It was generally believed that smartphones came with incredible capabilities; however, users have never been aware of the hidden feature enhancements that make daily usage smoother and more effective. Whether an iPhone or Android user, there are a plethora of smartphone hacks, technology shortcuts, and mobile application secrets that can help in enhancing your experience. In this post, we'll discuss hidden features of iOS and Android-iOS tips and **Android tricks to enhance your productivity and help you customize your device. Ready to find some of the cool **mobile productivity hidden features? Let's get started!
iOS Hidden Features
1. Back Tap: A Quick Shortcut
First introduced in iOS 14, the *Back Tap* feature enables you to take an action on your iPhone by tapping the back. That's how you take screenshots, open applications, or even activate Siri. It is a good example of iPhone features that make your device even more functional. To enable: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
- Tap on either Double Tap or Triple Tap and set your preferred action.
2. iOS Custom Widgets
iOS widgets aren't just for show and tell; they can be used to display important information at a glance. By using some iOS tips like resizing and stacking, you will keep your home screen organized and boost your mobile productivity. To customize widgets:
- Tap and hold the home screen to enter jiggle mode.
- Resize or stack widgets to create a personalized layout.
3. Optimized Battery Charging for Longer Battery Life
Your iPhone’s battery health can benefit from Optimized Battery Charging, which learns your charging routine and slows the charge once it hits 80%. This tech shortcut helps extend the battery's lifespan. To activate:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and enable Optimized Battery Charging.
4. Hide Photos for Privacy
iOS lets you hide photos from your main library without using third-party apps. If you want to keep a photo private but not delete it, here's how: Open the photo, tap the Share button, and select Hide. Your hidden photos will go directly to the Hidden album, keeping them out of sight.
5. Safari Tab Grouping: Stay Organized
Safari, starting with iOS 15 onwards, allows you to organize your tabs into groups so it would be easier and more organized. If you're the person who usually opens plenty of tabs, this iPhone feature will keep you organized. To make a tab group, do the following:
- Tap and hold the tab icon, then select New Tab Group.
- You can create different groups based on your needs like shopping, work, or entertainment.
Hidden Features on Android
1. Quick Settings Customization: Tailor Your Experience
The best way to know about Android customization is through personalization in the Quick Settings menu. This allows you to access your most-used features easily. To do this, all you have to do is:
Swipe down your finger from the top of the screen to reveal Quick Settings.
Tap on the pencil icon or three-dot menu to start rearranging and adding shortcuts for your most-used settings.
2. One-Handed Mode: Ease of Use
One-handed mode is a tech shortcut for users with larger Android devices that makes using your phone with just one hand much easier. To turn it on, follow these steps:Settings > Display > One-Handed Mode
Enable the feature. Then, you can swipe down on the navigation bar to shrink the screen size.
3. Google Assistant's Voice Match: Personalized Results
Google Assistant is able to recognize your voice for personalized results. This mobile app secret helps users seeking a more customized experience. How to Enable Voice Match:- Go to Settings > Google > Settings for Google Apps > Search, Assistant & Voice > Voice Match.
- Follow the on-screen instructions teaching Google Assistant to recognize your voice.
4. Digital Wellbeing Dashboard: Track Your Usage
Android has a default feature, Digital Wellbeing, that helps you understand how much screen time you are spending and how to manage your phone habits. Using this user guide, you can easily set app limits and go through detailed stats regarding your usage of your phone. Access it from:- Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
- Check the stats of screen time in your device and regulate your habit accordingly.
5. Screen Recording: Capture Your Screen
Android has a screen recorder hidden in the Quick Settings menu, and you can use it to record your screen without having to rely on a third-party app. To use it:- Swipe down from the top and find the Screen Record icon.
- Tap it, select whether to record audio, and start recording.
Final Thoughts
Both iOS tips and Android tricks can transform your smartphone experience by unlocking hidden features and boosting your mobile productivity. Whether you're using iPhone features like Back Tap or taking advantage of Android customization options like Quick Settings, there's always something new to discover on your device.
Take advantage of these smartphone hacks to make your life easier and more efficient. Which hidden feature are you excited to try first? Let us know in the comments below, and share your own mobile app secrets!