Hidden Android Features and Shortcuts Worth Learning
Quick summary: Quick settings, screen shortcuts, split screen and more features already on your phone.
Android phones ship with many features that are easy to miss because they sit behind a long press, a swipe or a toggle in an unexpected menu. None of them need a download, and most take less than a minute to learn.
This guide covers six shortcuts that save time every day. Because brands customise Android, some names and gestures differ on your phone. Where that happens we say so and show you how to find the equivalent.
Before you start
Phones from Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Google and others use different menus. If you cannot find an option, open Settings and type its name into the search bar at the top.
1. Customise the quick settings panel
Swipe down from the top of the screen once or twice to open quick settings. Tap the pencil or edit icon to add, remove and reorder tiles such as Wi-Fi, Flashlight, Battery Saver, Screen Record and Do Not Disturb. Put the tiles you use most in the first row so they are one tap away.
Example: If you often share your connection, add the Hotspot tile. If you read at night, add the Dark theme or Night light tile.
2. Long-press for hidden menus
Long-pressing an app icon on the home screen often shows shortcuts such as Compose, Scan or New chat. Long-pressing a tile in quick settings opens the full settings page for that feature. Long-pressing a link in a browser usually offers Open in new tab or Copy link address.
3. Take and edit screenshots quickly
Most phones take a screenshot when you press the power and volume-down buttons together. Some also support a three-finger swipe or a palm swipe, which you can switch on under Settings, then Advanced features or Gestures. After the capture, tap the preview thumbnail to crop or mark it up before sharing.
4. Use split screen or pop-up windows
Open the recent apps screen, tap the icon above an app preview and choose Split screen, then pick a second app. This is handy for watching a video while replying to a message. The steps differ by brand, and some apps do not support it.
5. Try one-handed mode on a big phone
Search Settings for One-handed mode. Depending on your phone it shrinks the screen, or pulls the top of the screen down when you swipe on the bottom edge. It is switched off by default on many phones, so you need to enable it once.
6. Set up Do Not Disturb schedules
Open Settings, then Sound or Notifications, and look for Do Not Disturb. Create a schedule for sleep or meetings and choose who may still reach you, such as starred contacts or repeat callers. Allowing repeat callers lets a genuine emergency call through.
Example: A schedule from 10 pm to 7 am that only allows favourites means you sleep through promotions but still hear from family.
Pro tip and important warning
Pro tip: Do not try to learn everything at once. Pick one shortcut a week, use it until it feels natural, and then add another.
Important: Do not enable developer options or install a launcher or tweak app that you do not recognise just to unlock hidden features. Built-in features are safe. Unknown tweak apps often ask for broad permissions.
Conclusion
The best phone shortcuts are the ones already built in. A tidier quick settings panel, a quiet schedule and a reliable screenshot gesture make daily use faster. For more, see 10 Android Settings You Should Check Today and How to Make Android Easier to Use.
