# Using Zulip on Android
Zulip has an Android application, compatible with Android versions 3.2 and
higher.
It's available on the Google Play Store, and can be downloaded from
[here](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zulip.android), or by
clicking the badge below.
[](
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zulip.android)
## Initial setup
### Connecting to a server
When you open the app for the first time, or after you log out, a screen asking
for your server's address appears. You have to write the server's URL in it, and
press *Enter*.
!!! tip ""
There's no need to add `https://` in case your server is running secure
HTTP (HTTPS) protocol.
!!! warn ""
If your server uses unsecure HTTP, you'll have to
write `http://` manually. A message will appear, warning you about the risks
of using this type of connections. In case you have no other choice, choose
*Use HTTP*.
### Logging in
After connecting to the server, you'll be able to log in either with an email
address and a password, or using your Google account.
!!! tip ""
If you decide to log in with an email/password combination, enter them in
the text fields and press *Log in*.
!!! tip ""
If you prefer to log in with your Google account, press the *Sign in* button
with Google's logo on it.
You will be asked to choose which one do you want to
use, between those you have configured in your device.
### Logging in (development servers)
The Android application supports using development servers as well. However,
after connecting to the server, the following will appear:
In order to log in, press *Dev backend testing server*, and choose the account
you want to use:
### Logging out
You only need to do this when you want to switch to another account or server.
Tap the three dots ()
in the top right corner of the screen, and choose *Log out*.
## Using the app
### Sending a stream message
1. Press the pencil button at the right bottom side of the screen, in case the
compose box isn't already there.
2. Make sure you are in the "stream message" mode. You should see the
icon of a person
() at the
right-hand side of the composing area.
If it isn't there, tap the megaphone
().
3. Fill the name of the stream where you want to send your message in the
*Stream* field.
!!! tip ""
Suggestions matching the entered name will appear as you type the stream's
name.
4. Enter the topic of your message in *Topic*.
5. Write your message in the field at the bottom, the one that says *Tap on a
message to compose reply*.
6. Hit the paper plane icon
() to
send your message.
### Sending a private message
1. Press the pencil button at the right bottom side of the screen, in case the
compose box isn't already there.
2. Make sure you are in the "stream message" mode. You should see the
icon of a megaphone
() at the
right-hand side of the composing area.
If it isn't there, tap the person
().
3. Enter the email address of the person you want to chat with in the *Person*
field.
!!! tip ""
Suggestions matching the entered email address will appear as you type it.
4. Write your message in the field at the bottom, the one that says *Tap on a
message to compose reply*.
5. Hit the paper plane icon
() to
send your message.
### Replying to a message
1. Tap the message you want to reply to in the message list.
2. The *Stream* and *Topic* fields will automatically fill.
3. Write your message in the field at the bottom, the one that says *Tap on a
message to compose reply*.
4. Hit the paper plane icon
() to
send your message.
### Narrowing to a stream
There are multiple ways of narrowing to a stream in Zulip's Android app.
By swiping to the right from the border of the screen, or by hitting the menu
() icon, you'll be able to see a list of the
streams you're subscribed to.
You can tap one of them to narrow to that stream.
Another way is to press the name of a stream in a message. This will
automatically narrow your message list to the pressed stream.
### Narrowing to a topic
You can narrow your message list to a specific topic by tapping the name of the
topic over a message.
### Searching for messages
To look for messages containing some specific terms:
1. Tap the magnifying glass
()
icon at the top of the screen.
2. Write the desired search terms.
3. Press enter in your keyboard.
### Filtering messages
You can filter the messages in your list. To do it:
1. Press the filter
() icon in the top
right side of the screen (between the magnet and the three dots
).
2. Choose the filtering criteria.
3. The message list will refresh, showing only the matching messages.
### Manually refreshing the message list
The messages will appear automatically as they are sent. However, you can
manually refresh them by scrolling to the bottom, or by tapping the three dots
() in the top right corner, and
choosing *Refresh*.
### Day/Night themes
Zulip's Android app offers two different themes. One lighter (day theme), and
one with dark colors (night theme), that makes reading more comfortable when
there isn't much light.
To switch between both, tap the three dots
() at the top right corner of the
screen, and hit *Switch Day/Night Theme*.
