The debate around Android vs. iPhone continues to rumble. One thing is sure: Google's phone program is more flexible and customizable than Apple's bid. Dig through your Android phone's settings and modifications, and you'll find a host of smart apps and useful tools.
A quick note before starting. Android has a wide range of makes, models, and versions, making it harder to find consistent features across all devices.
Here are the tricks you should know.
Silence the notifications which can wait
Are you sick of every single notification that causes your phone to beep or boop? When you want an app to give silent alerts, tell your Android phone by pressing on the alert for a long time until you trigger a prompt. The prompt will ask if you want the signal to be marked as an Alert or Silent.
Alert will allow notifications from the apps to play sounds and appear on the lock screen. At the same time, Silent will mute the alert, but still, make it visible in your tray for notification.
Use two apps simultaneously
One of the latest features that have been introduced to Android 7.0 Nougat is the ability to run side-by-side apps or one above another. When you want to display photos, optimize your social networking, or multitask, this view comes in handy. However, it's a bit too laggy for gaming.
Tap the Overview button (the square icon below the screen to the left) to set it up, and select which of your new, used apps you want to see. Hold and drag it to the top or left of the display, then select another open app that will appear next to or below it.
Here's a pro tip: Double-tap it rather than single-tap it to switch quickly between the two apps you've used most of the time.
Use Smart Lock to keep your phone unlocked when you're home
If you're in a specific location, you can configure it to keep your phone unlocked. You can also set it to keep your phone unlocked when it senses that you're busy, such as walking around while holding your phone pressed to your face.
Open Settings > Security > Smart Lock, when prompted, and enter your PIN code. From there, you can choose which Smart Unlock feature and when you want to use it.
Keep in mind that if you have Smart Lock to keep your phone unlocked at home, that means someone you live in.
Lock phone borrowers inside one app
What happens if you lend your phone to a friend or young family member but don't want to root them through your private information? Pinning the screen helps you to be generous, without giving up your privacy. Pinning an app into the screen ensures that the phone can run the app only before someone re-enters the lock screen code. Mostly, without your code, the user would not be able to access all other portions of your devices.
The pinning of screens is simple to set up. Open Settings > Security > enable screen pinning. When the function is turned on, launch the device that your friend wants to use.
Quickly share your Wi-Fi network creds with friends
Sharing Wi-Fi password to a friend or family member can be a hassle, particularly if it's a long, complicated series of numbers and letters. Or you might refuse to turn over your credentials because it's a password that you use elsewhere.
Luckily, you can view a QR code on your phone's screen with Android 10 that will allow anyone to scan it to connect to your Wi-Fi Network.
By opening the Settings app and selecting Network> Wi-Fi, you can scan or generate a QR code on your computer! If you share your credentials on your network, tap the name of the Network and then Share. Click the QR Code icon next to Connect Network, if you are connected to a Wi-Fi network.
If you are setting up a new phone and don't want to go through the hassle of copying your password, this function also comes in handy.
