6 hidden Android options each consumer ought to know – and the way they make life simpler

I have been utilizing Android since model 1.5, so it isn’t usually {that a} function catches me off guard. You’ll be able to think about that after I do come throughout an unfamiliar Android function, it is an thrilling second.

For extra informal (or newer) customers of Google’s cell working system, there are most likely a number of hidden gems ready to be found in Android, and a few of these might be useful.

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I’ve curated 5 considerably hidden Android options that I imagine each consumer ought to not less than find out about. 

Let’s dive into these options.

1. Share Wi-Fi through QR code

You might not give this function a second thought, however permit me to set a scene for you. Say you are having guests for the vacations and wish to grant them entry to your Wi-Fi community. As an alternative of constructing the password public (so anybody can use it), you would share the Wi-Fi credentials through QR code. Not solely does this method simplify the method of including one other gadget to the community, however it does so with a nod to safety. 

Open Settings > ‘Community and Web’ > Web, and faucet the community you wish to share. On the prime of the ensuing web page, faucet Share and confirm it is you through biometrics or password/PIN.

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A brand new web page will open with a QR code for the chosen Wi-Fi community. Current the QR code to whoever you wish to scan it with their telephone, a course of that robotically provides the community to their gadget. You may additionally screenshot the QR code, print it out, and make the printout accessible (so you do not have at hand your telephone round for folks to scan).

2. Allow ‘Developer choices’

Android’s ‘Developer choices’ menu is not only for builders. Anybody can allow it and acquire entry to a number of options, a few of that are very useful. 

With Developer choices enabled, you’ll be able to configure the utmost variety of Bluetooth gadgets allowed to connect with your telephone, unlock your bootloader, allow automated system updates, allow USB debugging, edit the graphics driver settings, power peak refresh charge, and far more. Developer choices needs to be enabled if you’d like energy user-level management over Android. 

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To allow the function, go to Settings > About Cellphone, scroll to the underside of the web page, and faucet ‘Construct quantity’ seven instances. As soon as you have performed that, you will discover ‘Developer choices’ in Settings > System. Faucet that entry to disclose the brand new choices.

3. Textual content translation

Should you’re touring exterior your nation, you would possibly need assistance translating textual content. Happily, Android is kind of able to translating textual content through the digital camera app.

That is a powerful function. For instance you’ve got a menu or another info you need translated. Unlock your Android telephone and faucet the Lens icon within the Search bar. Level your digital camera at what you wish to translate and faucet the Translate button.

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Android will robotically translate the textual content and show it as a picture (virtually precisely the way it’s specified by the unique doc). You’ll be able to then view the translated textual content, copy it to your pc, take a screenshot, or seek for the translated textual content. You may use this function for almost any state of affairs the place you want textual content translated robotically.

As a bonus, there’s additionally the official Google Translate app, which may take heed to voices and translate from one language to a different. Should you journey to international locations and do not converse the native language, this app needs to be thought of a should.

4. Use Prolong Unlock

When at house, I need not lock my telephone as a result of I am not involved that somebody will seize it and steal my info. 

The place bodily threats to your telephone are minimal, think about making entry simpler by enabling Prolong Unlock (which was once known as Good Lock) and including your own home as a Trusted Place. 

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To do that, go to Settings > ‘Safety & privateness’ > ‘Extra safety & privateness’ > Prolong Unlock. You may be prompted to confirm that it is you after which be introduced with an outline of Prolong Unlock. 

On the following web page, you’ll be able to configure Prolong Unlock for on-body detection, trusted locations, or trusted gadgets. Faucet ‘Trusted locations’ and, on the ensuing web page, add a brand new trusted place. As soon as you have performed that step, everytime you arrive at your trusted place, your telephone will probably be unlocked robotically till you permit that location.

Word that this method can result in safety points, particularly when you’ve got friends in your house. With that in thoughts, use this function judiciously.

5. Set your medical info

Android means that you can retailer vital medical info, similar to identify, top, weight, gender, blood kind, date of delivery, organ donor standing, being pregnant standing, drugs, tackle, and medical notes. Should you ever want this function, you will be glad you took benefit of it. 

So as to add your medical info, go to Settings > ‘Security & emergency’ > ‘Medical info’. On the following web page, add no matter info you deem vital. There are two caveats to this function. First, emergency responders must know in regards to the function to make use of it. Second, those self same responders would have to have the ability to unlock your telephone to entry it. 

To get round that challenge, faucet ‘Change setting’ on the backside and, on the ensuing web page, make the data accessible, even when your telephone is locked, throughout an emergency name. To entry this function, faucet Emergency on the backside of the dial pad (for the unlock display screen) after which faucet View Emergency Info. 

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Even with these hurdles, it is an vital function to have accessible do you have to want it.

6. Gboard clipboard

You won’t know this truth, however the Android keyboard (Gboard) has some spectacular clipboard options. As soon as enabled, you’ll be able to copy textual content and pictures (holding them on the clipboard for as much as an hour earlier than forgetting them), save and edit clips (so you’ll be able to reuse them later), pin clips (by touching and holding them), and extra. 

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It’s a must to allow the Gboard clipboard manually. In any other case, Android will use the standard, built-in clipboard. I a lot choose the Gboard clipboard due to the prolonged options. You allow the clipboard by opening the keyboard (from inside any app), tapping the clipboard icon, after which tapping the On/Off slider till it is within the On place.

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