I use Android from version 1.5, so it is not often that a feature attracts me off guard. You can imagine that when I meet an unknown Android feature, it’s an exciting moment.
For more relaxed (or more recent) users of the Google mobile operating system, there are probably several hidden gems that await to be discovered in Android, and some can be useful.
Also: Pixel Phone Battery Life Tanking? Google works on a fix
I organized five somewhat hidden Android features that I believe that each user should at least know.
Let us dive into these features.
1. Share Wi-Fi via the QR code
You cannot think about this feature, but let me define a scene for you. Suppose you have visitors for the holidays and want to give them access to your Wi-Fi network. Instead of making the password public (so that anyone can use it), you can share the Wi-Fi identification information via the QR code. Not only does this approach simplify the process of adding another device to the network, but it does it with a wink to security.
Open the parameters> ‘Network and Internet’> Internet and press the network you want to share. At the top of the resulting page, press Share and check that it’s you via biometrics or password / pine.
Also: My secret tip to easily share Wi-Fi passwords with guests (and why I can’t go back)
A new page will open with a QR code for the selected Wi-Fi network. Present the QR code to the one you want to scan it with your phone, a process that automatically adds the network to their device. You can also capture the QR code, print it and make the impression available (so you don’t have to put your phone back for people to scan).
Wi-Fi sharing via QR code makes the process so much easier.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen / ZDNET
2. Activate “development options”
Android’s “Developer Options” menu is not only for developers. Anyone can activate it and access a multitude of features, some of which are very practical.
With the activated developer options, you can configure the maximum number of Bluetooth devices allowed to connect to your phone, unlock your start -up charger, activate updates of the automatic system, activate USB debugging, modify the graphic pilot settings, to force the peak cooling speed, and much more. Developer options should be activated if you want user level control on Android.
Also: How to reset the factory of your Android phone without unlocking it first
To activate the functionality, go to Settings> About the phone, scroll seven times down the page and press ‘Build Number’. Once you have done this, you will find “development options” in the parameters> system. Press this entry to reveal the new options.
Here you will find tons of new configuration options.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen / ZDNET
3. Text translation
If you are traveling outside your country, you may need help to translate the text. Fortunately, Android is quite capable of translating text via the application of the camera.
This is an impressive feature. Let’s say you have a menu or other information you want to translate. Unlock your Android phone and press the lens icon in the search bar. Hood your camera on what you want to translate and press the Translate button.
Also: 5 trackers usually on Android that can reveal your models – and motivate you to change
Android will automatically translate the text and display it as an image (almost exactly how it is presented in the original document). You can then display the translated text, copy it on your computer, take a screenshot or search for the translated text. You can use this feature for just any situation where you need text automatically translated.
As a bonus, there is also the civil servant Google Translate applicationwho can listen to voices and translate from one language to another. If you travel to countries and do not speak the mother tongue, this application must be considered a must.
Translate the text of Howl moving castle soundtrack. On the left is the original, and on the right is the text translated.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen / ZDNET
4. Use Extend Unlock
When at home, I don’t need to lock my phone because I’m not worried that someone enter them and steal my information.
When physical threats to your phone are minimal, consider facilitating access by allowing the unlocking extent (which was called Smart Lock) and adding your home as a place of trust.
Also: How to start using the new Linux terminal on your Android device
To do this, go to Settings> ‘Security & Privacy’> ‘more security and confidentiality’> Extend unlocking. You will be invited to verify that it is you, then to present a description of Promed Unlock.
On the next page, you can configure Extend Unlock for body detection, confidence places or trusted devices. Press “Places of Trusted” and, on the resulting page, add a new confidence. Once you have finished this step, whenever you arrive for confidence, your phone will be unlocked automatically until you leave this location.
Note that this approach can cause security problems, especially if you have guests in your home. In this spirit, use this functionality judiciously.
Use Extend Unlock with caution.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen / ZDNET
5. Define your medical information
Android allows you to store significant medical information, such as name, size, weight, sex, blood group, date of birth, organ donor condition, pregnancy status, medicines, address and medical notes. If you ever need this feature, you will be happy that you have taken advantage of it.
To add your medical information, access Settings> “Safety and emergency”> “Medical information”. On the next page, add the information you consider important. There are two warnings to this functionality. First, emergency speakers must know the functionality to use it. Second, these same stakeholders should be able to unlock your phone to access it.
To get around this problem, press “Modify the setting” at the bottom and, on the resulting page, make the information available, even when your phone is locked, during an emergency call. To access this feature, press emergencies at the bottom of the dial (for the unlock screen), then press emergency information.
Also: The best SSH customers for Android – including my two favorites
Even with these obstacles, it is an important functionality to have if you need them.
Add only the information you deem necessary for medical emergencies.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen / ZDNET
6. Goard copiston
You may not know this fact, but the Android keyboard (GBORD) has impressive features of the clipboard. Once activated, you can copy text and images (keep them in the clipboard until an hour before you forget them), save and modify clips (so that you can reuse them later), pin clips (by touching and holding them), and more.
Also: I changed 12 settings on my Android phone to considerably improve the battery life
You must manually activate the GBBBLIB. Otherwise, Android will use the traditional integrated clipboard. I prefer the Gbown clipboard from afar due to extensive features. You activate the clipboard by opening the keyboard (from any application), by pressing the tunutable icon, then by pressing the ON / OFF cursor until it is in the ON position.
The GDA clipper is so much better than the default.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen / ZDNET
Get the best morning stories in your reception box every day with our Newsletter Tech Today.