed, be aware that all your data will be wiped and the software is not stable. If you want to install the software, it would be wise to make a backup of your device first.

We tried the update out on an Xperia Z3 here in the offices and can confirm that installing it is a breeze. All it requires is a Windows or OS X computer and few moments of patience.

The first thing you need to do is grab the Xperia Companion software and install it on your computer. Open Xperia Companion and hold down the ALT key while clicking on Software repair. Press on Next until you can select Android Nougat Developer Preview. While your device is disconnected from your computer, turn it off and wait at least five seconds. Then press and hold the Volume down key. Keep holding it and connect your device to your computer via USB.

When the software begins flashing, you're best off not touching the device at all. Just leave it until everything is finished. 

You can return your device to factory settings at any time by doing the same as above but without holding the ALT key when pressing on Software repair. Beware once more that all your data will be wiped.

Android Nougat on Nexus devices: over the air

The download and installation of the Android Nougat Developer Preview has been made easier than ever before. For the first time, you can preview the firmware through over-the-air updates, which also allow you to easily roll back to the more stable Android Marshmallow.

Just head over to the Google site, login in with your Google account, and activate the device you wish to use in the beta program and follow the instructions.

Of course, the name of the new Android version is kept secret. / © EnTech

Android Nougat on Nexus devices: factory images

The conventional method of installing Android Developer Previews, prior to the beta program, was via factory images. Google releases these here.

To install a factory image, you need a PC running a recent version of the Android Platform Tools, and your smartphone must have an unlocked bootloader. The process for flashing the image remains the same as how it was done with the Android Marshmallow Developer Preview.

Android 7.0 Nougat is currently available for the following Nexus devices:

Nexus 5X

Nexus 6

Nexus 6P

Nexus 9

Nexus Player

Pixel C

Android One

We'll update this page with more manufacturers and devices as they are announced. Until the, let us know which device you want to see Android Nougat on first.

Samsung Gear IconX In The First Test: Wireless Headphones

Headphones need any smart phone users, ultimately you want to sometimes listen to music, watch videos or listen to an audio book on the go. But really comfortable that's only if no cables interfere. And here the Samsung Gear IconX comes into play. It is a new type of Bluetooth headphones that disappears wirelessly in the ear. Not even between the two ear plugs, there is a cable. We were able to test on a small Samsung event, the first pre-series of Samsung's Gear IconX for you and probehören. Whether worth the wait, you can learn in our hands-on for Gear IconX.

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Price and Availability

Samsung has the Gear IconX announced together with the fitness tracker Gear fit2 early June 2016 but in the trading of Bluetooth headset comes with built-in fitness tracker and MP3 players until July. While in the US, the price of the Gear IconX with 199 US dollars has already been announced in the German price has not yet been specified. If the US price is a guideline for the European price, then the Gear IconX is cheaper compared to the only competitor of Bragi, because The Dash costs in Germany the figure is 299 euros.

Design & Processing

The Gear IconX will be available in three colors: black, blue and white. The earrings come with dimensions of 25.9 x 19.5 x 17.9 mm slightly smaller than that of The Dash. Also the weight of the individual Studs 6 grams less than the 7 grams of each Bragi Studs.

Otherwise the two products from different houses are relatively similar, but is simply due to the very narrow anatomical conditions of the human ear. One can not extravagant design and still ensure good fit for the majority of mankind a Studs.

Samsung Gear IconX is the South Korean response to Bragis The Dash. / © EnTech

The biggest difference is in the transport tray and an integrated battery. Samsung loading and transport shell is tubular, while Bragi The Dash is parked and loaded into a square and larger in volume box. That was already the differences and design features of the Samsung Gear IconX.

Particularities

Integrated MP3 player

Samsung Gear IconX are not only Bluetooth headset, but they can be used completely without phone as an MP3 player. Altogether there are in IconX 4 GByte (effectively available to the 3.5 GB) of internal memory, on which your audio data can take the form of MP3s.

To dub the MP3s on the IconX there are two possibilities: either a PC or Mac when the IconX Studs are in the charging cradle and these are connected via USB cable to the PC. Or by phone, but then you need a Samsung smartphone with at least Android 4.4 and 1.5 GB of RAM. In plain language, it means that users of non-Samsung smartphones have always record on the internal memory on the PC.

Headphones, fitness tracker and MP3 player in one. / © EnTech

Fitness Tracker Included

As already Bragis The Dash can also Samsung's Gear IconX various sports activities to measure and record for you. A pulse sensor measures your heart rate and other sensors record the distance and number of steps on. In sum, the calories burned can be given. Since the IconX a display is missing, the fitness values ​​you are announ-. In addition, you can IconX say by heart rate, if you are in the optimal training area.

All collected fitness data can then be transmitted to Samsung's S Health app, so as to obtain a kind of training diary. How accurately the fitness data, we were unable to verify for you unfortunately during the brief hands-on time. We get to but once with us the final production samples have been received and we were able to test extensively.

Audio

As The Dash of Bragi is Samsung's Gear IconX of two ear plugs, get the music from the internal memory or streamed via Bluetooth from your smartphone. It is still unclear whether Samsung for each Studs a Bluetooth connection to the smartphone builds, or whether the Studs synchronize via another radio technology and exchange data.

Although where we tested IconX yet these were pre-production models, this worked straight away. Once the connectors are firmly in the ear, the Gear IconX switched on automatically. A quick tap on one of the Studs launched the music and by vertical wipe you could control the volume.

The sound quality of IconX can be described as good, but it was heard a slight noise and for my taste the IconX were not perfectly matched in terms of volume. Both negative points are due to the pre-production of our test model and should be observed by us in the final test with serial patterns again.

Battery pack

In each of the two Studs ever there is a battery with 47 mAh capacity. Samsung speaks of a maximum of three hours of use. Since the shipping box contains a battery, the Studs total times can fully charge two, you can see the Gear IconX go up to 9 hours benefits. Unfortunately we were unable to verify whether the term is accurate and how long it takes until the IconX are fully charged during the hands-on period. This lack of information we serve you but after the final test on the Gear IconX.

Always safely stored and charged: Gear IconX in the transport and charging cradle. / © EnTech

Preliminary Ruling

For a final conclusion on the Samsung Gear IconX, the Bluetooth headset with built-in MP3 player, and a fitness tracker, it is still too early. Too many question marks still behind the numerous features. Firstly, it is up to the Vorserienprodukt we had for the hands-on available. Secondly, it takes more time to test all the features and functions.

However, it is becoming apparent that the Gear IconX similar Bragis The Dash, a must-have product for tech-savvy smartphone junkies will be. Price it is even cheaper than Bragis The Dash, the least cost proud 299 euros. Samsung Gear IconX has still no German price, but the US price of 199 US dollars is ever a sign that is more favorable the Gear IconX of Samsung.

10 Best Android Lock Screens You Should Have

You have right to your Android lock screen, we decided to offer you a selection of the best alternatives of its kind available on the Android Play Store. In this list you can find many styles lockscreens, followed by other more simpletons offering broad compatibility with Android devices.

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1. AcDisplay

Downloaded over a million times on the Play Store, AcDisplay is surely one of the best alternatives available to date. Bathed in simplicity and speed, AcDisplay replace your default lock screen by a black veil, like Active Notifications (a native function to Moto X). The latter operates the consumer non black pixels of the AMOLED to drastically reduce its demand for resources.

Unlike Active Notifications / Display of Moto X, AcDisplay allows you to access an options panel, to customize the lockscreen in his image. If you are owners of a smartphone with an AMOLED screen, the lock screen can become your best friend by not making you turn on the screen every 3 seconds. Indeed, when the pixels of the AMOLED display are black, they do not consume. One of the last strong points of this application is to turn on the screen after releasing his smartphone from his pocket.

Version of the app: 3.8.4

Size app: 3MB

Compatibility of the app: Android 4.1 or higher

Business model: completely free

AcDisplay Install on Google Play

2. Cover Lock Screen

Good thinking is the key word that will perfectly Cover Lock Screen. For those new to it, it offers a different approach to the lock screen, displaying your favorite applications on the left of the screen. A brand that takes its seat with the clock and date, as well as several modes (home, work, etc).

More updated since early July 2014, we would like to warn you against the bugs, which can be very common on most Android devices. Anyway, design and handling lavished by this application are able to create and offer an acceptable ergonomics everyday (when the mobile is compatible).

Version of the app: 0.1.13

Size of the app: 22 MB

Compatibility of the app: Android 4.1 or higher

Business model: completely free

Cover Lock Screen (beta) Install on Google Play

3. C Locker Pro

Looking for customization pure, C Locker Pro could maybe find a way to entice you. In addition to providing a quick and easy to use interface, it allows you to configure multiple lock screens on the fly, but also the visual of the screen and notifications that appear there. Like the previous, it can be activated in several modes, add a password and save your settings.

Version of the app: 7.7.0.3

Size app: 5.1 MB

Compatibility of the app: Android 4.1 or higher

Business model: completely free

C Locker Pro (Widget Locker) Install on Google Play

4. Dynamic Notifications

Catalogued as the eternal rival of AcDisplay, it is clear that Dynamic Notifications is a bit his nemesis. Unlike AcDisplay, Dynamic Notifications does not just keep his all black lockscreen, since it offers different design to meet all screen technology in a clear and concise structure. This application also offers the function of automatically turn the screen by hand in front of the sensor.

Unlike the others, this lock screen is compatible from Android 4.0:

Version of the app: 3.1

Size app: 4.8 MB

Compatibility of the app: Android 4.0 or higher

Business model: completely free

DynamicNotifications Install on Google Play

5. Notification Echo Lockscren

Taking some design codes C-Locker Pro Lockscreen Notification Echo enjoys an aesthetic a bit of TLC and the ability to manage the display order of received alerts. In addition to rather well on smartphones, this alternative lock screen is optimized for large screens of Android tablets.

It's free. By cons, compatibility starts only from Android 4.3:

Version of the app: 0.9.82

Size app: 4.3 MB

Compatibility of the app: Android 4.3 or more

Business model: completely free

Echo Lock Notification Install on Google Play

6. Go Locker

In search of beauty in its purest form, Go Locker, developed by the company GO Launcher EX, is but a heap of good things very well harmonized together. Here, forget the black screen to make way for a GUI-centered notifications, quick settings and especially security (password, gestures, etc.).

Version of the app: varies across devices

Size app: varies across devices

Compatibility of the app: varies across devices

Business model: completely free

Go Locker - beautiful themes Install on Google Play

7. Hi Locker

Here Hi Locker lockscreen a "no brainer" that goes straight to the point. Beyond this, its design is rather seen clear and orderly in all, with notifications sorted by date. Of course, you can change the font, but also the background, manage music, and access your favorite apps in a snap.

Version of the app: 1.7.5

Size of the app: 11 MB

Compatibility of the app: Android 4.1 or higher

Business model: completely free

Hi Locker - Lock screen

Install on Google Play

8. Semper (formerly UnlockYourBrain)

Do you like challenging, because Semper could be the lockscreen for you! Whenever you unlock your mobile or start one of your favorite applications, Semper proposes to solve a quick puzzle on general knowledge, math or language. A good way to learn without taking the head, but remember to disable temporarily after a drunken night to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Version of the app: 4.8.824

Size app: 10MB

Compatibility of the app: Android 4.1 or higher

Business model: completely free

Semper: Learn effortless Install on Google Play

9. Zui Locker

Among the shots hearts of the moment, Zui Locker is certainly alternative lock screen on Android the most developed in terms of presentation, structuring and customization. A beautiful rainbow sky will brighten your days with fast functions with gestures and beautiful colors in a simple interface as pie.

Like his AcDisplay antagonist, Zui Locker also benefits from optimization to enable ignition of the screen it out of the pocket of his jeans and vice versa. Indeed, when in a pocket, the application uses the proximity sensor to determine whether or not the display should light up.

Version of the app: 1.9.6

Size app: unknown

Compatibility of the app: Android 4.1 or higher

Business model: Free but with in app purchases

ZUI Locker-Elegant Lock Screen Install on Google Play

10. Android Lollipop and beyond

The Android lock screen is the latest addition to the road. Really established since the arrival of Android L Developer Preview, to be adopted later on the final version of Android 5.0 Lollipop, Google made in this lockscreen to quickly view their notifications, in addition to managing the sweeping on the side.

lockscreen android lollipop lock screen image 01 by tony balt EnTech France

Android Lollipop and later have their own improved lock screen. © EnTech

By pulling down the screen to the left or right, you can trigger the rapid opening of Google Now or camera. In addition, it offers a quick view of the time, date and warns if an alarm is set. Do not try to activate it, this lock screen is native and is automatically activated upon receipt of an alert.

Version of the app: 2.40

Size app: 2.4 MB

Compatibility of the app: Android 4.4 or more

Business model: Free but with in app purchases

If you do not have Lollipop, you can find it here:

Lollipop Lockscreen Install on Google Play

As for you, what is your favorite lock screen?

How To Root Any Android Phone

Rooting is a national pastime in Android land. It brings people together, challenging but rewarding those who partake. If you're yet to be taught how to root on Android, sit back while we explain the pros and cons of rooting an Android device, how to root Android for each smartphone manufacturer and how to tell whether your phone is rooted.

Gaining root access is easier on some devices than others. / © EnTech

What is root?

The term "root" comes from the Linux world. The root operation in Android is much the same as it is there: it gets you full access to the entire file system, making you a "superuser". This allows you to make profound adjustments and changes to the software.

But for novice users, it also poses a risk, because very important system files can be just as easily deleted as less important files. This is one of the main reasons why Android smartphones are not rooted by default: to avoid innocent but catastrophic mistakes.

Root access is often gained by using a script that you install in Android's download mode, which automatically executes itself, granting root access in the process. This script often uses a vulnerability in the operating system kernel by performing a so-called "privilege escalation".

SuperSU Install on Google Play

As we said above, root privileges turn you from a regular user into a superuser with access to the full Android system. The simplest way to extend superuser permissions to apps is with a tool called SuperSU.

You can do this on a case-by-case basis, for specific situations, or on a more permanent basis, to allow an app to help you take complete control over your Android. You can withdraw superuser permissions at any time, too.

Will I lose my warranty if I root my Android?

Generally speaking, rooting your Android will void your warranty, but it's not always so clear cut. Some devices, such as those in the Nexus line from Google, are pretty much designed to be rooted and modified by Android developers in order to advance the platform. You can't expect the same leniency from all OEMs. 

Manufacturer positions vs carrier positions

HTC is the only manufacturer we contacted that was accommodating when it comes to rooted phones. HTC famously decided to provide all HTC devices with an unlockable bootloader that would not affect the warranty. 

Unfortunately, networks including AT&T and Verizon refuse to honor HTC's pledge by generally not stocking retail devices with bootloaders capable of being unlocked, preferring instead to offer Developer Edition devices that can only be bought outright, off-contract and unsubsidized.

HTC has a list of HTC devices with unlockable bootloaders but notes that any future repairs you require might not be covered under warranty.

HTC is the only manufacturer to wholeheartedly support system modifications. / © EnTech

So unlocking your bootloader or rooting your phone will not necessarily void your warranty, but, as HTC told us: “If a defect is proven to be attributable to a changed software environment with regards to root, then the warranty claim will be void.”

LG recently enabled unlocking the bootloader on three devices. However, rooting an LG phone immediately voids the warranty.

Sony is less hard-line: “We look at these cases individually. If a modification [like root] is detected in the workshop that is not related to the defect being claimed, we tend to side with the customer.”

Samsung was less accommodating in its response: “Since rooting modifies the device in ways that aren't allowed, Samsung won't grant any guarantees in these cases. As for the warranty agreement between the customer and the retailer, legal regulations apply, independently of Samsung's guarantee regulations.”

Is rooting Android legal?

That depends entirely on where you live. In the US, the modification of digital things like the software of mobile devices is covered by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Critically, some exemptions to that law exist courtesy of the US Copyright Office and they include things like rooting.

So, while rooting in the US is technically illegal under the DMCA, one such exemption to the DMCA makes rooting Android devices legal “at least through 2015”. While this was a big win for fans of digital freedom back in 2012, the legalities of the act are still to be completely ironed out even now, in 2016.

For those in Europe, the case is much clearer: the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) has worked intensively around the root issue and, after a detailed examination, came to the conclusion that rooting a device and installing unofficial software does not impact your rights to a hardware warranty.

According to EU Directive 1999/44/CE, even when rooting and installing custom ROMs, the owner of an Android device can make claims under warranty for up to two years after purchase. This ruling, however, only applies to claims made regarding the hardware of the device, and if a retailer or manufacturer can prove that the software modification caused the defect then you may find yourself out of luck.

The good news for those in Europe is that the burden of proof lies on the retailer or manufacturer to prove that it was a custom ROM or the root process itself that caused the problem.

In the US, things are much less well defined and basically come down to a mishmash of manufacturer, carrier and retailer positions. The simple answer is that you shouldn't root unless you're happy to void your warranty.

How do you know what has been done to an Android device you just bought second hand? / © EnTech

How do I know if my device is rooted?

If you've bought a second-hand Android device and want to know if it was previously rooted or modified, the simplest way is to check for root with a simple, free-to-install Android app. Fortunately, there are a couple of great apps for checking root access.

Jared Rummler from JRummy Apps is responsible for Root Check, a great app that not only tells you if your device is currently rooted or not, but also provides a nice glossary of terms and links to other good root apps by JRummy.

Root Check Install on Google Play

Root Checker, from the developer Joey Krim, is the most popular root-check app. Root Checker does pretty much the same stuff as Root Check, but some features are reserved for the pro version. The free version still provides you with an explanation of things surrounding root and links to other root apps.

Root Checker Install on Google Play

Benefits of rooting Android

There are myriad reasons to root: access to the best root apps on Android, the power to uninstall pre-loaded bloatware apps and the world of custom ROMs are the most common reasons. Backups are also easier with root access. With root, you will be able to grant a backup app like Titanium Backup root-level permissions and make complete backups of your system periodically, so no matter what happens to your phone, you'll always have an up-to-date backup waiting to be restored.

Titanium Backup ★ root Install on Google Play

Root access also allows you to change the tiniest details in the Android system. Sure, you can flash a full-blown custom ROM for a complete makeover, but you can also make minor tweaks with Xposed Framework. Maybe you just want to flash a new boot animation, tweak some audio settings, or overclock your CPU a touch. All of this is possible with root.

With root access, you can also get better battery life out of your Android, by undervolting your CPU or using automatic app hibernation with apps such as Greenify. As mentioned above, removing pre-installed apps also lessens the demands on system resources, improving battery life further.

Ad blockers and full system automation with Tasker are two further reasons to root Android, but your reasons to root will be about as personal as the things you can do once you have root. Maybe you want to change everything, maybe just one thing. No matter how deep you want to go, rooting will get you there.

Tasker Install on Google Play

Why you shouldn't root Android

There are a few reasons: that it will likely void your warranty, it can be complicated and dangerous, and that in many cases you'll no longer get automatic over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Once you're rooted, it is also much easier for a malicious app to take advantage of the permission level root grants. Allowing an app root access should be handled with much more care than blindly hitting Accept in the Google Play Store when the permissions list pops up. This is a responsibility you should take very seriously.

Greenify Install on Google Play

If you're capable of rooting your phone, you're more than likely capable of updating your system software manually, too, but it is still inconvenient having to do this.

There are also more potential complications when updating a rooted Android device than when updating a non-rooted one. Again, these are perfectly workable, but are potentially more annoying than root is worth to the average person.

How do I root my smartphone?

Because the process used to root individual devices varies so greatly and changes so quickly, there's little point in providing dedicated links to tutorials on EnTech. The simplest thing to do is hit the search button and look for a current guide. But read on for some general rules.

How to root Samsung devices

Because Samsung devices are supported by the excellent Odin software tool, rooting Samsung devices is generally very simple. All you need to do is download the Odin program on your computer and flash the latest Auto-Root tool from the developer Chainfire.

Other root methods for Galaxy devices frequently come up and occasionally CF-Auto-Root takes a while to appear for a new Galaxy device, but it's generally one of the better and more reliable methods if you're at all unsure about the process.

It should be reiterated here that Samsung includes a flash counter on its devices. This means that if you root your Galaxy device and flash anything on it and then have to return it for repair, Samsung might refuse your claim due to modifications being made that are not covered under warranty.

It's easy to root a Samsung Galaxy phone with Odin and CF-Auto-Root. / © EnTech

How to root LG devices

LG devices don't need a third-party program like Odin to root. All you need is a computer and some ADB commands with which to run a script or you can use a tool called One Click Root, if you're a little scared of the whole ADB thing.

LG notably provided official instructions for unlocking the LG G4 bootloader back in the middle of 2015 but with the caveat that you'll be voiding your warranty if you do so. 

How to root Sony devices

Depending on which kind of Sony phone you have – one with an unlockable bootloader or not – the root process will be slightly different for you. If your bootloader is officially unlockable it's much easier to get a custom recovery on your Xperia and then make further modifications by flashing zip and image files.

You simply need to check Sony's list of Xperia devices with an unlockable bootloader and, if your device is on the list, find a custom recovery for it. We'd recommend TWRP, which has a convenient supported devices page to make the search that much easier. From here, all you need to do is grab a SuperSU exploit and flash it through recovery.

How to root Nexus devices

Google is in the business of helping developers and enthusiasts do what they want, so you don't have to request an unlock code or anything like that for a Nexus bootloader. Simply enable OEM unlocking in the Developer settings (if it appears on your particular device), connect to a computer via a USB cable, enter Fastboot mode and apply a simple Fastboot or ADB command (depending on which Nexus you have).

How to root other Android devices

There are plenty of other ways to unlock your bootloader and root other Android phones. Motorola has an official support page to guide you through the bootloader unlock process and a quick search in Google or XDA Developers will provide the very latest root method for your particular device.

As mentioned above, HTC officially supports unlocking the bootloader and provides information for doing so on its website. Unfortunately, rooting HTC devices can be a tricky business, with a bricked phone one possible outcome if things go wrong. Again, we advise you to trawl through the XDA Developers root directory for the latest surefire root methods. 

Conclusion: should I root or not?

As you can probably tell by this point, rooting Android is not for the faint of heart. You need to be willing to risk voiding your warranty, be prepared to manually apply Android updates, accept becoming more exposed to security risks and you will have to research the latest root method and apply it perfectly to your device to avoid any potential problems.

But the benefits of rooting Android are manifold. You'll have complete control over your system, can uninstall bloatware, apply millions of system tweaks and create complete backups automatically. If you've got this far and can't wait for the next stage, hit that search bar, do some digging in XDA and start the next phase of your Android education.

Post your questions or rooting success stories in the comments below.