10 Android Tips to Unlock Your Phone’s Full Potential

Your Android phone is powerful tool with more processing power than older mainframes and access to over million apps. To help you make most of your device- Discover 10 Android tips to unlock your phone’s full potential and enhance your device’s performance and functionality!

10 Essential Android Tips to Unlock Your Phone’s Full Potential

Block Unwanted Calls:

If you want to avoid certain callers such as persistent telemarketers or ex-partners, you can block their numbers. For Samsung phones: go to Settings > Call > Call Rejection > Auto Reject List. Here, you can add numbers or contacts you want to block. For stock Android (like Google Nexus 6): you need to edit contact you wish to block. Then, go to Settings: select option for “All calls to voicemail,” and save your changes.

Turn Your Phone into a Free Hotspot:

Instead of paying extra to connect your laptop or tablet to 4G, you can use your phone as a hotspot. Some carrier plans include this feature at no additional cost. If your plan doesn’t, you can use an app like FoxFi, which costs $7.95, to share your phone’s internet connection with other devices via wireless or USB. Check the Google Play store for the latest app details as some carriers might block wireless functionality, limiting it to USB connections.

Unlock Your Phone with Bluetooth Device:

Android 5.0 and newer versions include feature called Smart Lock that allows you to keep your phone unlocked when connected to trusted Bluetooth devices like headsets, car systems or smartwatches. To set this up: go to Settings > Security or Lock Screen (on Samsung) > Smart Lock, and then choose one or more Bluetooth devices to keep your phone unlocked when they are connected. This adds convenience and security as your phone will lock automatically when it is out of range of trusted device.

Remotely Control Your Desktop PC:

If you need to access your Windows PC while away, you can do so directly from your Android phone. Install Chrome Remote Desktop extension on your computer using Chrome browser and set up the companion app on your phone. This setup allows you to control your PC from anywhere, as long as your computer remains on and awake. This is ideal for accessing files or running applications remotely.

Access Web Pages Offline:

If you’re reading important article but lose your internet connection, you can still access a cached version of the page. To enable this, open Chrome and go to chrome://flags#show-saved-copy and set option to “Enabled: Primary.” This will add “Saved Copy” button when you visit previously viewed web page, allowing you to read it even without active connection.

Adjust Font Size:

Customize your screen’s text size to make it easier to read or fit more content. Go to Settings > Display > Font Size. On some phones, like Samsung models, you may also have the option to choose different font styles. Adjusting the font size can enhance your reading experience and improve accessibility.

Listen to AM or FM Radio for Free:

Beyond music streaming services, you can tune into live AM and FM radio stations directly on your phone. Download the TuneIn app to access over 100,000 stations from around the world, including major networks like ESPN, BBC Radio and NPR. This can be great way to enjoy live broadcasts and discover new content.

Find or Wipe Lost Phone:

If your phone is lost or stolen, you can locate it, lock it or make it ring loudly using Android Device Manager. Install the app from Google Play or visit Google Device Manager from a web browser. Enter your Google account information to access these features. This tool is simple to use and provides essential functions for securing your lost device.

Connect to Mouse, Keyboard or SD Card Reader:

Enhance your phone’s functionality by connecting it to peripherals like keyboard, mouse or SD card reader. Use a USB OTG (On the Go) cable to link these devices to your phone. The cable has micro-USB male jack for your phone and a female USB port for connecting peripherals. While your phone can power some devices directly, using a powered USB hub is recommended for additional devices to ensure stable operation.

Turn Old Phone into Security Camera:

After upgrading to new phone or tablet, you can repurpose your old device as security camera. Install AtHome Video Streamer app on old phone to use it as camera and AtHome Camera app on your new device to view the feed. Follow setup instructions, which include scanning QR code, to connect devices. You can also monitor feed from PC if needed.

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Conclusion

These tips will help you maximize your Android phone’s capabilities and get more out of your device. Whether you want to improve security, enhance connectivity or add new functionalities, these tricks will make your phone even more powerful and versatile.