While not completely necessary, the benefits of adding a Gmail or Google account to your device include the following:

1. Automatic backup of device data
2. Access to the Google Play Store
3. Access to Gmail email account
4. Access to Google Drive
5. Access to Google Calendar
6. Saved locations in Google Maps
7. Improved location accuracy for apps
8. "Find My Device" security feature

For more information, click here.

You can turn select phones into a Wi-Fi® hotspot, allowing your Wi-Fi enabled devices to connect to the internet using your mobile data connection. To enable this feature from the main screen, follow these steps:

1. If Wi-Fi is enabled on your phone, turn it off by sliding the status bar down from the main screen. Tap the "Wi-Fi" icon to turn it off, then return to the Home screen.
2. From the main screen, locate and tap the "Settings" icon.
3. If necessary, tap "Connections" or "Network & internet."
4. Tap "Hotspot & Tethering," "Mobile Hotspot and tethering," or "Tethering."
5. Locate and tap "Mobile Hotspot" or "Wi-Fi Hotspot."
6. Tap the slider at the top of the screen to turn this feature "On."
7. Instructions for connecting other devices to your hotspot will display on your screen, including the network name and password. You will now be able to connect your devices to this network just as you would any Wi-Fi network.

To change the network name or password, follow these steps:

1. Tap the appropriate text field and enter the desired network name or password.
2. Note: Changing the password will disconnect any users currently connected to your personal hotspot.
3. Tap "Save."

For more information, click here.

Accessibility features available for your Android smartphone include the following:

1. Real-Time Text (RTT)
2. Teletype (TTY)
3. Hearing aid support
4. Screen reader
5. Screen magnification
6. Audio enhancements
7. Visibility improvement options
8. Voice control
9. Pressing the PWR/LOCK key to end your calls

For more information, click here.

By default, your phone is set to automatically choose the best available network. If your phone is not connected to a network, you may be in an area where service is not yet available or you may also be in an area with poor wireless coverage.

If you are indoors, try moving closer to a window or the perimeter of the building, or try going outside.

If changing your location does not solve your problem, try restarting your phone by turning it off and then on again.

NOTE: Not all Networks or Network Services are available on all devices or in all areas.

To verify your network, follow these steps:

NOTE: You must temporarily turn your Wi-Fi Connection to "Off."

1. From the main screen, slide the screen up to display your apps.
2. Locate and tap the "Settings" icon.
3. Locate and tap "About phone."
4. Tap "SIM status" or "Status information."
5. Then, tap "SIM card status."
6. Look under
7. "Mobile network state" for your current network state.
8. "Mobile voice network type" for your current network type.

SAMSUNG DEVICES

To verify your network settings, follow these steps

1. From the main screen, slide the screen up to display your apps.
2. Locate and tap the "Settings" icon.
3. Tap "Connections."
4. Tap "Mobile networks."
5. Tap "Network operators", the "Automatic" mode should be selected.

OTHER ANDROID DEVICES

To verify your network settings, follow these steps

1. From the main screen, slide the screen up to display your apps.
2. Locate and tap the "Settings" icon.
3. Tap "Network" or "Network & internet."
4. Tap "Mobile network."
5. If necessary, tap "Advanced" to view additional options.
6. Under "Network" or "Networker Operator," the "Automatically select network" option should be switched to "On."

For more information, click here.

To back up your files using your Google account, follow these steps:

1. Once you are signed in to your Google account, slide up from the main screen.
2. Locate and tap the "Settings" icon.
3. Locate and tap "Google."
4. Tap "Backup."
5. If necessary, tap the "Back up to Google Drive" slider to enable this feature.
6. Tap "Back up now." Your data will be backed up to Google Drive.
7. Note: If a message appears to back up your data using your phone network data, press "Cancel" or "Back up now."

For more information, click here.