Android is one of the most versatile mobile operating systems in the world. With every version, Google adds new features and tweaks that make Android more powerful and user-friendly. However, many of these features go unnoticed even by experienced users. In this article, we’ll reveal 10 hidden Android tricks that you probably didn’t know about — but once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
1. Split-Screen Multitasking Like a Pro
Did you know that Android allows you to use two apps at once? Split-screen multitasking lets you run two apps side-by-side — perfect for multitaskers.
How to Use It:
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Open the first app you want to use.
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Tap the recent apps button (square or swipe-up).
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Tap the app icon at the top and select “Split screen”.
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Now choose the second app from your recent list or app drawer.
Use Case:
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Chat on WhatsApp while watching a YouTube tutorial.
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Take notes in Google Keep while attending an online class.
Note: Not all apps support split-screen. Games and video apps like Netflix may not work in this mode.
2. Smart Lock – Keep Your Phone Unlocked in Trusted Places
Tired of entering your PIN or fingerprint every time you pick up your phone? Android’s Smart Lock feature lets you automatically unlock your phone when you’re at home, connected to a trusted device, or when it recognizes your face or voice.
How to Enable Smart Lock:
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Go to Settings > Security > Smart Lock
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Choose from options like Trusted Places, Trusted Devices, On-body detection, or Voice Match.
This is a lifesaver if you’re constantly unlocking your phone in a safe place.
3. Quickly Access Hidden System UI Tuner
System UI Tuner is a secret settings menu that allows you to tweak the status bar, quick settings, and more.
How to Activate:
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Pull down the notification bar and press-hold the gear icon (Settings) for about 5 seconds.
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You’ll get a notification that System UI Tuner has been added to settings.
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Go to Settings > System > System UI Tuner.
From there, you can:
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Customize your status bar icons.
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Enable “Do Not Disturb” shortcuts.
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Show battery percentage inside the icon.
Warning: This is an advanced feature; use it carefully.
4. Turn on One-Handed Mode for Easier Typing
Big screen phones are amazing — until you try to type one-handed. That’s where Android’s One-Handed Mode comes in.
How to Activate on Gboard:
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Open Gboard (default Google keyboard).
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Long press the comma (,) key or tap the three dots on the top bar.
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Select One-Handed Mode.
The keyboard will shift to one side, and you can move it left or right based on your hand preference.
5. Use Screen Pinning to Lock One App
Screen pinning lets you lock your phone to a single app — great for when you’re lending your phone to a friend or child.
How to Enable:
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Go to Settings > Security > Screen Pinning.
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Turn it on and enable the “Ask for unlock pattern before unpinning” option.
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Open the app you want to pin.
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Tap Overview/Recents, then tap the app icon and choose “Pin”.
To unpin, press and hold the Back + Overview buttons together.
6. Hidden Developer Options for Power Users
Developer Options contains a treasure trove of tweaks, like increasing animation speed, enabling USB debugging, and more.
How to Enable Developer Mode:
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Go to Settings > About Phone.
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Tap “Build number” 7 times.
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You’ll see a message: “You are now a developer!”
Now go back to Settings > System > Developer Options to explore options like:
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Force GPU rendering
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Limit background processes
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Speed up or disable animations (great for performance)
7. Built-In Screen Recording (No App Needed)
As of Android 11 and later, screen recording is built into the OS — no need to install third-party apps.
How to Use It:
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Swipe down the Quick Settings panel.
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Tap Screen Record (you may need to edit Quick Settings to add it).
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Choose whether to record audio or show touches.
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Tap Start and record your screen effortlessly.
Perfect for tutorials, bug reporting, or saving your gameplay.
8. Search Everything with the Settings Bar
If you’re ever lost in the maze of settings, just use the Search Bar at the top of the Settings app.
It allows you to quickly find any setting — just type keywords like:
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“Battery optimization”
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“Notification settings”
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“Reset Wi-Fi”
It’s a huge time-saver when you’re trying to change something and don’t remember where the option lives.
9. Set App Shortcuts by Long-Pressing Icons
Long-pressing an app icon on the home screen isn’t just for moving it. Many apps offer shortcuts to frequently used features.
Examples:
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Long-press Chrome for “New Incognito Tab”.
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Long-press YouTube for “Search” or “Subscriptions”.
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Long-press Camera for “Take selfie” or “Record video”.
You can even drag these shortcuts onto the home screen for faster access!
10. Use Google Assistant for Advanced Automation
Google Assistant isn’t just for telling jokes or setting reminders — it can automate daily actions through Routines.
Examples of What You Can Do:
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Say “Good morning” to hear your schedule, weather, and news.
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Say “I’m home” to turn on Wi-Fi, adjust brightness, and play music.
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Create custom phrases like “Start work mode” to silence notifications and open work apps.
How to Set It Up:
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Launch Google Assistant.
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Say “Open Assistant settings”.
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Go to Routines and create your own automation.
Bonus Tips You Might Also Like:
Here are some extra tricks worth mentioning:
● Use Guest Mode for Privacy
Swipe down > tap your profile picture > choose Guest to lend your phone without sharing your data.
● Invert Colors for Night Browsing
Settings > Accessibility > Color Inversion – helps reduce eye strain.
● Find Your Lost Phone
Just Google: “Find my device” – as long as your phone is signed into your Google account, it can be tracked.
Final Thoughts
Android is a powerhouse operating system with more flexibility and hidden features than most users ever discover. From multitasking and automation to customization and privacy, these 10 hidden Android tricks open up a whole new way to use your smartphone.
Try them out, and you’ll not only get more done — you’ll have more fun doing it.
FAQs
Q: Do all Android phones support these tricks?
Most modern Android phones running Android 10 or newer do. Some features may vary based on brand (Samsung, OnePlus, Pixel, etc.).
Q: Will enabling Developer Options void my warranty?
No, enabling Developer Options is safe and reversible. Just be cautious with the settings you change.
Q: Can I undo split-screen mode easily?
Yes. Just drag the divider to the top or bottom, or press the Home button.
If you found these tips useful, share them with your friends and help them unlock the full power of Android. There’s always more under the surface — and now, you’re ahead of the game.
