Despite being the most widely used mobile platform in the world, Android still hides small secrets that not everyone knows about. Each new version of the operating system or its apps introduces hundreds of new features, not all of which are publicized by Google despite their usefulness.
And that’s why we’re here today. To keep these small utilities from being forgotten, we’ve put together this guide with 8 little-known Android tricks you can use on your phone.
1. Open the Clock App the Fastest Way
Starting with Android 9 Pie, Google made a significant change to the system status bar, moving the clock to the left side. While this decision wasn’t universally popular, it enabled a very useful feature.
When you pull down the status bar and tap the clock icon, you’ll quickly open the clock app, where you can view and set alarms, timers, and more.
2. Use Keyboard Gestures to Type Faster
Among the many useful tricks and features of Gboard for Android is one that not everyone knows: its gestures.
By swiping left or right on the spacebar, you can move the cursor between letters in the text you’re writing, quickly navigating to the desired point without tapping the screen.
Additionally, if you hold down the “delete” key and swipe from right to left, you’ll delete entire words or sentences as you select them, stopping when you lift your finger. You can also delete whole words by swiping left from the delete key.
3. Switch Between Chrome Tabs Quickly
Both Chrome and other Chromium-based Android browsers include a small trick to speed up your browsing: swipe left or right from the top panel—where the search bar is located—to easily switch between open tabs.
4. More Precise Zoom Using One Finger
Though it’s a classic Android feature, it’s worth mentioning occasionally: you can zoom in on images, maps, or web pages using just one finger, without the typical pinch gesture.
Double-tap the screen quickly and keep your finger on it. Now, swipe down to zoom in or up to zoom out. Note that this gesture works in most browsers and gallery apps, though apps like Google Photos may not support it.
5. Open the Camera Without Turning On the Screen
Most Android phones offer a quick way to access the camera. Simply double-press the power button on your device. However, depending on your phone’s manufacturer, the button combination may vary, or you might need to enable this feature in the system settings.
6. Navigate Option Menus Faster
In any app with a menu indicated by a three-dot icon, you can quickly access the desired option by holding the icon and swiping down.
7. Recover Accidentally Dismissed Notifications
If you’ve accidentally dismissed a notification, you can easily retrieve it by accessing the notification log.
On the home screen, long-press an empty space and go to the “widgets” section of your launcher. Then, you drag the “Settings” widget to your home screen. A menu will open with all available options, where you should select “Notification Log.” Once added, tapping this widget will show a list of all notifications you’ve received, organized by the corresponding app.
8. Switch User Profiles for a Personalized Experience
Android supports multiple user profiles, allowing you to create separate spaces for different users or purposes (e.g., work and personal) on the same device. This feature is particularly useful for shared devices or managing distinct app setups.
To set up or switch profiles, go to Settings > System > Multiple Users (or search for “Users” in Settings). Enable the feature if it’s not already active, then add a new user or guest profile. Each profile has its own apps, settings, and data, keeping them isolated. To switch profiles, pull down the Quick Settings menu and tap the user icon, then select the desired profile. Note that this feature’s availability may depend on your device manufacturer.
Conclusion
These hidden Android tricks can significantly enhance how you interact with your smartphone, making everyday tasks quicker and more intuitive. From speeding up navigation to recovering lost notifications, these features showcase the depth and versatility of the Android operating system. Take some time to try out these tips on your device, and you’ll likely discover even more ways to personalize and optimize your Android experience. Keep exploring, as Android’s flexibility ensures there’s always something new to uncover!
