Android is one of the most popular computing platforms in the world, due in significant component to its powerful open-source nature. People have grown to adore Android for tons of customization and features options, but there are times it can all get a bit perplexing. Google is always introducing new features for Android and OEMs such as LG and Samsung can add their own things on top of that. Thus, it can be challenging to keep up, that’s why we have come up with some great handy tips and tricks for your Android smartphone right here.
So, let’s get started…
Configure Your Phone Lock Screen
All Android phones offer different types of secure lock screens. Most phones now ask you to do this while setting up. You can use Default PIN, pattern, and password to lock your screen. Many devices now offer fingerprint security, which is the fastest way to unlock your device. To control your lock screen, go to System Settings, and find the Security menu. You need a secure lock screen to use features such as Android Pay and factory reset protection.
Add Mobile Data Tracking
Data caps are familiar across mobile carriers, and data rates keeping getting quicker. To ensure you don’t blow through the monthly allotment, go to the Data usage menu in System Settings. Some phones call it a little different, but it is always right close to the top. You can set your plan reset date, make an alert limit, and automatically shut down data when you’re about to gain an overage.
Digital Wellbeing
Sometimes you can spend more time on your phone that you should, but Android has some tools to help you avoid it. The Digital Wellbeing Suite shows you how long you’ve been using apps and provides ways to prevent that from happening. The settings menu will break down applications on the chart and allows you to set a time limit for the applications you want to reduce. The chat monitors notifications as well as unlocks. There is also a “wind-down” mode, which slows down the screen to grayscale as bedtime approaches.
Make Sure Your Pictures Back Up Automatically
There is nothing worse when you lose or break your phone and realize that your photos are not backed up. You can avoid this by opening the Google Photos app and following the instructions to enable Auto Backup. The default mode has high quality with unlimited space. It minimizes the pixels of your photos, but they look awesome. If you want to store the original image, you can choose to use your drive storage space. You get 15GB for free and can get more.
Give a Try to a Different Home Screen
Most Android phones have a custom UI created by the device manufacturer. It has a home screen. It is an imperative part of the experience and the default home is often not very strong. Installing an option like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher will make your device much easier to use. You can use these apps to change icons, provide navigation features, manage apps, and much more. If you ever want to make changes between your installed home screens, go to the Home menu in System Settings.
Manage Applications On The Web Play Store
Android devices include the Google Play Store, but there is also an online Play Store version that can be accessed. To some, this may seem absurd, but not everyone wants to use the web-based Play Store. Here you can quickly do everything you do on your phone. You can buy apps, games and stream them to Android. You can queue multiple installations for a fraction of the time you take on Android. If you have many devices with a single account, you can choose where the app will go.
Manage Default Applications
Most functions on Android ask you to set up the default app, but what if you decide you no longer like that default? Today, most phones have a special default app settings menu in the app settings, but you can always clear those defaults by finding your default apps in the main app settings menu. When you see the app’s info page, there is an option below to view and delete the default. It will allow you to select the new default the next time you act.
Autofill Service
If your phone has Android 8.0 or higher, you do not need to type in a password. To enable autofill for usernames and passwords, visit your input settings and launch the Advanced menu. By default, you can enable Google’s autofill service-connected to Chrome. This feature also supports third-party applications such as LastPass and Dash line. Tap into the login field in virtually any app, and an autofill application can add the matching password and username.
Rotation Lock Button
Rotation lock can be a little bit quick-tempered, flipping your screen around when tilting the device just a bit too far. On Android 9, you can alter the rotation setting to lock in portrait mode, but you still have access to landscape mode. Begin by disabling auto-rotation in settings. The next time you turn the phone to the side, look for the rotation button at the bottom of the screen. Press it, and it will lock you into landscape mode until you spin the phone again. Press the button again; it is locked in the portrait again.
Save Offline Maps
Google Maps supports saving maps offline, and this feature has recently been expanded. However, finding it is not so easy. Find the location of a place you want to save offline, and then tap on the search bar at above on the screen. Close the keyboard and scroll down, and you will see the option to download. The app brings an outline to indicate the download area and how much space it will take up. Offline data includes streets, places of interest, and the ability to use turn-by-turn navigation.
Last Few Words:
That’s it. These are tips and tricks that can help you use your Android smartphone like a Pro. It is just the beginning. There is so much to discover in Android, and every device is a bit different. Don’t be afraid to tweak around in the dark, deep aspects of the settings, and observe what you can find.