Maxcom MS553 Dual SIM/LTE Basic User Manual

Telephone Description

The following diagram illustrates the key components of the Maxcom MS553 smartphone:

Installation of Cards: SIM1, SIM2 & microSD

The SIM Card and SD Memory Card slots are located on the left-hand side of the unit. To install cards, first gently eject the metal tray.

Before installing cards, ensure the phone is switched off and unplugged from the AC adapter and any other accessories.

Place the tray on a flat surface and position cards as shown in the illustration (two slots are visible, one for a SIM card and another for a microSD card or a second SIM card).

Carefully reposition the tray with inserted cards into the slot. Upon switching on, the phone should automatically detect the cards. The hybrid slot accepts either two SIM Cards or a single SIM Card and one microSD memory card.

Safety Precautions While Inserting Cards:

• Switch off the phone and wait a few seconds before inserting or uninstalling SIM (SD) card(s).
• Handle SIM (SD) cards carefully; do not bend or scratch them.
• If a SIM Card is inserted incorrectly or is damaged, an error message like "No SIM card in the slot" will appear after switching on. Ensure the card is inserted correctly and is not damaged, then switch the phone on again. If the device still does not detect the card, contact your GSM provider for replacement.
• If a SIM Card gets stuck in the slot and removal seems impossible, do not force it. Seek assistance from authorized service. Mechanical damage to SIM (SD) slots is not covered under warranty repairs.

Battery Installation

The MS553 device has a built-in battery.

If the battery is damaged, the entire unit should be shipped to authorized MAXCOM service. Any attempts by unauthorized service to remove the battery will void your warranty.

To reset the device (equivalent to removing the battery for a while), press and hold the ON/OFF BUTTON (9) for about 10 seconds. The unit will lose power temporarily and then automatically switch on again.

Charging the Unit

Use only chargers and batteries provided by the Manufacturer. Never use damaged chargers or batteries, as such accessories or modifications might damage the phone and void the warranty.

When the battery is at 15% charge, a message will appear on the display advising you to charge the battery. To charge, plug the charger into a power outlet and then into the phone.

Important: If the charger jack is plugged incorrectly into the USB port (e.g., with the wrong orientation), the unit might get seriously damaged, and such damage will not be covered under warranty.

If using chargers from other manufacturers, ensure they have a microUSB slot.

The battery icon ? on the display indicates the current level of battery charge.

Charging the battery fully takes about 3-4 hours. You can use the unit while charging, but this may take longer. It is normal for the unit to get warm during charging.

Note: While charging the phone, ensure the air temperature is between 0°C to +40°C.

Batteries degrade over time, reducing their ability to hold a charge.

Battery Life Saver (Smart Energy Saving)

The unit offers options to help save battery life. To prolong battery life, enable these options and disable background features:

• Every time you don't use the unit, put it into sleep mode.
• Close unnecessary applications.
• Disable Bluetooth.
• Disable Wi-Fi.
• Select a short time for display backlight.
• Dim screen brightness.

Powering On/Off the Unit

Press and hold the On/Off Button (9) for a few seconds to switch the unit on or off.

For first-time use, the unit requires configuration. Follow the on-screen instructions. This includes configuring the Internet connection (via WiFi or data transmission) and the Google account (Gmail).

Google Account and PIN Entry

Note: To download applications from the „Play Store”, a Google account must be configured. If you have a Gmail account, you can register your unit using that address without creating a new account.

If the SIM Card is protected by a PIN code, enter the PIN code using the on-screen keyboard, then press ✔️ to confirm. Use the ❌ key to delete digits entered in error.

Note: If you did not receive PIN and PUK codes with your SIM Card, contact your service provider. Entering the PIN code incorrectly 3 times will lock the SIM Card, requiring the PUK code for unlocking.

Google Device Protection

For security reasons, GOOGLE Inc. introduced Google Device Protection for devices with the Android system. This protection safeguards your data and prevents unauthorized users from restoring factory settings if the phone is stolen.

Google Device Protection is automatically enabled if two features are set:

• Screen lock (PIN code, pattern, or password).
• Dedicated Google account.

Be careful when entering security data for phone lock and for logging in when signing up for a Google account.

After factory settings are restored, the only way to unlock the phone is by logging into the existing/earlier assigned Google account.

Maxcom S.A. advises that any claims related to unlocking the phone within Google Device Protection will not be considered or will be solved for a charge, as requested by the customer.

Android™ 7.0

The MAXCOM MS553 smartphone is equipped with the Android™ 7.0 operating system, which is widely used in mobile devices. It is an open system that can be customized by the user. Numerous features are available within the system or via the Play Store, allowing you to download and install applications.

For new Android users, tutorials are available to help you familiarize yourself with the system. This User Manual introduces basic features of the device and system.

Touch Screen

The unit features a touchscreen (five-point, multitouch screen) instead of a standard keypad. The screen functions as both a display and a keypad.

Note: Keep the touchscreen dry at all times. Contact with water may cause malfunction and future damage. Switch off the screen when the unit is not in use. Leaving the screen inactive for extended periods might cause screen burn-in or ghosting.

Finger Gestures

Tap: A single touch of the screen to select an icon, shortcut, link, or character.

Tap and hold: Touching and holding an icon on the screen until the required action is performed.

Drag: Touching and holding a selected icon, then dragging your fingertip across the surface to a desired destination.

Flick: Quickly brushing the screen surface. Flicking up/down scrolls lists; flicking sideways navigates home screens.

Double tap: Allows zooming in/out on web pages or maps, and images while viewing photos.

Pinch: Touching the screen with your index finger and thumb, moving them closer or farther apart, allows zooming in/out of images. This is useful for viewing maps or photos.

Status and Notification Bar

Notifications at the top of the screen (status bar) inform you about features like missed calls, alarm clock, Wi-Fi status, unread messages, and new emails.

The following are common notification icons:

To view more notifications, drag down the status bar. To delete viewed notifications, press (touch) „DELETE ALL”.

Home Screen

The home screen provides access to all device features, displaying indicator icons, widgets, application shortcuts, and more. The home screen may have multiple panels.

To view other panels, flick your fingertip left or right. To create a new panel (desktop), drag any application shortcut to the edge of the screen.

The screen layout includes:

• Wallpaper: The background image of the home screen.
• Widget: Interactive elements providing quick access to information or functions.
• Icon: Graphical representation of an application or shortcut.
• HOME Button: Returns to the home screen from any menu.
• RETURN Button: Returns to the previous screen or closes an application.
• MENU Button: Accesses additional options or settings.

Button Functions:

• RETURN BUTTON: Returns to the previous screen, closes an application.
• HOME BUTTON: Returns to the home screen, from any menu.
• TOGGLE BUTTON: Toggles between two active applications; a double tap returns to the most recently open application/option.

Lock/Unlock the Screen

Locking the unit disables the display and touch screen. To lock the unit at any time, press the ON/OFF BUTTON (9) located on the side of the phone.

To unlock the phone, follow the same steps: press the ON/OFF BUTTON (9) and drag the lock icon ? upwards on the screen.

Users can select more secure locking methods, such as a pattern or PIN code.

Making/Answering Phone Calls

To make, answer, and manage phone calls, use the „Phone” application, typically found as a shortcut in the bottom-left corner of the home screen.

To answer an incoming call, tap the receiver icon and drag it to the right; to reject, drag it to the left.

Applications

The device runs on the Android (7.0 version) system, a popular mobile operating system. A multitude of applications are available online for enhancing the device experience, including games, organizers, and social network applications.

The easiest way to search for and install programs is through the „Play Store” application. Tap the ?️ icon on the home screen and search for „Play Store”.

Applications can also be installed directly on the phone by downloading them from the WWW network and then transferring them via a cable connected to a computer.

Bundled Applications:

Camera/Video Camera

The telephone can take photos and record videos.

To access this feature, tap the ? icon on the Home Screen or search for the „Camera” application in the Menu.

The camera interface allows control over:

• Flash on/off/aut. ⚡
• Front/back camera switch ?
• Photo Gallery access ?️
• Easy mode
• Take photo button ▶️
• Panoramic mode
• Record video button ?
• Settings access ⚙️

Tapping a feature changes or enables it. Select the ⚙️ icon to access advanced camera/video options for scene mode, photo size, and photo/video quality.

Quick Settings Bar

Use the Quick Settings Bar to quickly enable/disable device features like Wi-Fi and GPS.

To access the bar, drag down the status bar. The screen will display various toggles. If a tile is gray, the feature is disabled (e.g., flight mode); white indicates an active feature (e.g., LTE data connection).

Tapping the circled area in red on the status bar leads to more advanced status bar settings for customization.

Safety Guidelines

• Never use the phone if it might interfere with other devices.
• Never use the phone without a proper headset while operating a vehicle.
• The telephone emits electromagnetic fields that might interfere with other electronic devices, including medical equipment. Maintain a distance between the telephone and implanted medical devices (like pacemakers) as recommended by manufacturers. Users with medical devices should follow their manufacturers' instructions. Users with pacemakers should not carry the phone in their breast pocket and should hold it on the ear opposite to the medical equipment to minimize interference risk. The phone must be switched off immediately if interference is suspected.
• Never use the phone in hospitals, airplanes, refueling points, or near flammable materials.
• Never repair or modify the phone yourself. Only qualified service is authorized.
• The device and its accessories may contain small parts. Keep them out of reach of children.
• Never use chemicals or corrosive substances to clean your phone.
• Avoid using the phone near bank cards and credit cards, as data stored on them might be lost.
• For safety, never talk on the phone while it is plugged into the power outlet.
• The phone is not waterproof. Keep it dry at all times and avoid exposure to water or other liquids.
• Never expose the device to extreme temperatures (below -10°C or above +40°C) or direct sunlight. Do not place it near heating devices like radiators, ovens, or campfires.
• Protect your hearing! Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to hearing loss. Listen to music at a moderate level and avoid holding the device next to your ear when the speaker is in use. Always lower the volume before connecting headphones.

Battery Information

The phone has a rechargeable battery, and a charger is included.

Phone battery life depends on usage conditions, including distance from relay transmitters, number, and length of phone calls. Features like location services, data connection, and Wi-Fi also drain the battery and require more frequent recharging.

After hundreds of charge/discharge cycles, battery quality naturally degrades. If significant loss of charge capacity is noticed, a new battery should be supplied.

Use only batteries recommended by the Manufacturer.

Do not keep the phone in excessively hot places, as high temperatures can negatively impact the battery and the phone.

Never use a visibly damaged battery, as it may cause a short circuit and damage the phone. Ensure correct battery polarity during installation.

Storing the battery in excessively hot or cold places reduces its life. The recommended storage temperature range is between 15°C and 25°C. Installing a cold battery may cause the phone to malfunction.

The phone uses a Li-ion battery. Old batteries pose environmental risks and should be disposed of at designated collection points in compliance with regulations. Never throw old batteries or chargers into municipal solid waste.

NEVER PUT BATTERIES NOR CHARGERS INTO FIRE!

Protect the Environment

Note: The phone is tagged in compliance with the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive 2002/96/EC (WEEE) and the Polish Act on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

The WEEE symbol ♻️ indicates that the equipment must not be disposed of in normal waste streams after use.

Note! Never throw the phone into municipal solid waste. The product should be utilized in authorized places only.

Proper handling of old electric and electronic equipment helps avoid harmful consequences to people and the environment from hazardous components, improper storage, and recycling.

SAR Information

This device meets international guidelines for radio wave impact. It is designed not to exceed recommended limits for radio wave impact, as developed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

The guidelines include a safety margin for all individuals. The term Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is used to measure radio wave impact.

The border value of SAR, as recommended by ICNIRP, is 2.0 W/kg. SAR values are determined at maximum transmit power; actual SAR values for a working device are usually lower due to automatic power adjustments for web connectivity.

SAR values may vary by model or position, but all comply with regulations for safe radiation levels.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), no extra restrictions are needed for mobile device use. However, to reduce radiation exposure, limit phone call duration and use headsets or speakerphones to maintain distance from the body.

SAR Values (W/kg):

SAR values may vary by country-specific reporting and testing requirements, and frequencies used in different networks.

Declaration of Conformity

Maxcom S.A. declares that the mobile telephone MAXCOM MS553 conforms to Directive 2011/65/EU and Directive 1999/5/EC (R&TTE).

The full copy of the EU Declaration of Conformity is available at: http://www.maxcom.pl/

Information in this Manual may vary depending on phone configuration. The Manufacturer reserves the right to modify the product and its features without prior notification.

Contact Information and Support

If any defects are detected, please contact MAXCOM technical assistance or return the unit to the seller.

Direct phone number: +48 32 325 07 00

Email: serwis@maxcom.pl

MAXCOM S.A.

43-100 Tychy

ul Towarowa 23a

POLAND

Tel: 32 327 70 89

Fax: 32 327 78 60

Website: www.maxcom.pl

Email: office@maxcom.pl

The device bears the CE0700 marking.