I know there is a "qeustions" thread but it might be a good idea to have a tips thread for n00bs so here goes...Also please let me know if there is anything that needs to be added. This is probably going to be more of a general thread for users moving to Android or Android users who are less than technical.
Moving contacts over from your old Android Phone to the Photon (only if your google account does not move over contacts)
**IMPORTANT NOTE**: using this method I am almost 100% sure you need a SD card in your phone
This is actually pretty simple. I'll share how I did it, although there might be an easier way:
First get an app like UiA Backup (LINK HERE) After downloading it on your phone you will have the option to make a CSV file with the phone contacts. Once you do this make sure to send it to yourself in an email. Once you have sent it open it in Excel or another Excel like program. Copy the files and then go to the CSV to VCard converter (LINK HERE) follow the directions and post the CSV information. This will create a VCard for you from that CSV. Now copy the VCard data and open Notepad (in windows7 just hit start and search Notepad) paste the data in to Notepad and go to save it. When you name it be sure it uses the extension vcf this means when you name it, it should look like this "contacts.vcf". once you've done this, send yourself an email with the vcf file you've just saved.
Now make sure you've download a browser such as Dolphin HD browser (LINK HERE) this will allow you to download the VCard you sent yourself. Download the file and make sure it saves on your SD card (this should be the default). One you have downloaded the VCard you will need to open up your Contacts app. Once it's open hit the button on your phone on the far left which has four open squares and one closed one, this pulls up your settings. Next hit the "Import/Export" option that has an arrow going up and down. Then select "Import Contacts From", this will be the first option. It will then ask if you want to import from the SD Card or the SIM card, choose the SD Card. It will then automatically select the vcf file and start uploading.
Remember that if you had Facebook contacts in your old phone that it will also import those when you create the CSV file.
Stop Auto Sync (google) and remove Facebook Contacts
This is a cross post from another thread:
It's pretty simple to turn off auto sync. Click on the little square on your home screen that pulls up all of your apps go to Settings than go to Accounts. From here you can select gmail and uncheck the sync option.
To Remove facebook contacts it's also pretty simple. Again click on the little square to pull up your apps. Choose contacts, hit the far left button on your phone that has the four little squares. This will pull up more options, choose the "display options" and select facebook, simply uncheck "all contacts". This should remove your facebook contacts. You can also do the same for gmail.
Also just to add I think to stop they sync of facebook just click on the social media widget (what shows your facebook contacts are saying on your home screen) hold down on it until you see a little trash can at the top, drag it to the trash can. This will not delete it forever it will simply stop it from running and syncing all the time. I would suggest hitting the square on your home screen to pull up the apps find the "social networking" app click and hold on to it and place it on your home screen. Then you can just open it when you want to
How to toggle 3g data on and off (All credit goes to user Bandage)
Ok so those of you who own the Photon have probably noticed Motorola buried the Data Toggle option deep in menus were not used to finding them in. None of the current Toggle / Widget apps support access to this menu with a single click.
EarlyMon (Android Forums) pointed out a free Toggle App, that with some exploration and trial I was able to come up with a work-around that allows a single press Data Toggle.
Here's a quick tutorial:
1. Download Widgetsoid2.x and install.
2. Long-press on Home Screen, and select "Widgets"
3. Scroll down to Widgetsoid Switcher 1x1
4. 1st option on the toolbar down on the bottom is "Network" select that.
5. Select "Mobile Data"
6. Next go to Theme...and customize the look you want for the toggle.
7. Select Apply on lower menu bar
8. A menu will pop up asking if you want to "Edit Global Preferences"...Yes
9. The first Tab from top is "Data Toggle Mode"
10. Select "Root Toggle"
11. Press your BACK key...and it will return you to your Home Screen.
Done... There's your Data Toggle!
**USEFUL APPS** click on the name of the app for the link
Semi Silent Pro - This app is a paid app but it allows you to set certain contacts to always ring when your phone is on vibrate. For business users this is extremely useful if you have an important phone call you are waiting for. There is also a free version.
Agile Lock - If you do not like the current Moto Blur lock this will give you the Sense 3.0 lock. Again this is a paid app there is of course a free version but it is not the Sense 3.0 lock.
PDA Net - This is a free easy to use app for your Android phone so you can tether your 3g/4g/WIFI connection to your PC. This means you can use your PC to surf the net so long as your phone is getting reception. In order to use PDA Net you have to have it also installed on your PC (CLICK LINK HERE). Check instructions on how to use PDA Net (CLICK LINK HERE)
Launcher Pro - This is Launcher that is very popular. It will replace Moto Blur which many users do not like.
ES File Explorer - Great free file explorer for Android, this really comes in handy when you need to move files inside your SD card with out having to plug into your personal computer.
MuteCamera - This is a paid app that allows you to mute the shutter button on the camera. Comes in handy if you are annoyed by the sound of the shutter or need to take stealth photos of crazy people in Wal-Mart or a New York Subway.
Astro File Manager - Another great file manager, this one allows for app backup so you can pull over your apps from another phone.
From EarlyMon, "On Astro backups - apk files run AND install. When you restore from Astro, a righteous re-install happens.
Another cool thing about Astro is that it can allow your browser to download files it might not otherwise. Follow the Astro preference note on its use and note that is browser dependent. If all else fails, Firefox will do downloads. "
Spare Parts Plus - (Free) Some apps do not scale to fullscreen on qHD screens (which the Photon has). Again from EarlyMon, "Uncheck Compatibility Mode if checked, reboot".
SMS Backup and Restore - This free app will backup your SMS text messages in an XML format on your SD card so you can either move them to another phone, or restore your messages should they get lost. Remember though if you have to be sneaky you might not want your text messages backed up
Moving contacts over from your old Android Phone to the Photon (only if your google account does not move over contacts)
**IMPORTANT NOTE**: using this method I am almost 100% sure you need a SD card in your phone
This is actually pretty simple. I'll share how I did it, although there might be an easier way:
First get an app like UiA Backup (LINK HERE) After downloading it on your phone you will have the option to make a CSV file with the phone contacts. Once you do this make sure to send it to yourself in an email. Once you have sent it open it in Excel or another Excel like program. Copy the files and then go to the CSV to VCard converter (LINK HERE) follow the directions and post the CSV information. This will create a VCard for you from that CSV. Now copy the VCard data and open Notepad (in windows7 just hit start and search Notepad) paste the data in to Notepad and go to save it. When you name it be sure it uses the extension vcf this means when you name it, it should look like this "contacts.vcf". once you've done this, send yourself an email with the vcf file you've just saved.
Now make sure you've download a browser such as Dolphin HD browser (LINK HERE) this will allow you to download the VCard you sent yourself. Download the file and make sure it saves on your SD card (this should be the default). One you have downloaded the VCard you will need to open up your Contacts app. Once it's open hit the button on your phone on the far left which has four open squares and one closed one, this pulls up your settings. Next hit the "Import/Export" option that has an arrow going up and down. Then select "Import Contacts From", this will be the first option. It will then ask if you want to import from the SD Card or the SIM card, choose the SD Card. It will then automatically select the vcf file and start uploading.
Remember that if you had Facebook contacts in your old phone that it will also import those when you create the CSV file.
Stop Auto Sync (google) and remove Facebook Contacts
This is a cross post from another thread:
It's pretty simple to turn off auto sync. Click on the little square on your home screen that pulls up all of your apps go to Settings than go to Accounts. From here you can select gmail and uncheck the sync option.
To Remove facebook contacts it's also pretty simple. Again click on the little square to pull up your apps. Choose contacts, hit the far left button on your phone that has the four little squares. This will pull up more options, choose the "display options" and select facebook, simply uncheck "all contacts". This should remove your facebook contacts. You can also do the same for gmail.
Also just to add I think to stop they sync of facebook just click on the social media widget (what shows your facebook contacts are saying on your home screen) hold down on it until you see a little trash can at the top, drag it to the trash can. This will not delete it forever it will simply stop it from running and syncing all the time. I would suggest hitting the square on your home screen to pull up the apps find the "social networking" app click and hold on to it and place it on your home screen. Then you can just open it when you want to
How to toggle 3g data on and off (All credit goes to user Bandage)
Ok so those of you who own the Photon have probably noticed Motorola buried the Data Toggle option deep in menus were not used to finding them in. None of the current Toggle / Widget apps support access to this menu with a single click.
EarlyMon (Android Forums) pointed out a free Toggle App, that with some exploration and trial I was able to come up with a work-around that allows a single press Data Toggle.
Here's a quick tutorial:
1. Download Widgetsoid2.x and install.
2. Long-press on Home Screen, and select "Widgets"
3. Scroll down to Widgetsoid Switcher 1x1
4. 1st option on the toolbar down on the bottom is "Network" select that.
5. Select "Mobile Data"
6. Next go to Theme...and customize the look you want for the toggle.
7. Select Apply on lower menu bar
8. A menu will pop up asking if you want to "Edit Global Preferences"...Yes
9. The first Tab from top is "Data Toggle Mode"
10. Select "Root Toggle"
11. Press your BACK key...and it will return you to your Home Screen.
Done... There's your Data Toggle!
**USEFUL APPS** click on the name of the app for the link
Semi Silent Pro - This app is a paid app but it allows you to set certain contacts to always ring when your phone is on vibrate. For business users this is extremely useful if you have an important phone call you are waiting for. There is also a free version.
Agile Lock - If you do not like the current Moto Blur lock this will give you the Sense 3.0 lock. Again this is a paid app there is of course a free version but it is not the Sense 3.0 lock.
PDA Net - This is a free easy to use app for your Android phone so you can tether your 3g/4g/WIFI connection to your PC. This means you can use your PC to surf the net so long as your phone is getting reception. In order to use PDA Net you have to have it also installed on your PC (CLICK LINK HERE). Check instructions on how to use PDA Net (CLICK LINK HERE)
Launcher Pro - This is Launcher that is very popular. It will replace Moto Blur which many users do not like.
ES File Explorer - Great free file explorer for Android, this really comes in handy when you need to move files inside your SD card with out having to plug into your personal computer.
MuteCamera - This is a paid app that allows you to mute the shutter button on the camera. Comes in handy if you are annoyed by the sound of the shutter or need to take stealth photos of crazy people in Wal-Mart or a New York Subway.
Astro File Manager - Another great file manager, this one allows for app backup so you can pull over your apps from another phone.
From EarlyMon, "On Astro backups - apk files run AND install. When you restore from Astro, a righteous re-install happens.
Another cool thing about Astro is that it can allow your browser to download files it might not otherwise. Follow the Astro preference note on its use and note that is browser dependent. If all else fails, Firefox will do downloads. "
Spare Parts Plus - (Free) Some apps do not scale to fullscreen on qHD screens (which the Photon has). Again from EarlyMon, "Uncheck Compatibility Mode if checked, reboot".
SMS Backup and Restore - This free app will backup your SMS text messages in an XML format on your SD card so you can either move them to another phone, or restore your messages should they get lost. Remember though if you have to be sneaky you might not want your text messages backed up
