Android Hacks: Things You Did Not Know Your Phone Can Do

1. Secretly listen to your voice notes

Picture this: you're navigating the hustle and bustle of your day, weaving through the ebb and flow of city life when suddenly, a crucial voice note lands in your digital mailbox. You feel a surge of anticipation, only to realize that the essential details are imprisoned in the audio realm.

Image Source: MsnTechBlog

What happens when you’re out and about and you get sent an important voice note, but you can’t listen to it because you forgot your headphones…well, it turns out if you place your phone near your ear when playing it, the voice note will be played as if you are on a phone call.Original content sourced from Femanin.com

2. The offline map

Embarking on a journey armed with the reliance on Google Maps is a modern-day adventure, a digital compass guiding us through the twists and turns of unknown territories. Yet, the fear that creeps in when the ominous red battery indicator begins to blink, threatening to plunge us into a navigation nightmare.

Image Source: Android Authority

It can be a scary prospect when you are trying to navigate your journey using Google Maps and then you realise your android phone is about to die…but fear not, there is a handy solution. Make sure you lowland the ‘offline map’ before your journey so you’ll never get stuck again!

3. Retrieve lost notifications

Ah, the infamous dance of digital frustration – that moment when a notification tantalizingly flashes across your screen, only to be swiftly swiped into the oblivion of accidental deletion. The collective sigh of smartphone users resonates with the shared exasperation of this universal experience.Image Source: Android CentralHow annoying is it when you see notification pop up on your phone and you accidentally swipe and delete it? We’ve all been there! But don’t worry, there is a way you can retrieve these lost notifications by switching on your ‘notification history’ in settings.

4. Drag and drop

In the vast landscape of the digital realm, where information flows freely and communication knows no bounds, the art of seamlessly transferring large sections of text from one application to another can be a precarious dance. Picture yourself engulfed in the enthralling depths of Google Chrome.

Image Source: Tech Advisor

It can be a fiddly task to copy and paste large sections of text from Google Chrome to other applications, such as WhatsApp or e-mail. But luckily, android phones have a clever hack which will allow you to drag and drop text using the split-screen mode - easy peasy!

5. Scan and go

In the ever-evolving tapestry of technological innovations, one particular gem shines brighter than the rest – a hack so ingenious, it elevates the functionality of our devices to new heights. Enter the marvel that is Google Drive, now equipped with a feature that transforms mundane documents into the versatile elegance of PDFs.

Image Source: Kiiky

This is one of the best hacks yet…Google Drive now enables you to scan and turn a document into a PDF. Simply open the Google Drive app, press the ‘+’ icon and select scan. This will use your camera to scan to document and automatically convert it to a PDF file.

6. Flip your phone to silence a call

The dance of modern technology can sometimes be a precarious one, and nothing epitomizes this more than the inadvertent acceptance of a call when you least expect it. We've all been there – the phone rings at an inopportune moment, perhaps during a crucial meeting or a serene moment of solitude.

Image Source: NextPit

How many times have you accidentally answered a call when you didn’t mean to? If you want to quickly silence calls, go to your settings and enable the ‘flip to silent’ mode. This will enable you to quickly flip over the screen of your android phone to silence calls.

7. Mega-zoom

In the vast canvas of the digital landscape, precision is often the key to unlocking hidden details or immersing oneself in the finer nuances of a visual masterpiece. Enter the triple-tap enchantment – a feature nestled within the capabilities of your Android phone.

Image Source: Baymard Institute

If you want to zoom in on something on your android phone simply triple-tap on the screen and this will activate the ‘magnification’ feature. You can easily adjust the degree of magnification by spreading your two fingers apart to zoom in, or bring them back together to zoom out. 

8. Narration feature

In the realm of modern convenience, where our smartphones have evolved into multifaceted companions, the struggle of squinting at a document or straining our eyes in the absence of glasses is a familiar saga. But lo and behold, a beacon of assistance emerges from the digital expanse.

Image Source: MakeUseOf

This is the perfect feature if you need to proof-read a document or you’ve forgotten your glasses! Google Assistance will now read out loud for you, so save the eye strain and let your android phone do the work. You can even adjust the speed of the narration to your liking.

9. Perfect pictures

In the realm of smartphone photography, where every click captures a moment and transforms it into a digital masterpiece, the quest for the perfect shot is an ever-present endeavor. Enter the unsung hero of visual precision – the 'grid lines' feature, a subtle yet powerful hack that holds the key.

Image Source: The Vienna Blog

If you want to improve the quality of the photos you take using your android phone, this is the hack for you. Make sure to enable the ‘grid lines’ feature, which will insert two horizontal and vertical lines on the screen when you open the camera to make sure you capture the perfect shot.

10. Hide your files

In the realm of personal privacy and digital confidentiality, the need to safeguard important files from prying eyes is paramount. Android phones, the modern guardians of our digital secrets, offer a discreet yet effective solution that requires nothing more than a subtle touch of punctuation.

Image Source: EaseUS

If confidentiality is important to you then listen up…android phones will let you hide important files away from easy access without downloading a dodgy app. Simply add a full stop symbol to the front of the files name and it will immediately hidden from prying eyes.

11. Game-mode

For the ardent mobile gamer, the smartphone is not just a device; it's a portal to realms of digital adventure and immersive gameplay. If your primary reason for wielding a high-tech Android phone is to plunge into the heart of gaming landscapes, then the knowledge of the 'game mode' is your key.

Image Source: antaranews.com

If you’re main reason for owning a high-tech android phone is for the purpose of gaming, you need to know about the ‘game mode’. This feature will optimise your device for gaming performance and improve battery life, making it the ideal option for serious mobile gamers.

12. Speed up your phone

In the intricate tapestry of Android phone functionalities, where every swipe and tap contributes to the seamless dance of digital interaction, there's a clandestine hack waiting to enhance your experience—one that you might not have uncovered yet. Brace yourself for a revelation...

Image Source: Review Geek

I bet you didn’t know this hack about android phones…you can actually speed up the reaction time of your phone by changing the animation speed. All phones are programmed at 1x speed, so simply go to the ‘developers option’ and lower it to 0.5x speed. 

13. Incognito mode

In the era of digital footprints and interconnected technologies, the desire for privacy has become an ever-growing concern. If you find yourself hesitant about Google Maps recording your every move and mapping escapade, worry not, for there exists a clandestine feature within your Android phone.

Image Source: Android Gadget Hacks

If you want to avoid Google Maps storing your location and map use history, make sure you enable ‘incognito mode’ on your android phone. You can do this by going to the Google Maps application, selecting your profile icon and switching on ‘incognito mode’. 

14. Smart alert

In the whirlwind of modern-day hustle and bustle, where our attention is divided among countless tasks, staying connected in the digital realm becomes a delicate balance. For the chronically busy individual, the struggle to not miss important calls or messages can be a daily juggling act.

Image Source: Android Gadget Hacks

If you’re a busy person and you’re rarely on your android phone, you should enable the ‘smart alert’ feature. This will activate your phone to vibrate every time you pick it up if you have been sent a message or a call, meaning you’ll never miss anything important.

15. The power of 'do not disturb'

In the symphony of modern life, where the cacophony of notifications threatens to disrupt moments of peace and focus, finding respite becomes a digital imperative. If the incessant pings and rings on your Android phone have become a source of irritation, the solution lies within the elegant embrace.

Image Source: Android Central

Do you find it annoying when notifications and calls are constantly popping up on your phone, even when you aren’t using it? This is why you should make use of ‘do not disturb’ which silences them for as long as you want to without missing the important stuff.

16. Pin your chat

In the intricate web of modern communication, there's often that one person who serves as the constant companion in the digital symphony of our daily lives. The camaraderie shared through a perpetual thread of messages is a testament to the bond, but the repetitive act of opening the messaging app can become a minor frustration.

Image Source: Android Central

We all have that one person we chat to all day every day…but it can be quite frustrating to open the messaging app every time you want to reply to them. Instead, make sure you pin the chat to your home screen so you have easy access to the thread of messages.

17. Tap don't swipe

In the grand tapestry of smartphone technology, designed to be a seamless extension of our daily lives, the act of accepting or rejecting a call should be as effortless as a gentle breeze. However, the reliability of swiping to respond to a call can sometimes become a minor source of frustration.

Image Source: Gizbot

Although android phone technology has been designed to be as convenient for their users as possible, sometimes swiping to accept or reject a call can be unreliable. Make sure you enable the ‘single tap mode’ which will allow you to respond to a call by simply tapping the screen.

18. Speed up your charging

In the fast-paced world where our smartphones are lifelines, the race against time to recharge our devices efficiently becomes a common struggle. Amidst the myriad of charging hacks, there exists a universal gem that caters to Android users of all ages— the 'airplane mode' trick.

Image Source: Gadgets To Use

No matter how old or new your android phone is, this hack will work for everyone. If you ever need to speed up the rate of charging, make sure you switch on ‘airplane mode’. This will stop your phone wasting battery in the background, and you’ll be back to 100% in no time.

19. One-handed mode

In the ever-evolving landscape of Android phones, the pursuit of larger screens has become a defining trend. While this expansive canvas delivers an immersive experience for media consumption, it can pose a challenge when it comes to handling daily tasks with ease.

Image Source: Android Central

Android phones are getting even bigger as time goes on…and while this may be great for watching videos and browsing the web online, it can make it difficult to complete daily tasks. This is why you need to use the ‘one-handed mode’ in the advanced features.

20. Hold the call

In the realm of modern telecommunications, the art of waiting on hold has long been a frustrating ballet of patience. But fear not, for the ever-resourceful Google Assistant has a trick up its virtual sleeve to liberate you from the tyranny of hold music and wasted time.

Image Source: The Verge

How many times have you been left on hold waiting to connect? Well, you don’t have to waste your time anymore because Google Assistant will do it for you! Tap the three dots in the left hand corner and choose ‘hold for me’ and they will alert you when it has been connected.

21. Google Lens

In the vast tapestry of Android features, Google Lens stands out as a digital maestro, orchestrating a symphony of convenience and information at your fingertips. It's not just an app; it's a visual wizard that transforms your smartphone camera into a gateway to instant knowledge and exploration.

Image Source: The Keyword

This is probably one of the best android features out there…Google Lens. There is no need to spend hours surfing the web or flicking through brochures, if you want to find out what the item is in front of you, simply open the Google Lens app and point the camera towards it!

22. Pin the screen

In the digital age, where smartphones hold an undeniable allure, the parenting landscape has evolved to include the challenge of managing a child's interaction with these captivating devices. Fret not, for the ingenious feature of pinning the screen emerges as a digital guardian.

Image Source: Guiding Tech

This is one for all the parents out there…in this modern era, we all know how obsessed young children are with phones. But if you’re worried your child might open something they shouldn’t, you can pin the screen to lock the phone on the page of your choice.

23. Find the name of any song

In the serendipitous moments of life, where the rhythm of the world harmonizes with the melodies around you, encountering an unfamiliar song can be both exciting and frustrating. The annoyance of not knowing the title or artist is a familiar pang for many, but fear not...

Image Source: PCMag 3

How annoying is it when you’re out and about and a great song comes on that you don’t recognise? That’s why need to know about Google Assist! Simply voice activate it by using the command ‘Hey Google’ or hold down the home button, then ask what song is being played.

24. Dark mode

In the quest for preserving precious battery life on your Android phone, every trick and tweak becomes a valuable ally. If you find yourself yearning for a battery-saving hack that goes beyond the standard settings, then the clandestine world of Chrome flags has a gem waiting for you.

Image Source: CNET

If you’re looking for new ways to save your android phone battery, this is the hack for you. Enter “chrome://flags” into the URL box on Google Chrome and select ‘auto dark mode for web contents’. This will force all webpages into dark mode, savings tons of juice.

25. Never lose your phone again!

The fear of misplacing our treasured Android phones is a universal concern. As these devices become indispensable extensions of our digital selves, the prospect of losing them strikes a chord of anxiety. Fear not, for within the arsenal of Android features lies a superhero.

Image Source: PCMag

Our greatest fear is misplacing our android phone…they are just too valuable and expensive to lose! But don’t worry, luckily there is a special feature on android phones called ‘find my device’ which will allow you to locate exactly where you left it - thank goodness!

26. Create an app shortcut

In the bustling landscape of daily tasks and digital interactions, the desire for streamlined efficiency is a common thread. The Android phone, our faithful companion in the modern world, becomes a canvas for customization and convenience. Enter the ingenious solution: the power button programming.

Image Source: PCMag

How handy would it be if you could open your most used app on your android phone at the single click of a button…well, it turns out you actually can! You can programme your power button to open any app or feature of your choice, making life so much easier.

27. Minimise distractions

In the kaleidoscope of digital distractions that our smartphones offer, the constant barrage of colorful app icons and vibrant notifications can be a siren call to diversion. But fear not, for within the depths of your Android phone's settings lies a subtle yet powerful antidote: the 'monochrome mode.'

Image Source: Android Infotech

If you are easily distracted by the bright coloured app icons and message notifications popping up on your android phone, you need to try ‘monochrome mode’. This will make your screen black and white, which may look boring but is much less enticing if you’re trying to concentrate.

28. The dialler button

In the tapestry of our daily communications, certain numbers become familiar threads, weaving in and out of our lives with regularity. When the need to reach out to a particular contact arises frequently, the convenience of a direct line becomes invaluable.

Image Source: Regendus

If you call the same number frequently and want to easily dial the last number you last contacted without accessing your recent calls list, you need to use the ‘dialler’ button. This will automatically show the last number you contacted, making life a lot easier.

29. GBoard

In the realm of digital communication, the keyboard becomes our gateway to expression, seamlessly translating thoughts into text. For Android users, the embodiment of this digital interface is GBoard—a keyboard that transcends mere typing functionality, offering a realm of customization.

Image Source: NextPit

Have you heard of GBoard? If you haven’t then you need to know more! GBoard is the unique Google keyboard which come with most android phones. The beauty of this keyboard is you can customise however you want to make life easier. You can even use it to create personalised meme stickers.

30. Virtual measuring tape

In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphone capabilities, the marriage of digital innovation and practical utility reaches new heights. If you've ever found yourself in the predicament of needing to measure an object but lacking a traditional measuring tape, fear not—your Android phone steps in.

Image Source: CNET

This one is revolutionary…how many times have you needed to measure something to make sure it is the perfect fit, but you don’t have access to a standard measuring tape. Well, now you measure the length of objects by using your android phone camera - hoorah!

36. View Your Screen On Your TV Instead

In the realm of digital entertainment, the desire to bridge the gap between the small screen of your smartphone and the expansive canvas of your television is a common aspiration. Enter Chromecast, a magical conduit that transforms your Android phone or tablet into a digital wizard, capable of sharing both visuals and audio with your TV.

37. Save And Download Media To Use Offline

In the patchwork of our daily journeys, there are inevitably areas where the internet connection plays a game of hide-and-seek, leaving us stranded in the digital void. But fear not, for the solution to boredom in these connectivity-challenged zones lies in the palm of your hand—quite literally.

38. Still Play Your Music Without An Internet Connection, Too

Indeed, the magic of offline downloads extends beyond videos to embrace the symphony of your favorite musical tracks and albums. For the avid music lover navigating the unpredictable seas of connectivity during commutes, flights, or any journey where the internet signal falters, this trick becomes a harmonious solution.

39. Use Your Phone As A Surveillance Camera

In the vast expanse of digital innovation, the fusion of mobile technology and computer functionality opens up a world of possibilities. Enter IP Webcam for Android—an application that transcends the traditional boundaries of a smartphone camera, transforming it into a dynamic tool that can stream live footage directly to your PC.Image Source / CNETObviously for a good reason! But if you download the IP Webcam for Android on the app store, it will stream your mobile camera to your PC. Note - it won't very well for long-term surveillance, but if you need to keep an eye on something for a short time, it's perfect.

40. Disable Your Lock Screen While At Home

In the delicate dance between security and convenience, the lock screen on your Android phone stands as the first line of defense against prying eyes. However, the constant need to unlock your phone, especially in the comfort of your home, can become a mild inconvenience.Image Source / Stack OverflowYour lock screen is there for phone security when you're out and about, but at home you don't want to be messing with phone screen unlocking every time you pick it up. You can therefore enable Smart Lock, which recognises when you're in a trusted area - like your home - and disables the lock for these particular places.

41. Encrypt Your Phone's Data

In the age of digital connectivity, where our smartphones are repositories of personal information, the importance of safeguarding our data cannot be overstated. Android recognizes the need for a robust defense mechanism, and within the labyrinth of settings lies a crucial feature—data encryption.Image Source / LifewireProtecting your phone date is essential to keep your personal information safe. You can do this on Android by going to settings and selecting Security. You can then select 'Encrypt Phone' (on certain phone models) otherwise you'll have to go into 'Choose a PIN or password' and can then select 'Encrypt Phone' from there.Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to apps, and if you like, you can choose your default ones. You can do this for whatever you like: your browsers, your messages or your downtime apps. Just go to settings and then select the cog symbol. You can customise from here.

43. Avoid Extra Data Usage Using Data Saver

In the intricate dance of modern connectivity, where the flow of data powers our digital experiences, the specter of exceeding data limits can cast a shadow on our online endeavors. Enter Data Saver Mode—an ally in the quest for data mindfulness on your Android device.Image Source / BestusefulTipsIf you're someone who usually always goes over their data, or maybe always worries about doing so, this one could be for you. Data Saver Mode keeps your data usage in check, so it makes sure that you don't go over your limit. It stops background apps from using too much data, and if you're okay with not getting push notifications for certain things, then it's ideal.

44. Customize Your Contact Notifications

In the bustling symphony of notifications that orchestrate our digital lives, the ability to discern the familiar melody of a message from a cherished individual is a desire many of us share. Android, recognizing the importance of personalization, provides a feature that transforms your notifications.Image Source / CNETIf you want to be able to easily recognise notifications from certain people so that you can more easily see them come through amidst a pile of other notifications, then you can customize the way it sounds when it comes through so you can hear the second it comes through from your favourite person.

45. Wake Your Phone Up By Speaking

In the ever-evolving landscape of hands-free convenience, the emergence of virtual assistants has transformed how we interact with our devices. Google Assistant, a digital companion at your beck and call, takes this experience to new heights by allowing you to summon its powers with a simple phrase.Image Source / GoogleIf you want to use Google Assistant without reaching to the other side of the sofa for your phone, you can say 'Hey Google' - but only if you have the Voice Match feature and if you've taught Google Assistant to recognize your voice. You can do this under settings and record your voice.

46. Go Into Priority Mode

In the delicate balance between staying connected and seeking moments of tranquility, the 'Do Not Disturb' feature on Android emerges as a digital sanctuary. However, recognizing that not all notifications are created equal, Android introduces Priority Mode.Image Source / LifewireThis is extremely useful if you're a fan of 'Do Not Disturb' but don't want to mute every single one of your notifications. Priority Mode means you can allow through only certain notifications that you really don't want to miss, while muting everything else. You can do this under settings -> do not disturb -> select the notifications you want to let through.

47. Stop Links Loading Up The App Rather Than The Browser

In the labyrinth of digital interfaces, the dance between mobile browsers and apps can sometimes lead to inadvertent detours. You tap on a link, expecting it to gracefully open in your browser, only to find yourself unexpectedly thrust into the realm of a dedicated app.Image Source / CNETSometimes we'll accidentally click an 'open in app' feature when we wanted to stay on the browser, and you can stop this from happening by clearing your default app list and going to settings, then apps and then looking for the apps you don't want to keep opening by accident. Find where it says 'Open By Default' and then select 'Clear Defaults'.

48. Change Your Independent Volume Settings

In the symphony of digital interactions, the physical volume buttons on your smartphone stand as tactile conductors, orchestrating the audio experience of your device. However, in the nuanced dance of digital interfaces, the broad strokes of the overall phone volume sometimes clash with the desire for more granular control.Image Source / Android: Gadget HacksSometimes you can end up turning down your overall phone volume when really you just meant to turn the volume down on one specific thing you're doing. You can avoid using your phone's general volume buttons and get more specific by tapping on the physical volume buttons shown on your phone.

49. You Can Type By Swiping

In the bustling realm of digital communication, the keyboard stands as your trusty accomplice, translating thoughts into text with each tap. However, the demands of our fast-paced lives sometimes necessitate a more fluid and efficient approach to typing.Image Source / YouTubeIf you don't like manually tapping on each individual key then you can swipe instead; simply drag your finger across the keyboard from letter to letter, which is especially helpful if you only have one free hand to type with. You can find this option through Google keyboard.

50. Tap Your Phone Against Another Phone To Share Stuff

In the seamless exchange of digital information, Android Beam emerges as a beacon of simplicity and convenience. Enabled by Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, Android Beam allows you to effortlessly share a myriad of digital content—photos, contacts, music, and more—with another phone.Image Source / Android HeadlinesCalled the Android Beam, this lets you exchange anything with another phone, like photos, contacts and music, simply by touching your phone against another (usually pressing them back to back). You can then press 'send' when prompted to confirm. Both devices need to be NFC-enabled to do so.