1. Multiple users
Multiple users is a feature that lets you add different people on an Android phone or tablet. You’ll create different profiles, allowing each person to use their apps, settings, and data. As the primary user, you’ll keep exclusive privileges and have the power to add or remove users. Use the feature to keep your apps, photos, messages, and data separate from others who might use your device.
I remember it coming in handy when my nieces didn’t have phones. They often used mine to play games and watch movies. I love that you can disable calls and messages for other users, because why not? Even with multiple user profiles, the SIM card remains yours, and every call or text gets billed to your mobile plan.
Multiple users are primarily available on devices running Android 9 and higher versions. Here’s how to set up different users on your Android device:
1. Go to settings > Users & accounts > Multiple users. Then tap the toggle switch beside the feature to turn it on. Alternatively, please search for the feature to find it quickly.
3. Tap Add user and give the new profile a username. You can now switch between the primary and secondary profiles at any time.
2. App pinning
App pinning is another secret Android feature that allows a single app to take over the entire home screen display. While an app is pinned, you cannot open any other ones until you press the navigation button combinations that unpin it. I find it helpful in avoiding accidentally closing a vital app or handing over my phone to someone else. This way, they don’t go snooping around. Sure, they can easily disable it. But at least you’ll know they’ve searched your phone and can catch them in the act.
App pinning is mostly available on Android 11 and higher versions. Here’s how to use it on your Android device:
1. Go to settings > Security and privacy.
2. Select More security and privacy.
3. Tap App pinning. Then tap the toggle switch beside the feature to turn it on.
4. To pin an app to your screen, open it from your Home Screen or app gallery. Then press the app overview button in your navigation bar—the one with three stacked lines.
5. Tap the three-dot icon beside the opened app. Then select Pin.
3. Developer Options
Developer Options has been around for years. While it’s nothing new, it’s still a secret feature. It’s hidden by default, and you won’t find it in plain sight when you check your phone’s settings. You’ll need to take extra steps to uncover it.
The menu is designed primarily for app developers to test and debug their applications, but it also contains many settings that can be useful for average users. Still, you want to be careful when adjusting any settings. A misstep can affect your device’s performance, stability, and security. But if you’re willing to take that risk, here’s how to access Developer Options:
1.. Go to settings > About device.
2. Tap the Build number seven times. On some phones, you’ll see Version No. Instead, the action unlocks Developer Options.
3. Return to your settings menu to find Developer Options at the bottom.
4. Quick Share
Quick Share, formerly Nearby Share, is less known than Bluetooth and other file transfer technology. Before I discovered it, I’d been relying on Xender to transfer files swiftly to Android and iPhone devices. But Quick Share is worth knowing if you need a safer and official alternative. It uses both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transfer files quickly and even faster than Bluetooth alone, without requiring you to pair with any devices.
Quick Share is primarily available on Android 13 and higher versions. If you still see Nearby Share, that’s fine, as the feature still works the same. Here’s how to use it on your Android device:
1.. Swipe down quickly from the top of your screen with two fingers. This action opens the Quick Settings panel.
2. Tap the Quick Share tile and turn on device visibility.
3. Choose who can share files with you.
4. Locate the file you want to share. It could be an image in your gallery app or a document in your file manager app.
5. Use the share button on the option when you find it. Then, choose Quick Share.
6. Allow the feature to turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
7. Your phone will begin scanning for nearby devices. Ensure that the other device is closed and has enabled the aforementioned settings. Once detected, you can select it and share your file.
5. Easter eggs
Android Easter eggs are playful animations, games, or pop culture references tucked away within the Android operating system. They don’t have any value or affect how your phone works. But developers include them for fun, and it’s always exciting wondering what Easter eggs come with each new version of the OS. The Android 14 Easter egg is a fun interactive game that starts with the Apollo 14 mission logo lookalike. Here’s how to find it:
1. Go to settings > About device > Android version. Then tap the Android version repeatedly until you see the space logo.
2. Long press the logo, and your phone vibrates like an actual spaceship taking off. Keep holding it, and a tiny spaceship will appear, which you can move by dragging your finger across the screen. You’ll see your current coordinates, velocity, and thruster status on the left side of the screen. Your goal is to navigate your ship to coordinates (0,0) to fly through a star.
If you like to conquer games, you’ll find this one frustrating, as there’s no hack or cheat. It’s purely for entertainment and isn’t meant to help you quickly find the said star. You’ll keep moving until you crash into the star or discover different planets.
Although Android 15 is still in beta development, numerous leaks have revealed its design. It follows the same spaceship theme as Android 14, with the twist of planting flags on planets you land on to mark your exploration.
There’s more to uncover on your Android device
Now you know the best secret features on your Android phone. There’s more to discover if you’re dedicated enough to search your device’s nooks and crannies. Remember that the latest software versions bring more features, so you’ll want to keep your device up-to-date to take advantage of them. Feel free to share your discoveries with other Android users still learning the hang of their phones.
