11 Android tricks you can’t live without

Android can do rather more than simply launch apps and ship messages. There are some intelligent methods that’ll prevent time and problem and shield your information – and most aren’t well-known.

Whether or not it’s utilizing two apps without delay, copying textual content from blocked apps or a organising a non-public vault for delicate information, listed below are eleven methods that hardly anybody is aware of – however anybody can check out immediately.

Tip: Some options are solely out there on fashionable gadgets working the newest model of Android. When you’re trying to improve or swap, see the perfect smartphones we’ve reviewed and the perfect finances choices.

1. Use two apps without delay with break up display

Use two apps on the identical time (resembling a music participant on the prime and a browser on the backside): you may make this occur utilizing split-screen mode. Open the duty overview (swipe up from the underside and maintain), faucet the app icon and choose ‘Cut up display’. Then select a second app to open.

Bonus Pixel tip: Many producers can help you take a screenshot by swiping down with three fingers. Pixel customers can as an alternative press the Energy and Quantity Down buttons concurrently or use the “Fast Faucet” on the again of the gadget (when you’ve enabled it within the gesture settings).

2. Computerized lock in case your telephone is snatched

This is without doubt one of the most necessary new safety features in 2026. You’ll discover the perform below “Settings → Safety & Privateness → Anti-theft”. Relying on the producer, the menu path might differ barely (in case you can’t discover it, use the search perform).

In case your telephone is snatched out of your hand, Android recognises the standard motion sample and locks the display instantly. This makes it a lot tougher for thieves to entry your information and apps.

3. Summarise internet pages in a flash

If it’s essential learn a protracted article or sophisticated phrases and circumstances, do this. On supported gadgets, let AI summarise the textual content for you. Have the web page open in Chrome, then maintain down the ability button or use the Gemini icon within the tackle bar. With the command “Summarise web page”, the AI will create a concise checklist of all the important thing factors. It’s a large time-saver.

Chris Martin / Foundy

4. Scan QR codes with out an app

Overlook separate scanner apps! Merely open the digicam and level it on the QR code. A faucet on the hyperlink that seems is all it takes to open it. If nothing occurs, examine within the digicam settings below ‘Extra settings’ to see if ‘Scan by way of digicam’ is enabled (or use the scanning ‘Strategies’ characteristic). Due to the Low Mild Increase AI replace, Android 16 can now recognise codes in nearly full darkness.

Bonus tip: If the code is already saved as a photograph in your telephone, use the ‘Scan QR Code’ Fast Settings tile. This lets you scan QR codes straight from images in your gallery.

5. Sensible typing help and simple dictation

Whether or not you’re driving or cooking, in case your palms are full, the Gboard keyboard’s voice management actually comes into its personal. After tapping the microphone icon, you’ll be able to dictate messages or emails rapidly and simply. Android now typically inserts punctuation marks resembling “full cease” or “comma” routinely, however you may also dictate them in case you choose.

The 2026 improve: On supported fashions, the AI can modify the tone of your message on the contact of a button. This enables Android to show even swiftly dictated texts into an expert e-mail or an informal chat message. After you’ve dictated or typed a message, search for the AI icon or “Writing instruments” on the Gboard keyboard.

6. A digital secure on your apps

On many more moderen Android variations, now you can discover Personal Profile (also referred to as ‘Personal House’) below Settings → Safety & Privateness. Right here, you’ll be able to create a password-protected container for delicate apps resembling banking or messaging.

When the area is locked, these apps disappear fully from the house display and notifications. This lets you preserve your telephone kid-friendly, or preserve work and private accounts neatly separated on a single gadget.

7. Subsequent-gen Wi-Fi sharing

The tedious enterprise of studying out and typing in passwords will quickly be a factor of the previous. Use the “Fast Share” choice within the Wi-Fi settings of your linked community. Your telephone will routinely seek for close by gadgets and switch login particulars securely and wirelessly. Alternatively, you’ll be able to (as ordinary) show a QR code for scanning.

Adam Smith / Foundry

8. Copy content material – even from blocked apps

An actual power-user trick: on many gadgets, within the app overview (multitasking view), you’ll be able to copy textual content straight from app previews – even when the app ordinarily blocks this. Merely maintain your finger on the textual content within the preview window after which choose “Copy textual content” or “Copy textual content from picture”. This even works with screenshots in case you faucet on textual content inside them from the app or multitasking view. It’s a very helpful trick if you wish to save addresses, quotes, an IBAN or telephone quantity with out having to laboriously sort it out.

9. Schedule messages for a later time

Always remember a birthday once more: in Google Messages, Telegram or Gmail, you’ll be able to simply schedule messages upfront. Write the textual content, maintain down the ship button and choose the date and time. Android will then ship the message proper on time – even in the midst of the evening, whilst you’re nonetheless dreaming of the upcoming birthday celebration.

10. Predictive Again: By no means shut the unsuitable web page once more

Ever had this occur? You need to return a web page, however instantly find yourself on the house display – nice. On many gadgets, there’s a security web: the predictive again gesture. As you swipe slowly from the sting, it exhibits a reside animation of the earlier web page. This manner, you’ll be able to see instantly whether or not you’re going again inside the app or leaving it when swiping.

Observe: Gesture management should be enabled within the system settings. Moreover, Google apps resembling Chrome presently help the animation totally; different browsers resembling Firefox typically nonetheless show the usual arrow.

11. Create a visitor mode once you give somebody your telephone

If a good friend, work colleague or your little one wants to make use of your telephone, the sensible transfer is to activate visitor mode reasonably than reveal personal information. To do that, go to Settings → System → Customers and allow the “Add visitor” choice. The system will launch a contemporary person profile with no entry to your images, messages or apps. As soon as they’ve completed, you’ll be able to delete the visitor profile with a single faucet – it’s secure, clear and simple. You too can select whether or not or to not grant your visitor permission to make calls.

Bonus tip: Navigate in a flash with world search

As an alternative of tapping your approach by means of menus, merely open the search bar within the Android settings. Kind in, for instance, “Battery”, “Theft” or “Gboard” – and your system will instantly show the proper menu. This manner, you may also discover the ideas and methods offered right here in seconds, with out having to memorise complicated menus which will differ from producer to producer.