Android tips and tricks that will change your smartphone

Android tips and tricks

1. Set your phone to automatically unlock when you're at home

 

Entering those four-digit pins is essential to keep out unwanted prying eyes. But when you're at home they can be an irritating chore that takes time away from your latest Facebook binge. You can set your phone to automatically unlock when you're at home, though, removing this irritation while retaining your privacy when you want it.

In Settings, go to Security >> Trust Agents >> Smart Lock. Activating this will allow you to set parameters for when you want your device to ditch the passcode. Such as when you're at home or in the office, or when your phone recognises your face. Yes, really. Your handset is watching you.

2. Give two fingers to quick settings

 

Why, oh why, did you give Jeff from the office your number? Seriously, 16 cat meme texts in 3 days, what's his problem? If you don't want to hear from certain people, you don't have to. There's no need to change your number or be forced into awkward conversations either. Instead you can set your phone to only deliver messages from those you actually want to talk to.

Hitting your volume toggle will give you alert options. Hit Priority and the Settings cog. Here you can choose who you receive calls, messages and reminders from. Perfect for when you want to block out the overly chatty 'friends' you'd rather avoid.

3. Extend your phone's battery life

Android 6.0 might have introduced the battery-boosting Doze feature, but if you're still waiting for your Marshmallow-flavoured fix, there are still plenty of ways to enhance your handset's staying power. Under the Battery controls in Settings, your phone should have a Power Saver Mode option.

Enable this to reduce background features and survive that night bus ride home. Helping eke out your depleted power supply, this will set your emails to fetch and turn off some of the 76 apps that send you notifications every 30 minutes.

4. Avoid bill shock by controlling your data usage

Unless you've got deep pockets, you're not going to want to go over your monthly data allowances. But worry not, if you do, Android's got your back again - and your wallet's too.

Visit Settings >> Data Usage. Not only can you see a graph of how much data you've churned through over the past month – based on the timeframe of your contract, not the calendar month – you can set self-imposed data limits and warning markers.