In April 2009, Android launched as a mobile operating system, capturing just 3-4% market share by year's end. No one predicted its explosive growth—today, it dominates with over 86% of the market.
Contents:
1. Receive emergency notifications even in DND mode
2. Stop cluttering your home screen
3. Always-on GPS with minimal battery consumption
4. Monochrome display for easy reading
5. USB connection preference
6. Automatic unlocking of the device
7. Limit background apps
Over the years, Android has evolved dramatically, becoming more refined with each update. While it's not the most secure OS, its open-source nature keeps devices affordable. As someone who's relied on Android for over a decade, I appreciate its versatility and the innovative features developers keep adding. These seven tips are ones I use daily to enhance my experience.
Here are seven practical tips to supercharge your Android device.
Note: These features work on most devices running Android 6.0 and later. Older versions may vary slightly.Do Not Disturb (DND) is invaluable for focusing without interruptions. But what about urgent calls? Android's smart settings let you prioritize repeat callers or favorites.
Set a timeout for repeated calls—after a few rings from the same number, it breaks through DND. You can also allow specific contacts during DND periods.
Go to Settings > Sound, select Do Not Disturb, and customize exceptions. Menus may differ by device, but the options are similar.
By default, new apps add shortcuts to your home screen, leading to clutter if you install many. I've streamlined mine using this Play Store setting—apps go straight to the drawer until I need them.
In the Play Store, tap the profile icon (three lines), go to Settings, and toggle off Add icon to Home screen.
GPS powers navigation but drains batteries fast. Switch to battery-saving mode for approximate location via cell towers—perfect for background use without excessive drain.
Head to Settings > Location and enable Battery saver mode. It's less precise than full GPS but far more efficient.
LED screens strain eyes during long reads, unlike e-ink. Android's hidden monochrome mode mimics it, reducing fatigue—a game-changer for avid readers like me.
First, enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About phone and tap Build number seven times. Then, in Developer options, turn on Simulate color space and select Monochromatic.
Tired of USB prompts every time you connect? Set a default in Developer Options for seamless file transfers.
In Developer options, select Default USB configuration and choose MTP for media transfers.
Smart Lock auto-unlocks at trusted locations or with paired Bluetooth devices, balancing convenience and security. I use it at home and with my headphones.
It re-locks when you leave. Go to Settings > Security > Smart Lock to set locations or Bluetooth devices.
Control multitasking to boost speed: Limit background processes without force-closing apps manually.
In Developer options, set Background process limit to your preference.
Ideal for lighter use; revert for heavy multitasking.
These tips have transformed my Android workflow reliably. As updates roll out, expect even more polish. Which one will you try first?
See Next: Artificial Intelligence: Types and Future for Humans