If only we explored all the great tools and customization options that Android has to offer, we’d discover just how awesome our devices could be. Some are in plain sight, others are stacked behind our general settings till we just happen to stumble upon them. Depending on your user interface customization settings, you can be able to locate most of the features on the list for a more useful experience on your device.
1. Magnification gestures
Android comes with a feature that allows you to zoom in on content or even apps that don’t come with zoom support. This is not only great for those who have issues with screen visual but also helps bring out more detailed images.Go to Settings >> Accessibility >>Magnification option to enable the feature. Once it is enabled, all you have to do is tap three times anywhere on the screen you want to zoom into and zoom out by simply tapping three times.
2. Monitor and control data usage
With the ever-increasing mobile carrier fees, it helps to have tool that not only helps you monitor your data consumption but also control it. Android comes with a perfect feature for this purpose. The
Data usage option can be found in your phone’s Settings, also it may be hidden in the
More section or through the network signal icon in the Quick Settings. The usage chart features sliders that allow you to set the data limits for your preferred billing cycle.The default settings are usually to notify you when your data limit is reached. However, this does not help you avoid the unnecessary excess data fees or the data throttling. Thus, adjusting your data features to warn you a hundred megabytes below your set limit, then on check to enable the set mobile limit option that is right above the chart. The red slider on the chart allows you to control the point at which your mobile data will be disabled.
3. Access to your Phone’s Statistics
Most Android users don’t know that Android comes with different sets of codes for a bunch of useful functions. One of the most effective codes is a shortcut that can direct you to some nerdy stats related to your device. Launch your dialer and type in
*#*#4636#*#* and you’ll be able to access your phone information such as your IMEI number, battery usage information, usage statistics and Wi-Fi information menus. The information you’ll access will vary depending on your Android version.
4. Increase speed of system animations
Though Android devices are much faster nowadays especially with the latest system updates, there is a simple tweak that can make your device even more seamless. A developer options menu is hidden in most Android devices, which can be enabled by simply heading to Settings >>About phone then tap the Build number continuously till a message appears confirming that you are a developer. Return to Settings main menu and open the Developer options menu, navigate to the
Drawing section and look for
Window animation scale,
Transition animation scale and
Animator duration scale options. These animations are usually what you see when you launch or close apps, drop down menus and so on, mostly there purpose is to cover up lags while the system processes. By default they are set to 1x but all you to do is select the Animation off option, for a zippier interface experience. Have you discovered any other hidden Android features that work for you? Share with us in the comments.