Top Android App Tips You Didn’t Know You Needed

You probably think you know all there is about your Android phone. But here’s the thing — there are so many hidden features and tricks waiting to be unlocked. Whether you’re a seasoned Android user or someone who just switched over, this guide will reveal some of the most underrated tips that can transform how you use your device.

1. Battery Saver Mode

This is one of those features that can significantly extend your phone’s battery life. Instead of waiting until your battery is nearly dead, activate the battery saver mode early in the day. Doing so automatically limits background data and turns off unnecessary features, ensuring you get through the day without constantly hunting for a charger.
Steps to enable:

• Go to Settings -> Battery -> Battery Saver.
• Toggle it on.

2. Use Google Assistant More Efficiently

Everyone uses Google Assistant for basic tasks like setting alarms or checking the weather, but did you know you can make it do so much more? You can integrate it with your calendar, create custom routines, and even control smart home devices.
Pro Tip: Try saying, "Hey Google, good morning." It can give you a morning brief, including the news, weather, and reminders. You can customize this to include other things like your preferred music playlist or the traffic on your route to work.

3. Pin Important Apps to the Top of Your App Drawer

If you find yourself scrolling through an endless list of apps every time you want to open a specific one, you’re wasting time. Android’s app drawer allows you to pin apps to the top, meaning you won’t have to hunt them down anymore.
Steps:

• Open your app drawer.
• Long press on the app you want to pin.
• Select "Pin to Top."

4. Hidden Shortcuts with Long Press

This is one of those Android features that many people overlook. Long pressing on an app icon doesn’t just bring up the option to uninstall or remove the app; it also offers shortcuts to specific functions within the app. For example, long press on your messaging app, and you can jump straight to a specific conversation without opening the app first.
Why this matters: It reduces the number of taps needed to perform basic tasks, saving time.

5. Split Screen for Multitasking

Have you ever wanted to use two apps simultaneously? Perhaps you want to watch a YouTube video while reading an article, or compare two web pages side-by-side. With Android’s split-screen feature, you can do just that.
Steps:

• Open the first app you want to use.
• Swipe up from the bottom and hold to open your recent apps.
• Tap on the app’s icon at the top of the screen and select "Split screen."
• Open the second app in the other window.

6. Use Guest Mode for Privacy

Handing your phone to someone else, whether to make a call or just look at something, always comes with the risk of them stumbling upon your personal stuff. Android’s Guest Mode ensures your privacy is intact. This creates a temporary user profile, ensuring your private files, messages, and apps remain hidden.
Steps:

• Go to Settings -> System -> Advanced -> Multiple users.
• Turn on Guest Mode.

7. Unlock Developer Options for More Control

This feature is often associated with tech-savvy users, but anyone can benefit from accessing Android’s Developer Options. With this hidden menu, you can tweak animation speeds, force apps into split-screen mode, or even simulate a slow network for testing purposes.
Steps:

• Go to Settings -> About Phone -> Tap on "Build number" 7 times.
• Once you see the message "You are now a developer," you can access Developer Options under System.

8. Custom Quick Settings Tiles

Android’s Quick Settings panel is already pretty handy, letting you quickly toggle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other settings. However, many users don’t know they can customize this panel. You can add new tiles or rearrange them to suit your usage habits.
Steps:

• Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel.
• Tap the pencil icon to edit the layout.
• Drag and drop the tiles to rearrange or add new ones.

9. One-Handed Mode for Larger Phones

Smartphones are getting larger, and unless you have enormous hands, you’ve probably found yourself struggling to use your phone with one hand. Android’s One-Handed Mode shrinks the screen down to a more manageable size, making it easier to use without needing both hands.
Steps:

• Go to Settings -> Gestures -> One-Handed Mode.
• Toggle it on.

10. Take Advantage of Digital Wellbeing

It’s easy to lose track of how much time we spend on our phones. Android’s Digital Wellbeing feature provides insights into your phone usage and helps you set limits on app usage, enabling you to better manage your time.
Pro Tip: Set app timers to limit social media usage and avoid distractions.

By incorporating these tips, you can significantly improve your Android experience, making it more efficient, personalized, and enjoyable. These tips not only help you maximize your phone’s potential but also introduce small conveniences that can streamline your daily activities. So, try them out and see how your Android usage evolves!