Android is not just an operating system for smartphones, but a powerful and flexible platform with many hidden features. Most users interact with their phone through basic functions: calls, messengers, cameras, games and social networks. However, there are a lot of really useful tools hidden under the hood of Android that go unnoticed.
In this article, we’re going to break down the secret Android features that you’ve probably never used – but they’re definitely worth checking out. This will help you not only understand your device better, but also use it to its maximum potential.
Developer mode: not just for programmers
Many people don’t even know that you can activate Developer Mode in Android. While the name sounds intimidating, in practice it’s simply a set of advanced features that everyone can benefit from.
To activate this mode:
- Go to Settings > About phone
- Locate Build Number
- Click on it seven times in a row
- The system will activate the “For Developers” menu
Once activated, you will have access to a number of tools:
- Interface acceleration. You can reduce or completely disable animations, which makes the interface noticeably faster.
- Limit background processes. This helps to save battery power and RAM.
- Enable USB debugging. An indispensable feature for connecting to a computer or when using specialized applications.
- Simulate location. You can set a fake location for tests or privacy.
Important: you shouldn’t change settings if you don’t understand what they do. But basic settings like animations and background processes are safe and useful.
Guest mode: share your smartphone without risk
Imagine a situation: a friend asks for your phone to make a call or open a browser. But at the same time your device has banking apps, messengers, photos and personal notes. There is a solution – it’s Guest Mode.
Android allows you to create a guest profile that will be completely isolated from the main profile. All personal data, files, messages and apps will be hidden.
How to enable:
- Open Settings and go to System (on some models, the path may be Settings > Users and Accounts).
- Locate Multiple Users and activate the switch to allow adding new users.
- Click Add User and select the Guest option. The system will immediately prompt you to switch to the Guest profile.
- After selecting Guest, the phone will create a separate clean environment with limited features and standard apps.
- To switch back to your account, simply open the notification panel, tap the profile icon, and select your main profile.
Switching creates a clean environment with limited features. When the session ends, the guest’s data is deleted.
This mode is also ideal for children so they can watch videos or play without accessing the rest of the content.
System UI Tuner: customize the interface to your liking
System UI Tuner is a hidden menu that allows you to fine-tune elements of the Android interface. You can use it to remove unnecessary icons from the status bar, display battery percentage, and even change the clock position.
Activation (on older versions of Android):
- Swipe down the notification curtain with two fingers. This opens the expanded shortcut menu, where the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and settings icons are located.
- Hold down the ⚙️ settings icon for 5-7 seconds. A long press starts a hidden process that activates the advanced options menu.
- After a short vibration, you will be notified about access to System UI Tuner. Now there will be a new section in the settings where you can change the display of interface elements.
Right now, System UI Tuner is not available out-of-the-box in newer versions of Android (11 and above), but you can install third-party apps like Power Shade or SystemUI Tuner from Google Play.
Benefits:
- Less visual noise
- More minimalistic interface
- Convenient distribution of necessary elements
Advanced data protection and privacy
Android gives you much more than just the lock screen. Among the hidden features are tools to enhance security and privacy.
Disable personalized ads. Google actively collects data about your actions. You can disable personalized ads in settings:
- Settings > Google > Ads > Disable ad personalization
App Pinning: Need to give your kid YouTube or a friend a browser? Pin an app: the person won’t be able to leave the app until they enter a password.
- Settings > Security > Advanced > Lock screen
Incognito mode in Google Maps. Activate it and your routes won’t be saved. This is handy when using other people’s Wi-Fi, when traveling, and when traveling privately.
Gestures and hidden features of the fingerprint scanner
Some Android smartphones support gestures on the fingerprint scanner, but few people know about it. For example, you can use the scanner to:
- Swipe down to open notifications
- Switch tracks in the music player
- Scroll through photos in the gallery
- Double-tap the camera
These features are especially useful for one-handed operation.
Where to check:
- Settings > System > Gestures
- Or under Special Features (names may vary by manufacturer)
If your smartphone supports this, turning it on will take 10 seconds and add months of convenience.
Built-in utilities: from screen recording to Wi-Fi Direct
Today’s Android smartphones have a lot of built-in utilities that used to require installing third-party software.
Screen recording. Starting with Android 11, you can record your screen directly from the notification curtain:
- Open the Quick Settings menu
- Locate the Screen Recording button
- Choose whether to record sound and taps
Wi-Fi Direct. Allows you to transfer files between devices directly, without the internet. It’s faster than Bluetooth and doesn’t require installing apps like SHAREit. Plus, the Wi-Fi Direct connection is stable even when transferring large files like videos or photo folders, making it convenient for quick sharing.
Digital Wellbeing
- Allows you to see how much time you spend on apps
- Set limits
- Turn on focus mode or Digital Silence before going to sleep
If you’ve only used Android for calls, messages, and social networking, you’ve only used a fraction of its capabilities. The secret features described above really help improve your everyday experience: making your smartphone faster, safer, and more convenient.
Try activating at least one of these features and you may see your device differently today.