While there are endless Android features to learn, there are a few that stand out from the multitude. We’d like to tell you about a few of our favorite functionalities that highlight the major advantages of the Android operating system.
Unlock the Hidden Advantages of Android OS
1. Enable Developer Options to Unlock More Android Features
Developer Options unlocks hidden features on your phone meant to be accessed by programmers only. To take advantage of this, go to “Settings,” and then “About.” You’ll see a section for “Build number.” This is the part where you’ll get to know more about the Android version installed on your device. Tap it seven times and you’ll reveal “Developer Options.”
2. Save Your Eyes with Grayscale Mode
Spending too much time looking at your phone can cause eyestrain and can be unhealthy to your eyes. When you want to soften the impact of your screen on your vision, it’s time you enable grayscale mode. To do this, go to “Developer Options,” click on “Simulate Color Space” and then choose “Monochromacy.”
3. Turn Web Pages into PDF for Offline Reading
Do you have a bundle of web pages you need to read offline? You’ll only need Chrome for this. Just open the web pages in question in Chrome and then choose “Share” and then “Print.” Choose “Save as PDF.” It’s that easy.
4. Save on Mobile Data
Apps tend to work in the background to sync information or update themselves. It’s all good when they’re working off a Wi-Fi signal but they can suck up your data budget if left unchecked. If you’re keeping an eye on your mobile data, go to “Settings” and then “data usage.” To save even more data, you can enable restrict app background data.
5. Get an Overview of Your File Directory
Do you want to look at the contents of your SD card through Chrome instead of a file directory app? You can do that if you type “File:///sdcard/” as well as see all of its contents through the browser.
6. End a Call with Power Button
It’s hard to end a phone call on a smartphone since your cheek is practically plastered on the screen. If you want to stop a phone call using a physical button, you can enable an option in Android to use the power button to end a call. Go to “Accessibility” and allow “Power switch ends the call.”
7. Find Your Phone When It’s Lost
This tool can be a lifesaver when you’ve misplaced your phone or if someone has stolen it. Go to the Android Device Manager online and log-in with your ID. You’ll be able to find your phone on a map or wipe its data clean. You can also make it ring if it’s close to where you are. Here’s a tutorial from Google on how to work with the Android Device Manager.
8. Customize Your Default Apps
Are there apps you’d like to use as your default? Apple didn’t program this one in the list of iOS advantages, but it is something you’ll be able to do on your Android quickly. It may be one of the best Android features. Just go to “Settings” and then “Apps” and you’ll be able to view the list of applications you can use as default ones.
9. Keep Your Phone Unlocked Near Your Devices
The smart lock is one of the best Android features in terms of security. However, it can be inconvenient when you need to access your phone fast. You can keep your phone unlocked when it’s near trusted devices such as the ones you own at home. To do this, go to “Settings” and then “Security.” Go for “Smart Lock and Trusted Devices” next. You can also add your home as a Trusted Place so your phone remains unlocked while you’re at home relaxing.
Here’s ThioJoe with a roundup of his own list of top Android features:
As you can see in our list, there are many applications for Android. Try enabling and using some of these hidden features on your Android phone today and take advantage of all of the cool functionalities the operating system has to offer.
Do you know any other cool hidden Android feature? Comment down below.
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