Getting Started: Using Zello Work on your Android Device

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This article is written for: Zello Work Zello Friends & Family.

This guide covers the basics of using Zello Work on Android devices with screens.

Part 1: Install Zello

Android users can install Zello through either the Google Play Store or the Zello website. 

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    Search for Zello in the Google Play store. Tap Install to download the app to your device.
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  • 1. From your Android device, go to zello.com. 

    2. Scroll to the very bottom of the Zello homepage. Tap Android under Get the App.
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    3. Click the link to download the APK.
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    4. Select Download.
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    5. Tap your device's list icon (three horizontal lines at the top-right corner of your screen). Then, select Downloads.
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    6. Select the Zello APK file. When prompted, tap Install. 
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    If your Android blocks Zello's installation, go to Settings > Lock screen and security > Unknown sources on your device. Allow your device to install apps from unknown sources.

    7. When the app’s installation has completed, tap Open.
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Part 2: Sign in to Zello Work 

  1. Open Zello on your Android device, and select ZELLO WORK.
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  2. Enter your username, password, and network name. Tap SIGN IN.
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Part 3: Managing your status 

Your status dictates when and how you'll receive a message. It's communicated to your contacts via a dot in the corner of your user icon. 

  1. Open the Zello menu (three vertical dots in the upper right corner of your screen).
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  2. Select Status.
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  3. Choose your preferred Zello status: Available, Solo, Busy, or Offline. Additionally, consider setting a status message. Learn more about statuses. 
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Part 4: Sending 1:1 messages

Users can send 1:1 messages to their direct contacts.

  1. Open the Contacts tab at the bottom of your screen.
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  2. Tap the contact you’d like to message.

    Contacts that are online and available will have a green dot next to their avatar. Messages sent to contacts not online will go in the recipient’s message tab. 

  3. Press the PTT button to record and send your message. 

    android 4.3.png

    Note that, by default, the PTT button is set to hold-to-talk mode, meaning you press and hold the button for the message’s duration. If desirable, the button’s functionality can be changed to toggle mode, which requires pressing the button once to begin recording your message, and then again when you’ve completed your message. For more information on PTT buttons—including how to change them—see the Zello Work Settings Guide. 

Part 5: Sending voice messages to a channel

The process of communicating with your channel is nearly identical to sending a 1:1 message.

  1. Open the Channel tab. Then, tap the channel you’d like to communicate with.
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  2. Press the PTT button to record and send your message.
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    A few notes about channel communication: 
  • When simultaneously connected to multiple channels, you’ll hear messages from each channel as they come in. If you’d like to focus your attention on just one channel’s messages, disconnect from the others by pressing the green power button to the right of the channel name. 
  • Network admins establish and maintain channel settings, including the channel type. Users can refer to this article for information regarding their capabilities in each channel type. 
  • Zello is, by default, a half-duplex technology, meaning users communicate one at a time. Users must wait for an in-progress message to be completed before sending their own message. 

Part 6: Sending text messages and images

Note: Individual users can only send text and image messages if such has been enabled by their network admin. Admins, see this article for more information regarding enabling text and image messaging for your network.

To send an image or text to either a channel or contact, follow the steps below: 

  1. Select the intended channel/contact. Then, open that channel or contact's message tab. 
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  2. Tap the message box to send a text, or the camera icon to send an image.
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Part 7: Message history

Previously sent and received audio messages, text messages, and images can be accessed via the message tab associated with either the contact or channel in question.

  1. Select the intended channel or contact. Navigate to the message tab located in the top-right corner, and tap the message you'd like to listen to.
    android 7.png

Part 8: Managing notifications

Users can customize how they’re notified of various types of alerts. For a complete run-down on Zello Work notifications, see the Android Settings Guide. 

To modify your notifications—including what you get notified of and how the notification comes through your device—follow the below steps:

  1. Open the Zello menu. Then, tap Options > Notifications.
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  2. Tap the volume icon next to the alert type to turn on notifications, or the music note icon to set the alert tone. Additionally, please note that some alerts carry vibrate capabilities, as noted by the phone icon.

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