BQ U Plus User Manual
Aquaris U Plus
Complete User Manual
Aquaris U Plus
The BQ team would like to thank you for purchasing your new Aquaris U Plus. We hope you
enjoy using it.
With this unlocked smartphone you can enjoy even faster mobile network speeds with 4G
coverage. It comes with dual-SIM functionality (nano-SIM), which means you can use two
SIM cards at the same time, even if they are from different operators. You can browse the
internet rapidly, check your email, enjoy games and apps (which you can download directly
onto the device), read e-books, transfer files via Bluetooth, record audio, watch movies, take
photos and record videos, listen to music, chat with your friends and family or enjoy your
favourite social networks. It also comes with a fingerprint scanner, enabling you to add a
digital fingerprint to unlock your smartphone, authorise purchases or start a session in an
application.
About This Manual
· To ensure its correct usage, please read this manual carefully before using the smartphone.
· Some of the images and screenshots shown in this manual may differ slightly from those
of the final product. Likewise, due to firmware updates, it is possible that some of the
information in this manual does not correspond exactly to the operation of your device.
· BQ shall not be held liable for any issues relating to performance or incompatibility
resulting from modification of the registry settings by the user. Nor shall it be held liable
for any incompatibility issues with third-party applications available through the app
stores.
Icon guide
Danger: this icon indicates situations that could pose a risk to personal safety or
health.
Warning: situations which pose a risk to the correct functioning of the device but not
to personal safety or health.
Tip: additional information to help you make the most of your device.
Trademarks
The BQ logo is a registered trademark of Mundo Reader, S.L.
TM
The Android and Google Search
of Google Inc.
®
is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Wi-Fi
®
Bluetooth
MicroSD
is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
TM
and the corresponding logo are registered trademarks
of SD-3D, LLC.
Qualcomm is a registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated,
registered in the USA and other countries.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
All rights reserved.
logos are registered trademarks
© 2016 Mundo Reader SL. All rights reserved. The reproduction, copying, distribution, publication or modification of this material is
strictly prohibited unless carried out with the express prior written consent of Mundo Reader. As a sole exception to the previous, Mundo
Reader authorises the translation to other languages for educational purposes only. Profit making or commercial purposes are forbidden.
The clarification:“The present text is not an official BQ translation” must be included in these translations. Mundo Reader shall not be
responsible for the accuracy of said translations and reserves the right to request their removal from the public domain if it sees fit.
Contents
07 Before Starting
07 Box Contents
08 Product Overview
09 Getting Started
09 Inserting a SIM card
10 Switching the Device On and Off
11 Inserting and Removing the MicroSD Card
12 Managing microSD cards and USB drives
14 Charging the Device and Transferring Files
16 Setup Wizard
17 Learning to Use the Multi-Touch Screen
19 Desktop Features
19 Adjusting Screen Rotation
19 Buttons and Icons
20 Screen Lock
21 Home Screen
24 Status Bar
25 Notification Bar
27 Keyboard
27 Lock Screen
28 Telephone
28 Managing Contacts
31 Calls
35 SMS and MMS
37 Settings
37 WIFI AND NETWORK SETTINGS
37 Wi-Fi
38 Bluetooth
39 SIM cards
40 Data Usage
41 More...
42 DEVICE SETTINGS
42 Screen
43 Sounds and Notifications
45 Applications
48 Storage and USB
49 Battery
50 Memory
50 Users
51 PERSONAL SETTINGS
51 Location
52 Security
53 Accounts
54 Language and Input
54 Google
56 Backup and Reset
57 SYSTEM SETTINGS
57 Date and Time
57 Scheduled Power On and Off
58 Accessibility
61 Printing
61 About Phone
62 Developer Options
63 Multimedia
63 Camera
64 Camera Mode
66 Video Mode
66 Panoramic Mode
67 Motions
68 General Settings
70 Image Gallery
72 Play Music
72 Play Movies
73 Applications
73 Applications from Unknown Sources
74 Play Store
74 Internet Browser
75 Hangouts
75 Calendar
75 Maps and GPS Navigation
75 News & Weather (Genie Widget)
75 BQ Plus
76 Email
77 Calculator
77 Clock
78 FM Radio
78 Sound Recorder
79 Tips
79 Optimising Battery Life
79 OTA Updates
80 Sharing Files
80 Voice Search
81 Selecting Text
82 Appendices
82 Appendix A: Technical Specifications
82 Appendix B: Cleaning and Safety
85 Appendix C: Information on Exposure to Radio Waves and SAR (Specific
Absorption Rate)
Appendix D: Disposing of this Product Correctly
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Before Starting
Before Starting
Box Contents
Before using your BQ smartphone for the first time, please check the contents of the box. If
any of the following items are missing, contact the vendor that sold you the device.
Aquaris U Plus
USB (type A) to micro-USB (type A)
SIM key
Documentation:
Quick Start Guide
Warranty and important information
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Before Starting
Product Overview
Notification LED
NanoSIM/
microSD
slot
Headphone
jack
Noise
canceller
Front camera
Micro-USB port
Receiver
Light and
proximity
sensor
Volume key
On/off button
Screen lock
Fingerprint
scanner
Rear camera
Rear
flash
Back
Microphone
Do not attempt to remove the rear cover of your Aquaris U Plus as this may damage the device.
Do not attempt to remove the battery. Removing it may invalidate the warranty.
Please note that your Aquaris U Plus has a single slot into which two nano-SIMs, or one nano-SIM
and one microSD card, can be inserted.
Home
Menu
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Getting Started
Getting Started
Inserting a SIM card
Your Aquaris U Plus has a single slot which can take two nano-SIM cards simultaneously.
The tray is accessed from the exterior of the device, do not attempt to remove the battery
cover.
The SIM key is in the box containing your device. With the device switched off, insert it into
the ejector hole and extract the tray. Place the nano-SIM card on the tray. Ensure correct
positioning by aligning the notch on the card with that on the tray (see image). Insert the
tray and nano-SIM into the slot.
Your Aquaris U Plus only accepts nano-SIM cards.
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Getting Started
Switching the Device On and Off
To switch on your Aquaris U Plus hold down the power button for a few seconds. It is located on
the side of the smartphone.
Power On/Off
If you have inserted two nano-SIM cards into your device, you will need to enter the PIN
for each card when you switch it on. Every time your Aquaris U Plus detects a new SIM, a
pop-up window will appear informing you of the default settings for making phone calls,
video calls, SMS and the data connection.
To switch off your device, hold down the power button for a few seconds. A menu will
appear with various options. Select Power off.
A brief press on the power button will switch off the screen but not the device.
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Getting Started
Inserting and Removing the MicroSD Card
The internal memory of your Aquaris U Plus can be expanded to 256 GB using a microSD
card.
To insert a microSD card, follow these steps:
Insert the point of the SIM key into the ejector hole.
Extract the tray and place the microSD card on it. Make sure the metal pins are pointing
toward the inside of the device (see image).
To remove the microSD card, follow the same steps but in reverse order, keeping in mind the
following recommendations:
a. For extra security we recommend the device be switched off before removing the
microSD card.
b. To remove it while the device is switched on, unmount the card first to avoid damaging
it and losing data. To do this, select Settings > Storage and USB > SD Card > >
Settings > Eject.
c. Make sure you reinsert the tray to prevent dust or dirt from entering the device.
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Getting Started
Managing microSD cards and USB drives
MicroSD cards or USB drives (a pendrive or compatible hard drive connected via OTG) can
be installed providing complete functionality.
When a new MicroSD card or OTG drive is inserted into the device a message appears in the
notification bar indicating it is ready together with the Eject and Set Up options. Selecting
Set Up opens a setup wizard which lets you choose how to use the memory, that is, either
as portable storage or internal storage.
Portable storage: it can only be used as an external MicroSD/USB drive. Applications
·
cannot be installed on it and it will only serve to support the device’s internal memory.
Only information such as photos, videos or some external application data (provided
the application allows this) can be stored on it.
· Internal storage: it substitutes the device’s internal memory in almost all aspects,
allowing the installation of applications (provided these allow this) and the storage
of all information generated by the device (photos, videos, downloads, etc.). The card
or USB drive is formatted and encrypted (for security purposes). This means that the
MicroSD/USB drive cannot be used in another device without being reformatted.
You can choose whether to store your multimedia files on your device’s internal memory or directly to
the external USB drive or MicroSD card. Remember that any content stored on the card/USB drive will
not be available when it is removed. This may cause some applications to stop working.
For best results when using a MicroSD/USB drive as internal storage it is recommended that it be high
capacity so as to avoid running out of space, and that the class of the MicroSD card be high (“class 10”
is recommended) so as to minimise impact on the device’s performance.
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Getting Started
The microSD card/USB drive settings can be changed at any moment by going to Settings
> Storage and USB > SD Card or USB drive >
> Settings and selecting Format as internal
(if it is Portable) or Format as portable (if it is Internal).
If your MicroSD card/USB drive is set so that multimedia files and applications are stored on it, then
when the device is connected to a computer via MTP its internal memory will not be visible. You will
only be able to access the MicroSD card/USB drive as internal storage. However, if the multimedia files
are on the internal memory instead of the MicroSD, then when the device is connected to a computer
via MTP only the internal memory will be visible.
Be aware that formatting the MicroSD card or USB drive under either option will erase all data stored
on it.
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Getting Started
Charging the Device and Transferring Files
Your smartphone contains a rechargeable (non-removable) 3080 mAh battery which is
charged via the micro-USB port located at the top of the device. A USB (type A) to microUSB (type A) cable is provided with the telephone for charging the battery. To charge, follow
these simple steps:
A) Using a mains adapter (not included):
1. Plug the USB cable into the mains adapter.
2. Connect the mains adapter to any standard plug socket (220 V/50 Hz).
3. Connect the other end of the cable to the micro-USB port on your smartphone.
B) Using a laptop or desktop computer:
1. Connect the USB cable to a compatible USB port on your computer.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the micro-USB port on your smartphone.
The battery in your Aquaris U Plus is non-removable. Removal by anyone other than our Technical
Support personnel may damage the device and invalidate the Warranty.
Allowing the battery to charge fully (3h 30 min) is recommended when it is charged for the first time
as this will help calibrate the battery meter. Note that some batteries perform better after completing
a number of charge cycles.
The time required to charge your device can vary markedly depending on whether it is charged via a
mains adapter or a computer USB port.
To optimally charge the device we recommend using a 5 V 1 A charger.
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Getting Started
Connecting your smartphone to a computer using the USB cable also allows you to transfer
files between the two devices (from its internal memory or from the inserted MicroSD card).
This will allow you to use, copy or store images, videos, music, text documents, etc. on one
or both devices.
The file transfer mode can be selected when your Aquaris U Plus is connected to a computer.
On connecting it, a USB connection menu will appear. Connecting with the Charging option
eliminates data connections and file transfers between the computer and the device
allowing for improved charging speed. Other options include File transfers (MTP), Photo
transfer (PTP) or MIDI, which allows the connection of musical instruments or other devices
with MIDI inputs such as keyboards.
There are a number of ways to transfer files. The following steps explain how to do this via
a USB connection:
Connect your Aquaris U Plus to a computer using the micro-USB to USB cable provided.
1.
Insert the micro-USB connector into the device’s micro-USB port, and the generic USB
connector into the computer’s USB port.
Select and copy the desired files to your smartphone or computer. Note that you can store
2.
them on either the telephone’s internal memory or the MicroSD card if you are using one.
To transfer files in MTP or PTP mode between your mobile (and/or MicroSD card) and a Mac OS
computer, download and install the free Android File Transfer application to your computer:
www.android.com/filetransfer/.
Do not disconnect the cable while files are being transferred.
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Getting Started
Setup Wizard
The first time you switch on your Aquaris U Plus a setup wizard will help you configure the
device’s basic settings, such as:
· Language
· SIM cards
· Wi-Fi network
· Google account
· Protect your phone
· BQ Services
· BQ Plus
After adding your Google account you have the option to add another account to the Gmail application.
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Getting Started
Learning to Use the Multi-Touch Screen
Your smartphone has a capacitive multi-touch screen with five simultaneous detection
points. Different movements, which are linked to different functions, can be made using
these points:
Touch. Touch the screen briefly to select an icon, open an app, activate a
text-entry box, etc.
Touch and hold. Touch the screen and hold for approximately 2 seconds to
bring up an options menu.
Drag. To move an icon, press and
hold down, drag it to the desired
position and then release.
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Getting Started
Swipe or slide. Swipe your finger left or right on the Home screen to access
the extended screens. Slide it up or down to scroll through a website, list
or menu.
Pinch. Place two fingers on the screen at the same
time, separate them to zoom in and bring them
together to zoom out.
Double-tap. Tap the screen twice in quick succession to zoom in. Repeat the action to zoom
out. You can also use this to activate the screen.
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Desktop Features
Desktop Features
Adjusting Screen Rotation
With some apps the screen will rotate automatically from portrait (vertical) to landscape
(horizontal) and vice versa depending on how you are holding your device. To stop screen
rotation go to Apps menu > Settings > Display and gestures > When device is rotated and
select Stay in current orientation.
Automatic screen rotation can also be enabled or disabled using the Auto-Rotate toggle in
the quick settings menu.
Buttons and icons
Within any app, go back to a previous screen by pressing the Back
button located in the bottom left corner of the device.
Go to the Home screen at any time by pressing the Home
You can also press and hold it to access the Google Now application.
Access the recent applications list by pressing the Menu button
located in the bottom right corner of the device. Pressing and
holding this button while in an application displays its options. Doing
the same on the home screen lets you select between Wallpaper,
Widgets or access to Settings. Double tapping the Menu button
takes you to the last app used.
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Desktop Features
Screen Lock
By default, your smartphone screen will lock itself automatically after a prolonged period
of inactivity. To configure the screen timeout interval, tap the Apps menu button
go to Settings > Display and gestures > Sleep and select the desired value. Briefly press the
power button to manually switch off the screen and lock the device.
To unlock it, briefly press the power button. The screen will turn on and display the configured
lock option. To change the lock option, tap the Apps menu button, go to Settings > Security >
Screen lock and choose from the following: None, Swipe, Pattern, PIN and Password. For more
information on each of these options go to Settings > Security.
Your Aquaris U Plus includes a feature that enables you to lock/unlock the telephone by
double-tapping the top part of the screen where the notification bar is located. Doubletapping any part of the screen will make it turn on and request the unlock pattern. Doubletap again to turn it off.
This feature is disabled by default. It can be enabled via Settings > Display and gestures >
Tap to wake
, then
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Desktop Features
Home Screen
The Home screen or Desktop is the main access route to the tools and apps installed on
your Aquaris U Plus. From it you can check the status of your device, visit websites, open
apps, etc.
1
2
3
4
4
5
Status and notification bar. Check the time, Wi-Fi signal, the network coverage
1
for each SIM, the audio profile, the Bluetooth status and remaining battery power.
Notifications such as missed calls, messages, etc. and the quick settings menu will
also appear here. Swipe downwards to view it. On the first swipe the notifications
appear; on the second swipe the quick settings appear.
Google Search. Tap the search bar to enter the text you want to search for on the
2
internet. Voice searches can also be performed.
3
Widgets. Add widgets such as Power control (in the illustration), time, news and
weather, etc.
Shortcuts. These give you quick access to the apps you use most frequently.
4
Apps menu. Here you can access all the apps installed on your device.
5
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Desktop Features
Customising the Home screen
The Home screen can be extended to the right. To scroll through
the Home screen and Extended screens swipe right or left.
You can customise these screens with images, shortcuts, apps
and widgets. To change the wallpaper or add a widget, press
and hold on one of the screens until a pop-up window appears
containing these options:
· Wallpapers: select the image you want to use as a background
for the Home screen and Extended screens and tap Set
wallpaper to confirm. If the image selected is too large it will
need to be cropped.
· Widgets: select the widgets you want on the Home Screen. They are distributed
vertically and in alphabetical order to make them easier to find. Widgets belonging
to the same application are placed horizontally for more clarity. Long-pressing the
sidebar displays the first letter of the applications to facilitate searching.
· Settings: a shortcut to the Device settings menu.
To create a shortcut to an app or contact go to the Apps menu, press on the app’s icon and
drag it to the desired position on the desktop.
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Desktop Features
The home screen is configured by default to be used vertically,
but you can modify this to use it horizontally in Settings >
Google > Search and Now > Enable Rotation. In this way you
can rotate both the home screen and the apps drawer. From
the desktop, swipe the screen to the right to access Google Now
where you can see active cards and perform searches. You will
have to configure this beforehand by going to Settings > Google
> Search and Now > Now Cards and activating Show all cards.
Moving, deleting or uninstalling icons on the Home Screen
To move an element on the Home screen, press and hold to
detach it from the background, drag it to the desired position
and release. You can also move icons from one extended screen
to another by dragging them to the screen’s edge.
To delete an icon drag it to the cross with the label “Remove” at
the top of the screen. When the icon turns grey release it to delete.
To uninstall an app drag its shortcut to the
icon labelled
Uninstall at the top of the screen. When the icon turns red
release it to uninstall.
Keep in mind that only previously downloaded applications can be uninstalled.
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Desktop Features
Grouping icons in folders
Drag one icon on top of another that you want to place in the same folder. A folder will
automatically be created and the icons placed inside it. You can add more icons to the
folder by dragging them into it. To name a folder (or rename an existing one), tap to open it,
then tap the “Unnamed folder” option. The keypad will appear and you can type in the new
folder name. Items can be removed from the folder by opening it and dragging them out.
Status bar
The Status bar contains important information about the device. It is always visible at the
top of the screen:
Battery almost empty.
Battery charging.
Battery fully charged.
Wi-Fi enabled and connected to a network.
Sound off and vibrate on.
Do Not Disturb mode enabled.
Aeroplane mode.
Data services enabled (this could be 4G, H+, H, 3G, E or G, according to the type of
data connection and transfer speed).
USB connected.
Bluetooth enabled.
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Desktop Features
Notification Bar
To view the notifications, pull the bar down with one finger. Delete all the notifications by
pressing
icon you can access other quick settings as well as the multi-user option. You can also
access this screen by swiping the top bar down with two fingers. The notifications and
quick settings have now been integrated into one screen. To receive notifications, adjust the
settings of each downloaded app and/or for each account by going to: Settings > Accounts >
Add an account. Slide the bar upward to go back to the Home screen.
icon, or delete them individually by swiping them to the side. Via the
One-finger swipe Two-finger swipe
Sliding the Notification bar down with two fingers displays a list of options that provide quick
and easy access to many settings. Choose which options to display or hide using the
icon
situated in the top right corner. Some options are hidden by default, these will be explained
in more detail later.
Screenshots can be deleted on the spot without having to open the Gallery.
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Desktop Features
The following options can be enabled/disabled via the pull-down menu:
Wi-Fi: enables/disables the Wi-Fi connection.
Bluetooth: enables/disables Bluetooth.
Do not disturb: enables/disables Do Not Disturb mode.
SIM 1: check the data usage of SIM 1.
Aeroplane mode: enables/disables signal reception and transmission.
Flashlight: enables/disables the flashlight.
Location: enables/disables GPS on your smartphone.
Auto-rotate: enables/disables automatic screen rotation.
Cast screen: detects remote screens to which images and sound can be sent.
Hotspot: enables your BQ device to be used as a hotspot, sharing your internet
access with other devices.
Tethering: provides access to the tethering and portable hotspot settings.
Brightness: select from adaptive or manual brightness adjustment and set the
desired level.
Notification LED: enables or disables the notification LED.
Invert colours: inverts the colour values.
Screenshot: takes a picture of the screen via the pull-down menu.
Screen record: records real-time video of what is being shown on the screen.
Sound record: opens the audio recording app.
Lock: enables you to lock the phone.
Shutdown: turns off the device via the pull-down menu.
Sync: enables/disables automatic syncing of the device.
Suspend screen: enables you to set the time delay before the screen automatically
switches off.
SIM 2: check the data usage of SIM 2.
You can access advanced settings for certain functions such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth by touching and
holding the corresponding icon on the list.
When automatic brightness is deactivated the screen’s brightness can be adjusted by moving the
brightness slider left or right.
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Desktop Features
Keyboard
A virtual keyboard appears when tapping on any text field.
1
2
3
Enable/disable caps lock.
1
Change from letters to numbers and symbols, or vice versa.
2
Space.
3
Enter/return.
4
Delete.
5
The keyboard options may vary depending on which application is being used.
5
4
You can find more information on the keyboard settings and languages for text entry via Settings >
Personal > Language & input.
Lock Screen
Google Voice search can be accessed from the lock screen by swiping from the lower left
corner.
Swiping from the lower right corner provides access to the Camera app.
If a PIN or Pattern lock is enabled you will have to enter it before being able to perform a search.
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