5 hidden features of Android that you need to know

Android is packed with features that many users never fully explore. While most people use their phones for calling, messaging, and social media, there are several hidden features that can significantly enhance your experience. Here are 5 hidden features of Android that you might not have discovered yet.

1. Guest Mode for Privacy

Ever handed your phone to someone and felt uneasy about your personal data? Android’s Guest Mode ensures that your private information stays protected. This first of the 5 hidden features of Android is one of the most overlooked features, when it comes to privacy.

How to Enable:

1. Go to Settings > System > Multiple Users.
2. Toggle on Guest Mode.
3. Switch to the guest profile whenever someone else needs to use your phone.

This mode prevents access to your personal apps, messages, and files, providing a secure and temporary user profile. Also because the guest has no access to your account, because he would need your password in order to do that, the risk of someone inserting malicious content on your phone while he has borrowed it from you reduces to absolutely nil.

2. Screen Pinning for Focused Usage

If you’re handing your phone to a child or friend and want to restrict them to just one app, Screen Pinning is the perfect solution.Screen Pinning is an Android feature that allows users to lock a specific app on the screen, preventing access to other apps or system functions. It is useful for focused usage, such as lending your phone to someone for a single task without worrying about them navigating elsewhere.

Once pinned, the user cannot exit the app unless they enter a security PIN, pattern, or biometric authentication (if enabled). This feature is commonly used for child safety, presentations, and kiosk mode in businesses

How to Enable:

4. Go to Settings > Security & Privacy > More security settings.
5. Enable Screen Pinning.
6. Open the app you want to pin, then press Overview (Recent Apps) and tap the Pin icon.

To unpin, hold the Back and Overview buttons simultaneously.

3. Smart Lock for Seamless Access

Tired of constantly unlocking your phone? Smart Lock allows your device to stay unlocked in trusted locations or when connected to certain devices. Of the 5 hidden features of Android, this one should rate as the most used features because it gets rid of the nuisance of having to unlock the phone even in secure locations like your house or office.

How to Enable:

7. Go to Settings > Security & Privacy > Smart Lock.
8. Choose from options like Trusted Places, Trusted Devices, or On-body Detection.

This ensures security without the hassle of unlocking your phone repeatedly in safe environments. Because you stay at either your house or your place of work, having to unlock your phone every time you have to look at a notification or a message from a friend can be eliminated, in those environments.

4. Hidden Developer Options for Advanced Tweaks

Want to unlock more control over your phone? Developer Options provide access to hidden settings that can improve performance and usability.

How to Enable:

9. Go to Settings > About Phone.
10. Tap Build Number seven times to enable Developer Mode.
11. Access Developer Options in Settings > System.

Some useful tweaks include increasing animation speeds, enabling USB debugging, and adjusting background process limits. Believe me, once you have enabled this, the possibilities of tweaking with your system are endless as you advance in terms of your technical knowledge of the Android Operating system.

5. Wi-Fi and QR Code Sharing

Sharing Wi-Fi passwords is easier than ever with Android’s QR Code feature. Your friend or colleague who has run out of data and needs to send a quick mail or share an image, while sitting at a bar or cafe will thank you for this feature.

Wi-Fi and QR Code Sharing is an Android feature that allows users to share Wi-Fi credentials quickly and securely using a QR code. Instead of manually typing the password, another user can simply scan the generated QR code to connect instantly. This feature is useful for guest access, public networks, and hassle-free sharing without revealing the actual password.

How to Share Wi-Fi:

12. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
13. Select your connected network and tap Share.
14. A QR code will appear. The other person can scan it with their phone to connect instantly.

This eliminates the need to type long passwords manually.

While you are enjoying this article on the 5 hidden features of Android, we suggest you also read our article on ‘ How to build a PC under $500.’

Android is packed with numerous hidden features beyond the five covered in this article. From advanced customization options to powerful security tools, there’s always more to explore. While we’ve highlighted 5 hidden features of Android, some of what we consider the most useful ones, many other lesser-known features can further enhance your experience. Stay tuned, as we’ll dive into even more hidden Android features in an upcoming article. Keep exploring, and don’t forget to check back for more tips and tricks!

Final Thoughts on the

Android is full of useful features beyond the basics. By exploring Guest Mode, Screen Pinning, Smart Lock, Developer Options, and Wi-Fi QR Code Sharing, you can make your smartphone experience more secure, efficient, and enjoyable. Even if you hate getting into the nitty gritties of the Operating system and just want things to just work, knowledge of these tips will come in handy at some point in your andoid journey. Try these 5 hidden features of Android today and unlock the full potential of your Android device!