Android phones are full of features that can make our lives easier, but it’s easy to overlook some of the most useful tools. I’ve been using these features for a while and they really help me save time and stay productive.
Quick Share for quick and easy file transfers
If you often switch between your phone and laptop like I do, you will know how annoying it is to transfer files. Emailing them or using cloud services seems useless for quick tasks. This is where Quick Share comes in.
Quick Share is a feature built into many Android phones that allows you to send files wirelessly to nearby devices in seconds. I often use it to move photos, documents or even videos to my laptop. For example, when testing a new gadget, I take several product photos and use Quick Share to transfer all the raw files to my laptop for editing. It’s as simple as selecting the file, tapping “Quick Share” and choosing my laptop from the list of devices. No wires, no third-party apps: just a fast, reliable connection.
What’s even better is that it works the other way around too. If I need to send files from my PC to my phone, like a PDF, video or presentation, Quick Share makes it just as easy. Select the file on your desktop, share it via Quick Share and choose your phone from the list.
To get started, you will need to install Android’s Quick Share app on your desktop or laptop. Setup is quick: install the app, follow the steps and that’s it!
One-handed mode from time to time
I’m a big fan of small phones (I even wrote an article dedicated to one), but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like big-screen phones. They are fantastic for watching videos, reading, or multitasking. However, let’s be honest: They can be difficult to use one-handed, especially when you’re walking or holding something else. That’s when One-Handed mode became my best friend.
It temporarily shrinks the screen so everything is within reach. On most Android phones, you can activate it with a simple swipe down from the screen, provided it’s enabled in your phone’s gestures settings. I use it all the time when I’m chatting on WhatsApp or Instagram, juggling a cup of coffee, or just being too lazy to use both hands. This is very convenient for sending quick replies or scrolling through apps without any hassle.
I don’t use it all the time, but for those quick moments where two-handed use isn’t an option, it’s a lifesaver. It’s one of those features you don’t think you need until you’ve used it, and now I can’t imagine browsing on large screens without it.
Circle to search for this item
Have you ever watched a YouTube video or browsed a website and spotted something you wanted to learn more about? Instead of searching manually, I use Google’s Circle to Search to instantly get the information I’m looking for. This is a simple yet powerful feature that lets you search for anything right from your screen, without switching apps.
I use it most often when watching YouTube videos and the product I’m interested in isn’t listed in the description. For example, if I spot a cool gadget or piece of clothing being reviewed, I simply pause the video, circle the item, and Google brings up results on where to buy it, reviews, or similar products. It’s incredibly convenient for shopping.
But my use doesn’t stop there. When I’m on the go, I use Circle to Search to identify items in real time. Whether it’s spotting a landmark while traveling, identifying an unusual plant while hiking, or checking out a stylish outfit someone is wearing, this feature works seamlessly. I’ve even used it while browsing food blogs to find recipes for dishes that catch my eye.
How to use Circle to search
- Enable the feature by long-pressing the Home button if you’re using 3-button navigation. For gesture navigation, long press the navigation handle.
- Draw a circle, highlight, or tap the screen to select the object, text, or area you want to search.
- Your search results will appear at the bottom of the screen, displaying related details, links, or suggestions, all without disrupting your current activity.
Whether it’s identifying a product, satisfying my curiosity about something I saw, or even translating foreign text, this feature provides fast and reliable results.
Conclusion
These three features may seem simple, but they have made a big difference in the way I use my Android phone. They are practical, easy to adopt and can really save you time. If you haven’t tried them yet, give them a try!
