7 essential Google Pixel 7 settings you should change immediately
While Google is only months from announcing its next-generation flagships, theGoogle Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, its current 7-series devices are no slouches. ThePixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, andbudget-friendly Pixel 7asport incredible hardware, get years of OS updates, and have exclusive features that make them stand out from the competition.
Whether you recently picked up a Google Pixel 7 for a steal or you’ve owned it for months, there are a few settings tweaks that AP’s expert editors recommend. And, while it takes seconds to make most of these changes, they can quickly save you hours.
Turn on your Pixel 7’s Hold for Me feature
Hold for Meis our favorite Pixel feature. It’s a game changer for people who make regular calls to businesses. When activated, it allows you to go about your day while you’re waiting on hold. Your Google Pixel 7 notifies you when someone connects on the other end.
Hold for Me is availablein the U.S., Australia, and Canada. If there’s one feature you must activate from this list, it’s this one.
Enable Notification history to see your alerts without switching between apps
Checking your notification historylets you find the notifications you dismissed without checking apps one at a time. It’s best to turn it on as soon as you start using your new Pixel 7, as it can’t recover notifications that came in before it was activated.
To check your notification history, swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings menu. Then, tap theHistoryicon in the lower-left corner of your screen. If you don’t see theHistoryicon, swipe up until you’ve scrolled through all your notifications.
Block spam calls with automatic Call Screening
Hold for Me isn’t the only feature to improve your time on the phone. ThePixel’s Call Screening featureasks people calling from unknown numbers or suspected scammers to identify themselves before you answer. Google doesn’t activate this feature by default, but you should, as it reduces the number of spam calls you’ll answer.
Turn on dynamic-themed icons to customize your new Pixel
AlthoughMaterial Youdebuted on Android 12 in 2021, it came into its own with the release of Android 13. The 2022 mobile OS update rounded out the Material You experience with dynamic-themed icons for third-party apps. The feature is available onphones running Android 13, but it shines on the Pixel launcher.
To try out Material You’s dynamic icons, open theWallpaper & Stylemenu by long pressing on your Pixel 7’s homescreen. Then, toggle theThemed iconsswitch to turn it on.
Skip ‘Hey Google’ by enabling Quick Phrases on your Pixel 7
Google Assistant is a powerful tool, especially when paired withcompatible smart home devices. However, it can become a chore to say “Hey Google” when issuing simple commands. Quick Phrases skips the activation phrase for simple instructions (for example, stopping a timer or answering a call).
Depending on your smart home devices, you may be able to access more Quick Phrases. Tap theOther devicestab from the Quick Phrases menu to browse your options.
Change the Pixel Launcher’s grid size to add more apps to your homescreen
Thanks to some fetching widgets and Material You, your Pixel 7’s homescreen has the potential for a stunning layout. However, Google sets the default grid size for the Pixel launcher to 4x5, so to utilize your homescreen to its fullest potential, you’ll need to resize your app grid.
Open theWallpaper & Stylemenu by long pressing on your Pixel 7’s homescreen. Then, tapApp gridto browse your options (we recommend 5x5).
Left:4x5 gridRight:5x5 grid
Enable Google One VPN on your Pixel 7
Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro owners get free access to Google One VPN. While it’s not as feature-rich as many ofthe top VPN apps, it’s a simple way to protect your personal data. The VPN is part of theGoogle One subscription platform, so you’ll need to download the Google One app from the Play Store.
A key icon appears in your Status Bar when the VPN is running.
Make your Google Pixel phone even better with a smartwatch
Are you the proud owner of aGoogle Pixel 7 Pro? Did you recently splurge on the newGoogle Pixel Fold? If you answered yes to either question, you might want to add a wearable to the mix. TheGoogle Pixel Watchsports good looks, sports awesome health and wellness features, and works perfectly with Google’s smartphones.
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The Google Pixel 7a is a midrange device with a great camera system, strong power, fantastic software support, and good battery life.
While you’ll still need to change some settings out of the box, the Pixel 7 is a splendid update. Refinements over the Pixel 6 will please all Pixel fans.
The Pixel 7 Pro is an excellent phone that offers everything you would expect from the price and more.
Google’s made several improvements over the years
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