Here are some of the best Android tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your device, making it more efficient, fun, and useful:

1. Use Split-Screen Mode for Multitasking

  • Android allows you to use two apps simultaneously in split-screen mode. To activate it, press the recent apps button, tap on the app icon at the top of the window, and select "Split-screen." Then, choose another app to open below it.

2. Quick Settings Customization

  • Customize your Quick Settings menu by going to Settings > Notifications > Quick Settings. Here you can add, remove, or reorder shortcuts for quick access to settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Do Not Disturb, and more.

3. Gestures for Navigation

  • Instead of using the traditional 3-button navigation, you can enable gesture navigation by going to Settings > System > Gestures > System Navigation. This makes it easier to switch apps, go back, or return to the home screen with simple swipes.

4. Use "Digital Wellbeing" to Manage Screen Time

  • If you're looking to reduce screen time or manage app usage, the Digital Wellbeing feature offers tools like Screen Time, Focus Mode, and Bedtime mode. You can enable this in Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.

5. Activate Developer Options

  • Enable Developer Options by going to Settings > About Phone, then tap the Build number 7 times. Once enabled, you can access extra settings like limiting background processes, tweaking animations, or enabling USB debugging.

6. Use "Find My Device" to Locate Your Phone

  • If you lose your phone, you can use Google's Find My Device to track it. Go to Settings > Google > Find My Device to ensure it's enabled. You can also use it from a web browser or another device to locate, lock, or erase your phone.

7. Use Google Assistant Routines

  • Automate your daily tasks using Google Assistant Routines. You can set routines for things like turning off lights, reading the weather, or sending messages. To set it up, go to Google Assistant > Routines in the Assistant settings.

8. Battery Saver and Adaptive Battery

  • Enable Adaptive Battery (in Settings > Battery) to limit battery usage by unused apps. You can also enable Battery Saver to extend battery life when it gets low.

9. Use Smart Lock for Convenient Security

  • Enable Smart Lock (found in Settings > Security > Smart Lock) to keep your phone unlocked in trusted places like home or when connected to trusted devices (like your Bluetooth headphones).

10. Screen Recording

  • You can record your screen without third-party apps. Swipe down your notification panel and look for the "Screen Record" option. If it’s not there, add it to Quick Settings by tapping the three dots and selecting "Edit."

11. Pin Apps to the Recent Apps Screen

  • If you frequently use certain apps, you can pin them in the recent apps list so they stay open and easily accessible. To do this, tap the app's icon at the top of the preview window and select Pin.

12. Use Google Lens for Quick Information

  • Google Lens can help you identify objects, scan text, translate languages, and more. Just open the Google Assistant and tap on the Lens icon or use it directly within the camera app in some phones.

13. Change App Permissions

  • Control which apps have access to your microphone, camera, location, and other sensitive information. Go to Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager to review and adjust permissions for each app.

14. Use Dark Mode

  • Dark Mode is easier on the eyes and can save battery on OLED screens. Enable it by going to Settings > Display > Dark Theme, or schedule it to turn on automatically at sunset and off at sunrise.

15. Customizing Always-On Display

  • Some Android phones allow you to customize the Always-On Display, showing notifications or the clock when your screen is off. Look for the option under Settings > Lock Screen > Always-On Display or something similar.

16. Create Custom Shortcuts

  • You can create custom shortcuts to apps, settings, contacts, or actions directly on your home screen. Press and hold on the home screen, select Widgets, and find the shortcut options available.

17. Use "Focus Mode" to Stay Productive

  • Focus Mode, part of Digital Wellbeing, temporarily disables distracting apps to help you focus. You can enable it via Settings > Digital Wellbeing > Focus Mode.

18. Quickly Access Notifications

  • If you swipe down on your notification bar, try swiping it down again to expand quick access to all your notifications. For quick replies to messages, some apps allow you to respond directly from the notification itself.

19. Use Custom Wallpapers and Themes

  • Customize your home screen with unique wallpapers and themes. You can find a large selection of wallpapers in Settings > Display > Wallpaper, and many devices allow you to apply themes that change your icons, fonts, and colors.

20. Backup Your Data Automatically

  • Make sure your important data like contacts, photos, and documents are backed up automatically. Go to Settings > Backup and enable Back up to Google Drive for a seamless backup experience.

21. Use Night Light to Protect Your Eyes

  • Android has a built-in Night Light feature that reduces blue light at night to reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality. You can enable it in Settings > Display > Night Light.

22. Custom Key Shortcuts

  • If your phone has customizable hardware buttons, you can set specific actions for them. This could be launching the camera or activating Google Assistant with a single press or a long press of a button.

23. Manage Apps with App Hibernation

  • Android 13 and newer versions allow App Hibernation, which automatically puts unused apps into a "sleep" state to save battery and storage. You can find this in Settings > Battery > Battery Saver > App Hibernation.

24. Use Third-Party Launchers for More Customization

  • If you want even more control over your home screen, try a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher or Action Launcher. These launchers offer customizable icons, gestures, themes, and layouts.

25. Manage App Notifications

  • Control how and when apps notify you by going to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Notifications. You can choose which apps can send notifications, whether they show banners, sounds, or vibrations.

With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to unlock the full potential of your Android device, improve productivity, and have a more personalized, efficient user experience.