Device

Android tips

Every live Android tip in the archive. Steps are written for Pixel phones on Android 15 and 16, and they name the Samsung menu when that path is different.

14 live tips · newest

  1. iPhoneHold the spacebar to move your cursor preciselyStop poking at the middle of a word. Your phone keyboard has a hidden trackpad.Easy · 1 min
  2. Privacy & SecurityTurn on Theft Detection LockThe phone can lock itself if it is snatched and the thief moves off quickly. The switch is grayed out on phones that lack the feature.Moderate · 2 min
  3. Privacy & SecurityPut sensitive apps in a Private spaceSettings > Security & privacy > Private space. Apps in there stop running while the space is locked.Moderate · 5 min
  4. Privacy & SecurityHide notification text on the Android lock screenChoose show sensitive content only when unlocked, or show nothing.Easy · 1 min
  5. Wi-Fi & Home techSet a Private DNS hostname, and know how to undo itSettings > Network & internet > Private DNS. A typo here takes the internet away until you switch back to Automatic.Moderate · 2 min
  6. Wi-Fi & Home techForget a saved Wi-Fi network on AndroidOpen the network in Internet settings and tap Forget. Samsung hides it behind the gear icon.Easy · 2 min
  7. AndroidDecide who is allowed to Quick Share files to youEveryone means strangers nearby can offer you a file. Nearby, or contacts, is the calmer setting.Easy · 2 min
  8. AndroidCrop an Android screenshot before you save itTake the shot, tap the preview in the corner, then tap Crop.Easy · 1 min
  9. AndroidUse the clipboard that is built into GboardTap the clipboard icon on the keyboard. Unpinned clips disappear after an hour.Easy · 1 min
  10. AndroidCircle something on the screen to search itOn a Pixel, hold the bar at the bottom, then circle the thing. No screenshot required.Easy · 1 min
  11. AndroidPut a daily timer on one appDigital Wellbeing > Dashboard, open the app, and set a timer. The icon grays out when time is up.Easy · 2 min
  12. AndroidSet Do Not Disturb to turn on by itself at nightThe tile is in quick settings. The schedule is under Settings > Notifications.Easy · 2 min
  13. AndroidTurn on notification history before you need itSettings > Notifications > Notification history. It only stores alerts from the moment you enable it.Easy · 1 min
  14. AndroidTurn on one-handed mode on a PixelSettings > System > Gestures > One-handed mode. Swipe down at the bottom to use it.Easy · 1 min

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