Android smartphones are packed with powerful features, but most users barely scratch the surface of what their devices can actually do. Whether you’re using a budget phone or a flagship model, there are dozens of hidden shortcuts, secret settings, and smart tricks that can dramatically improve your Android experience.
In this article, we reveal 10 Android tricks you didn’t know about—updated for 2025—to help you use your smartphone smarter, faster, and more efficiently.
1. Use Hidden Gesture Controls for Faster Navigation
Most Android phones come with advanced gesture controls that many users never explore. These gestures make navigation quicker and help reduce dependency on buttons.
Try These Hidden Gestures
- Double-tap the screen to wake or lock (works on most brands)
- Swipe down on the fingerprint sensor to open notifications
- Swipe from corners to activate Google Assistant
- Three-finger swipe to take a screenshot
If you want smoother control and quicker access, enabling gestures is a must.
2. Split-Screen and Pop-Up View Multitasking
Android has one of the best multitasking experiences, yet many users don’t fully utilize it.
How to Use Split-Screen
- Open Recent Apps
- Tap the app icon
- Select Split Screen
Now open another app on the second half of the screen.
Pop-Up View
Some phones allow apps to float as small windows. Perfect for:
- Watching YouTube while chatting
- Keeping notes open while studying
- Using calculators during online shopping
3. Developer Options: Speed Up Your Phone Instantly
The Developer Options menu holds powerful tools normally hidden from users. One of the best tricks is reducing animation scales to make the phone feel super fast.
How to Activate
- Go to Settings → About Phone
- Tap Build Number 7 times
- Go to Developer Options
Reduce Animation Settings
- Window Animation Scale → 0.5x
- Transition Animation Scale → 0.5x
- Animator Duration Scale → 0.5x
Your phone will instantly feel smoother and faster.
4. Use Google Lens for Anything
Most users think Google Lens is only for translation, but it can do much more.
Hidden Google Lens Features
- Identify plants, animals, cars, and landmarks
- Scan handwritten notes into digital text
- Price-check products online instantly
- Copy text directly from images
- Translate text in real time through your camera
Google Lens is a powerful tool that can save you hours of effort.
5. Offline Finding: Locate Your Phone Even Without Internet
Android’s “Find My Device” can now detect your lost phone even when it’s offline or turned off (on supported models).
What It Can Do
- Track your phone using nearby Android devices
- Play sound even if the phone is on silent
- Lock or erase data remotely
- Show the last known location
This hidden security trick is a lifesaver if you ever lose your phone.
6. Use One-Handed Mode for Large Screens
Phones are getting bigger every year, and using them with one hand can be difficult. But Android has a built-in One-Handed Mode many users never activate.
How to Enable
- Go to Settings → System → Gestures → One-Handed Mode
It shrinks the screen lower so you can reach everything with one thumb. Perfect for big smartphones.
7. Smart Lock for Faster Unlocking
Smart Lock allows your phone to remain unlocked in trusted situations, eliminating the need to repeatedly enter your PIN or fingerprint.
Smart Lock Options
- On-body detection: stays unlocked while you’re carrying it
- Trusted places: home or office
- Trusted devices: smartwatch, car Bluetooth
This trick improves convenience without compromising security.
8. Screen Pinning to Lock Apps for Others
If you give your phone to a child or friend, they might open other apps without permission. Screen Pinning solves this problem.
How It Works
- Enable from Settings → Security → Screen Pinning
- Open an app → tap Recent Apps → Pin
Now the user can only use that pinned app unless you unpin it with your passcode.
Perfect for:
- Kids watching cartoons
- Friends using your phone
- Showing photos without exposing other apps
9. Digital Wellbeing: Hidden Tools to Control Your Phone Usage
Most users don’t realize that Android’s Digital Wellbeing dashboard offers smart tools to reduce distractions and improve focus.
Useful Features
- App Timers: limit daily usage
- Focus Mode: block distracting apps
- Bedtime Mode: grayscale your screen at night
- Do Not Disturb: silence everything during important hours
If you want productivity and peace of mind, these tools help a lot.
10. Clipboard Manager for Copy-Paste History
Android keyboards like Gboard have a hidden clipboard history that most people don’t use.
How to Use
- Open Gboard
- Tap the Clipboard icon
- Turn on Clipboard History
Now your phone saves:
- Copied text
- Images
- Links
- Passwords (temporarily)
You can paste old copied items anytime—great for students, writers, and office work.
Bonus Android Tricks You Should Try in 2025
✓ Nearby Share (AirDrop for Android)
Share files instantly with nearby Android devices—no internet needed.
✓ Quick Switch Between Apps
Swipe left/right at the bottom navigation bar to switch apps instantly.
✓ Hidden Battery Usage Chart
See which apps drain the most battery under Settings → Battery → Usage Details.
✓ Private DNS for Faster Internet
Use: dns.google or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com for improved speed and security.
✓ Use Safe Folder in Files by Google
Hide private photos, videos, or documents behind a PIN.
Final Thoughts
Android is full of hidden features and smart tricks that most users never explore. Whether you want to improve your phone’s speed, enhance security, or make multitasking easier, these 10 Android tricks you didn’t know about will transform how you use your smartphone in 2025.
Try these features today and unlock the full potential of your Android device!