No matter how long youâve had your Android phone, there are always hidden gems to discover. And finding a shortcut that saves you time (or makes your phone more fun) never gets old.
Here are 18 Android tips and tricks our team relies on regularly. Hopefully, theyâll make your daily phone use smoother and easier.
- Use Guest Mode. Handing your phone to someone? Swipe down, tap your profile icon, and switch to Guest Mode so they canât access your personal apps or data.
- Split-screen multitasking. Open two apps at once: swipe up to view recent apps, then long-press an appâs icon and select Split screen.
- Smart text selection. When you highlight text, Android often suggests relevant actions like opening a map for an address or calling a phone number.
- Quickly share Wi-Fi. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > your network > Share. A QR code appears for others to scan.
- Screen pinning. Prevent others from leaving an app (great when kids play a game). Go to Settings > Security > Screen pinning. Enable, then pin an app from the overview screen.
- One-handed mode. Many Android phones let you shrink the display for easier thumb use. Check Settings > System > Gestures > One-handed mode.
- Live Transcribe. Googleâs accessibility feature transcribes speech in real timeâhandy for meetings or if youâre in a noisy place.
- Digital Wellbeing timers. Set app timers to stop endless scrolling. Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls > Dashboard > set daily limits.
- Custom Do Not Disturb rules. Schedule DND for bedtime, work hours, or custom times so only chosen contacts can reach you.
- Turn your phone into a scanner. Use Google Drive: open the app, tap + > Scan, and instantly digitize documents.
- Use Google Lens. Point your camera at anythingâplants, landmarks, productsâand get instant information or shopping links.
- Back tap shortcuts (Pixel). On supported devices, double-tap the back of your phone to take screenshots, launch apps, or trigger Google Assistant.
- Screen recording. Swipe down for Quick Settings and tap Screen Recordâno extra app needed.
- Quick switch between apps. Swipe right on the navigation bar (or gesture line) to jump to your previous app.
- Change lock screen shortcuts. Many Android phones let you replace the default flashlight/camera icons with apps you use more often.
- Notification history. Accidentally dismissed a notification? Go to Settings > Notifications > Notification history to see what you missed.
- Focus Mode. Block distracting apps temporarily via Digital Wellbeing > Focus Mode. Great for studying or deep work.
- Emergency SOS. Quickly press the power button multiple times to call emergency services and share your location with chosen contacts.