By Not every Android phone owner will utilise these lesser-known features on a daily basis. However, when you do need them, you will be grateful to have them at your disposal.
I’ve been using Android since version 1.5, so it’s rare for me to be surprised by a new function. As you can expect, discovering a novel Android feature is a fascinating experience for me.
For casual (or newer) users of Google’s mobile operating system, there are likely countless hidden gems waiting to be uncovered within Android, some of which can be extremely useful.
I’ve handpicked five rather obscure Android features that I feel every user should be aware of — so that when the time comes to use the function, you’re prepared.
Let’s go into those features.
1. Share Wi-Fi via QR code
You may not give this feature much thought, but let me set the scenario for you. Assume you have visitors for the holidays and want to provide them access to your Wi-Fi network. Instead of making the password public (allowing anyone to use it), you might share the Wi-Fi credentials via QR code. This not only simplifies the process of adding a new device to the network, but it also addresses security concerns.
How you do this is simple. Open Settings > “Network and Internet” > Internet and tap the network you want to share. At the top of the resulting page, tap Share and verify it’s you via biometrics or password/PIN.
A new page will appear, displaying a QR code for the specified Wi-Fi network. Present the QR code to the person you want to scan it with their phone, which will automatically add the network on their device. You may also screenshot the QR code, print it, and distribute it (so you don’t have to offer them your phone to scan).
2. Enable ‘Developer Options’.
Android’s “Developer options” menu is not limited to developers. Anyone can enable it and receive access to a variety of functions, some of which are really useful.
With “Developer options” turned on, you may specify the maximum number of Bluetooth devices that can connect to your phone, unlock your bootloader, enable automatic system updates, enable USB debugging, alter the graphics driver settings, force peak refresh rate, and much more. If you wish to have full control over Android, enable “Developer options”.
To enable the feature, go to Settings > About Phone, scroll to the bottom of the page, and tap “Build number” seven times. Once you’ve done that, you’ll find “Developer options” in Settings > System. Tap that entry to reveal the new options.
3. Text Translation
Some of us plan to travel throughout the holiday season. If you’re travelling outside of your country, you might require assistance translating text. Fortunately, Android can translate text via the camera app.
This is a really impressive feature. Assume you have a menu or other piece of information that you want translated. Unlock your Android phone and then tap the Lens icon in the search bar. Point your camera at what you wish to translate and press the Translate button.
Android will automatically translate and show the text as an image (nearly exactly as it appears in the source document). You can then examine the translated content, save it to your computer, take a snapshot, or search for it. This functionality can be used in almost any case where text has to be automatically translated.
4. Use Extend Unlock.
When I’m at home, I don’t need to lock my phone since I’m not scared that someone will steal my information. Maybe you live in a house with simply your cat and aren’t concerned that your feline companion will unlock your phone and fill your Amazon cart with treats.
In instances where physical dangers to your phone are minor, consider making phone access easier by using Extend Unlock (formerly Smart Lock) and adding your house as a Trusted Place.
To do this, go to Settings > Security > “More security & privacy” > Extend Unlock. You’ll be prompted to verify that it’s you and then be presented with a description of Extend Unlock. On the resulting page, you can configure Extend Unlock for on-body detection, trusted places, or trusted devices. Tap “Trusted places” and — on the resulting page — add a new trusted place. Once you’ve done that, whenever you arrive at your trusted place, your phone will be unlocked automatically until you leave that location.
Note that this can lead to security issues, especially if you have guests in your home. With that in mind, use this feature judiciously.
5. Set up your medical details.
Android allows you to save personal medical information such as your name, height, weight, gender, blood type, date of birth, organ donor status, pregnancy status, medications, address, and medical notes. If you ever need this feature, you will be glad you used it.
To add your medical information, go to Settings > “Safety & emergency” > “Medical information.” On the resulting page, add whatever information you deem important. There are two caveats to this feature. First, emergency responders would have to know about the feature to use it. Second, those same responders would have to be able to unlock your phone to access it.
To get around this, hit “Change setting” at the bottom and, on the next screen, make the information visible during an emergency call — even if your phone is locked. To access it, first tap Emergency at the bottom of the dial pad (for the unlock screen), then View Emergency Information. Despite these challenges, it is a crucial function to have available in case it is required.
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