6 Hidden Android Features Every User Should Know—And How They Make Life Easier

As someone who has been using Android since version 1.5, I rarely come across a feature that catches me off guard. But when I do, it’s genuinely exciting. For newer or more casual Android users, there are probably several hidden gems waiting to be discovered—features that can make your daily life smoother, more secure, and more efficient.

I’ve curated five somewhat hidden Android features that I believe every user should at least know about. Let’s dive in.

1. Share Wi-Fi via QR Code

You might not give this feature a second thought, but let me paint a scenario for you. Imagine you’re hosting holiday visitors and want to grant them access to your Wi-Fi network. Instead of shouting your password across the room or writing it down (and risking security), you could share the Wi-Fi credentials via QR code.

This approach not only simplifies adding another device to the network but also does so with a nod to security. Here’s how to do it:

• Open Settings > ‘Network and Internet’ > Internet
• Tap the network you want to share
• At the top of the resulting page, tap Share
• Verify your identity via biometrics or password/PIN

A new page will open with a QR code for the selected Wi-Fi network. Present the QR code to whoever you want to scan it with their phone—the process automatically adds the network to their device. You could also screenshot the QR code, print it out, and make the printout available (so you don’t have to hand your phone around for people to scan).

Pro Tip: This is especially useful for guest networks, Airbnb hosts, or anyone who frequently has visitors needing internet access.

2. Enable ‘Developer Options’

Android’s ‘Developer options’ menu isn’t just for developers. Anyone can enable it and gain access to a host of features, some of which are very handy.

With Developer options enabled, you can configure the maximum number of Bluetooth devices allowed to connect to your phone, unlock your bootloader, enable automatic system updates, enable USB debugging, edit the graphics driver settings, force peak refresh rate, and much more. Developer options should be enabled if you want power user-level control over Android.

To enable the feature:

• Go to Settings > About Phone
• Scroll to the bottom of the page and tap ‘Build number’ seven times
• Once you’ve done that, you’ll find ‘Developer options’ in Settings > System

Warning: Some options in Developer settings can affect system stability or battery life. Only change settings you understand.

3. Text Translation

If you’re traveling outside your country, you might need help translating text. Fortunately, Android is quite capable of translating text via the camera app.

This is an impressive feature. Let’s say you have a menu or some other information you want translated. Unlock your Android phone and tap the Lens icon in the Search bar. Point your camera at what you want to translate and tap the Translate button.

Android will automatically translate the text and display it as an image (almost exactly how it’s laid out in the original document). You can then view the translated text, copy it to your computer, take a screenshot, or search for it. You could use this feature for just about any situation where you need text translated automatically.

As a bonus, there’s also the official Google Translate app, which can listen to voices and translate from one language to another. If you travel to countries where you don’t speak the native language, this app should be a must-have.

4. Use Extend Unlock

When at home, I don’t need to lock my phone because I’m not concerned that someone will grab it and steal my information.

Where physical threats to your phone are minimal, consider making access easier by enabling Extend Unlock (which used to be called Smart Lock) and adding your home as a Trusted Place.

To do this:

• Go to Settings > ‘Security & privacy’ > ‘More security & privacy’ > Extend Unlock
• You’ll be prompted to verify that it’s you and then be presented with a description of Extend Unlock
• On the next page, you can configure Extend Unlock for on-body detection, trusted places, or trusted devices
• Tap ‘Trusted places’ and, on the resulting page, add a new trusted place

Once you’ve done that step, whenever you arrive at your trusted place, your phone will be unlocked automatically until you leave that location.

Note: This approach can lead to security issues, especially if you have guests in your home. With that in mind, use this feature judiciously.

5. Set Your Medical Information

Android allows you to store important medical information, such as name, height, weight, gender, blood type, date of birth, organ donor status, pregnancy status, medications, address, and medical notes. If you ever need this feature, you’ll be glad you took advantage of it.

To add your medical information:

• Go to Settings > ‘Safety & emergency’ > ‘Medical information’
• On the next page, add whatever information you deem important

There are two caveats to this feature. First, emergency responders need to know about the feature to use it. Second, those same responders would have to be able to unlock your phone to access it.

To get around that issue, tap ‘Change setting’ at the bottom and, on the resulting page, make the information available, even when your phone is locked, during an emergency call. To access this feature, tap Emergency at the bottom of the dial pad (for the unlock screen) and then tap View Emergency Information.

Even with these hurdles, it’s an important feature to have available should you need it.

6. Gboard Clipboard

You might not know this fact, but the Android keyboard (Gboard) has some impressive clipboard features. Once enabled, you can copy text and images (holding them on the clipboard for up to an hour before forgetting them), save and edit clips (so you can reuse them later), pin clips (by touching and holding them), and more.

You have to enable the Gboard clipboard manually. Otherwise, Android will use the traditional, built-in clipboard. I much prefer the Gboard clipboard because of the extended features. You enable the clipboard by opening the keyboard (from within any app), tapping the clipboard icon, and then tapping the On/Off slider until it’s in the On position.

Tags: Android features, hidden Android tips, Android tricks, Google Android, smartphone tips, mobile productivity, Android customization, Android security, Wi-Fi sharing, QR codes, Developer options, text translation, Extend Unlock, medical information, Gboard clipboard, Android 14, smartphone hacks, tech tips, Android tutorial, mobile features

Viral Phrases: “Game-changing Android features you didn’t know existed”, “These hidden Android tricks will blow your mind”, “Android secrets that will make your life 10x easier”, “Stop doing it the hard way—Android has a better solution”, “The Android feature that saved my vacation”, “Why every Android user needs to enable this NOW”, “This Android trick is pure genius”, “The one Android feature I can’t live without”, “Android’s best-kept secrets revealed”, “How I use Android to be 10x more productive”

,