All Android phones have extensive customization options, but you should take some crucial steps before adding your personal flair to your device. We collected useful tips and tricks for Android phones so that you get the most out of the operating system. You can use these tips on Android phones andthe top tablets, but some are unique to specific devices.
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17Change your default apps to the ones you want to use
One of the first things you should do when you get a new Android smartphone is change the default apps. The major smartphone brands tend to offer default browsers and mail apps, but most aren’t up to the mark. For example, Samsung smartphones come with the Samsung Internet app as the default browser app, which is not in the same league as Google Chrome.
You might want to use your favorite browser, SMS, and mail apps instead of the preinstalled apps. After installing them, you must change your default app settings.
Changing the default app on your Android phone is crucial to avoiding frustration when opening links or notifications. Here’s how to change them:
16Use third-party launchers and icon packs to customize your phone
Each Android phone has a default launcher with varying levels of customization. Some, like Google Pixel phones, offer limited customization options, while Nubia offers a staggering amount. However, if you’re unhappy with your default launcher, install and use third-party launchers.
The Play Store is brimming with third-party app launchers that allow you to personalize your Android phone. If you want simplicity, the Niagara launcher is one of the best. If you are into theming, Hyperion launcher is for you. you may never go wrong with the classic Nova launcher. We compiled a list of thebest Android launchers, which you can check out to find the best one.
Check out thebest custom icon packs for Androidto take customization to the next level. These icon packs can have the biggest visual impact on your Android phone.
15Change each app’s language
Android has always allowed users to change the display language of their phone to their local language. Google took this to the next level with the Android 13 update by allowing users to change the display language on an app-by-app basis. That means you can set the phone UI to English but change specific apps to your local language. It’s a game-changer feature for multilingual people.
To change the app language for an app, open theSettings appand go toSystem>Languages & Input>App Languages. The App Languages option only appears when you add multiple languages to your device. Also, app developers must enable this feature for their apps, so it might take time before your favorite app supports your local language.
14Customize the quick settings menu to access key settings quickly
The quick settings page in Android is the best place to quickly access useful settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Battery Saver, and more. Over the years, Android added many quick setting toggles. That means you might have to swipe through multiple pages to get to the setting you want.
Android allows you to edit the Quick Settings page so that you can move important settings to the front. To customize it, swipe down twice to reveal the quick settings page and tap theEditbutton. Next, hold and drag on the tiles to rearrange them.
13Use widgets to check important information quickly
The best Android apps support widgets, allowing you to display information such as calendar events, tasks, notes, weather, clock, and more on your device’s home screen. Use widgets if you don’t want to open apps to see things like your next appointment.
To add a widget on your Android home screen, long press the home screen and choose theWidgetsoption. You’ll see the list of apps on your phone that support widgets. Tap an app to reveal all the widget options, then touch and hold a widget to add it to the home screen. you’re able to also drag and resize the widgets.
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12Set up Quick Tap to perform quick actions
You’re missing out on a cool trick if you use a Google Pixel phone but don’t use the Quick Tap feature. The Quick Tap feature allows you to take screenshots, play and pause media, show notifications, open Google Assistant, and more. Here’s how to activate this feature on a Pixel 4a or later device:
You’ll see the various actions on this page. You can execute them by double-tapping the back of the phone. You can use this feature to turn on the flashlight if you updated your phone to Android 13.
11Get the hang of the Google Assistant to use voice commands
If you want to take your Android experience to the next level, learn the ins and outs of Google Assistant. Google Assistant is powerful, allowing you to find information, play music, make calls, send messages, control your device and smart home appliances,set routines, and more. To get started, use the voice command “Hey Google” and give it a command.
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10Turn on notification history to avoid missing notifications
Have you ever cleared notifications by mistake? It can be annoying. Android has a built-in notification history feature that keeps a history of the notifications you receive. The feature was introduced with the Android 11 update. If you use one of the latest Android smartphones, use this feature to keep track of your notifications. Here’s how to activate notification history on your smartphone:
Now, when you accidentally clear a notification, tap theHistorybutton to check your notification history.
9Silence annoying app notifications
While Android is ahead of the iPhone when it comes to managing and displaying notifications, the notification panel still gets clogged with too many entries. The main culprits are apps (such as gaming apps) that bombard you with meaningless notifications. Android allows you to silence these notifications on a per-app basis.
You can silence app notifications from the notification panel or the Settings app. To silence app notifications using the notification panel, long press a notification to reveal the notification management options. Then, silence or turn off notifications.
you’re able to also go toSettings>Notifications>App Settingsto manage notifications for all apps. Android also lets you manage the kind of notifications an app can send using its notification channels feature. Notification channels allow you to deactivate marketing and promotions notifications while ensuring you get important notifications like order updates.
8Use Find My Device to locate lost devices
If you lose your Android device, you can find it with the Find My Device feature as long as you’re signed in to that Android device with your Google account. Apart from helping you find your device, you can use this feature to ring your device even if it’s in silent mode. It’s a handy feature for finding your misplaced smartphone in your home.
You can also use the Find My Device feature to lock your device, sign out of everything, and erase all content from your device. Even if your smartphone is stolen, it ensures your data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Here’s how to turn on this feature:
When your device is lost, open theFind My Device websitein a web browser and log in with your Google account. Then, use the Google Find My Device page to ring your phone, erase its content, and secure your device.
