8 Android features that I would have liked to know earlier

Even after a decade of using Android, I always discover hidden features that make me wonder: “Why didn’t I know that earlier?” Developer options with neglected parameters, these small but practical tips made my life easier.

8

You can see the rejected notifications

It is easy to accidentally reject an important notification while cleaning the size, and this happens to the best of us. Fortunately, Android has a NIFTY notification history function that allows you to see all your recently rejected notifications, but you must first activate it.

On a Samsung galaxy (a UI 6), go to Settings> Notifications> Advanced parameters> Notifications history and switch it. Unfortunately, Samsung does not offer a quick shortcut, so you will have to open Parameters Each time to access the history of notifications.

If you must have a shortcut, install the Nottistar module in the Good Lock application. Then in the Novertar Settings, press Activate Nottistar To add a notification history button to your lock screen.

Other Android brands facilitate it. For example, on a Google pixel, sweep the notification panel and press No notifications To open the history of notifications.

7

Keep your phone unlocked with extensive unlocking

When I am at home, I like to keep my phone unlocked so that my partner and I can use the device without having to unlock it several times. However, I don’t want that at home, not everywhere else. The extended unlocking allows you to keep your device unlocked when your phone detects it in a confidence location, on you (as in your pocket), or connected to a trusted device like a smartwatch.

To activate it on a Samsung galaxy:

1. Open Settings> Lock screen and AOD> Extended unlocking And enter your PIN.

2. Choose the type of unlock that you want to use. Select Places of trust then switch the switch to Use places of trust for extensive unlocking.

3. Then type Places of trustCheck your PINand type Add a trusted place.

4. Type an address or choose an existing recorded in your Google account. Finally, type Add.

Once installed, your phone remains unlocked up to 4 hours or until you leave the location.

Although it works well, I prefer to use my Wi-Fi at home as a trusted device for better security.

Since Android does not offer this, I set up an essential Bixby routine to activate the extensive unlocking only when connected to my Wi-Fi at home. To do this, use Modes and routines> If> Wi-Fi is connected> Then> Extended unlocking.

6

Create textual shortcuts

I often type the same sentences and I count on handle For the expansion of the text on my PC. Fortunately, I do not need a third -party application on Android – the Google and Samsung keyboards allow me to create textual shortcuts for frequently used sentences.

On a Samsung phone:

1. Open Settings> General management> Samsung keyboard.

2. Faucet Shortcut textThen press the + icon.

3. Enter a shortcut and an extended sentence, then press Add To save him.

I have configured shortcuts for my home and work addresses, bank details, invoice models and frequently used e-mail responses.

5

Move the cursor by sliding the space bar

One of the oldest but less known features of Android is the possibility of moving the cursor by sliding the space bar.

Of course, you can drag the cursor by typing it and keeping it on your screen; However, this often blocks the sight, and moving it to a specific location is not the ideal way to do things.

Instead, press and keep the space bar And slide your finger in the direction you want to move the cursor. It’s precise and works perfectly each time.

4

Share Wi-Fi with a QR code

I use QR codes to make payments, see restaurant menus or submit outing criticism. But they are also a great way to share Wi-Fi without revealing passwords. This is particularly useful if your router does not support guest networks.

To share your Wi-Fi with a QR code:

1. Open settings> Connections> Wi-Fi.

2. Press the Parameters icon next to your Wi-Fi network.

3. Select it QR code Option at the bottom left and enter your PIN To authenticate.

Now your guests can scan the QR code and type Connect To reach your Wi-Fi network.

3

Unlock additional features with developer options

I played with developer options to allow advanced features such as USB debugging, but I also found surprisingly useful daily adjustments.

For example, with activated developer options, you can refine the animation effects of the user interface of your phone. You can also keep the phone awake during load, configure the maximum number of Bluetooth devices connected to your phone at the same time or display detailed information on the use of memory. Other options allow you to modify the automatic update settings and always display the cooling rate of your screen.

To activate developer options:

1. Open the settings> on the phone> software information.

2. Press the Construction number seven times, then enter your PIN To unlock it.

3. Return Parametersand you will find Developer options down.

2

Reduce animation for instant transition to applications

My Galaxy Z Flip 6 is already fast, but refinement animation adjustments make it feel even more snapp. Android 14 and more offer a Reduce animations option (Settings> Accessibility> Vision improvements> Reduce animations), but this is done at the cost of a total lack of visual sweetness.

Instead, you can change the animation speed in the developer’s options to obtain a good balance between animation and responsiveness. To do this:

1. Open parameters> Developer options.

2. Scroll towards the Drawing section.

3. Here adjust the Window animation scale,, Transitional animation scaleAnd Animation duration scale Options. I put them on 0.5x For a more snaps feel, but you can experiment.

You can also completely deactivate animations, but this can make the user interface less smooth. Play with different settings to find what suits you best!

1

Reverse power sharing

Not all smartphones support the reversed load, but for those who do it, it is a life buoy. This feature allows you to load another device wirelessly by placing it directly on your phone.

You can load an Android phone, an iPhone or wireless headphones. It is also useful for smart watches, allowing you to leave your charger at home and count on your phone instead.

The reverse load is available on the flagship models of Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and Xiaomi, as well as selecting devices like the OnePlus 13, Nothing Phone 2 and Sony Xperia 1 VI.

To use wireless energy sharing on a Samsung phone, slide down with two fingers to open fast parameters, then slide left to find more options.

Finally, type Wireless To turn it on. To make it work, your phone needs at least 30% battery and should not be connected to a charger.

There are also more practical features, such as the definition of a private DNS for the blocking of advertising on a system scale, using a divided screen view for multitasking and typing the recent button to switch between applications. Android is full of useful things, and I know that I will continue to discover more that surprises me!