Tips and Tricks to make the most of your Android Phone

Android is a remarkably powerful and innovative mobile operating system that frequently outperforms Apple's iOS in terms of support for new technology. The list goes on and on: 5G, NFC payment, custom keyboards, and so on. However, all of that cutting-edge functionality results in a complex, sprawling operating system. The interface appears simple enough for casual users—those who just want to text, call, and use their apps—but there are a number of power-user settings and tools hidden a layer or two deep in the interface. All you have to do is know where to look.

We want you to be able to master Google's mobile operating system, and our list of tips and shortcuts can assist you in doing so. These are just a few of the ways you can use Google's OS; there's a long list of features to explore, and you'll undoubtedly discover more. Also, be sure to check out our roundup of the best Android apps, and feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the page. We may include them in subsequent updates to this story!

Uninstall Apps You Don’t Need- 

The majority of Android phones come with a large number of preinstalled apps. Many will be welcomed by almost everyone—maps, email, browser, and so on—but there will undoubtedly be some that you do not want or require. You don't need a podcast app if you don't listen to podcasts. Furthermore, phone manufacturers frequently include a slew of their own apps that you may never use. Simply press and hold an app's icon for a few seconds, then select the I entry to go to the app's detail page, where you can uninstall it. 

Unfortunately, some stock apps are impossible to remove. If you only use Firefox or Edge, for example, you won't be able to uninstall Google's Chrome browser. You can at the very least select Disable for those apps, which will hide them from the interface and free up system resources.

Use Digital Wellbeing features- 

Staying up all night texting and room scrolling isn't the healthiest thing you can do. The Bedtime mode in Android 11 is part of the Digital Wellbeing feature. It not only silences your phone at a predetermined time, but it also turns the screen black and white in case you need to look at it after hours. If you need more time before retiring, use the Pause option in the dropdown menu. If you want more sleep advice, check out our article on how technology can help (or hurt) your sleep.

Focus mode, which silences noisy app notifications, is another recommended Wellbeing feature. When you set your phone down with the screen facing down, some phones, including recent Pixels and Motorolas, go into Do Not Disturb mode, which is a quick and easy way to get rid of distractions. Finally, when it's time to unwind, Work Profile hides all those productivity apps. 

Install Apps from the web- 

One of the coolest features of Android over iOS, in my opinion, is that you don't have to hold your phone in your hand to install an app. You can remotely install any app or game by going to the Google Play store in your web browser, as long as you're signed in to the same Google account as the phone. When you go to install, you'll see a list of your Android devices if you have more than one. It's a great time saver if you find an app on your computer and don't want to fiddle with your phone to get it on your phone.

Install Antivirus- 

Because Android is far more open than iOS—that is, it is more similar to Windows than macOS—it is also far more vulnerable to malware attacks. Although Google has a number of strong security features built-in, we recommend that you use an antivirus app on Android. Bitdefender Total Security, Kaspersky Security Cloud, Norton 360 Deluxe, and McAfee AntiVirus Plus are four PCMag Editors' Choice options, according to security expert Neil Rubenking. The majority of these also apply to your desktop computers. They make sure you're not installing malicious apps and run malware scans on a regular basis. They also prevent thieves from gaining access to your phone by simply swapping the SIM card. Some include VPN protection as well.  

Use Battery Saver Mode- 

The Android operating system gives you a lot more control over battery-saving options than the iPhone. You can use the Adaptive Battery feature, which extends battery life based on your usage patterns, as well as enable Battery Saver mode and have it turn off automatically when the phone is charged. You can also set a schedule for Battery Saver mode to be activated based on your usage or when your battery reaches a certain percentage of charge. ???????