When it comes to Android phones, they come with many different features that will vary depending on the brand. A Samsung Galaxy phone may be quite different than an LG phone and so forth when it comes to what is available, but there are at least twelve tips and tricks that you will want to know about your Android phone.
1. Install Antivirus
Even Android phones from Samsung and Galaxy are still vulnerable to malware thanks in large part to a lack of proper vetting in terms of app sources. So, to protect your phone, download the Lookout Mobile Security app which will scan all the incoming apps that you are downloading and check them for viruses. If there is malware present, it will warn you before it gets into your phone. All you need to do is cancel any download that looks like trouble which can save you from having to get your phone cleaned of viruses.
2. Ways to Save Battery Life
Android devices are notorious for their short battery life. But there are many things you can do to make it last longer.
Adjust your brightness. By default your screen is set to an automatic level of brightness that adjusts accordingly to your conditions. To manually set your brightness go to Settings>>Display>>Brightness and adjust the slider to your desired level of brightness. The lower the better.
Install a task killer application. Apps run in the background after you open them and can drain your battery. I highly recommend you install a 1-click task killer application that will greatly assist in increasing your phones battery.
Install a battery managing application. Battery saving applications can be a lifesaver when it comes to increasing battery life. If you’re looking for one I recommend “Battery Saver.”
3. Portable Hard Drive
By plugging in your Android phone with a USB cable to your computer or laptop, you can activate the storage mode and use it as an external hard drive. That way, if you have files that you want to take with you on your Galaxy, Samsung or other Android phone, it is right there for you. Plus, you can use your phone as emergency storage for certain files that you may want duplicates of just in case.
4. Check for Android System Updates
New updates that fix bugs or vulnerability issues may be available for your Android device. I strongly recommend that you update to the latest version.
How to update
Go to Settings>>About phone/tablet
Tap on system updates
Tap check now to look for an update
5. Find Your Phone If It’s Lost or Stolen
If your phone is ever lost is stolen, don’t worry, you’re not in a hopeless situation.
There are many apps in the Play store you can download to keep track of your phone. I personally use Android Device Manager. In the event you lose your phone or it is stolen you can track your phone on a map using it's GPS, make it sound an alarm at full volume, or erase all the data on your phone so a thief cannot gain access to your personal information.
6. Disable Mobile Data
Whenever you don’t need to use your mobile data, you can disable it to save on your bandwidth limit and your battery usage.
To turn off mobile data:
Go to Settings>>Data Usage
Disable Mobile data by toggling the switch from on to off or by unchecking the box, depending on your version of Android.
7. Prevent Battery Drain
Keeping your battery charged is not only important, it can be crucial if you use your phone for your livelihood. So, Android actually has a feature that will tell you how much processing power each app you have requires for use. Go to Settings and then Running Services which will show you a list of all the apps that are running and how much energy is being sapped. You can close the ones you are not using by pressing Stop and save valuable battery power.
8. One-Tap Contacts
If you have a favorite contact, you can create a special icon on your home screen so you can call with just a single tap. To add a contact in this manner, press and hold on an empty part of the screen and when you see the Menu pop up, select Shortcuts and then Contact. You can scroll through your list of contacts and then choose the one to add. That way, when you want to call a family member, friend or just order pizza from your favorite delivery service, all you need to do is just tap once on the icon and you are ready to go.
9. Manage Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and even Airplane Modes from Home Screen
You’ll find plenty of widgets on the Android that will let you go from Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other features all from the home screen so that you don’t have to waste any battery power. So, when you are away from your charger, you can conserve power when needed by using the widgets on your home screen to manage your settings.
10. Non-Market Apps
Although there are a few exceptions, most phones will let you have non-market apps which means that you can download software from outside parties such as Amazon for example. You’ll need to go to Settings, then Applications Settings and check the box which is next to Unknown Sources. Although Amazon may be the most popular example, there are many other non-market apps that you can use as well. However, you’ll need to be careful not to download any malware, so only use sources that you can trust.
11. Voice Search
By using the Google search app, you can search the web or the features on your phone simply by taking. All you need to do is tap the microphone symbol next to the search bar in the upper portion of the screen and simply talk to where you want to go. The system itself is very good at vocal identification and is perfect when using your hands is not convenient. Plus, some people prefer to search using their voice instead of having to tap the keys if only to avoid mistakes in spelling.
12. Save More Energy
Do you want to maximize the amount of power you have available? If so, you can start by closing down the animated background that Android uses and instead use a still one that requires far less energy to run. Just go to Settings, then Display and finally Animations to make the selection.
By taking a little time to set up your Android phone, you can get the most out of it. You may be surprised at what the Android phone can do for you, especially when you know all the tips and tricks to get the most out of it.
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