Think you know everything about your Android phone? Think again!
In the never-ending battle of Android vs iPhone, both have their own strengths, but what makes Android truly special is its customisation and hidden features. Many Android users only scratch the surface of what their device can do. However, there are plenty of lesser-known tricks that can help you improve performance, boost productivity, and even add fun new functions to your phone.
Let’s dive into some of the best hidden Android features you might not be using yet.
1. Check Your Heart Rate Using Your Phone’s Camera
Don’t have a fitness tracker? No problem! You can measure your heart rate using the LED flash and camera on your Android device. Simply download a heart rate monitoring app, place your finger on the flash, and let the camera scan the redness of your finger to track blood flow. While it’s not as accurate as a medical-grade device, it’s a handy trick for quick checks.
2. Change Screen Orientation Beyond Standard Settings
Most Android phones allow portrait and landscape orientations, but did you know you can unlock reverse portrait (upside down) and forced landscape? By using a third-party app, you can fully customise how your screen rotates, making it more comfortable to use in different scenarios.
3. Improve Gaming Performance & Graphics
Gamers, this one’s for you! If your phone struggles with high-performance games, you can boost graphics using a special game optimisation app. This app tricks your phone into thinking it has a more powerful processor, improving frame rates and gameplay quality. However, some advanced features may require root access.
4. Use ‘Focus Mode’ to Eliminate Distractions
Android 10 and above come with Focus Mode, which helps you block distracting notifications and apps when you need to concentrate. You can either block specific apps or all notifications, making it ideal for work, studying, or simply enjoying a distraction-free moment.
To enable this, go to Settings → Digital Well-being & Parental Controls → Focus Mode and customise your settings.
5. Display Your Contact Info on the Lock Screen
If you ever lose your phone, this feature could help you get it back! Android allows you to display your name, email, or an alternative contact number on the lock screen.
To enable this, go to Settings → Security → Owner Info and add your details. This makes it easier for someone to return your phone if they find it.
6. Unlock Secret Android Minigames
Every Android version comes with a hidden game or Easter egg. To access it:
- Go to Settings → About Phone
- Tap on Android Version multiple times until an image appears
- Tap again to unlock the game
These fun minigames change with each Android update, so check yours out!
7. Enable Developer Mode for More Control
Want to unlock advanced settings? Android’s Developer Mode gives you control over animations, system performance, and more.
To enable it:
- Go to Settings → About Phone
- Tap ‘Build Number’ seven times
- Enter your password when prompted
- You’ll now see ‘Developer Options’ in your settings
From here, you can adjust things like animation speed (to make your phone feel faster), Bluetooth settings, and app debugging.
8. Use Live Captions for Any Audio or Video
If you own a Google Pixel or a phone with Android 10+, you can enable Live Captions, which automatically generates subtitles for any video, podcast, or voice message—without needing the internet!
To turn this on, go to Settings → Accessibility → Live Caption.
9. Share Wi-Fi Passwords Instantly with a QR Code
No need to spell out complicated passwords! With Android 10 and newer, you can generate a QR code that allows others to connect to your Wi-Fi instantly.
Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi, select your network, tap ‘Share’, and scan the QR code on another device.
10. Speed Up Your Phone by Reducing Animations
Is your phone feeling slow? You can speed it up by reducing or disabling animations in Developer Mode.
- Go to Settings → Developer Options
- Find ‘Window Animation Scale’, ‘Transition Animation Scale’, and ‘Animator Duration Scale’
- Reduce the values to 0.5x or turn them off completely for a faster experience
11. Use ‘Panic Mode’ to Exit Problematic Apps Quickly
Ever had an app freeze or get stuck in an ad? Android has a Panic Mode that helps you force-exit an app by tapping the Back button four times quickly.
This is a lifesaver if you accidentally open a malicious app or get stuck in an ad loop.
12. Customise How Incoming Calls Appear
If you own a Samsung phone, you can change how incoming calls are displayed:
- Full screen (Default)
- Pop-up notification (Small alert)
- Floating bubble (Minimal distraction)
This ensures calls don’t interrupt your workflow while using other apps.
13. Detect Moisture in Your USB Port
Newer Android phones can detect water or dirt in the charging port. If moisture is found, the phone will disable charging temporarily to prevent damage.
You’ll receive a warning notification, and once the port is dry, charging will resume safely.
14. Turn Your Phone into a Walkie-Talkie
Want to chat with friends without mobile data? Download a walkie-talkie app, set the frequency, and communicate in real-time without needing a phone signal.
15. Save Battery by Slowing Down the CPU
A special app allows you to manually reduce CPU speed to save battery. This is useful when you’re running low on charge and need to extend battery life without switching off your phone.
16. Unlock the Infrared Camera for Night Vision
Some Android phones, like the Google Pixel, have an infrared camera used for Face Unlock in the dark. With the right app, you can also take photos and videos in complete darkness using this hidden feature.
17. Set App Usage Limits to Manage Screen Time
Spending too much time on social media? You can set daily limits for any app.
- Go to Settings → Digital Well-being → Dashboard
- Select an app and set a time limit
Once you reach the limit, the app will pause, helping you manage screen time effectively.
