Your Android phone is packed with many features designed to make your life easier and more efficient. However, many of these very useful tools are often overlooked and hidden in plain sight, but you’d be shocked to know how handy your phone is.
If you’re not constantly checking to see what updates are coming to your phone, chances are you’re missing out on a lot of free features added with regular updates. Google adds features frequently and quietly to make your life a lot easier. Some of these functions take longer to remember than others, but they are all worth learning.
Fast app switching
All it takes is a flick of the thumb
Quick app switching is a handy Android feature that many people don’t use, but it makes multitasking a lot easier. You can quickly swipe left or right on the small bar at the bottom of the screen (called the “gesture pill”.) to switch between your recent apps. If you prefer the classic three-button navigation, double-tap the “recent apps” button to quickly switch between apps. Press Alt+Tab on the computer.
Some advanced gestures even allow you to preview open apps so you can compare them before switching. Learning how to use quick app switching can make using multiple apps more convenient. Instead of closing one app and opening another every time, you can quickly switch between them without losing focus.
Split-screen multitasking
Use two programs at the same time
Split-screen multitasking on Android phones makes you more productive by allowing you to use two programs at the same time. This feature splits the screen in half so you can see and use two apps side by side, meaning you don’t have to keep switching between them. For example, you can watch something in a web browser while writing notes, or watch a video while sending a message to someone.
Start by opening the first app you want to use to flash it. Then go to the Recent Apps screen by tapping the square button or swiping up and holding. Next, tap the icon of the app you want to use in split-screen mode and select “Split Screen.” The first app will shrink to half the screen and you can select a second app to fill the other half. You can also move the divider to make an app bigger or smaller.
Built-in QR-code scanning
You don’t need any third party software
It comes with Android phones built-in QR code scannera feature that many people don’t notice even though it’s very useful. This built-in scanner allows you to scan QR codes quickly and safely without downloading risky third-party software. All modern Android phones can automatically recognize and scan QR codes when you open the camera. Just point it at the code and the link or request will appear instantly.
You can also use Google Lens, which works through the camera or widget, to scan QR codes from photos or screenshots. QR codes allow for quick and error-free access to information, whether it’s event details, product safety information or anything else. You basically save time by making information easy to access.
Turn it into “Shh”.
Mute these calls
“Flip to Shh” is a lesser-known Android feature for Google Pixel phones that quietly manages notifications. Unlike Samsung’s Gesture Mute feature, which only silences active calls and alarms, Mute automatically activates Do Not Disturb when you place the phone screen on a flat surface. This stops all calls, messages and other notifications from making noise.
To turn it on, go to Settings, System, Gestures and select “Flip to silent”. Turn it on and you’ll feel a small vibration when Do Not Disturb is activated, so you don’t have to mess around with menus or quick settings. It’s perfect for meetings, dinner with the family, or any time you need to focus and lets you silence your phone without detection.
Tap quickly
Also known as “back tap”.
Quick Tap (also called Back Tap) is a useful but often overlooked Android feature that lets you Set up custom shortcuts by tapping on the back of your phone. This allows you to quickly perform actions without connecting to the screen.
If you have a Google Pixel 4a (5G) or newer model, you can enable Quick Tap by going to Settings, then System, then Gestures and selecting Quick Tap to initiate actions. Samsung Galaxy users can use a similar feature called Back Tap action by downloading Good Lock app and RegiStar module from Samsung Store. Both versions have an option called “Require more powerful taps” to avoid accidentally activating the feature.
Fixing the application
Don’t overlook others
Lucas Gouveia / How to Geek | Farknot Architect / Shutterstock
Fixing the application is a rarely used Android feature that locks your phone to just one app, making it extremely useful for privacy and control when you let someone else use your device. It stops others from switching to other apps, going to the home screen or seeing your private information until you act as a digital “lock” for your phone.
To turn it on, go to your phone’s Security and privacy settings, then search for More security settings and find the option labeled “App Pin” or “App Pin”. Turn it on and turn on the additional security setting that allows you to enter a screen lock PIN or use your fingerprint to close the app. Once you’ve enabled it, open the app you want to pin, go to the Recent Apps screen (by pressing the square button or swiping up and holding), tap the app’s icon, and select “Save” or “Pin this app.”
Guest mode
Great for parents
Guest mode on Android It’s a useful feature that many people don’t notice, but it allows you to create a separate profile on your device, which is perfect when you need to share your phone temporarily. This stops anyone who borrows your phone from seeing your private files, messages or photos, keeping your personal information safe and in control.
To turn it on, go to Settings, then Users & Accounts (or a similar option) and enable “Use multiple users.” After that, you can go to the guest profile from the Quick Settings menu. When in Guest mode, important features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth still work, and you can allow calls and texts. Guests can even sign in with their Google Play accounts to download apps that keep their data separate from yours.
Live Transcription
Make any language your own
Live Transcription provides instant captions for spoken conversations, which is useful for people who are hard of hearing, taking notes or dictating text. Created in partnership with Gallaudet University, it works with more than 70 languages, detects background noise and keeps conversations private without logging. It’s easy to use and free, helping a wide range of users communicate more effectively.
If you speak or interact with people who do, this is a great way to get instant translations without having to work with Google Translate and spend time making sure you heard them correctly. Overall, it’s a great app to use regularly if you’re into multiple languages.
Circular to search
It’s one of Google’s biggest innovations
Circular to search is a useful Android feature that lets you search for items instantly without leaving the app you’re using. It works on newer Pixel and Galaxy phones, making your device a handy tool for finding information quickly.
This is great for everyday tasks. When shopping, it helps you find products and compare prices in US dollars. It gives you an explanation of things you don’t know to learn. When you travel, it can translate signs or help you identify famous places. It also makes it easy to copy text from images or PDFs and scan QR codes on your screen, so you don’t have to save them to your gallery. Since it works seamlessly within any application, Circle to Search saves time and makes everyday tasks easier.
To use it, press and hold the Home button or the navigation bar, then circle, highlight, scratch, or click on any text, image, or video to start a Google search. The results will appear at the bottom of your screen, so you can check details, links or AI summaries without closing what you’re doing. If you want, you can move the search bar to another place.
Start using your Android phone like a pro
As you can see, your Android phone can do a lot more than you think. It comes with many hidden features designed to make your life easier and more organized. Sure, some things like Live Translation aren’t for everyone, but it’s still a useful app to keep in the back of your mind.
Spend some time trying out these features and you may find your next favorite thing to do on your phone. In the worst case scenario, you can make yourself feel like a tech genius by showing off these features to your friends. Either way, it’s great to know about lesser-used features because you can really improve the efficiency of your phone.
