Android phones have come a long way over the past few years, as Google’s Android software is quite versatile and customizable. No matter which brand you’re using, whether you’re a new convert or a veteran user, whether you have the latest Samsung Galaxy or Oppo, your Android phone can do more than just download and install apps. Just dig into the settings and tweaks available for your Android phone and you’ll find a host of clever features and useful tools. We’ve collected 10 such features for you… Disclaimer: Because Android software systems are constantly updating, some of the below features may be accessed through different routes on different operating systems.

Let’s get started…

1. Lite Mode

When you enable the lite mode in Google Chrome, it consumes less data and helps to load web pages relatively faster. When you use Lite mode, some of your web traffic may go through Google servers before being downloaded to your device. If the page is loading slowly, Google servers may simplify it so that less data is downloaded to your device.

Here is how to enable lite mode on:

Open the Chrome app > Tap on More > Tap on Settings > Under Advanced, tap on Lite mode

2. Enable Chat Bubbles

Google launched new feature called “chat bubble” with Android 11. This new feature keeps important chat/messaging notifications on the forefront. When you get a text, WhatsApp message etc., you can now turn that regular notification into a chat bubble that floats on the top of your screen. No matter what you’re doing on your phone, chat bubbles ensure you always have easy access to that conversation.

Here is how to enable chat bubbles:

Open Settings > Choose Apps & notifications > Select Notifications > Choose Bubbles > Toggle on the Allow apps to show bubbles option.

3. Factory Reset Protection

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is a security method that was designed to make sure someone cannot just wipe and factory reset your phone if you’ve lost it or it was stolen. It makes a stolen phone harder to use, which makes it less appealing to thieves, and anything that can protect our data on a phone we’ve lost is welcome. Here is how to enable Factory Reset protection:

On the menu sidebar, under MANAGE, click Devices > Click the device for which you want to set the FRP status > On the Show device page, click Actions > Set Factory Reset Protection > Select Turn on FRP or Turn off FRP

4. Disable/Uninstall Bloatware

Bloatware is software that slows down your device. It could refer to programs that are installed, but not used, and still take up lot of space, memory and battery life.

Here is how to remove bloatware on Android:

Go to settings > Scroll and look for the apps submenu, then tap on it > Look for the App you want deleted, and tap on it > Once you are in the application’s settings, move the Switch to uninstall or disable the app

5. Digital Wellbeing Dashboard

The Digital Wellbeing dashboard in Android’s setting menu allows you to see how much time you’ve spent in apps during the day, how many times you’ve unlocked your device in a day, and how many notifications you received throughout the day. You will be able to drill-down on any of these things. You can also set goals and make sure that you’re on track to hit them.

The first time you open Digital Wellbeing, you need to set up your profile:

Go to Settings > Tap Digital Wellbeing & parental controls > Under “Your Digital Wellbeing tools,” tap Show your data

6. Turn on Developer Options

The Developer Options menu lets you configure system behaviors to improve app performance. It allows you to enable debugging over USB, capture bug reports on to your device, and show CPU usage on screen to measure the impact of your software.

Here is how to enable Developer Options:

Go to Settings  >  Tap About device or About phone > Depending on your device and operating system, you may need to tap Software information, then tap Build number seven times > Enter your pattern, PIN or password to enable the Developer options menu > The “Developer options” menu will now appear in your Settings menu

7. Battery Saver

Battery Saver mode is not something you want enabled all of the time. When your battery life is good, you can turn off this function. This mode lowers performance, prevents background sync, and limits GPS access. That is fine if the alternative is your phone dying, but it’s not something you want to deal with all the time.

You can turn on Battery Saver mode at any time, simply Just head to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver

8. Focus Mode

Focus Mode is just a more clarified version of Do Not Disturb. It pauses notifications from specific apps and blocks the app so that you cannot use it while the mode is active. Therefore, you cannot even coincidentally open a distracting app when you occupied at some work.

Here is how to enable focus mode:

Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls > Under ‘Ways to disconnect’ you will see Focus mode and tap on it > Select the apps > Set a schedule > Tap on turn on now

You can off the focus mode anytime by tapping on a button on the notification shade.

9. Control your smart home with your android phone

With version 11, Android made controlling smart home devices easier. If you long-press the power button, a screen with big buttons for controlling your light bulbs and other devices appears.

Here is how to enable smart home controls:

Long-press the power button to open the power menu > Tap the three-dot menu icon > Tap Add controls > Check or uncheck individual smart home controls to add or remove them from the controls list > Save

10. Dark Mode

Dark mode may work to decrease eyestrain and dry eye for some people who spend a lot of time staring at screens.

How to enable Dark Theme:

Go to settings > Tap Accessibility > Under Display, turn on Dark theme.

Hope you find these features useful. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and experience these features on your android device now.