Tips and Tricks for Android Phone Users
iPhone and Android users have always been at loggerheads, but both operating systems each have their own advantages. While many people harp on about iOS and Apple products Android is never far behind in the game, and in fact at times may even be ahead in terms of introducing new features.
As a result there are many cool tips and tricks you can employ if you are an Android user such as:
1. Smart Lock Screen
If you go into your phone’s Settings>Security>Smart Lock you can toggle on the Smart Lock option. Why would you do that? Well, it can be pretty annoying when you constantly have to unlock your phone by entering a PIN or a pattern even when your phone is safely in your hands. But you probably also understand the need to keep some form of a passcode so that in case if your phone is stolen your information and photos are protected. Want to achieve the perfect balance between keeping your data safe and not constantly having to unlock your phone. Then the Smart Lock Screen feature is for you. With this feature activated you can for example have your device unlocked at home or have your device recognize your voice so that it knows it is safe with you and automatically disables the passcode feature.
2. Offload Unused Apps
There are many unused apps on our phones that exist by default or that we have downloaded because they were all the rage at one point. However, you might find that you now have a bunch of unused apps that seem to be slowing down your phone. What can you do in such a case? Simply figure out what pre-installed and un-frequently used apps you can get rid of. For example you may have temporarily installed telegram due to a Whatsapp outage. Also worth noting is that some pre-installed apps cannot be removed even if you do not use them. For example you might use DuckDuckGo or Brave as your default phone browser rather than Google Chrome, but you will not be able to uninstall Chrome.
3. Display Size
Reading small sized text and focusing on tiny images can cause serious eye strain. And if you are among the older population the reading using a tiny screen can be even more challenging. However, there is a solution. You can zoom into or out of pages so that the images and text can appear larger. You can also go to Settings>Display>Font Size to change your default font size larger so that it is more readable for you.
4. Type With One Hand
We often do multiple tasks while also replying to text messages and emails. However, as phone screens grow larger and larger typing with one hand becomes an increasingly more tedious task. You could end up overworking muscles in your hands which could lead to inflammation etc. So why go through all that when you can simply adjust your keyboard to type with one hand. How? Simply press down on the comma key in your keyboard and drag up to switch to the one-handed keyboard mode. Four arrows will pop up each facing one direction. You can change the side your keyboard is on by tapping on the right or left arrows. Yes, that is right lefties. We did not forget about you. You can use the top arrow to restore your full keyboard and you can select the bottom arrow to adjust your keyboard’s placement on your screen.
5. Screen Pinning
With this feature you can lend your phone to a friend or family member without worrying about them snooping through your phone. Whether someone is a kid or an adult they can be snoopy; perhaps the curiosity is just too much to handle sometimes. Or perhaps you have nothing to hide, but you may just be an intensely private person. Either way Screen Pinning is an extremely useful feature to have in a time where large amounts of personal information tend to be stored in our phone. So how does this feature work? Easy. Just head into Settings>Security>Enable Screen Pinning. Now you can pin an app to the screen while all unpinned apps remain inaccessible to the borrower unless they have your phone’s passcode.
6. Stream Channels and Movies
Did you know that you can stream your TV channels and On Demand titles on your phone too? That’s right. You do not have to be limited to using your Spectrum TV package or Spectrum bundle package solely on your TV. Once you download the Spectrum TV app you get access to Select TV channels, movies and shows. So get ready to explore even more entertainment options in the palm of your hand.
7. Download Apps Onto Your Phone Using Your PC
Surprised by the title? How can you possibly download an app using your PC. If you think the process might be complicated don’t worry because it is super simple. Just open your web browser on your laptop and sign into your Google Play account. Please note that you need to sign into the same account that you use on your phone. Once you are signed in you can search and choose to install the app by which it will automatically be downloaded and installed onto your very own cell phone.
8. Do Not Disturb
Having to check your phone every time it rings or alerts you of a message can be extremely annoying as well as distracting. You could be in the middle of jotting down some excellent points or ideas for the next team meeting and next thing you know your phone keeps sending you alerts. You pick up the phone thinking it might be important, but it happens to just be your friend sending you memes. And as much as you love memes they can make you lose your train of thought or break your work flow. Fortunately Android makers realize this as you can simply head to Settings>Sound>Do Not Disturb. The Do Not Disturb mode is quite handy as it allows messages, texts, calls, reminders and certain app notifications to come through from certain contacts. Now you’ll have the benefit of knowing there is something important to attend to if your phone rings.
To Cut the Long Story Short
While loyal Apple users may tell you iOS is better, remember there’s a long list of awesome and convenient features on Android too.
Did this article help you? If so, please tell me in a comment what do you think about it.
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