5 Hidden Android Features You Are Probably Not Using

 

If you haven’t heard of these clever tools for Android phones, you’ll be excited for these built-in (yet mostly hidden) Android features! These lesser-known features can provide quality-of-life improvements when utilizing your device, such as saving time, additional layers of privacy, as well as making daily use of your device smoother and more enjoyable. No extra apps needed!

1. Live Caption for Any Type of Media

Android phones have the capability of automatically providing captions to media such as videos, podcasts, or calls, even without an internet connection. This feature is great for those with hearing impairment or when in busy and noisy areas which make it harder to hear.

How to Enable: Settings > Accessibility > Live Caption. Toggling this feature on will allow it to work system-wide.

2. Quick Tap Gestures

You can set up gestures in your phone to more easily access common phone uses, such as opening your camera, taking a screenshot, or launching an app. 

How to Set Up: Settings > Systems > Gestures > Quick Tap. You can choose actions like opening your camera, activating the phone’s flashlight, or accessing Google Assistant or Bixby.

3. Notification History

Sometimes, we get a bit busy and our phone notifications get buried, accidentally cleared, or may not show up at all depending on your app settings. You can view anything dismissed in the last 24 hours.

How to Enable: Settings > Notifications > Notification History

4. Private Space

Want to hide your more sensitive apps? You can store them in a locked folder, and they vanish from your drawer and notifications. 

How to Turn On: Settings > Security and Privacy > Private Space (it will ask you for a separate PIN).

5. Adaptive Vibration

Your Android phone is smart enough to adjust its vibration strength based on the surface (ever had a phone vibrate when a text or call comes in and it sounds SUPER loud?), such as stronger in your pocket, or softer when set on the table.

How to Activate: Settings > Sound and Vibration > Vibration and Haptics > Adaptive Vibration

These built-in gems can make the experience of using your Android phone feel smarter without clutter of apps or other external services. You can show off to your friends your level of phone knowledge and surprise them with these tips and tricks! Which one do you want to try first? Drop a comment below!