Tips/tricks for BlindShell Classic 3

Dear customers, we have created this section to share useful tips and tricks for the functions and applications in BlindShell with you. Please note that this section will be continuously updated with additional information beyond what is in the manual. You can find basic operation and instructions for using the phone in the manual here.

Features and Shortcuts

Quick Menu

A quick menu allows quick access to some functions, such as voice output and brightness settings. For example, you can completely darken the screen through this menu. To activate it, simply hold down the left action button while on the main screen.

Screenshot and Screen Recording

Capture what’s on your BlindShell display to save or share. Screen recordings can be up to 1 hour.
Note: A screen recording is saved as two separate files (video + audio). If you want to share the recording, you need to send both files.

How to: Long-press the left action button (Quick menu) → choose Take a screenshot or Start screen recording → confirmation message.

Where to find:
Screenshots: Image viewer. Recordings: Video player.
Saved to internal storage or SD card (if available).

Luna - Voice Assistant

Luna is a voice assistant that allows you to control your phone using voice commands. For example, you can ask it to open apps, call a contact, or send a text message. If AI features are enabled, Luna can search the internet for information, answer questions, or interact with apps on your phone.

To activate Luna, simply long-press the side button and start dictating your command. AI functions, such as searching the web or interacting with apps, require an internet connection.

You can ask Luna for static information, such as, "What is the highest mountain in Europe?" Luna will provide an answer and allow you to request more details. You can then view the entire conversation to explore the information further. You can also share the information with someone or use it in other ways.

List of available functions here.

Copy/Paste Text

How to copy and paste text step by step:

If you can copy text from the screen, open the quick menu and select "Copy Text."
Select the text you want to copy.
Confirm the selection to copy the text.
To paste the text while typing, long-press the left action button.
Select "Paste Text" from the menu that appears, and the text will be pasted.

Turn Voice Output Back On

Have you turned off the voice output and are not sure how to turn it back on? Do not worry, it is easy. We put together a step-by-step instruction for you:

Make sure the phone is turned on.
Increase the volume using the top part of the volume button on the left side. You should hear audio feedback when changing the volume.
Press and hold the Back button (red slash). The phone should vibrate and make a sound.
If nothing happens, the phone may be locked. Press and hold the Star key to unlock it.
Press and hold the Left Action button (white dot, top left).
While holding it, press the Confirm button (green round button).
Press the Up arrow once and press Confirm.
Press the Down arrow once and press Confirm again (twice to be sure).

Your BlindShell should now start speaking again.

SMS Template

SMS templates let you send pre-written messages to a contact or phone number. These pre-written messages can be created in the message settings.

Did you know that you can turn off the BlindShell Classic 3 in two ways?

The first option is to select the last item in the 'Turn Off Phone' menu. There's also a new method: holding the back button from the main screen. In both cases, you will be prompted to confirm if you really want to turn the phone off.

Colour Scheme

We’ve added additional colour combinations for visually impaired users. The first colour represents the text, and the second represents the background.

The following options are available:

Black on white
White on blue
Black on yellow
Yellow on black
Blue on white
Yellow on blue
Blue on yellow
Red on black
Black on red
Grey on black
Black on grey

One-Button Dialing

You can easily call contacts by pressing and holding the button under which the contact is stored. There are two ways to set it up:

From the home screen: Press and hold the chosen number key, then assign a contact.
Through the Contacts menu: Open the Contacts menu, go to One-Button Dialing, and assign contacts to the desired keys.

In addition, you can also save a contact under the SOS button on the back of the phone. This button is part of the one-button dialing feature.

WiFi Calling

With Wi-Fi Calling you can make calls even in places with weak or no mobile signal. The phone will automatically connect through a Wi-Fi network if one is available.

The feature is disabled by default and can be enabled in the phone settings. If your operator does not support it, the option will not appear in the menu.

The phone always uses the mobile network first. It will only switch to Wi-Fi Calling if the mobile signal is weak or unavailable. The range of supported functions, such as calls, SMS or MMS, depends on your operator.

The cost of calls and messages follows your tariff, since Wi-Fi Calling is simply another way of connecting to your operator’s network.

Restore Text on the Screen

If the phone is speaking but the text is not visible:

Press the Left Action button to open the quick menu.
Navigate using the Down arrow to the Brightness settings.
Press Confirm.
Use the Down arrow to select a different brightness level.
Press Confirm to apply the change.

The text should now be visible on the screen again.

How do I reject a call and reply by text message?

Turn on the quick reply feature in the call settings.
When a call comes in, select the option to reject the call.
After rejecting the call, the option to send a quick reply will appear.
Choose one of the pre-made replies or create your own.
You can edit, delete, or reset the quick reply to its default settings.
You can turn the quick reply feature on or off at any time in the settings.

Conference Calls

Allows you to easily call multiple people at once.

How to create a conference call step by step:

Start the call with one participant.
While the call is active, press the confirmation button to open the call menu.
Select "Place another call" to add another participant. This call will be on standby.
Select "Add Call to Conference" to include the call in the conference.
The new participant will join your conference, and all calls will be connected.

Touchscreen

The touchscreen is enabled in third-party apps with the screen reader activated, as well as in other BlindShell applications that support this feature. In third-party apps, the touchscreen is, by default, an additional control next to the physical keyboard.
The touch exploration feature allows you to navigate between items on the screen. Simply place your finger on the screen and move it around. A voice output will announce the selected item. To select an item, double-tap the screen.

Gestures:

Swipe two fingers across the screen to scroll up or down. When you reach the top or bottom of the page, you’ll hear a high-pitched tone. As you move down the screen, you will hear deeper tones, and as you move up, the tones will become higher.
If the app scrolls horizontally, swipe sideways with two fingers.
Confirm your selection by double-tapping the screen.

Light Sensor

The Light Sensor application provides information about the light level in the room. It is now located on the right edge of the phone, allowing for more accurate aiming and improved light detection. For optimum accuracy, the phone must be held with the sensor pointing towards the light source.

A tone will sound, and its pitch will change based on the light intensity. Press the repeat button to announce the current lighting condition.

Phone Care and Maintenance

Updates and Free Memory

We sometimes mention regular updates, but they are essential for the proper functioning of the phone and fixing possible bugs. It is equally important to keep an eye on free memory. If the phone becomes too full, it may slow down and some functions may not work properly. That is why it is useful to clean up from time to time to keep your phone in good condition.

Battery Care / Charging

We recommend not charging the phone continuously, as long-term connection to the charger is not good for the battery. For longer battery life, it is best to charge the phone when the capacity drops to around 30 percent and avoid frequent charging between 80 percent and 100 percent.

Also watch out for complete discharge. Leaving a discharged battery in the phone can damage it, which is not covered by the warranty. If you do not plan to use the phone for more than a week, we recommend removing the battery. Remember that every battery has a limited lifetime and after several hundred charging cycles its capacity naturally decreases.

App Updates

Both BlindShell models support app updates, and you can enable automatic updates so you do not have to check manually.
BlindShell Classic 3: Menu > Applications > Install or Manage Applications > Settings > Automatic Updates

If you do not want to receive notifications about updated packages, you can disable them in the same settings under “Update Notifications.”

Contact Backup

Backing up your contacts regularly is important, because you never know what might happen to your BlindShell. If you back them up, for example to a computer, you can be sure you will not lose them. Backing up is simple: go to Menu > Contacts > Contact Settings > Backup Contacts to File.

Cleaning

Do not use alcohol-based cleaners or water. Avoid letting any liquid get into the keypad, microphone, speaker, or other hardware parts of the phone. For cleaning the display, use a soft cleaning cloth. If your headphones stop working properly, carefully clean the jack. It may be blocked by dirt.

App Issues

If you encounter a problem with an app, we recommend the following steps:

Check for updates. See if a new version is available.
Restart the app. Close it and open it again.
Check your connection. If the app requires the internet, make sure you are connected.
Reinstall the app. Uninstall and install it again. How? Go to Menu > Applications > Install or Manage Applications > Installed Packages > Select the app

Contact us if any problem persists with an app managed by BlindShell, send us the details including the package version at [email protected].

Protective Case

To prevent mechanical damage, we recommend buying one of our protective cases. We offer a back cover and a flip case, so everyone can choose according to their preference. Cases are a great choice because they protect the phone from drops and other accidents.

You can purchase flips, cases and other accessories here.

Apps and Services

Tandem

The Tandem app allows you to communicate with other users via messaging, calling, video calling, and remote control. You can connect with other BlindShell Classic 3 phone users, as well as Android or iOS smartphone users. Simply send them an invitation to install the Tandem app. Visit our official website for links to download the app on other smartphones.

Below is a list of available functions in Tandem:

Chat: Send text and voice messages.
Calling: Make calls and video calls with configurable options (headset, camera, microphone).
Remote Control: Control another user's phone to assist with setup. If someone else is controlling your phone, you can press any button to exit the control mode.

NFC and QR Object Tagging

Helps you label and recognize everyday objects such as tea boxes, bottles, cosmetics, and more.

NFC Object Tagging

NFC tag is a small, round sticker with a tiny microchip inside.

How to use:

Place the NFC tag on the object.
Open the app and select “Add tag”.
Touch the tag with the back of your phone.
Record or type a description.

To read:
Select “Read tags” and touch the tag.

QR Object Tagging

QR code is a printed code on a square sticker.

How to use:

Stick the QR code on the object.
Select “Add tag”.
Point the camera at the code.
Record or type a description.

To read:
Select “Read tags” and point the camera at the code.

Both NFC and QR Reader can be found within BlindShell Vision Aids. If you cannot find it, install it from the BlindShell catalog.

NFC and QR Reader

The NFC and QR Reader can be downloaded from the BlindShell App Catalog. After installation, both apps can be found in BlindShell Productivity Tools.

These apps allow you to scan and read NFC tags and QR codes created by other manufacturers.

You may come across these tags in everyday situations, for example:

scanning a restaurant menu
opening a webpage
getting information or directions in public buildings or at landmarks

To scan a QR code, open BlindShell Productivity Tools, select QR Reader, and point the camera at the code.

To scan an NFC tag, open BlindShell Productivity Tools, select NFC Reader, and place the back of your phone close to the tag.

Third-party Apps

The BlindShell Classic 3 provides access to a wider range of apps, including third-party apps developed by companies other than BlindShell.

Popular third-party apps are listed under the relevant menu item, where you will also find apps that were available on the BlindShell Classic 2. You can search for and install additional apps using the "Search the third-party app catalog" menu item.

We do not maintain a list of available apps in this catalog. Instead, we use an alternative source that offers a wide range of apps. While this source is not Google Play, it functions in a similar way and contains thousands of apps. Please note that we do not manage these apps, nor do we control which apps are included or how they are managed. It is the user's responsibility to select and install the app that best suits their needs and verify its functionality.

We recommend joining discussion forums where users share experiences and tips about verified applications.

Join the discussion forums and share your experiences with others: https://forum.blindshell.com/

Cookies and Ads in the Internet Browser

You can search feeds by language or country, add them manually via URL, or import them from an OPML file (a file containing multiple feeds, for example from another reader).

You can also block ads and cookie banners with a browser extension. You will find this in the Internet Browser under Settings.

Keep in mind that extensions may affect how websites work, so you can disable them either for specific sites or globally. If a website is not working correctly, try disabling the extension for that site and reload the page. When you are on the page, press the “cross” button. The second and third options let you disable the extension. Note that while most ads and cookie banners will be blocked, complete removal cannot be guaranteed because the blocking relies on manually managed filters.

Meta Glasses

Meta smart glasses let you take photos, record short videos, and more, however, in some of the EU countires, a few of the AI and other features may not be available or are limited. You can pair the glasses with your BlindShell Classic 3 using the Meta app from the Third-Party App Catalog and follow the on-screen steps. Please note that this is a third-party application, and BlindShell does not manage its performance or updates. Therefore, its compatibility and functionality cannot be guaranteed. As this app is developed and maintained by Meta, our team is not able to provide support with logging in or setting it up.

RSS Reader

The RSS Reader lets you conveniently follow news and articles from various websites or services that offer RSS feeds. Content updates automatically in real time, so you always stay up to date. In the settings, you can define how many days of news you want to keep.

BlindShell Community

BlindShell Forum

Join the BlindShell Forum! Share your experiences, ask for advice and help other users. The forum is a safe space created just for you. To participate, you need to register. More information about the forum can be found here.

BlindShell Newsletter

Subscribe to our regular newsletter! Get an overview of new features, tips and updates delivered straight to your email inbox. Sign up on our website and always stay up to date.

BlindShell Operating System

BlindShell is our proprietary operating system. Some of you may ask, "What Android version does your phone run?" However, BlindShell is not an Android phone, and its software does not correspond to any specific version of Android.

It’s important to understand the unique features of our phones, as they cannot be directly compared to other commonly available devices on the market. BlindShell is designed with a distinctive interface tailored for blind users, which means it has different technical requirements for compatibility with apps and devices. This phone features closed software and a secure environment that is carefully maintained, providing reliable and safe everyday assistance for blind users.

In this way, BlindShell is unique in the market—not only in its approach but also in its focus on meeting the specific needs of visually impaired users.

Data transfer from BlindShell Classic 2 to Classic 3

Moving data (migration) is a one-time process that helps you transfer your data from the older model to the new one. The full guide is available in our manual here.

Below are the key points to keep in mind during this process:

Update your phones: Both BlindShell Classic 2 and Classic 3 must have the latest software version. For Classic 2, ensure all installed packages in the catalog are updated.
Internet connection: Data is transferred using Wi-Fi Direct. The Classic 3 must be connected to the internet, but Classic 2 does not need an internet connection.
Battery level: Both devices need to be charged to at least 25% or connected to a charger to start the process.

If the migration fails, restart both phones first. For Classic 3, you might also consider resetting it to factory settings before trying the process again.

Data Backup

On BlindShell Classic 3, you can now back up data directly in the settings without accessing the service menu. While the service menu backs up all user data as a single file, the new feature enables selective backups of individual applications and their data, including internal storage content. This option is located in Settings > About phone > Backup phone and app data, and requires an SD card in your phone.

The backup feature allows you to create and restore app backups. These backups are stored on the SD card, from where they can be restored or transferred to another BlindShell Classic 3 phone. To use this feature, it must first be enabled in the settings.

Backups are created automatically once a day, overwriting older versions to prevent file accumulation. You can also perform manual backups by selecting either "Backup All" or "Select Application". Backups are saved in the Backup folder on the SD card and can be easily transferred if needed.