5 advaced mobile tricks and tips

Android phones come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but within, they all run the same basic operating system. That Android code includes settings that let you tailor your smartphone to your needs. In this guide, we collected 24 lesser-known customizations for you to toy with.

Before we start, a quick caveat—although the same Android code runs all of these phones, manufacturers often modify the operating system by slapping a software skin on top. Our instructions specifically apply to Android 8.0 Oreo and Android 10, which you’ll find on Google’s latest Pixel phones. However if you own a phone that runs a different version of Android, you may still be able to apply these settings—you’ll just have to rummage around a little more to find them.3. Tweak the Quick Settings panel
Drag two fingers down from the top of the screen, and you'll open Android's Quick Settings panel, which provides immediate access to settings such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and flashlight mode. These shortcuts are useful, but you can make them even handier by customizing which ones show up and the order in which they appear. Open the panel, tap the pen icon on the lower left, and you'll be able to add shortcuts and drag the icons into a new arrangement.

4. Reduce data usage
Android includes a built-in system to limit how much data background apps can gobble up (at least when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi). This mode will affect different apps in various ways—for example, in a browser, images might not show up unless you tap on them. To switch on this handy feature, open Settings and pick Network & internet, then Data Saver.

5. Stop new apps from creating shortcuts
By default, when you install an app, it automatically appears as a shortcut on one of your phone’s home screens. This allows you to quickly launch a new app, but it can also clutter up your interface. To disable this default, perform a long press on any blank part of a home screen. When a menu pops up, choose Home Settings and turn off the Add icon to Home screen option. Note: This setting used to appear in the Play Store app, but in Android 8.0 and 10.0, you can now access it from any home screen.

1. Increase font size
You don’t have to squint and strain your eyes when viewing Android screens. Open the Settings app and choose Display, Advanced, followed by Font size, to make adjustments. Drag the pointer along the slider to make changes, and check the preview window to see what the end result will look like. Once you set the Android font size, most apps will apply it.

2. Make sure you can find your phone
Worried about losing your phone? To maximize your chances of recovering a missing device, make sure to activate Android’s built-in tracking system. Open Settings, go to Security and tap Find My Device. After that, should you misplace your phone, head to this page in any browser and log in to your Google account. If you’re logged in to your Google account on Chrome, you can also type “Where’s my phone” on the search bar. You’ll be able to view your handset’s location on a the map, among other options, like making the device ring (even if it’s in Do Not Disturb mode), lock it, or erase it. For more details, check out our guide to finding a lost phone.