Android has more built-in capability than most people realise. These settings are available on most Android phones running Android 12 or later.
1. Developer Options: Animation Speed
Settings > About Phone > tap Build Number 7 times > Developer Options
Set all three animation scale values to 0.5x. Your phone will feel faster immediately without any actual hardware change.
2. Adaptive Battery
Settings > Battery > Adaptive Battery
Learns your app usage patterns and restricts background activity for apps you rarely use. Extends battery life without you doing anything manually.
3. One-Handed Mode
Settings > Accessibility > One-Handed Mode
Brings the entire screen content down to the lower half of the display. Essential if you use a large phone with one hand.
4. Scheduled Do Not Disturb
Settings > Sound > Do Not Disturb > Schedules
Set DND to activate automatically at bedtime and deactivate in the morning. Stops late-night notifications without remembering to turn it on manually.
5. Smart Lock
Settings > Security > Smart Lock
Keep your phone unlocked while connected to trusted Bluetooth devices, at trusted locations, or when it detects you are holding it. Removes the friction of unlocking without removing security when the phone is unattended.
6. PIN Shuffle
Settings > Security > Screen Lock > PIN > Settings (gear icon)
Shuffles the number pad layout each time you unlock. Makes it harder for someone watching over your shoulder to memorise your PIN pattern.
7. Privacy Dashboard
Settings > Privacy > Privacy Dashboard
Shows exactly which apps accessed your camera, microphone, and location in the past 24 hours. Useful for identifying apps that are accessing things they should not be.
8. Notification History
Settings > Notifications > Notification History
Shows the last 24 hours of notifications even after you have dismissed them. Useful for recovering something you accidentally swiped away.
9. Wi-Fi Calling
Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi Calling
Makes phone calls over Wi-Fi when your mobile signal is weak. Improves call quality in areas with poor coverage.
10. Clipboard Access Notifications
Recent Android versions show a toast notification whenever an app reads your clipboard. This is enabled by default but check Settings > Privacy > Clipboard Access if you have not seen these notifications.
Take five minutes to go through these. Several of them will change how you use your phone every day.
