Millions of users choose Google’s Android Operating System (OS) for its apps, devices, and freedom to customize. With seemingly endless options, each user can tailor their Android device to fit their unique lives.
But guess what?
There are even more features you can unlock to personalize your experience on your Android that you might not have known about.
In this article, we will unravel the five greatest Android tips and tricks to date and show you how you can access them.
Let’s dive in…
#1. Find the easter eggs
Did you know that every single iteration of the Android OS comes with a hidden minigame?
These easter eggs are unique to each update and can be accessed in your “About phone” settings.
To access it, tap repetitively on “Android version” until the easter egg appears. Try and beat the game or puzzle yourself or discover the other entertaining Android minigames throughout the years.
#2. Try the third-party customizations
Somehow, the customization abilities on Android don’t stop at settings. With third-party apps from the Play Store, you can redress your phone from head to toe:
- Use a third-party launcher to optimize your lock screen;
- Install new fonts and icons;
- Set up a floating keyboard with Google’s Gboard (pictured below).
#3. Enable developer options
Many users flock to Android for its superior customization abilities over Apple.
What if I told you that there are even more hidden customization settings?
Accessing these settings couldn’t be easier:
- Head to your “About phone” settings.
- Tap on “Build number” multiple times.
- Enter your security PIN when prompted.
- Look for “Developer options” in your settings and enjoy.
From here you can alter USB debugging, show your taps, or even present some notifications in bubbles.
#4. Charge in Airplane Mode
In 2021, internet users averaged close to 7 hours of connected time every day.
Alongside that, individuals need to find time to eat, sleep, work, and charge their assorted devices.
You can save some valuable time during charging sessions by turning your phone on Airplane Mode.
By disconnecting your device, it no longer needs to search for cell towers. The results of this hack vary for each device, so go and try it out for yourself.
#5. Child-proof your Android
When you hand off your phone to kids, friends, or family, you hope they don’t stumble on something they shouldn’t.
Android created the perfect solution for this dilemma with “screen pinning.”
Enable screen pinning in the “More settings” section of your “Security” settings. Swipe up to see your recent pages and click on the new pin logo.
Now, the user can’t leave the chosen page without entering a personal security PIN.
Should I root my Android?
In short, no, you shouldn’t.
The added customization may sound appealing, but rooted devices are at a higher risk of hacking.
By giving yourself root access, you immediately void your warranty and offer the same access to any infiltrators.
Are Androids hackable?
Even without rooting, your Android is definitely hackable.
Depending on how you use your phone, tools like VPNs and virus scanners can keep you safe.
Discover the king of VPNs in the battle of Surfshark vs IPVanish.
How can I optimize my Android phone?
Various changes like updating your OS, cleaning your storage, or power saving mode can all help to speed up your device. For a full list, see Geekflare’s guide for Android optimization.
What cool things can I do with my Android?
Other than the plethora of fun tricks listed in this article, Androids offer so many more features to explore. Do your own research or try and find them all on your own.
Is Android better than iOS?
For a rather rare, unbiased view of this legendary matchup, take a look at Diffen’s Android vs iOS comparison.
