Even if you've had an Android smartphone for a while, there are 5 hidden functions that you may have missed and that you absolutely must know about
The Android operating system is full of hidden functions that we often don't even notice despite years of use. For example, the use of two apps at the same time on the display, which is not available for iPhones, or the Smart Lock function and even the ability to mute certain notifications.
While carefully browsing through the functions available on Android, we found 5 that you might not know and that are already integrated in the operating system. A very useful one is especially the Smart Lock, which allows you to keep your smartphone unlocked when you're at home and activate the screen lock mode with PIN or fingerprint when you're out and about. Then there's the ability to use other apps while there's a video playing, use two apps simultaneously on the screen or even share your Wi-Fi credentials with your friends. Here are the ones we've chosen for you.
Android, silences notifications that can wait
Some days our smartphone besieges us with notifications, between deafening ringtone and continuous vibration. The Android operating system, among its hidden functions, has one that allows you to mute notifications that can wait and are not urgent, so as not to nag you. Holding down on the incoming notification will open a message that allows you to disable the notification from the app, or open a menu where you can select which notifications to keep active and which to mute. Notifications will still appear in the bar, but the muted ones won't make your phone ring.
Android, use two apps at once
Not everyone knows that on Android devices you can use two apps at once and display them on the screen. For example, when you want to open a Google document and send an email at the same time, or when you're looking for the ingredients of a recipe and want to copy them to send a message on WhatsApp. First of all, you'll have to activate the "Swipe up on the Home button" option, to do that go to Settings, then System, Gestures and finally select it.
Once it's activated, just swipe up from the bottom of the screen and open an app. Then again from the bottom of the screen swipe up and hold, then release. Tap and hold the app icon and then tap Split Screen. This will give you two screens and tapping the second app will open it on the other screen. To return to the single view, simply swipe the app you want to see from top to bottom by expanding it across the display.
Android, the Picture in picture feature
You're watching a video and want to open another app without closing it. You can do that with the Picture in picture feature. To activate it, open a video app and play a video. Then swipe up or tap the Picture in picture option and the other app you want to view will open, keeping the video open. If your smartphone doesn't have this option or the app closes when you scroll up, it means it's not compatible with the app you're using or the version of your Android system. To see the list of apps that support the feature, you can go to Settings, then Apps and Notifications, Special App Access and select Picture in picture. In the section, you'll also be able to disable the feature or re-enable it whenever you want.
Smart Lock, automatically unlock your smartphone
Smart Locking your smartphone with sequence, PIN or fingerprint is essential to protect your privacy when you're at work or on the go, but when you're at home it often just poses an impediment. One of the features that not everyone knows about Android is Smart Lock, which lets you leave your device unlocked under certain circumstances considered safe, only to lock it as usual when they don't occur.
To see the available options go to Settings, then Security and select Smart Lock. You'll be able to opt for automatic unlocking if you're in "Trusted Places," such as your home. The feature uses GPS to check where you are and if the location is safe, it won't ask you for a PIN or unlock sequence. Otherwise, you can choose to enable automatic unlocking for when the device is in contact with your body, such as in your pocket, or if it is in the vicinity of trusted Bluetooth-connected devices, such as your smartwatch or car system.
Android, quickly share Wi-Fi with friends
Another feature you may not know is the ability to quickly and easily share your long and complex Wi-Fi password with your friends and family. Simply display the QR Code with the Wi-Fi login details on the screen of your Android smartphone and share it, so that by framing it with their camera everyone can connect. To produce the QR Code, simply go to Settings, then Network, select Wi-Fi and tap the name of the network. A screen will open with information, including the QR code to connect.