Your android phone is more than just a device for calling, texting, and scrolling through social media.
Underneath the surface, there are a multitude of features designed to enhance your productivity, security, and overall user experience.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a casual user, you might be surprised at the powerful tools your android is hiding.
In fact, it’s a powerful tool with hidden capabilities that many users never fully explore.
I’ve always been a phone explorer, I love to search for those hidden things in phones that could be useful and how they work.
My curiosity has made me good in fixing problems on mobile phones all myself and discovering useful features that I use on a daily basis.
There are people who actually download external apps and pay just to do certain things, unknowing to them that their phone can do just what they want for free.
In this article, we’ll reveal 10 surprising things you didn’t know your Android phone could do, helping you unlock its full potential and make your everyday tasks easier and more efficient.
Here are 10 surprising things many people don’t know their android phones can do:
1. Screen Pinning for Privacy and Security
Have you ever handed your phone to someone and worried they might browse through your apps or photos?
Android has a built-in Screen Pinning feature that allows you to lock the user into a specific app.
This means they can’t navigate away from it until you unlock the phone. It’s perfect for situations where you need to lend your phone but want to protect your privacy.
You can lock a specific app on your screen to prevent others from navigating to other apps or menus while they’re using your phone.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Security > Advanced > Turn on Screen Pinning.
Now once you open any app, and you wish to pin it, click the recent apps button, click and hold on the app’s icon for 2 seconds, you’ll see the option to pin that app.
2. Guest Mode
Sharing your phone doesn’t mean you have to share your personal data.
With Guest Mode, you can create a temporary profile that doesn’t have access to your private apps, photos, or settings.
This is an excellent option if someone needs to borrow your phone for a while.
Similar to a computer, you can create a guest profile on your Android to ensure your personal data and apps remain private when someone else uses your phone. In other words, you’re creating another user account.
How to use: Swipe down the notification shade, tap your profile picture, and select Add Guest.
3. Smart Lock
Tired of unlocking your phone every time you’re in a trusted location?
With Smart Lock, your phone stays unlocked when it’s in a location you’ve designated as safe, such as your home or workplace.
You can also set it to stay unlocked when connected to trusted devices like a smartwatch or Bluetooth speaker.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Security > Smart Lock. Now set your trusted places or devices.
4. Split-Screen Multitasking
Ever wanted to watch a YouTube video while texting a friend, or take notes while reading an article? I know I have.
Split-Screen Multitasking lets you run two apps simultaneously on your screen. This feature is a productivity powerhouse for multitaskers who want to make the most of their time.
You can run two apps at once in a split-screen view, making it easy to multitask. Watch a tutorial while using a different app or write notes while reading a book.
How to use: Open an app, then press the recent apps button and tap the app’s icon. Select Split screen and your screen will immediately split into two, now choose another app you wish to open.
Note: Not all apps support split screen.
5. Sharing your phones internet connection via Bluetooth
There are times you try sharing your internet via Wi-Fi but for some reason it just don’t work.
Using your Bluetooth is another alternative. Android phones allow you to share your internet connection via Bluetooth.
How to enable: go to settings > personal hotspot> enable share phones network via Bluetooth.
Once turned on, pair your phone with the device you wish to share your network with. Once paired you can start browsing.
6. Wi-Fi Sharing via QR Code
Rather than typing out your long and complicated Wi-Fi password every time someone wants to connect to your network, you can share your Wi-Fi connection through a QR Code.
This method is faster, more convenient, and secure for friends or family to connect without hassle.
Instead of sharing your Wi-Fi password manually, you can generate a QR code that other Android users can scan to connect instantly.
How to use: Go to Wi-Fi settings, tap on your connected network, and select Share to generate a QR code.
7. Digital Wellbeing & Focus Mode
Monitor your phone usage and set app limits to reduce distractions with Android’s Digital Wellbeing tools. If you feel you spend too much time on any app and you want to reduce it.
Focus Mode lets you block distracting apps for a set time or set a timer to close any app according to its designated time.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls. Set usage limits, enable Focus Mode, or manage Do Not Disturb settings.
8. Text-to-Speech & Voice Commands
If you prefer listening to articles or need assistance with reading, Text-to-Speech can read content aloud for you.
Combine this with Google Assistant’s voice commands, and you can perform tasks, send texts, or make calls without lifting a finger.
With Google Assistant, you can control most phone functions using just your voice.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Text-to-Speech Output. To use voice commands, activate Google Assistant and start giving verbal instructions.
9. Customizable Shortcuts & Gestures
Many Android phones allow you to set up customizable shortcuts using gestures or quick actions, like double-tapping the power button to open the camera or drawing on the screen to launch apps.
This can save time and improve convenience in your daily routines.
How to enable: Check under Settings > Gestures or your phone’s Quick Settings.
10. One-Handed Mode
If you have a larger phone and struggle to reach the top of the screen with one hand, Android’s One-Handed Mode can make your device more manageable.
It shrinks the display down, making the top of the screen more accessible, so everything is within easy reach, perfect for one-handed use in crowded spaces or while multitasking.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Advanced Features > One-Handed Mode (feature names and locations may vary depending on your phone model).
Conclusion
Your Android phone is capable of far more than you might realize.
You can unlock its full potential to boost productivity, enhance security, and customize your experience.
Whether you’re sharing your phone or multitasking with split-screen apps, these tips can make your Android experience more powerful and convenient.
So, dive into your settings and start making the most of these lesser-known tools!