11 Android hacks for maximizing phone usage.

Android phones are incredibly versatile and user-friendly due to their packed features and customization options.

Even experienced Android users may not be fully aware of all the amazing capabilities their devices possess.

Some tips and tricks to maximize the use of your Android phone, including lesser-known features.

1. Use split-screen mode for multitasking

To enable split-screen mode, which is ideal for multitasking, follow these steps.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

• Open the first app you want to use.
• Press the Recent Apps button (usually a square or three vertical lines).
• Click on the app's icon at the top of its window or press and hold your finger on the app until a menu with options appears.
• Select Split screen.
• Choose the second app from your recent apps list or app drawer.

Rewritten sentence: You can now adjust the screen space for each app by dragging the divider.

2. Customize quick settings

Essential features can be accessed quickly through Quick Settings, which can be customized to include your most frequently used settings.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

• To access the Quick Settings panel, swipe down from the top of the screen.
• Swipe down again to expand the full panel.
• Tap the pencil icon to edit.
• Original: The cat sat on the mat. Rewritten: The mat sat on the cat.

This ensures your Quick Settings panel is tailored to your needs.

3. Use one-handed mode for easier navigation

One-handed mode allows for easier use of large screens with one hand. To activate it, follow these steps:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

• Go to Settings.
• Tap Advanced features or System.
• Select Gestures.
• Toggle on One Handed Mode.

To shrink the screen for easier one-handed use, you can swipe down from the center of the bottom edge or double-tap the Home button (depending on your preference).

4. Customize which notifications you want from which apps

Customizing notifications for different apps on Android helps prioritize important alerts and minimize unnecessary interruptions.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

• Go to Settings.
• Tap Apps & Notifications (Or Apps or Notifications).
• Select the app for which you want to customize notifications.
• Toggle on/off to control all notifications or click on the app name to be taken to another page where you can control specific settings from the app.

5. Add emojis or GIFs to your messages

Using emojis and GIFs in your conversations can make them more engaging and lively.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

Emojis

• Open a new message or continue an existing conversation in your messaging app.
• Tap the text input field to open the keyboard.
• Tap the emoji icon (usually a smiley face) on the keyboard.
• Browse and select the emoji you want to use.

GIFs

• Open a new message or continue an existing conversation in your messaging app.
• Tap the text input field to open the keyboard.
• Rewritten sentence: The cat sat on the windowsill and watched the birds outside.
• Rewritten sentence: You can search for a specific GIF using the search bar or browse through popular categories.
• Tap the GIF you want to insert it into your message.

6. Use Google Assistant for everything and anything

Establishing a Google Assistant Routine can simplify the process of executing multiple actions with a single voice command. To create a routine, follow these steps:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

• Say "Hey Google" or click on the Google microphone in the search bar tab to open the Google Assistant.
• What is the weather like today?

Activate Dark Mode to conserve battery power and alleviate eye strain.

Enabling Dark Mode can save battery life and reduce eye strain. Here's how to do it.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

• Go to Settings.
• Tap Display.
• Select Dark theme and toggle it on.

Some apps may or may not have a Dark Mode feature that can be enabled or disabled in their settings.

8. Enable or disable Autofill

To enable or disable autofill, follow these steps:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

• Go to Settings.
• Tap System.
• Select Languages & input (or Languages)
• Tap Autofill service and choose your preferred Autofill service or disable it.

9. Make it easier to see and hear your phone

To simplify the use of your Android phone, you can explore its accessibility options. Here's how to locate and customize them.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

• Go to Settings.
• Tap Accessibility.
• Explore options like Magnification, Font size, Color inversion and Sound Amplifier.

If you have vision or hearing impairments, these features can improve your phone's usability.

10. Turn your photos into stickers

Personalizing messages with custom stickers made from your photos is a fun way to add a unique touch. Here's how to create them.

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

• Open the Google Photos or your Gallery app.
• Select a photo.
• After selecting your image, click on the pencil icon (the edit button).
• Then tap on the smiley face (the decorations menu).
• You'll see a list of pre-existing stickers, but we're going to create our own masterpiece, so tap on the gallery icon.
• Then tap "Create Sticker."
• It's time to get creative and choose the image for your sticker.
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Now, you can use your custom stickers in messages and other apps.

11. Use Android's edge panels for easy access

Quickly access your favorite apps, contacts, and more with Edge Panels. To enable and customize Edge Panels, follow these steps:

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

• Go to Settings.
• Tap Display.
• Select Edge screen and toggle on Edge Panels.

Customize your panels to quickly access your favorite features with a swipe.

Kurt's key takeaways

Android phones come equipped with numerous customizable features that can be tailored to suit individual preferences and requirements. However, it's important to note that while most Android phones share similar settings, they may appear slightly different depending on the model and Android version. If you need assistance, you can search for specific instructions online or visit your local phone store for help.

What are your favorite Android features? Do you plan on trying any new tips from this list? Share your thoughts with us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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