How to Use Easy Mode on the HTC One M9

The HTC One M9 is a powerful new Android smartphone loaded with top-tier features, stunning specs, and lots of options and customization. It has a new theme engine to change the look and feel of the device, tons of settings, a new 20 megapixel camera and more, but sometimes that all can be a little overwhelming. Luckily, the device has an easy mode for those that want a simple and more streamlined experience.

It runs on the latest Android 5.0 operating system made by Google, but is covered with HTC’s own Sense 7 user interface. It has plenty to offer, but can sometimes be a bit too much for some owners. If that’s the case, read, as below we’ll explain how to set up and use Easy Mode on the HTC One M9.

Read: How to Get Better HTC One M9 Battery Life

Turning on Easy Mode only takes a minute or two and is a few simple steps in the settings on your device, and once done, the phone will be more like a regular phone and not a smartphone. You’ll still have all those advanced features you love, but in a simple, easy mode that’s easier to understand for beginners or those who want something a big more simple.

Easy Mode is a popular feature amongst Samsung devices, but has recently been introduced by LG, HTC and some others. Allowing first-time smartphone buyers a way to enjoy a smartphone without being overwhelmed by all the controls, features, options, customizations and more.

With that all said, lets get started. Below is a quick and easy guide that will walk you through enabling and using Easy Mode on the HTC One M9.

Instructions

To start simply pull down the notification bar and tap the gear-shaped icon which is settings, or find the settings application in the app tray. From here you’ll navigate to Personalize > Change Home Screen Launcher > and select Easy Mode.

The options and settings you’ll need to select have been highlighted in the image above, and that’s all there is too it. Once done, you’ll instantly see the entire device switch to a green tile-based interface that’s very easy to understand, yet still somewhat customizable.

You’ll notice the font is much bigger, HTC Sense UI has changed into large tiles with commonly used apps like People (contacts), the phone dialer, camera, gallery, and messages to send texts. Then there’s a (+) button to add an additional option to your new Easy Mode home screen.

We chose Google Chrome, to have all the basics right on the main screen. Making calls, sending text, taking pictures, and browsing the web. You can choose from any of the installed apps, like Facebook, and you’re all done. It’s just that easy. However, we aren’t done just yet. HTC makes things even easier by having customizable home screens to the left and right as well.

A swipe to the left is a shortcut to easily add all your favorite contacts for one-tap calling or sending text messages. Hit the add button and select up to 8 contacts for instant access. Something many users love, and don’t get even with the full mode on the device. Then swiping to the right from the main screen is another area (in red) which is another place to add even more app shortcuts. Things like the clock to set alarms, your calendar, Facebook and more. This is where you’d put apps normally, but again, simplified with large tiles and a big easily readable text.

Everything is bigger, easier to understand, and right in your face. This simplifies everything and puts just what you need in front of your face. Perfect for the first-time smartphone owner, parents or grandparents until they get comfortable with a smartphone, and more. There’s even an “Easy settings” on the right home screen with quick access to important settings like turning on WiFi, Bluetooth for making calls in the car, changing the font size and increasing the volume. Easy, right?

That’s it. That is all there is to it. You’re now using the powerful HTC One M9 in easy mode. If you swipe to the right at the bottom is a button for “all apps” so you can still do everything you could do before, it’s just easier to understand.

However, once you get used to it all or want to go back to the regular smartphone options, you can do that too. Head back into the main settings option, go to personalize > Change homescreen launcher > and enable the regular “Sense Home” and your device will be just as it was out of the box. Give them both a try, and choose what works best for you. Enjoy.