8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner

Even after a decade of using Android, there are still hidden features that make you wonder, "Why didn't I know about this sooner?" From Developer Options to overlooked settings, these small but useful tips will make your life easier.

Table of Contents

8. You can view dismissed notifications

It's easy to accidentally dismiss an important notification while clearing clutter, and it happens to even the best of us. Luckily, Android has a handy notification history feature that lets you see all the notifications you've recently dismissed, but you'll need to enable it first.

On a Samsung Galaxy (One UI 6), go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings > Notification history and turn it on. Unfortunately, Samsung doesn't provide a quick shortcut, so you'll need to open Settings every time to access Notification history.

8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner

7. Keep your phone unlocked with Extended Unlock

When at home, many people prefer to keep their phones unlocked so they can use their devices without having to unlock them repeatedly. However, they only want to do this at home and not anywhere else. Extended Unlock allows you to keep your device unlocked when your phone detects that it is in a trusted location, on your person (such as in your pocket), or connected to a trusted device such as a smartwatch .

To enable this feature on Samsung Galaxy:

  • Open Settings > Lock screen and AOD > Extended Unlock and enter your PIN.
  • Select the type of unlock you want to use. Select Trusted places and then toggle the switch to Use trusted Places for Extended Unlock .
  • Then tap Trusted places , verify your PIN and tap Add trusted place .
  • Enter an address or select an existing address saved in your Google account. Finally, tap Add .
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner

6. Create text shortcut

People often type the same phrase and rely on aText to expand the text on their PC. Luckily, you don't need a third-party app on Android - both Google and Samsung keyboards let you create text shortcuts for commonly used phrases.

On Samsung phones:

  • Open Settings > General Management > Samsung Keyboard .
  • Tap Text shortcut , then tap the + icon .
  • Enter the shortcut and the expanded phrase, then press Add to save.

You can set up shortcuts for your home and work addresses, bank details, invoice templates, and frequently used email responses.

8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner

5. Move the cursor by sliding the space bar

One of the oldest but least known features of Android is the ability to move the cursor by sliding the space bar.

Sure, you can drag the cursor by touching and holding it on your screen; however, this often blocks the view and moving it to a precise location isn't the ideal way to do things.

Instead, press and hold the spacebar and slide your finger in the direction you want to move the cursor. It's accurate and works perfectly every time.

4. Share Wi-Fi using QR code

People use QR codes to pay for things, view restaurant menus, or leave store reviews. But they're also a great way to share Wi-Fi without revealing your password . This is especially useful if your router doesn't support guest networking.

To share Wi-Fi using a QR code:

  • Open Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi .
  • Tap the Settings icon next to your Wi-Fi network.
  • Select the QR code option in the bottom left corner and enter the PIN to authenticate.

Now your guests can scan the QR code and tap Connect to join your Wi-Fi network.

8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner

3. Unlock additional features using Developer Options

People often experiment with Developer Options to enable advanced features like USB Debugging , but you'll also find some surprisingly useful everyday tweaks.

To enable Developer Options:

  • Open Settings > About Phone > Software Information .
  • Tap Build number 7 times, then enter your PIN to unlock.
  • Go back to Settings and you will see Developer Options at the bottom.
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner

2. Reduce animations for instant transition to apps

The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is already fast, but tweaking animation settings makes it even faster. Android 14 and above offers a Reduce animations option ( Settings > Accessibility > Vision enhancements > Reduce animations ), but it doesn't offer full visual smoothness.

Instead, you can change the animation speed in Developer Options to get a good balance between animation and responsiveness. To do this:

  • Open Settings > Developer Options .
  • Scroll to the Drawing section .
  • Here, adjust the Window Animation Scale, Transition Animation Scale , and Animation Duration Scale options . Set them to 0.5x for a faster feel, but you can experiment.

You can also turn animations off completely, but this may make the UI less visually smooth. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you!

8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner
8 Android Features You Wish You Knew Sooner

1. Reverse power sharing

Not all smartphones support reverse charging, but for those that do, it's a lifesaver. It allows you to wirelessly charge another device by placing it directly on top of your phone.

You can charge your Android phone, iPhone, or wireless headphones. This feature is also useful for smartwatches, allowing you to leave the charger at home and use your phone instead.

Reverse charging is available on flagship phones from Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and Xiaomi, as well as some devices like the OnePlus 13, Nothing Phone 2, and Sony Xperia 1 VI.

To use wireless power sharing on your Samsung phone, swipe down with two fingers to open Quick Settings, then swipe left to find more options.

Finally, tap Wireless power sharing to enable the feature. For this feature to work, your phone needs to have at least 30% battery and not be connected to a charger.

There are also more handy features, like setting a custom DNS to block ads system-wide, using split-screen view to multitask, and double-tapping the recents button to switch between apps. Android has a lot of useful tricks, and you can keep discovering more surprises!

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

How to Install TWRP Recovery on Android (No Root Required)

How to Install TWRP Recovery on Android (No Root Required)

TWRP allows users to save, install, backup and restore firmware on their devices without worrying about affecting the state of the device when rooting, flashing or installing new firmware on Android devices.

Apps to replace Androids default photo gallery

Apps to replace Androids default photo gallery

On the Google Play Store, there are many alternative applications to the default Android gallery. They provide more interesting features than the default gallery such as connecting to Dropbox or Google Photos accounts, etc. Depending on your needs and desires, you can choose the following applications.

App Store and Google Play screenshot sizes

App Store and Google Play screenshot sizes

It is important to work on the image you are selecting to review on the app. This is why you need to know what your screenshots look like to grab the user's attention and get them to download.

5 best calorie counting apps on your phone

5 best calorie counting apps on your phone

Here are some of the best calorie counting apps on both Android and iOS mobile platforms.

How to make Android keyboard bigger

How to make Android keyboard bigger

To make your mobile experience easier to navigate, you can change the font size on Android. When text, fonts, and icons are easier to see, you may also want to make your Android keyboard larger.

What is the difference between Samsung and Android phones?

What is the difference between Samsung and Android phones?

If you are not tech savvy, it is easy to get confused about different operating systems, manufacturers, device models, and specifications. One such example is people considering Samsung and Android as synonymous, which is not entirely correct.

10 Samsung Galaxy Features All Android Phones Should Learn

10 Samsung Galaxy Features All Android Phones Should Learn

If you've been using a Samsung phone for a few years now, you'll find the great features the Galaxy line offers hard to beat.

How to take a screenshot on Samsung Galaxy

How to take a screenshot on Samsung Galaxy

Taking screenshots on Samsung Galaxy phones is also extremely easy.

How to set default volume level for each application

How to set default volume level for each application

Setting a default volume level for each application is useful in some cases, such as you are watching a video using the Youtube application and want to reduce the volume of the ringtone and message tone so as not to be disturbed.

How to Delete and Completely Uninstall Apps on Android

How to Delete and Completely Uninstall Apps on Android

Trying to completely delete and uninstall an app on Android isn't always as simple as tapping Uninstall. Instead, files are left behind, cluttering up your system, but there are ways to get rid of them.

The best photography apps on iOS and Android

The best photography apps on iOS and Android

The default camera apps on your phone can do a lot, but they still don't have many advanced tools for creative photography. Here are the best phone camera apps.

How to use Shelter to sandbox apps on Android

How to use Shelter to sandbox apps on Android

In the article below, Quantrimang will talk about how Shelter works and how to use this tool.

9 Android Accessibility Features Every User Should Try

9 Android Accessibility Features Every User Should Try

While Android accessibility features are designed with specific needs in mind, some of them can benefit everyone.

5 Android Features for Seamless Multitasking

5 Android Features for Seamless Multitasking

Juggling multiple apps on your phone to get things done can sometimes feel overwhelming. Luckily, Android offers a variety of features that make multitasking a breeze.

How to turn off key vibration effect on Android

How to turn off key vibration effect on Android

Most virtual keyboard apps include a vibration feedback feature — also known as “haptic feedback” — to make typing on a touchscreen more realistic.

How to fix iPhone that wont turn on

How to fix iPhone that wont turn on

Many different issues can cause your iPhone to become unresponsive or even not turn on. The good news is that you can fix most of these problems without having to take your phone to a repair center.

5 Most Popular iPhone Camera Filters

5 Most Popular iPhone Camera Filters

After testing all the photo filters on your iPhone, you will eventually come up with your favorites. These are the best filters to use on your photos.

How to set a password to download applications on Android

How to set a password to download applications on Android

To limit unwanted application downloads on Android, you should set a password to download applications on Android.

How to Install TWRP Recovery on Android (No Root Required)

How to Install TWRP Recovery on Android (No Root Required)

TWRP allows users to save, install, backup and restore firmware on their devices without worrying about affecting the state of the device when rooting, flashing or installing new firmware on Android devices.

How to keep your Android phone screen on

How to keep your Android phone screen on

On Android phones, there is an option to adjust the screen lock mode when the user is inactive. So how to keep the screen always on?

Why is the iPhone launch event time always 9:41?

Why is the iPhone launch event time always 9:41?

In Apple's new product launch events, including iPhone, iOS, macOS... the time stamp is always 9:41.

Apps to replace Androids default photo gallery

Apps to replace Androids default photo gallery

On the Google Play Store, there are many alternative applications to the default Android gallery. They provide more interesting features than the default gallery such as connecting to Dropbox or Google Photos accounts, etc. Depending on your needs and desires, you can choose the following applications.

Change notes on iPhone easily with this simple trick!

Change notes on iPhone easily with this simple trick!

iOS 18 added a new feature that simplifies this process and lets you access recent notes with just a few taps.

How to Stop Android Phones from Silently Eavesdropping

How to Stop Android Phones from Silently Eavesdropping

The Google voice assistant feature on the phone helps users a lot in their daily life and work. However, this can affect the privacy of users.

How to display multiple time zones on iPhone screen

How to display multiple time zones on iPhone screen

Instead of manually calculating the time difference between cities, you can use your iPhone to view multiple time zones.

How to Blur Peoples Faces in Photos Using iPhones Clean Up Tool

How to Blur Peoples Faces in Photos Using iPhones Clean Up Tool

Clean Up is a tool in the Photos app in iOS 18 that lets you remove unwanted objects from photos. However, it sometimes has the strange behavior of blurring faces instead of removing them.

How to show night health index on iPhone

How to show night health index on iPhone

The new iPhone update adds a widget that displays nighttime health information in the Health app. When you add the widget to your iPhone home screen, all health indicators are recorded when you use Apple Watch.

How to prevent Android apps from accessing the internet, using mobile data in the background

How to prevent Android apps from accessing the internet, using mobile data in the background

Do you often feel annoyed when every time you turn on 3G on your Android Smartphone, applications compete to notify Update while the budget for mobile data network is limited?

How to Find Leaked Passwords in the iPhone Password App

How to Find Leaked Passwords in the iPhone Password App

As soon as the Passwords app detects an account with a weak, vulnerable, or leaked password, it will notify you of the status of that password.

How to fix iPhone camera flashing error

How to fix iPhone camera flashing error

Are you having a flickering issue with your iPhone camera? There are many factors that can cause this issue, so don't assume it's a hardware issue and take it to the Apple Store right away.