[Android] How to use the Bookcase app

Getting started with the Bookcase companion app for Android is super simple. Just download the app from the Google Play Store, make sure NFC is turned on, and you're ready to go! From there, you can customize Bookcase to do exactly what you want – whether it’s opening up your go-to reading app, showing a personalized message, or launching a website. This guide will walk you through the setup process step-by-step.

Step 1: Enable NFC on Your Android Device

To interact with the Bookcase companion app, NFC must first be enabled on your Android device:

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. In the search bar, type NFC.
3. If NFC settings are available, toggle it on to allow communication between your phone and Bookcase.

Once NFC is enabled, you're ready to proceed with the Bookcase setup. For more detailed information on how to enable NFC on your specific phone, follow our guide here: Does my phone have NFC?

Step 2: Getting Started with the Bookcase App

1. Download and install the Bookcase app from the Google Play Store.
2. Launch the app and follow the instructions to place your phone directly into Bookcase.

Step 3: Configuring Your Bookcase Actions

Bookcase lets you choose what happens the moment your phone connects. Choose one of these options to make it work just the way you want:

Option 1: Show Splash Screen

• In the Bookcase app, select Show Splash Screen.
• When you place your phone into Bookcase, the Bookcash splash screen will briefly show, alerting you that Bookcase is communicating with your phone. 

  

Option 2: Display a Custom Message

• Set a personalized message that appears when Bookcase connects.
• Select Show Message in the app, type your message, and save the setting.
• Now, when your phone is placed into Bookcase, your message will display.
  

  

Option 3: Open a Reading App

• In the Bookcase app, select Open Application and choose your preferred reading app, like Google Play Books or Kindle. 
• Save this selection, so your reading app launches automatically each time you place your phone into Bookcase. 
  

  

Option 4: Open a Website

• For web browsing, select Open Website and input a URL of your choice, such as www.astropad.com.
• Save this setting, and Bookcase will automatically open your preferred site in your default browser when your phone registers Bookcase. 
  

  

Option 5: Do nothing

• If you’d rather use Bookcase without triggering any actions, choose the Do Nothing option. This way, your phone will recognize Bookcase without any pop-ups or alerts, letting you use your phone as usual.
  

  

Step 4: Save Settings to NFC via Bookcase

Once you've set up your preferred action, tap Save to save it. You’ll see a confirmation screen letting you know it’s saved successfully. 

Step 5: Test Your Setup

1. Place your phone into Bookcase, aligning it with the NFC ring. 
2. If everything is set up correctly, whenever you place your phone in Bookcase, it’ll instantly trigger your selected action!

Troubleshooting Tips

• Connection Issues: Ensure NFC is still enabled in your Android settings. If Bookcase doesn’t trigger the action, try putting the phone to sleep and then waking it up again. 
• App and Phone Compatibility: Bookcase works with most NFC-enabled Android devices. If you encounter continued issues, it may be a device compatibility issue. For more information on if your Android Phone supports NFC, remember to review our guide: Does my phone have NFC?

With Bookcase ready to go, you're set up to enjoy a seamless, customized reading experience every time you dive in. Remember, if you run into any issues, don’t hesitate to check out our troubleshooting tips, or reach out to our Support Team at support@astropad.com.