Android Smartphone Hidden Features That You Should Know

By Purvi Talati

The way Google allows third-party developers to use nearly all of the tools and features in Android, Thats why developers are developing apps that add all sorts of great functionality to Android phones and much of it is functionality that iPhone users will likely never enjoy.

But you don't always need to install a third-party app to find exciting new features in Android. In fact, there are tons of hidden features that you probably didn't even know your phone had.

Android smartphone hidden features

Source: The Verge

1. Check all the applications that you have installed till date on your device.

To see the entire list of the applications installed till date from your Google account, tap on the three lines on the Google search bar in Play store. There you will find the 'My apps' section under the 'Apps and games'. Tap on it to see the list.

2. Automatic phone unlock at your trusted places

Setting up a lock pattern or a passcode is a most needed feature as no one likes their personal information getting reaveled. However, entering the password or unlock pattern every time to check notifications even at places where your personal information is safe can be really irritating. For such instances, you can use the 'Smart lock' feature.

3. Let Your Phone to read Notifications for you

It is not everytime possible to read and reply to text messages, emails, etc. while you are driving. In such scenarios, you can download a third-party app to do the job for you. Shouter, Read it to Me, Speak Me, etc. are apps that can read your notifications from a number third-party applications. You can prioritise the applications for which you want the app to read notifications while you drive.

4. Find Your Phone Even When On "SILENT" Mode

When you put your smartphone on silent mode and accidentally keep it in your bag or other place. Now you have no idea where it is, and calling your number from a other's phone will not work

In such cases, you can utilise the functionality of Android Device Manager. To activate this, open a web browser and type 'Find my phone' through Android Device Manager. You will be asked to sign in from your Google account. You will find three options – ring, lock and erase. Choose according to your requirement.

5. Zoom In on Any Screen

With 'magnification gestures' in Settings, you can temporarily magnify everything on your screen. To activate, go to the Accessibility menu in Settings and turn on Magnification gestures. After this, you can triple tap on any screen to magnify the content. You can also drag two or more fingers to pan across the display to see the content.

6. Restrict Calls And Texts

If your smartphone is running Android 5.0 Lollipop or above, you can set permissions to the contacts of your choice to call or send text messages to you.

To activate this feature, go to 'Sound and notification' in Settings and scroll to 'Interruptions'. There you will find 'Calls/texts from'. Tap on to prioritise the list of contacts from which you want to get calls and text messages.

7. Protect Privacy With Notifications Restrictions

You would not like anyone see your text messages, WhatsApp or Facebook notifications when you are not around your smartphone. To protect the sensitive content, you can hide the content of such notifications through the Settings menu.

To do this, go to 'Sound and Notifications' under Settings menu. Scroll to notifications and tap on 'When device is unlocked'. You can then choose to display or hide all or sensitive content in the notifications.

8. Add Frequently Used Apps To The Notification Pane

If you have utilised all your homescreens and are still left then you have the option to place frequently used app shortcuts, in the notification panel.

For this, you can install Bar Launcher, Notification Toggle, Power Toggle, or 1 Tap Quick Bar. These free apps let you customise your notification panel to include a number of app and settings shortcuts.

9. Check Your Phone's Hardware Status

To make sure your smartphone's hardware is working properly, you can install 'Phone Tester' from the Play Store, which gives you complete information about your smartphone's hardware.

Source: Mumbai Mirror

Purvi Talati

Purvi Talati is a Mobile & Web usability expert passionate blogger with ability to translate ideas into reality. She is a Business Development and Marketing Executive working with Hire Mobile Developer that provides the full curve of mobile application development services to clients across the globe. She is always looking for interesting problems to solve in simple ways!

Purvi Talati is a Mobile & Web usability expert passionate blogger with ability to translate ideas into reality. She is a Business Development and Marketing Executive working with Hire Mobile Developer that provides the full curve of mobile application development services to clients across the globe. She is always looking for interesting problems to solve in simple ways!

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