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How to get started with Google Currents

Google's new app brings magazine-style content from publishers and favorite blogs to your mobile devices.

Nicole Cozma
Nicole Cozma has an affinity for Android apps and devices, but loves technology in general. Based out of the Tampa Bay Area, she enjoys being a spectator to both sunsets and lightning storms.
Nicole Cozma
2 min read

Now you can read your favorite online materials while you're offline.

First, you'll want to grab a copy of the app. You can get Google Currents for Android, or Google Currents for iPhone.

Step 1: Open the app and select the Google account you'd like to sync with Currents, or add a new account.

After browsing through the tutorial slides, you'll have access to the app. Now you can start customizing the app to your liking.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 2: On the Library tab you'll notice that Google has added some magazine-style content for you to browse from popular blogs. If you'd like to add more content, swipe to the right and touch the Add more tile.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 3: When looking for something specific, simply press on the Search option at the top of the list. If you're just interested in what's available, browse by category.

A search for CNET's content. Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Once you've added content to your Library, you can also opt to see the top five stories from hot topics on the Web in the Trending tab of the app.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 4: Touch Trending in the same menu to add categories you're interested in, or remove the ones you're not.

Step 5: Press the Done button in the top right-hand corner and tap on an "edition" to read. 

More customization is available within the app (see Steps 6 and 7 below), but if you want to get started right now, here are some navigation tips:

  • Swiping to the left in a story will bring you to the next page of the same story.

  • If you want to read the next story from the same source, press the arrow in the bottom right-hand corner.

  • All story titles can be seen from a source by opening the source and then pressing on the open book icon.

  • You can search for specific stories or keywords by pressing on the magnifying glass.

  • Editions can be rearranged through the Add more tile > My Library > drag the editions into the order of your choosing.


Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

(Optional) Step 6: Press on the cog icon in the bottom left-hand corner to open the Settings menu.

In this menu you can add or remove accounts from sync, adjust the text size for reading, or even change the way Google Currents syncs content on your device.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

(Optional) Step 7: If you're trying to conserve mobile bandwidth, you can flip the sync setting to Wi-Fi only. And if you're after more battery life, just decrease the sync frequency--you can always adjust it later depending on personal use.