5 hidden Android features that can simplify your life

I’ve been using Android since version 1.5, so features don’t often catch me off guard. As you can imagine, it can be a very exciting moment when you come across an unfamiliar Android feature.

For casual (or new) users of Google’s mobile operating system, there are probably some hidden gems waiting to be discovered within Android, some of which are quite useful.

Related article: Android 15 announcement: Here are 8 exciting (and useful) features coming to your phone

We’ve selected five lesser-known Android features that we think every user should at least know about. So that functionality is readily available when you need it.

Let’s take a closer look at their features.

1. Share Wi-Fi via QR code

You may not think much about this feature, but let me set the scene for you. Let’s say you have guests over for the holidays and want to allow them access to your Wi-Fi network. Instead of making your password public (making it available for anyone to use), you can choose to share your Wi-Fi credentials via a QR code. This not only simplifies the process of adding another device to your network, but also takes security into account.

Related article: 7 essential password rules to follow in 2024, according to security experts

It’s easy to do.[設定]>[ネットワークとインターネット]>[インターネット]and tap the network you want to share with. at the top of the displayed page[共有]Tap and verify your identity with biometrics or a password/PIN.

A new page will open with the QR code for your selected Wi-Fi network. Show the QR code to the person you want to scan with their phone and the network will be automatically added to their device. You can also take a screenshot of the QR code, print it, and have the printout available (so you don’t have to hand over your phone to have it scanned).

2. Enable “Developer options”

Android’s Developer Options menu isn’t just for developers. Anyone can enable it and access a large number of features, including some very useful ones.

Enabling Developer Options allows you to configure the maximum number of Bluetooth devices allowed to connect to your phone, unlock the bootloader, enable automatic system updates, enable USB debugging, and configure graphics driver settings. , force a peak refresh rate, and more. . If you want to control Android at a power user level, you need to enable Developer Options.

To enable this feature,[設定]>[端末情報]scroll to the bottom of the page, and[ビルド番号]Tap seven times. Once that is complete,[設定]>[システム]to[開発者向けオプション]will be displayed. Tap on that entry and new options will appear.

3. Text translation

For some of us, the holiday season means traveling. If you’re traveling outside the country, you may need help translating text. Fortunately, Android allows you to translate text through the camera app.

This is a very impressive feature. Let’s say you have a menu or other information that you want to translate. Unlock your Android phone and tap the lens icon in the search bar. Point your camera at what you want to translate and tap the “Translate” button.

Android automatically translates the text and displays it as an image (nearly the same layout as in the original document). You can then view the translated text, copy it to your computer, take a screenshot, and search for the translated text. This feature can be used in almost any situation where text needs to be translated automatically.

4. Use extended unlock

When you’re at home, you don’t need to lock your phone because you don’t have to worry about someone incompetent stealing your phone and stealing your information. Maybe you live in a house with only cats and don’t worry about your furry friend unlocking your phone and filling your Amazon cart with treats. .

In situations where physical threats to your phone are minimal, you can access your phone by enabling Enhanced Unlock (formerly known as Smart Lock) and adding your home as a trusted location. Please consider making it easier.

Also: The best Android smartphones you can buy: Tested by experts

To do this,[設定]>[セキュリティ]>[セキュリティとプライバシーの詳細]>[ロック解除の延長]Move to. You will be asked to confirm your identity, and then provided with Extend Unlock instructions. On the page that appears, you can configure body detection, trusted locations, or enhanced unlocking of trusted devices.[信頼できる場所]Tap and add a new trusted location on the page that appears. Once you’ve done this, every time you arrive at a trusted location, your phone will automatically unlock 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 carefully.

5. Set up medical information

Android can store important medical information such as 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’ll be glad you did.

Related article: How to use emergency satellite texting on Android if you lose cell phone signal

To add your medical information,[設定]>[安全性と緊急事態]>[医療情報]Move to. Add any information you think is important to the page that appears. There are two caveats to this feature. First, emergency responders must know about this feature before they can use it. Next, the same responder must be able to unlock the phone to access it.

To avoid this, at the bottom[設定の変更]and on the page that appears, make the information available during an emergency call, even if your phone is locked. To access this, at the bottom of the dial pad, click[緊急](for unlock screen), tap[緊急情報の表示]Tap. Despite these hurdles, it’s an important feature to have available should you ever need it.