Android Basics: The Long Press - Android's "Right Click"

 A not-so-obvious feature of Android is the ability to "long press" (press and hold) many items to reveal additional menu options. Android developers call this a context menu. It's similar to the "right click" in the Windows world.

Some common examples:

• Long press the background of page to see options for adding app shortcuts or changing wallpaper.
• Long press an app icon to enable drag/drop mode to move it or remove it by dragging to the trash.
• Long press an individual email to see options for deleting, forwarding, or marking as unread.
• Long press a letter on the keypad to enter special characters.
• Long press a photo in Gallery for options for sharing or deleting.
• Long press a date in calendar to create a new event.

The back button will usually exit you from the long press menu. Note also that long press menu options will vary from app to app and by version of Android. So, next time you're sure it must be possible to do something, but can't figure out how, try the long press.