10 Essential OnePlus 3 Tips and Tricks to Unlock Its Full Potential

The OnePlus 3 captured attention with its groundbreaking 6GB RAM and Snapdragon 820 processor. We've previously detailed how to optimize that RAM and root the device safely under warranty. Many users prefer keeping it stock, yet still want to tap into its impressive capabilities.

Here are the top 10 tips, tricks, and features to elevate your OnePlus 3 experience. Most leverage OxygenOS, making them applicable to other OnePlus models too. Let's dive in.

Table of Contents

1. Change home screen layout
2. Do more with manual camera mode
3. Enable Proximity Wake to preview notifications
4. Use Reverse mode to save battery while reading
5. Advanced Alert Slider setup
6. Save photos in RAW format
7. Use dark mode
8. Configure LED notifications per app
9. Customize the status bar
10. Color balance and night mode

1. Change home screen layout

The OxygenOS launcher powers the OnePlus 3. Swipe far left for Shelf view to pin favorite contacts, apps, and widgets. For deeper customization, long-press an empty home screen area and select Customize.

Disable Shelf if unused, opt for quick search via swipe up or down, make the Google search bar transparent, adjust icon sizes (small, standard, large), and set app drawer columns. Swipe right in Customize mode for these options. Icon packs are also supported from the Play Store.

2. Do more with manual camera mode

The OnePlus 3's manual camera mode shines. Swipe left-to-right in the camera app to access it. Adjust ISO, exposure, white balance, and focus via sliders.

Easily switch back to auto. A standout feature: independent focus and exposure points for precise shots.

3. Enable Proximity Wake to preview notifications

No full Always-On Display like the Galaxy S7, but Proximity Wakeup shows time, date, and notifications by lifting the phone. Enable in Display > Proximity wakeup.

Pair with Ambient Display for notification wakes. On the AMOLED screen, black backgrounds sip battery, though the proximity sensor draws minimally.

4. Use Reverse mode to save battery while reading

For articles, Pocket saves, or e-books, enable Invert colors from Quick Settings. It flips colors to negative, turning white backgrounds black on AMOLED for battery savings.

Best for light-on-dark content; avoid dark originals.

5. Advanced Alert Slider setup

The hardware Alert Slider toggles sound modes. Customize in Settings > Alert Slider for Priority and Quiet modes, fine-tuning notifications, calls, and events.

Silent mode limits call/reminder options, but allows alarm and media tweaks.

6. Save in RAW format

Photographers: Enable RAW in camera settings alongside manual mode. RAW files retain sensor data for pro post-processing, far beyond JPEG.

They consume more space—ideal for editing apps. Note: IrfanView excels for free RAW processing.

7. Use dark mode

Enable system-wide Dark Mode in Settings > Personalization. It looks sleek on AMOLED and conserves battery. Match with one of eight Accent Colors.

8. Configure LED notifications per app

Set LED colors (red, green, purple) for charging, full battery, etc., in Settings > LED notifications. Per-app pulsing via Notification per app.

Combine with Proximity Wake for stylish alerts.

9. Configure status bar

Tweak icons in Settings > Personalization > Status bar. Toggle alarms, etc., without affecting functionality.

10. Color balance and night mode

Reduce eye strain with screen color balance and Night Mode in Display settings. Quick-toggle Reading Mode from notifications.

We've shared a video demo on our YouTube channel—check it out below.

Conclusion

These 10 tips unlock the OnePlus 3's best. Experiment and share your favorites in the comments. READ ALSO: 10 things you might not know your Android phone could do