Getting Started with Your Telstra Essential Smart 2.1
Welcome! This guide‚ version 2.0 from March 2020‚ assists with your new device‚ available at Telstra stores and dealers.
Explore the user manual for detailed instructions‚ as no Quick Start Guide was included with the Telstra Essential Smart 2.1.
Unboxing and Device Overview
What’s in the Box? Upon opening your Telstra Essential Smart 2.1 package‚ you should find the device itself‚ alongside a warranty card. Notably‚ a separate Quick Start Guide (QSG) isn’t included; therefore‚ relying on the comprehensive User Guide (version 2.0‚ March 2020) is crucial for initial setup and understanding.
Device Layout: The phone’s design‚ manufactured by ZTE (model A53)‚ features a standard smartphone layout. Familiarize yourself with the power button‚ volume controls‚ and charging port. The User Guide provides detailed diagrams illustrating the location of these components. ZTE reserves the right to update specifications without notice‚ so referencing the latest manual is recommended.
Important Note: This device was available through Telstra stores and authorized dealers. Ensure all listed components are present and undamaged before proceeding.
Initial Setup and SIM Card Installation
Preparing for Activation: Before powering on your Telstra Essential Smart 2.1‚ you’ll need to install a compatible SIM card. The User Guide (version 2.0‚ March 2020) provides detailed instructions and diagrams illustrating the SIM card tray location – typically found on the side of the device.
SIM Installation: Use the provided SIM ejector tool (or a straightened paperclip) to open the tray. Carefully insert your SIM card into the tray‚ ensuring correct orientation. Gently push the tray back into the device until it clicks securely.
First-Time Boot: Once the SIM is installed‚ power on the device. Follow the on-screen prompts to select your language‚ connect to a Wi-Fi network‚ and agree to the terms and conditions. Refer to the User Guide for assistance with each step;
Powering On and Basic Navigation
Powering On: To turn on your Telstra Essential Smart 2.1‚ press and hold the power button‚ usually located on the side of the device‚ until the Telstra logo appears. The initial boot-up may take a few moments.
Unlocking the Screen: Once booted‚ you may need to swipe up or enter a PIN/password to unlock the screen‚ depending on your security settings. The User Guide (version 2.0‚ March 2020) details security options.
Basic Gestures: Navigate the interface using simple touch gestures. Swipe left or right to move between home screens. Tap icons to launch applications. Swipe down from the top to access quick settings and notifications. Explore the device to familiarize yourself with its intuitive controls.

Basic Functions of the Telstra Essential Smart 2.1

Explore core features! Customize your home screen‚ manage apps efficiently‚ and stay informed with notifications – all detailed in the comprehensive User Guide.
Understanding the Home Screen
The Home Screen is your central hub! Upon powering on your Telstra Essential Smart 2.1‚ you’ll be greeted by the primary display‚ offering quick access to frequently used applications and essential information.
This screen typically showcases app icons‚ widgets providing at-a-glance data (like weather or time)‚ and a status bar displaying network connectivity‚ battery life‚ and notifications. The bottom of the screen usually features navigation buttons for returning ‘Home’‚ accessing recent apps‚ or going ‘Back’.
Refer to the User Guide (version 2.0‚ March 2020) for a detailed visual breakdown of each element. Understanding these components is crucial for efficient navigation and maximizing your device’s functionality. The guide will illustrate how to interact with icons and customize the layout to suit your preferences.
Customizing Your Home Screen

Personalize your experience! The Telstra Essential Smart 2.1 allows extensive home screen customization. Long-pressing on an empty space brings up options to change wallpapers‚ add widgets‚ and adjust screen settings.
You can rearrange app icons by dragging and dropping them into desired locations. Create folders to group similar apps for better organization. Widgets‚ small interactive applications‚ provide information directly on your home screen – weather‚ calendar events‚ or news headlines are popular choices.
Consult the User Guide (version 2.0‚ March 2020) for detailed instructions and visual aids. Explore different themes and layouts to create a home screen that reflects your style and enhances usability. Experiment with various widget configurations to optimize information access.
Managing Apps and Notifications
Stay organized and informed! The Telstra Essential Smart 2.1 provides tools for efficient app and notification management. Access the app drawer to view all installed applications‚ and uninstall unwanted ones by long-pressing their icon.
Control app permissions within settings to manage data access. Notifications alert you to new messages‚ updates‚ and events. Customize notification settings for each app – choose alert styles‚ sounds‚ and whether notifications appear on the lock screen.
Refer to the User Guide (version 2.0‚ March 2020) for detailed guidance on managing app permissions and notification preferences. Regularly review installed apps and notification settings to optimize performance and privacy.

Calls and Contacts on the Telstra Essential Smart 2.1
Connect with ease! Utilize the phonebook features for managing contacts and making/receiving calls on your Telstra Essential Smart 2.1 device.
Making and Receiving Calls
Initiating a call on your Telstra Essential Smart 2.1 is straightforward. Simply use the phone app and dial the desired number using the keypad. Alternatively‚ select a contact from your phonebook and tap their listed number to begin the call. The device supports standard calling features‚ allowing you to manage calls with options like speakerphone‚ mute‚ and hold.
Receiving calls is equally simple. When someone calls‚ the incoming call screen will display the caller’s number or name (if saved in your contacts). You can answer the call by tapping the “Answer” button or decline it by tapping “Decline”. The device also supports call waiting‚ notifying you of incoming calls while you are already on a call. Ensure your network settings are correctly configured for optimal call quality and reliability.
Managing Your Contacts

The Phonebook on your Telstra Essential Smart 2.1 allows efficient contact organization. Access it through the phone app or the dedicated Contacts application. You can add new contacts manually by entering their name‚ phone number‚ and other details. Alternatively‚ you can import contacts from your SIM card or linked accounts‚ streamlining the process.
Editing and deleting contacts is also easily managed. Select a contact‚ then choose the “Edit” option to modify their information. To remove a contact‚ select the “Delete” option. The phonebook supports grouping contacts for easier access and organization. Regularly backing up your contacts is recommended to prevent data loss‚ ensuring your important connections are always safe and accessible.
Using the Phonebook Features
The Telstra Essential Smart 2.1’s phonebook offers several useful features beyond basic contact storage. Utilize the search function to quickly locate contacts by name or number. The speed dial option allows assigning frequently called numbers to specific keys for one-touch dialing‚ enhancing convenience.
Contact groups enable efficient management and calling of multiple people simultaneously. You can also assign ringtones to individual contacts‚ allowing you to identify callers without looking at the screen. Explore the settings within the Contacts app to customize display options and import/export contacts. Regularly updating your phonebook ensures accurate and readily available communication with your network.

Messaging and Email with the Telstra Essential Smart 2.1
Send SMS messages easily‚ and set up email accounts for convenient communication. Manage messaging settings within the device for a personalized experience.
Sending and Receiving SMS Messages
Composing a New Message: To initiate a new text message‚ open the Messaging app. Tap the “New Message” icon‚ typically represented by a plus (+) sign or a pencil icon. Enter the recipient’s phone number in the designated field‚ or select a contact from your phonebook.
Typing and Sending: Compose your message in the text input area. Utilize the on-screen keyboard to type your desired text. Once finished‚ tap the “Send” button‚ usually an arrow icon‚ to deliver your message.
Receiving Messages: When you receive a new SMS message‚ a notification will appear on your screen. Tap the notification to open the Messaging app and view the message. You can reply directly from the message thread by typing your response and tapping “Send”. The device efficiently handles standard SMS messaging functions.
Setting Up and Using Email Accounts
Accessing Email: To configure your email accounts on the Telstra Essential Smart 2.1‚ locate and open the pre-installed Email application. If it’s your first time‚ you’ll be prompted to add an account. Select your email provider (e.g.‚ Gmail‚ Yahoo‚ Outlook).
Account Configuration: Enter your email address and password when requested. The device may attempt automatic configuration; otherwise‚ you might need to manually input server settings (IMAP/POP3‚ SMTP). Ensure you have the correct settings from your email provider.
Managing Accounts: Once set up‚ you can manage multiple email accounts within the app. Check for new emails‚ compose new messages‚ and organize your inbox efficiently. Regularly sync your accounts to receive the latest messages.
Managing Your Messaging Settings
Customizing SMS: Within the Messaging app‚ access settings to personalize your experience. Adjust notification sounds for new messages‚ enabling vibrations or choosing custom ringtones. Control message storage limits to manage device space efficiently.
Blocking Numbers: Enhance privacy by blocking unwanted contacts. Add numbers to a blacklist to prevent future messages. Manage blocked numbers within the settings menu‚ removing or adding as needed.
Delivery Reports: Enable delivery reports to receive notifications confirming message delivery. Note that this feature may not always be supported by all carriers. Review and adjust these settings to optimize your messaging experience on the Telstra Essential Smart 2.1.

Internet and Entertainment on Your Device
Connect and Enjoy! Access the internet via Wi-Fi‚ browse with the web browser‚ and download apps to enhance your entertainment experience.
Connecting to Wi-Fi Networks
Seamless Connectivity: To connect your Telstra Essential Smart 2.1 to a Wi-Fi network‚ navigate to the Settings menu on your device. Locate the Wi-Fi option and toggle it to the ‘On’ position. Your device will then begin scanning for available networks within range.
A list of detected Wi-Fi networks will appear. Select your desired network from the list. If the network is secured with a password‚ you will be prompted to enter it. Ensure you enter the password correctly‚ paying attention to capitalization and special characters.
Once the correct password is entered‚ your device will attempt to connect to the network. Upon successful connection‚ a Wi-Fi icon will appear in the status bar‚ indicating a stable internet connection. Enjoy browsing‚ streaming‚ and downloading content!
Using the Web Browser
Explore the Internet: The Telstra Essential Smart 2.1 comes equipped with a pre-installed web browser‚ allowing you to access the vast resources of the internet. Locate the browser icon on your home screen or within the app drawer and tap to launch it.
In the address bar‚ enter the web address (URL) of the website you wish to visit. Alternatively‚ you can use the search bar to type in keywords related to your desired content. The browser will then load the requested webpage.
Utilize the browser’s features‚ such as tabs for multitasking‚ bookmarks for saving favorite sites‚ and history for revisiting previously accessed pages. Enjoy a smooth and efficient browsing experience on your Telstra Essential Smart 2.1!
Accessing and Downloading Apps
Expand Functionality: Your Telstra Essential Smart 2.1 allows you to enhance its capabilities by accessing and downloading applications. The primary method for obtaining new apps is through the pre-installed app store‚ providing a wide selection of choices.
Launch the app store from your home screen or app drawer. Browse through categories‚ search for specific apps by name‚ or explore curated collections. Once you’ve found an app you desire‚ tap on its icon to view details.
Tap the “Install” button to begin the download and installation process. Ensure you have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi is recommended) for a faster and more reliable experience. Enjoy!

Data and Wireless Connectivity
Stay Connected! Manage mobile data usage‚ configure data settings‚ and pair devices via Bluetooth for seamless wireless experiences on your Telstra device.
Understanding Mobile Data Usage
Monitoring Your Data is crucial for avoiding unexpected charges. The Telstra Essential Smart 2.1 allows you to track your data consumption directly within the settings menu. Understanding how apps utilize data is also key; some applications consume significantly more data in the background than others.
To check your current data usage‚ navigate to the ‘Connections’ or ‘Network & Internet’ section in your settings. Here‚ you’ll find a breakdown of your data usage for the current billing cycle. You can also set data limits and receive warnings when you’re approaching your allowance.
Remember to be mindful of data-intensive activities like streaming videos‚ downloading large files‚ and using social media without Wi-Fi. Utilizing Wi-Fi whenever possible will help conserve your mobile data.
Managing Data Settings
Controlling Data Usage on your Telstra Essential Smart 2.1 is straightforward. Access the ‘Connections’ or ‘Network & Internet’ settings to manage your mobile data preferences. You can easily toggle mobile data on or off‚ preventing any data usage when Wi-Fi is unavailable or preferred.
Within the data settings‚ you’ll find options to set a data limit‚ which triggers a warning when you’re nearing your allocated amount. This helps avoid bill shock. You can also restrict background data usage for individual apps‚ minimizing their data consumption when not actively in use.
Explore the ‘Data Saver’ mode‚ which reduces data usage by limiting background activity and lowering image quality. These settings empower you to optimize your data experience.
Bluetooth Pairing and Usage
Connecting Wireless Devices to your Telstra Essential Smart 2.1 via Bluetooth is simple. Navigate to ‘Connections’ or ‘Bluetooth’ within the settings menu. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled‚ and your device will begin scanning for nearby available devices.
Once your desired device appears in the list‚ select it to initiate the pairing process. You may be prompted to enter a PIN or confirm a pairing code on both devices. After successful pairing‚ your devices are connected!
Bluetooth allows for wireless file transfer‚ audio streaming to headphones or speakers‚ and connecting to other Bluetooth accessories. Manage paired devices within the Bluetooth settings‚ removing those no longer needed.

Specifications of the Telstra Essential Smart 2.1
Device Details: The Telstra Essential Smart 2.1 is manufactured by ZTE‚ known as the ZTE A53 model. ZTE Corporation retains the right to modify specifications or correct printing errors within this guide without prior notification to consumers.
Availability: This device was initially available for purchase directly from Telstra stores and authorized Telstra dealers. Specific internal hardware specifications‚ such as processor speed‚ RAM‚ and storage capacity‚ are detailed within the comprehensive user guide.
Documentation: Refer to the official user guide (Version 2.0‚ March 2020) for a complete listing of technical specifications and warranty information.






































































