If you’re just using your phone to browse, call, or chat, you’re missing out on some brilliant features hiding in plain sight. In this article, I’ll walk you through 8 lesser-known Android tricks that can make your daily smartphone usage faster, smarter, and more fun.
1. Split-Screen Mode for True Multitasking
Ever wanted to browse the web and reply to a WhatsApp message at the same time? Android has a built-in split-screen feature that lets you use two apps side-by-side.
How to do it:
Open the first app you want.
Tap the recent apps button (the square icon).
Long-press the app icon and tap “Split screen”.
Now choose the second app.
This is perfect for watching YouTube while checking email, or reading a document while messaging.
2. Pin Apps for Guest Use
Letting someone use your phone? You can pin an app so they can’t leave it or snoop around.
Here’s how:
Go to Settings > Security > App Pinning.
Turn it on.
Open the app, tap Overview (recent apps), and tap the pin icon.
To unpin, just hold both the back and overview buttons together.
3. Quick App Switch with Double Tap
You don’t have to go back to the recent apps menu every time. A quick double-tap on the recent apps button lets you instantly switch between your two last-used apps.
It’s a small shortcut, but once you start using it, it’s hard to live without.
4. Use Google Lens Anywhere
Google Lens is not just inside the camera app. You can use it from screenshots, websites, or images to translate text, search products, or copy handwritten notes.
Try this:
Long-press any image or screen text.
Tap the Google Lens icon.
It can even solve math problems or scan business cards.
5. One-Handed Mode for Big Screens
If your phone feels too big to use with one hand, Android has a one-handed mode.
To enable:
Go to Settings > System > Gestures > One-handed mode.
Turn it on and swipe down on the bottom edge of the screen.
This shrinks the screen size temporarily, making it easier to reach the top menus or buttons with your thumb.
6. Smart Lock to Skip Unlocking at Safe Places
Constantly unlocking your phone at home can be annoying. Android’s Smart Lock can skip the lock screen when you’re in a trusted place like your home or connected to your smartwatch.
Setup:
Go to Settings > Security > Smart Lock.
Set up Trusted Places, Trusted Devices, or On-Body Detection.
It’s smart, convenient, and still keeps your phone secure in public.
7. Customize Notifications with Channels
Android lets you control what type of notifications you get from each app, not just “on or off.”
For example, you can get message notifications from Instagram but mute live video alerts.
How to manage:
Go to Settings > Notifications > App Settings.
Tap an app, and you’ll see multiple notification channels you can turn on/off individually.
8. Hidden Developer Options
This one’s for those who want to tweak Android deeper. Developer Options unlock advanced settings like animation speed, USB debugging, or background app limits.
To enable:
Go to Settings > About Phone.
Tap Build Number 7 times.
Developer Options will now appear in settings.
Be careful, though; only change what you understand. For instance, reducing window animation scale from 1x to 0.5x makes your phone feel snappier.
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