Typically, the telephone you utilize day by day holds some highly effective options – they may simply be hidden or unknown to you.
When Google launched Android 16 in the summertime of 2025, many customers seen the most important new options associated to Gemini AI and the flamboyant grouped notifications, however possible went proper again into texting, searching the online, and utilizing Instagram like regular.
But, there are a number of options which may not be as apparent. It might take time to uncover the true productiveness enhancers or discover settings that make it easier to benefit from your telephone. It’s additionally vital to know that, whereas Android 16 was the most important replace over the summer season, Google has launched quarterly updates since, together with one in September and one in December.
These options embody the flexibility to see Google Maps navigation on your own home display in a small pillbox, protections in opposition to textual content scams, and a solution to restrict the variety of notifications you see. See beneath for a proof of the function, the way it works, and easy methods to discover it.
1. Desktop Mode now helps you to resize home windows
You could not frequently join your telephone to a pc show, however when you do, Android 16 provides some enhancements to make all of it work even higher. The concept is to point out your telephone in “desktop mode” so you may run a browser and even play video games. Android 16 additionally now helps you to resize home windows such as you’re on a Mac or Home windows laptop, serving to to spice up productiveness.
How one can use Desktop Mode
Desktop Mode runs routinely once you connect with a show, however you do must allow Developer Mode first as a result of it’s technically nonetheless in beta.
Go to Settings, then About telephone. Faucet on the Construct quantity about seven occasions, which is able to then allow Developer mode.
Additionally, you will want a USB-C cable that helps show output (not all do), or an adapter for an HDMI cable. As soon as linked, a immediate will seem that permits you to use Desktop mode, or you may choose an choice to mirror no matter is in your telephone.
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2. Remix in Google Messages
A incredible new function that’s a part of Android 16 is known as Remix. In Google Messages, you may choose any picture and ask Gemini to tweak it any means you need. For instance, in a photograph of a constructing with an open grassy space, you may ask Gemini so as to add a banana. You possibly can then add a caption to the brand new picture and ship it in the identical textual content chat you’re having.
How one can use Remix
Ensure you replace Google Messages to the most recent model, and guarantee that you’ve got enabled Gemini. (In Messages, you will note the acquainted gem icon for Gemini. Choose that, and you will note a immediate to allow the bot.)
While you ship or obtain a picture, long-press on the picture, and you will note the Remix button. Choose it and describe what you need Gemini to do to the photograph. Choose Carried out; now you may add a caption and click on ship.
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3. Share a Bluetooth audio stream with a good friend
Android now helps you to stream audio to multiple Bluetooth machine on the identical time. The function was initially restricted to beta, but it surely’s now official and works with Pixel gadgets. Sharing can turn out to be useful if you’re on an extended automotive trip and need to hearken to the identical music with a good friend. You possibly can even regulate the quantity for every linked machine.
How one can share a Bluetooth audio stream
To make it work, you’ll first want a Bluetooth LE machine akin to a latest pair of earbuds. This function additionally requires a telephone able to broadcasting two audio streams, such because the Google Pixel 10.
Go to Settings, then Related gadgets, then Connection preferences. Search for the Audio sharing choice and allow that. While you join the second set of earbuds, a immediate will seem asking if you wish to use that machine. You’ll then see two quantity sliders.
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4. Improved textual content rip-off safety
Android 16 provides enhanced safety in opposition to textual content scams and some additional security measures. For instance, once you obtain a textual content message, you may use Circle to Search to test when you suspect it’s a rip-off. Android will warn you in regards to the hazard.
How one can use the brand new textual content rip-off options
Go to Settings, Safety & privateness, then Superior Safety, and allow the function. A lot of the textual content rip-off options occur in real-time, so that you don’t need to configure something. To make use of Circle to Search once you suspect you obtained a rip-off textual content, long-press the navigation bar after which circle the whole textual content message. You’ll see a message in regards to the rip-off.
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5. Dwell Updates for navigation
Android 16 added Dwell Updates that present on the house display even when your telephone is locked. For instance, when you use Google Maps for instructions, you will note a stay replace on the house display exhibiting the subsequent flip to make and a standing indicator. For Uber Eats, you will note the standing of the supply, all in real-time.
How one can use Dwell Updates
Dwell Updates seem on the house display routinely, so long as you’re utilizing a appropriate app akin to Uber Eats or Google Maps. Click on on the replace for extra particulars.
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6. Notification cooldown minimizes pings
Google is aware of that notifications might be overwhelming and even barely annoying at occasions. That’s why Android 16 features a Notification Cooldown choice that may routinely pause all notifications for as much as one minute so you may take a breather.
How one can allow Notification Cooldown
The quickest solution to allow this function is to go to Settings, then seek for “cooldown” to see the choice. Choose Notification Cooldown and allow the function. In case you are barraged with notifications, you’ll discover you cease getting them for a couple of minute. After that, they are going to resume.
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7. New spaceship sport
Google engineers added a enjoyable little diversion in Android 16 as a part of a latest quarterly replace. The brand new spaceship sport makes use of vector graphics and is a throwback to the 70s. You possibly can fly a ship round, then land on planets and plant flags.
How one can discover the spaceship sport
The Spaceship sport is a bit arduous to search out, so it’s extra of an Easter egg. To launch the sport, go to Settings, then About telephone. Scroll all the way down to the place it says Android model and choose that choice, then press a number of occasions on Android model till you see the launch display. Press and maintain on the launch display till the sport begins.
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8. Private Security app for emergencies
Android 16 has new security and safety options in case of an emergency, most notably a security test that permits you to set a timer to verify you’re protected. If you don’t reply inside a set timeframe, your telephone begins sharing emergency info along with your key contacts. The newest replace permits you to set a selected period of time – say, half-hour – earlier than contacts are notified.
How one can discover the Private Security app
To seek out the Private Security app, go to Settings and choose Security & emergency. On the high of the display, you’ll see a button to Open Private Security that permits you to configure the service.
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9. Customized icon shapes
Google added one other playful function which may not enhance your productiveness however may impress a number of buddies. Android icons for apps have historically been circles, however Android 16 helps you to change the form to a sq. or perhaps a form that appears like a Pac-Man determine.
How one can change icon shapes
To alter the form of app icons, first go to the Wallpaper & fashion part in Settings. Swipe to the appropriate to see the house display and search for the Icons choice. Choose it and select the brand new icon form you need.
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10. Examine your battery well being
One final function that’s useful for anybody who owns an older telephone has to do with battery well being. Android 16 added a Battery Well being function that reveals your battery capability. Since capability can deteriorate over time, it’s useful to know if you’re overcharging.
How one can discover Battery Well being
Go to Settings and choose Battery, then Battery Well being. You’ll see an estimate of battery capability. On a brand new telephone, it can possible be 100%.
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Need extra like this? You might also be taken with 10 straightforward methods to make your Android telephone run quicker and easy methods to make your Android telephone last as long as 25% longer.