Android devices have exciting features with every new release. However, several amazingly handy ones have been around for some time. Unfortunately, most users do not know of or rarely use them. These functions can help you easily complete tasks, enhance your user experience, and lower the resource usage of your device.
Free Android Features
Below are some popular features that you may find on many Android devices. The process of accessing them may vary from one device to another, although they are all under the umbrella category in this article. Some earlier Android releases may not have some functions.
Live Transcribe
Many people have started working remotely from their mobile devices. Some of the ways to make money online in Canada or anywhere in the world may involve calling clients and prospects. You may want to keep a record of conversations or even go through them again to understand the information.
Android has a good feature called Live Transcribe, which transcribes conversations in real time. It is also a great tool to convert voice notes into text. Here are the steps to access the feature:
- Open the settings app and tap “Accessibility.”
- Tap “Live Transcribe.”
- You may make the function a shortcut if you intend to use it regularly.
The feature is available on devices running Android 7 and newer.
Share Wi-Fi Credentials via QR Codes
If you have guests at home and do not want to post the passwords on the wall or are tired of repeating the same information to each of them, you can simplify the process by generating a QR code. Connect your Android device to the network and use it to generate the QR code. Everyone who wants to connect to the network will just scan the code.
To activate:
- Open the Wi-Fi menu on your device and tap the gear sign located next to the network you wish to share.
- From the options, tap “QR code” or “Share.”
- Tell a friend to scan the QR code.
One-Handed Mode
Phones are generally meant for two-handed operation. However, if one of your hands is holding something, you can still operate the device with the other by activating the one-handed mode. This setting makes the entire user interface reachable by a single hand, meaning you do not have to over-extend your hand to the far edge of the screen.
To activate:
- Navigate to the “Settings” app.
- Tap “System Settings.”
- Tap “One-handed Mode,” then click “Toggle the one-handed mode.”
- Swipe down to access the entire user interface.
Split Screen
Split screen is a handy feature for anyone who wishes to multitask. While it is not as convenient as using two phones simultaneously, it is a great feature, primarily if you are referring to one app to work on the other. This function is ideal for large devices, but note that some apps may not be compatible with a split screen.
To use this feature:
- Swipe up on the device to locate the app tray.
- Tap the “Menu” button and navigate to the split-screen feature.
- Open a second app and drag it to the margin.
- Adjust the split so that you can view each adequately.
Restrict Background Data
Restricting background data is a great way to extend the phone’s battery life, especially if you are away from any Wi-Fi source. It also helps you save on data if you are running on a limited data plan. Many of the apps you currently use on your device refresh constantly, update, or bring new information. Disabling background data prevents them from doing so.
To activate:
- Open the “Settings” feature on your device.
- Tap “Mobile Network.”
- Click the “Data Usage” feature.
- Tap the “Data Saving” tool and toggle the button on the right to turn it on.
You may make exceptions for specific apps, such as social media and email. To do this, tap the “Unrestricted Apps” feature and select each app you wish to exempt.
Enable Developer Options on Your Device
The “Developer Options” feature of the Android device opens it to a whole lot of settings and controls. Some settings include determining the maximum number of connected devices, modifying the background process, and rooting the device. When operating the developer options, be careful not to touch settings you do not understand. Otherwise, you risk messing up the setup of your device.
To activate:
- Open the “Settings” app on the device.
- Tap “About Phone.”
- Tap the build number seven times.
- Enter the passcode and return to the settings.
- Click “System Settings.”
- Select “Developer Options.”
Note: Some devices may have a different name for this menu, such as “Software Information.” The rest of the steps are generally the same.
Conclusion
There are several other Android features that you can activate on your phone. You can use your phone’s user manual or read more about these features on the manufacturer’s website. However, do not make changes that you do not understand, as the phone may behave differently or become unusable.
