Smartphones

made easy
 Welcome Contents
These days almost everybody has a smartphone. For 04 Setting up your Apple iPhone 14 Making video calls
some of us, they’ve become the essential gadget that
helps us keep in touch, snap photos, run a range of 06 Setting up your 16 Storing and syncing
amazing apps and browse the web. For others, they’re Android smartphone files in the cloud
a source of mystery, confusion or even irritation.
Maybe we bought one to keep up with the kids or the 08 Installing apps 18 Conserving your data
grandkids, or perhaps the dwindling numbers of more
simple mobile phones on the market meant we had 10 Essential apps 20 Phone security
no other choice. Either way, we might use our phones
to make calls, send texts and check our emails, but 12 Taking and sharing photos 22 Jargon buster
we’re not getting the most from our devices. with your phone
Does that sound familiar? Well, it doesn’t have to
be that way. In this guide, we’ll help you set up your
new Apple or Android smartphone, master its basic
features and download the most useful apps. We’ll
help you get to grips with the camera and explain how
to transfer photos to your computer and make video
calls. Discover how to store and protect your data,
keep your phone secure and avoid getting hit by jaw-
dropping charges. By the end, you’ll not only know how
to use your smartphone, but also feel confident enough
to discover more of its uses. Follow all our step-by-step
guidance and you’ll be a smartphone expert in no time.
Kate Bevan
Editor, Which? Computing

Which? Computing offers practical advice on making BACK TO THE

We get nostalgicFUTURE
the iconic BBC with
SMARTER BUYING

Computing
Micro Is a second-hand THE BIG SWITCH
smartphone How to move
right for you? from Mac
to PC – and
vice versa

the most of your computer, including everything

OCTOBER 2018

from social networking to email. Our team of experts

has more than 40 years’ experience working in and MOVIE
STAR
We help you

writing about technology. As a Which? title, we’re

make
great videos
using
your smartpho
ne

entirely independent and offer unbiased advice. p01 Front cover

Oct R3.indd
1

30/08/2018
15:22

© Which? Ltd 2018 This guide has been produced for general information and interest only. Which? makes every effort
to ensure that the information in the guide is correct, but we can’t guarantee that it is 100% free of inaccuracies, errors and
omissions. We are not responsible for ensuring that the advice given in this guide is suitable for your purposes, or for any
financial loss or loss of data that may be incurred as a result of following the advice. This is an independent publication and
is not affiliated with, or authorised, sponsored or approved by the companies it refers to.

The guide may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or otherwise made available to third
parties without the written permission of Which? Ltd. Commercial use of the guide is not permitted. You can enquire about
using Which? content by emailing corporatequeries@which.co.uk.

Acknowledgements: This guide contains third-party screenshots which remain the property of their respective owners.
Apple Inc p4, 5, 8, 12, 14, 16, 20. Google p6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 17, 20.

2 ❘ which.co.uk which.co.uk ❘ 3
Setting up your
send you pop-up notifications,
and how these are displayed.
General
The General settings handle

Apple iPhone
background settings such
as storage, your Siri settings,
how quickly your iPhone goes
to sleep, the date and time
on it and software updates.
Personalise your iPhone by customising the homescreen,
Display & Brightness
changing settings and removing unwanted apps Controls the brightness level
of the screen and can also
Getting started change the look of the text
Turn it on on your iPhone’s homescreen.
Hold the Power button on the
top-right of your iPhone to turn Advanced features
it on and ‘Hello’ will appear in apps preinstalled. You can off all your phone’s wireless The homescreen also has
many languages. Just tap, hold, move app icons from page connections at once. Tap three less obvious features.
and swipe from right to left to page, delete apps or even again to switch them on again. Swipe all the way left for the
across the screen. Choose change the apps in the dock. Wi-fi Today screen (see above, left).
your language, then select Just tap and hold your finger This lists the wi-fi network that This has a search bar, an
your country. Your iPhone will on an icon and wait until all the you’re currently connected Up Next panel to remind you
now search for nearby wi-fi icons start wobbling. Tap and to. Tap it to disconnect or to of upcoming events, app
networks. Tap to select one drag the icon to change its connect to a different network. suggestions for easy access
and enter your wi-fi password position on the page, or drag it Tap a network you want to to apps you use frequently,
if required. Your iPhone will to the left or right of the screen join and enter the security plus the news, weather, maps
then take you through steps to move it to a different page. password when prompted. and tips that Siri thinks you
that enable its Touch ID To delete it altogether, tap the Bluetooth might find interesting or
(fingerprint) or Face ID (facial X in the top-left corner of the Bluetooth is used to connect useful. Swipe down from
recognition), and allow you you’ll find your iPhone’s main homescreen to the next, icon to remove it (not all apps with in-car systems, wireless the top of the screen for
to restore apps and data features and apps (see above). or tap an icon to launch the can be deleted). headphones, speakers and Notifications, where you’ll
from an old iPhone. You’ll also At the top you can see the associated app or feature. To change the icons in the keyboards. If you’re not using find your latest emails,
be asked to sign in with your current time, status icons for At the bottom, you’ll see dock, drag one out then drag it, switch it off to save battery. messages and other
Apple ID (the account you use location sensing and Bluetooth the dock. This is a bar with your preferred app into the Mobile Data notifications. Swipe up from
to access Apple services) if you (if turned on), the phone signal your four most important vacant space. Use this option to control your the bottom of the homescreen
already have one, and choose strength meter, the wi-fi apps. By default, these will mobile internet connection. (on iPhones with a home
whether or not to use Apple’s signal strength meter and take you to calls, the Safari Master settings You can turn it off to avoid button) or down and left
personal assistant, Siri. your battery level. browser and the Messages The iPhone’s settings and using your monthly data from the top-right corner
Provide any information that Below those, you can see and Music apps, but you can options menus can be allowance, or use it to allow (on iPhones without) for the
is required and when you see up to six rows of icons that personalise the dock if you accessed via Settings (see p4) or prevent individual apps Control Centre (see above,
the words Get Started, tap to launch your iPhone’s core prefer and add your own – the grey gear-shaped icon from using data. right). This gives you quick
begin using your new device. features and apps. Swipe left most frequently used icons. on your homescreen. Notifications playback controls for video
Your homescreen or right on the screen to switch Moving and deleting apps Airplane Mode Use the Notifications option and music plus a range
The homescreen is where from one page of your Your phone comes with some Tap Airplane Mode to switch to control which apps can of other shortcuts.

4 ❘ which.co.uk which.co.uk ❘ 5
Setting up
depending on your phone, the size of fonts used on the
manufacturer and Android homescreens and how large
version, but you should see common parts of the Android
most of the following. interface appear.

your Android
Network & Internet Sound
Tap Wi-fi to turn wi-fi on or off. Set notification sounds and
If you want to connect your ring tones, and adjust the
phone to a different network, volume for alerts, alarms and

smartphone
just tap the network’s SSID music, game and video apps.
(or name) and enter the Storage
password. Bluetooth allows Check how much free storage
your phone to connect to space your phone has left,
wireless headphones or and how your storage space
With many manufacturers and a variety of software versions available, speakers, in-car systems is being used.
various Android smartphones can work in different ways. Fortunately, or peripherals such as Lock screen and security
the basics are usually quite similar keyboards. Tap here to turn Control how you unlock your
alphabetical list of every app it on or pair your phone with phone and adjust important
or feature installed on your a new device. Tap Data Usage phone security settings.
Getting started phone. You can move an app to see how much data your System
Turn it on to a homescreen page for phone has been using and Change the date and time,
Press the Power button to easier access by tapping and which apps have been using it. set backup options for your
switch on your phone and it holding on it, then dragging Device connection phone and install new
will run through its initialisation it left, off the screen and onto Connect to Bluetooth devices, software updates.
process. Android phones one of the grey boxes that Chromebooks, Chromecast
differ from manufacturer appear. Each one of these devices and wireless screens. Notifications
to manufacturer, and also represents a different page Appearance Drag down from the top
in terms of which version of your homescreen. Change the background of the screen to show
of the Android software they You can also remove an wallpaper on your Home notifications. These could
run, but you’ll usually have app from a page by tapping and Lock screens, and add include messages, missed
to choose your language, and holding it then tapping widgets and shortcuts. calls, open apps or other
then your country and/or Remove, or dragging it to the Apps & notifications activity. Tapping one opens
region and then select your Remove link at the top of the Control what apps can the related app, or you can
wireless network, entering screen. Drag it to the left or and can’t do on your clear or block notifications to
any password that’s required. right edge of the screen to phone, uninstall apps and prevent them from appearing
Once that is done, you’ll move it to another page. configure notifications. again in the future.
either need to log in to your Your homescreen three icons: Back, to go back Battery Above notifications is the
Google account (your Gmail Phones from HTC or Samsung a step; Home, to go back to Change your settings Check how long your battery Quick Settings panel. Drag
account if you have one) or may look different, but most the homescreen and Recent Open the App Tray and tap charge should last and use down again from this view
set up a new one – you will Android phones have one or Apps, which allows you to the gear-shaped Settings icon different power-saving modes. and you’ll see more settings
need one to use your Android more homescreens for your switch between open apps to find the different settings Display shortcuts such as wi-fi, power
phone properly. Answer any apps and core features, plus and open browser windows. and options that control your Set the brightness level and saving mode and Bluetooth.
remaining questions your a row of icons to launch your Tap and hold the Home Android phone (above). As adjust how long your phone You can also access the full
phone asks you and then phone’s core features (see button and swipe upwards to with your homescreen, the waits before going to sleep. settings menu by tapping
you’ll be good to go. above). Below them you’ll see open the App Tray (above): an line-up of Settings will differ Here you can also change the cog.

6 ❘ which.co.uk which.co.uk ❘ 7
Installing apps
you can install it. Enter it,
and the app should start to
install. Once it has finished,
tap Open to launch it, or tap
the Home button, and then
Your phone has some great features built in, but to get the most from the App Tray to find the new
it you’ll need to visit the app store to download and install useful apps app and launch it from there.

The word ‘app’ is short for Download the Kindle app top apps plus links to the Websites or apps?
application, although it and your phone becomes most popular categories. Tap Using your phone’s web
usually means a simpler, an eBook reader. Search to find a specific app. browser to read a news
cheaper type of application When you find something website or check cinema
than the kind you might Installing apps interesting, tap on the icon times could save your
install on a PC. Apps are iPhone to go to its page. You can phone from being packed
designed to be used with Tapping the blue App Store scroll down to see a detailed to launch it or go back to the browse through the featured out with unnecessary apps,
a touchscreen interface and icon on your homescreen description plus reviews homescreen and tap the new apps. You can also use the but in many cases an app is
usually handle a few tasks will take you to Apple’s app from other users and app’s icon. Top Charts, Games, Family, quicker and makes it easier
easily and effectively. There store, where you’ll find a recommendations for other Categories and Editor’s to access key features.
are millions of apps on both huge selection of games apps that might interest you. Android Choice options to look for For example, you might
the iPhone’s App Store and and apps. The main Today To install the app, tap Get Android has its own app something more specific, or find it easier to find and
Android’s Google Play Store, page features Apple’s daily or where it lists the price. store – the Google Play use the Search bar at the top. watch a rugby or football
so there’s one for nearly favourites, while tapping You’ll be asked to enter Store. You’ll usually find the If you find what you’re match on the BBC Sport
everything. Install TomTom’s Apps at the bottom will take your Apple ID password or icon then launch it on the looking for, tap Install or the app rather than the mobile
app on your phone, for you to a wider selection. provide facial or fingerprint homescreen, or if not, in the icon marked with a price to website. You can find all
example, and it becomes Keep scrolling down here authentication. Then the App Tray. Make sure Home is install the app. You’ll normally the latest sports news, live
a fully fledged satnav device. and you’ll see charts for the app will install. Tap Open selected (not Games, Movies be asked for your Google action, scores and highlights
& TV, Books or Music), then account password before in one place, as well as
create push notifications.
These are alerts that
automatically let you know
when something of interest
to you has happened, for
example, when a goal has
been scored.

Find out
i more
For more tips
on installing apps and how
to remove unwanted apps,
visit computing.which.
co.uk and click Tablets
and smartphones.

8 ❘ which.co.uk which.co.uk ❘ 9
Essential apps
With the right apps you can unlock the power of your smartphone,
ensuring you get news, entertainment and the right information
wherever you are and whatever you’re up to

Satnav apps It’s even possible to save with friends and family is
Fortunately there’s no need maps of cities or selected WhatsApp. With WhatsApp
to pay for satnav on a phone regions to your phone, you can quickly and securely
– one of the most effective so you can get directions send text messages, photos,
packages, Google Maps, is and browse without an and videos to individuals or
free. It’s available on Android internet connection. groups. You can also make (see above) is great for
and iPhone and may even For those who want to video calls (see page 14) and finding the nearest National
come preinstalled. Google use a familar satnav system, send short voice messages. Trust properties to you and
Maps offers detailed TomTom and CoPilot both WhatsApp uses a wi-fi or data keeping an eye on events
turn-by-turn instructions and have brilliant apps, but they connection, so it’s free as long around you. If you fancy a
traffic alerts whether walking, are paid-for services. as you have enough data. walk, Viewranger gives you
driving or cycling, along with In terms of social networks, free satnav-style mapping
public transport information. News apps Facebook and Twitter are along the nation’s footpaths.
You can also read reviews, Just about every major British great ways to keep up with if you don’t subscribe. The favourite shows to watch If you’re staying in, Allrecipes
view photos and get other news source has its own iOS what your family and friends free version also includes offline when you’re on the go. Dinner Spinner is a fantastic
detailed information about and Android apps, or you can are doing, and what people adverts, and you can’t compendium of recipes and
shops and restaurants. install the BBC News app are saying about the things download songs for offline Security meal ideas complete with
(left) to get updates straight you care about. listening. Both iOS and Android have how-to videos as well as an
from the BBC. Alternatively, features for tracking a lost ingenious search function.
Flipboard creates a sort of Entertainment Family and kids phone or tablet; you can use
personalised digital All four of the big TV There’s no shortage of the Find My iPhone app to
magazine where you can companies have their own fun and educational apps locate your Apple devices,
read the latest news from catch-up TV apps, and while to keep the kids entertained. or Find My Device to find Which? apps
your favourite sources on the BBC iPlayer is the best known, Browse the Apple App store Android phone. Good security
subjects that most interest ITV Hub, All 4 and Demand for ‘kids games’, or on also starts with strong If you’re a Which?
subscriber, the Which?
you. If you normally get your 5 are well worth installing, Android’s Google Play Store passwords, but it’s a challenge
Reviews app puts the
news online, try Pocket. This too. If you subscribe to Netflix you can browse a catalogue to remember them if you log
whole range of our
handy app allows you to store or Amazon Prime Video, both of family titles by the child’s in to a lot of stores and online
impartial reviews on your
web pages to read later, even have apps that work brilliantly age. For entertainment on services. For more advice on smartphone, making it
from a PC or tablet. on both iOS and Android. the move or away from keeping your smartphone an essential app when
For music, Spotify is still home, it’s hard to beat the secure, see p20-21. you’re looking to buy
Keeping in touch the most popular choice, even YouTube Kids and BBC your next TV, home
One of the most popular and if you can only play albums iPlayer Kids apps, which Lifestyle and travel appliance or gadget.
free ways to keep in touch out of order in Shuffle mode allow you to download their The National Trust’s free app

10 ❘ which.co.uk which.co.uk ❘ 11
Taking and Tip
HDR or High Dynamic
Range, enables your

sharing photos
phone to take several
shots with different
exposure settings then
merge them together so

with your phone

that you can see more
detail in both light and
dark areas of the scene.

The Android
Your smartphone isn’t just a phone or even a pocket-sized computer camera app
– you can also use it to take photos that you can share with family Android phones either use
the native Android app or
and friends or on social media
they might use their own On an iPhone, open the computer’s Photos app when
proprietary app. Mostly they Photos app, select your photo you connect your iPhone.
The iPhone’s Use these icons to work in much the same way and tap the icon of a box
camera app engage the flash, turn as that of the iPhone. The with an upwards-pointing Tip
The main view shows you on HDR mode (see main view is your viewfinder. arrow. Now tap Message to
the current view through tip box on p13), take Tap anywhere in the picture send your photo as an MMS You can also transfer
the lens. Tap anywhere in animated ‘Live’ photos, to set your focus and (text message), or Mail to photos automatically
the picture to set focus and set a timer or add exposure, then tap the send it as an email. using a cloud storage
service. Dropbox, Google
exposure for that point. built-in special effects camera icon to take your On an Android phone,
Drive and OneDrive all
to your photos. shot. You can also swipe left launch the Photos app, tap
have Android and iOS
or right to switch between a photo, then tap the Share
smartphone apps that
stills and video, or tap the icon (bottom left). Now tap will automatically back
settings button to change to select the messaging or up photos from your
Swipe left or right (or settings such as the email app you want to share phone so that you can
up and down) along this resolution (the number of with, or a contact you want then download them
strip to change the type pixels in the image). to send the photo to. to your computer.
of photo, from time- At the top of the screen You can also transfer
lapse and HD video to you’ll see further controls, photos from your phone to
normal photos, square including the timer, flash and your computer. If you plug the
Tried
photos and panoramas. HDR modes, plus adjustments
for colour temperature and a
USB cable provided with your
phone into your smartphone
i and tested
We’ve put more
grid to help with composition. at one end and your PC at the
than 130 phones through
other, then Windows should
rigorous tests – checking
Sharing photos ask you whether you want to everything from camera
Tap the shutter Tap this icon to switch You can share photos using import any photos or videos. quality to battery life. Find
release button to take between the rear your favourite messaging Just click Yes and follow the out more at which.co.uk/
a photo or to start camera and the front apps or email, all from your prompts. On a Mac, photos smartphoneadvice.
capturing video. ‘selfie’ camera. smartphone’s Photos app. will be transferred to your

12 ❘ which.co.uk which.co.uk ❘ 13
Making
video calls
Smartphones aren’t just for making phone calls – with front-facing
cameras you can be face-to-face with friends and family, even
when you’re far apart
WhatsApp is one of the most popular
messaging apps around today, and also allows
you to make voice and video calls. Best of all,
1 Download and install WhatsApp from
your smartphone’s app store.
Launch the App and accept the permission and
WhatsApp uses a wi-fi or data connection to notification requests that appear. You then need
make calls and send messages, so provided to enter your mobile number and a verification
you are connected to wi-fi or have enough data code that will be sent to you. someone doesn’t appear you’ll need to add them Using FaceTime
left in your monthly bundle, it’s effectively free.
WhatsApp also uses secure encryption, making 2 Create a profile
Add your name and a photo of yourself –
to your contacts, and make sure they are also
using WhatsApp.
Apple’s iOS has its own built-in voice and video
calling feature, FaceTime. Just tap the green
it very safe. In fact that only drawback is that
other people must have WhatsApp installed
this is optional, but it helps other people to
recognise you. 4 Call a contact
To call a contact, tap on their name and
FaceTime icon to launch the app, then tap + in
the top-right corner to call one of your contacts.
in order for you to contact them, but it’s so
popular and so useful, this shouldn’t be
a problem.
3 Find your contacts
You can message anyone in the contacts list
on your phone who also has WhatsApp installed. If
then tap the phone icon or the video icon at
the top of the screen.
Tap the smaller Phone icon to start a FaceTime
phone call or the video camera icon to start a
video call.
Another popular use for WhatsApp is FaceTime calls are free over a wi-fi
group chats – a great way to communicate connection and only use your data allowance
with a several people at once. You could set or pay-as-you-go data credit if you’re on a
up a group for immediate family, for example. mobile connection, so it’s a cheap way to call
Simply select New Group from the menu and your iPhone-owning friends.
add the participants you’d like to include.
Using Google Hangouts
What about Skype? Google has its own equivalent of FaceTime,
Skype is another popular video and voice called Hangouts. Just tap on the Hangouts
calling app, and a viable alternative to icon in your App Tray to launch it. Tap the
WhatsApp if you prefer to use this instead. Menu button (the three lines) in the top-left
One advantage of Skype over WhatsApp is corner, then tap Contacts to see your existing
that it’s easier to call other phones and Gmail or email contacts. If any of them use
non-Skype users simply by dialling a number Hangouts you’ll see a note saying ‘On
– no contact needs to be set up. However, Hangouts’ next to their name. Tap their name,
this does cost money in the form of Skype then select Hangouts message to send them
credits, though you may still find it cheaper a text message, or tap Hangouts voice call
than calling from your phone. or Hangouts video call to call them.

14 ❘ which.co.uk which.co.uk ❘ 15
Storing and The other option, iCloud
Photos, stores the full
versions of every photo
Turn on iTunes Match. All the
music on your device will be
erased, but it’ll be replaced

syncing files
you take on your iPhone, with all your music from iCloud.
then syncs them with your
Mac. It’s great for serious Syncing with
photographers, but you will Google Drive

in the cloud
need to pay for additional Android users can use
iCloud storage if you don’t Google Drive to sync files
want to run out of space. from their phone to their PC,
provided both are signed
Syncing music into the same Gmail account.
Use cloud storage services to share files and photos Apple’s iTunes Match feature Any photos you take will be
syncs your entire music automatically synced through
between your smartphone and PC.
library across all your iOS Google Drive and the Photos
Syncing with the cloud means You can also use it to sync and Mac devices, so that you app. Launch Google Drive,
being able to access all the documents, email and events get all your music on any then click Menu and
files on your computers and on your calendar. To use it on device for £21.99 per year. Settings. Look at the Google Music app. To do this,
other devices – including a Mac, go to the Apple menu Open iTunes on your Mac Photos section and check download Google’s Music
documents, photos and music then click System Preferences and click iTunes Store > that the Auto Add switch Manager app on your PC.
– no matter where you are. > iCloud and either register iTunes Match (under Quick is turned on. You can now Click the file to install it and
Upload files from, say, your an account or sign in. Once links), then Subscribe. Follow access your photos by follow the setup instructions,
iPhone, and they’ll be you’ve activated iCloud on the instructions and upload signing in at photos.google. selecting the music library
transferred across to your your Mac you’ll need to your music, then wake up com and browsing through you use.
Mac and your iPad, too. activate it on your iPhone. your iPhone and go to your photos and albums. Once uploaded, your
It is important to note that Go to Settings then tap on Settings > Music. Now tap Any music you upload tracks will appear in the
syncing is not the same as your name, then tap iCloud. from your PC to Google Play Music app on your
backing up. Syncing means You can turn on or off any Play Music can be streamed phone or tablet. You may
that each device matches apps or services that sync (played over your internet need to tap the menu
and that they all mirror each over iCloud Drive. If an app Apple ID. Enable Photo connection) or downloaded button and My Library,
other. For example, if you such as Apple’s Pages word Stream and any photo you to your phone’s Google Play then tap the Download
delete a photo on your processor supports iCloud take on your iPhone will only slider to switch it off.
smartphone, it may also Drive, any files you make or automatically appear in the Just about any other
be deleted from the cloud. save on it will sync over photo library on your Mac – file can be synced using
iCloud Drive. it syncs the previous 30 days’ Google Drive – and many
Syncing your worth of photos, or up to apps will sync directly with
iPhone with Syncing photos 1,000 shots. To enable it, go the service. You can also
iCloud Drive iCloud has two different to Settings, tap your name, upload files manually from
iCloud Drive will store files ways to sync and share then tap iCloud, then tap your smartphone through
from your iPhone, iPad or your photos. The first, Photo Photos. Toggle Upload to the Google Drive app itself.
Mac computer and make Stream, shares the latest my Photo Stream to ‘on’. Launch the app, then press
them available on any other photos from your iOS You can then find your Photo the blue + symbol in the
device. Apple provides 5GB devices and Mac across Streams in your Mac’s Photos bottom-right corner and
of storage space for free. other devices using the same app under the Shared tab. tap Upload.

16 ❘ which.co.uk which.co.uk ❘ 17
Conserving Cut down on your data costs
■M
 onitor how much data you’re using.

your data
If you go to Settings > Mobile Data on
iOS or Settings > Network & Internet >
Data usage on Android you can see
how much data you’ve used over a
certain period. On Android, you can
even see how much data different apps
quickly, particularly if your provider charges are using.
Whether you’re on a contract or
high amounts for data usage, unless you have ■ Instead of streaming music or video
PAYG, mobile data usage can be specific bundles, add-ons or deals. when you’re out and about, download
a big deal. We’ll help you avoid Streaming video files or downloading music tracks or programmes while you’re on
burning through your monthly will get you through a lot of data very quickly, wi-fi so you can enjoy them later without
but browsing the web, checking email or burning through your allowance.
allowance and sending costs sky-
uploading photos to the cloud can also prove ■C
 ontrol which apps can use mobile data.
high when you’re out and about expensive if you do it all the time. If you use Go to Settings > Mobile Data on iOS and
a lot of data, a large (4GB or more monthly you can switch access to your mobile
Many of the activities on your smartphone use usage) or unlimited contract might be the connection on or off, app by app. You
can also set specific apps, such as many
internet data, which doesn’t always come cheap. answer, though simply taking precautions
cloud-storage or photo-sync apps, to
When you’re at home using a wi-fi connection to to use less could be the cheaper option.
only upload or download files or photos
your network’s router, you’re using your home
when your phone is connected to the
broadband data allowance to access these How is data usage calculated? internet through wi-fi.
services, which may be unlimited. When you’re Data usage is the footprint of all your internet
■D
 ata roaming charges while abroad can
out and about, however, you’ll be relying on activity and includes what you send as well as
be incredibly pricey. If you’re leaving the
either your pay-as-you-go (PAYG) credit or your what you receive. Even viewing a web page UK it may be worth turning off your data
contract’s monthly data allowance. Using your will involve downloading some data (text, roaming. In iOS, go to Settings > Mobile
phone this way means there’s a danger that you images, interactive elements and videos) and Data > Mobile Data Options. In Android,
might run out of data or use your credit up too uploading other data (for the icons you press go to Settings > Network & Internet >
Mobile network and flick the Data
or any text you type in). Again, data used over roaming switch to ‘off’.
a wi-fi connection doesn’t have an impact on ■ If you find you keep using a lot of data,
Data use, in numbers
your PAYG credit or monthly allowance, which look for upgrades or bolt-ons that give
Estimates of data usage vary, but some guideline figures are:
makes it the cheapest way to use the internet. you more. It’s usually less expensive
You can also connect to wi-fi hotspots around than paying per MB or exceeding your
the country. Be wary, however, as these are not monthly allowance.
always secure. Avoid automatically connecting
to wi-fi hotspots – not only can this endanger
your privacy, but this setting also allows your
Find out more
0.35 MB 5 MB 80 MB 350 MB 4 GB
device to connect to any network without your
permission. When you type a web address into i For tips and tricks
for conserving
Loading the Downloading One Streaming Downloading your browser, preface it with ‘https’ instead of your smartphone data, go to
guardian.co.uk one 10Mp MP3 music iPlayer for a two-hour the usual ‘http’. This makes your data encrypted, which.co.uk/smartphone-data.
homepage photo album one hour HD movie but not all websites will support encryption.

18 ❘ which.co.uk which.co.uk ❘ 19
Phone security
Your phone can carry a lot of valuable or sensitive data – it’s a good idea
to hand over your personal or financial details.
They can work just as well on a smartphone as
they can on a computer. Good security apps will
warn you of these threats, but don’t click on links
in unsolicited emails unless you’re sure they’re
6 Only buy and download apps from
the official app store
Free and cut-price app stores are often used
by pirates to distribute malware concealed in
the installation files.
from the company they claim to be from.
to know the risks and how you can protect yourself against them Security software
Lost devices – a phone lost on a train or While security threats on mobile phones
stolen from a bag can be a gold mine for aren’t as common as on PCs, a mobile security
cybercriminals, due to the personal information package will help to offer peace of mind. Free
you may have stored on it. At the very least, you packages cover the basics, though you can
should protect your phone with a passcode. pay for more features if you find them useful.

Be smart with your phone McAfee Security and Power Booster –

To avoid falling foul of the risks, take a few Free (Android)
sensible precautions. This is a useful free app that offers solid

1 Never leave your phone unattended

Keep it safely out of sight when not in use.
protection against viruses and other internet
nasties. You can pay for a more enhanced

2 Set a passcode and/or fingerprint

Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode
on your iPhone (p20, far left) or Settings > Lock
version, but the free alternative still has plenty
to offer, including PIN protection for specific
apps, anti-theft tools to track your phone if it
screen & security on Android (p20, middle). goes missing, plus it’s simple to set up and
You could set up facial or fingerprint recognition easy to understand. Upgrading to the premium
for speedy unlocking, but this isn’t the best package gets you access to telephone support
way to secure your phone. A PIN or passphrase and cloud backup, which many people may
is more secure. You can also use the Find my not need.
While we’re used to running antivirus software Virus attacks – malware can still spread iPhone feature or Google’s Find My Device to
on our PCs, smartphones are more of a grey through networks, direct PC connections, lock and even wipe your smartphone remotely Trend Micro Mobile Security –
area when it comes to security. Smartphones websites or emails, but both Apple and Google if it’s stolen. £2.15/month (iOS and Android)
aren’t nearly as susceptible to most internet-
based threats, but they can still fall prey to
malware. If you want to avoid trouble, it makes
release regular updates to patch the most serious
weaknesses. Keep your device updated to
ensure it’s protected. Android users might want
3 Make a note of the serial number
Jot down your phone’s IMEI number –
on an iPhone, go to Settings > General >
This security app is simple but powerful, with
an anti-phishing tool that warns you off scam
websites while browsing, as well as anti-theft
sense to take some precautions and install a to install a dedicated security app too, especially About. For an Android device go to Settings > tools. It’s free to install but the premium
mobile security app. if your phone is older and out of support. System > About Phone > Status and tap IMEI features require a regular subscription.
information. If your phone is stolen, this
The risks Phishing scams – phishing scams imitate a number can help your service provider block it.
Dodgy software downloads – both Apple trusted brand or website in a bid to get you
4 Report a lost or stolen phone

“
and Google vet their own app stores to ensure Inform your provider as soon as possible.
that apps containing viruses can’t spread to They can block your phone so that it won’t work
A phone lost on Find out more
your device from the official store. There is in the UK, even if the Sim card is changed.
i For tips on choosing
no easy way to install iOS apps otherwise,
and while you can find alternative ways and
stores on Android, the risks mean it’s not
a train or stolen from a
bag can be a gold mine
5 Don’t open suspicious emails
If you receive an email with an odd subject
line or strange text, don’t open it properly in the
a mobile security app and
which features to look out for, visit

”
which.co.uk/securityapps.
really worthwhile. for cybercriminals Mail app and never click on any links.

20 ❘ which.co.uk which.co.uk ❘ 21
Jargon buster
■ 3G The third generation identification number ■ IMEI (International Mobile
of mobile networks, embedded on a microchip Equipment Identity) A 15-digit
which allows data to in smartphones. code that’s unique to
be sent wirelessly. ■ GB (Gigabyte) a mobile phone and can
■ 4G The fastest mobile A measurement of data. be used to identify it.
internet data standard, Commonly used by mobile ■ iOS Apple’s mobile
promising faster download phone operators as a way operating system, used on
speeds than 3G. to measure data usage. the iPhone, iPad and iPod
■ Android Google’s mobile ■ Google Now Android’s Touch, but not used on iMacs
operating system, designed voice-activated personal or MacBooks.
primarily for touchscreen assistant. Like Apple’s Siri, ■ Malware A catch-all term
devices. Google develops Google Now can bring you for malicious software,
Android, but allows other answers to spoken questions, including viruses.
manufacturers to use it for but it’s also more proactive, ■ Megapixel (MP) Digital and
free, so you can find Android trying to give you information phone camera resolution is
on smartphones from Sony, based on what it knows about often measured in megapixels
Samsung, Motorola, LG and your activities that day. – the more megapixels, the warn you that a software personal assistant. You can The process of harmonising
HTC, among others. ■ GPS (Global Positioning better the resolution. update is required. ask Siri spoken questions data between two or more
■ App A streamlined System) The technology ■ Micro-SD A small memory ■ Operating system (OS) and it will sift through the devices and/or cloud-based
software application that that allows your card used in some tablets, The basic software that information on your phone storage services, so that
adds extra functions to your smartphone’s location to smartphones and digital makes a smartphone work. and on the web to find the same information is
smartphone. Most apps are be tracked by a satellite. cameras. There are newer, ■ PAYG (Pay-as-you-go) answers for you. accessible from all of them.
downloaded directly from ■ GSM (Global System for higher-capacity versions A type of mobile phone ■ SMS (Short Message ■ UMTS (Universal Mobile
an online app store. Mobile Communications) called micro-SDHC and contract that doesn’t require Service) Commonly known Telecommunications
■ Bluetooth A type of The mobile phone network micro-SDXC. monthly fees. You simply as text messaging; allows you Systems) A 3G network
wireless technology used by technology standard used ■ MMS (Multimedia top up the phone with credit to send short text messages standard that offers high-
smartphones to communicate in the UK that nearly all Message Service) An as and when you need it. between mobile phones. speed internet access.
with other Bluetooth-enabled voice calls and texts are extended version of SMS text ■ Phishing A type of ■ Social networks Services ■ Wi-fi The wireless
devices, including cameras, transmitted over. messaging that lets users send internet fraud where criminals that enable you to share communications technology
other computers, speakers, ■ HD (High Definition) multimedia content such as impersonate a company news and photos or talk used for networking in
headphones and keyboards. A format that allows visual pictures and videos between or website in the hope that with friends and family. homes and businesses,
■ Cloud services and storage content such as video to be mobile phones. you’ll give them personal ■ Streaming Playing music allowing computers and
An online service or storage displayed at a high resolution, ■ MP3 The most common information or login details or video continuously from devices to connect to each
service that hosts the data providing a sharper, more file format for digital music. that they can then exploit the internet, without having other and the internet without
for its users on an internet- detailed picture. ■ Notification A pop-up for financial gain. to download a file to your any wires. All smartphones
connected server and has ■ HSDPA (High-Speed message on your smartphone ■ Sim card A small card used smartphone – for example, support wi-fi.
features to sync that data Downlink Packet Access) that lets you know you’ve in a phone or tablet to store watching a video on YouTube, ■ Wi-fi hotspot A location
across one or more devices. A type of 3G network (aka received a text message or data and to connect to a Netflix or BBC iPlayer or where you can wirelessly
■ ESN (Electronic Serial 3.5G) that allows for higher email, or to remind you about mobile network. listening to music on Spotify. connect to the internet using
Number) A unique speeds than conventional 3G. an event on your calendar or ■ Siri Apple’s voice-activated ■ Sync (short for synchronise) your smartphone.

22 ❘ which.co.uk which.co.uk ❘ 23