I have been utilizing Android since model 1.5, so it is not typically {that a} function catches me off guard. You may think about that once I do come throughout an unfamiliar Android function, it is an thrilling second.

For extra informal (or newer) customers of Google’s cellular working system, there are in all probability a number of hidden gems ready to be found in Android, and a few of these may be useful.

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I’ve curated 5 considerably hidden Android features that I imagine every user should at the very least know about. 

Let’s dive into these features.

1. Share Wi-Fi through QR code

You might not give this function a second thought, however permit me to set a scene for you. Say you are having guests for the vacations and wish to grant them entry to your Wi-Fi community. As a substitute of constructing the password public (so anybody can use it), you may share the Wi-Fi credentials through QR code. Not solely does this strategy simplify the method of including one other gadget to the community, however it does so with a nod to safety. 

Open Settings > ‘Community and Web’ > Web, and faucet the community you wish to share. On the prime of the ensuing web page, faucet Share and confirm it is you through biometrics or password/PIN.

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A brand new web page will open with a QR code for the chosen Wi-Fi community. Current the QR code to whoever you wish to scan it with their telephone, a course of that robotically provides the community to their gadget. You may additionally screenshot the QR code, print it out, and make the printout out there (so you do not have handy your telephone round for individuals to scan).

2. Allow ‘Developer choices’

Android’s ‘Developer choices’ menu is not only for builders. Anybody can allow it and acquire entry to a number of features, a few of that are very useful. 

With Developer choices enabled, you’ll be able to configure the utmost variety of Bluetooth gadgets allowed to hook up with your telephone, unlock your bootloader, allow computerized system updates, allow USB debugging, edit the graphics driver settings, power peak refresh price, and rather more. Developer choices should be enabled if you’d like energy user-level management over Android. 

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To allow the function, go to Settings > About Telephone, scroll to the underside of the web page, and faucet ‘Construct quantity’ seven occasions. As soon as you’ve got accomplished that, you will discover ‘Developer choices’ in Settings > System. Faucet that entry to disclose the brand new choices.

3. Textual content translation

In case you’re touring exterior your nation, you may need assistance translating textual content. Thankfully, Android is kind of able to translating textual content through the digicam app.

That is a powerful function. To illustrate you will have a menu or another data you need translated. Unlock your Android telephone and faucet the Lens icon within the Search bar. Level your digicam at what you wish to translate and faucet the Translate button.

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Android will robotically translate the textual content and show it as a picture (nearly precisely how it is specified by the unique doc). You may then view the translated textual content, copy it to your pc, take a screenshot, or seek for the translated textual content. You may use this function for nearly any state of affairs the place you want textual content translated robotically.

As a bonus, there’s additionally the official (*6*), which may take heed to voices and translate from one language to a different. In case you journey to nations and do not converse the native language, this app should be thought-about a should.

4. Use Prolong Unlock

When at dwelling, I need not lock my telephone as a result of I am not involved that somebody will seize it and steal my data. 

The place bodily threats to your telephone are minimal, contemplate making entry easier by enabling Prolong Unlock (which was once known as Good Lock) and including your own home as a Trusted Place. 

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To do that, go to Settings > ‘Safety & privateness’ > ‘Extra safety & privateness’ > Prolong Unlock. You may be prompted to confirm that it is you and then be introduced with an outline of Prolong Unlock. 

On the subsequent web page, you’ll be able to configure Prolong Unlock for on-physique detection, trusted locations, or trusted gadgets. Faucet ‘Trusted locations’ and, on the ensuing web page, add a brand new trusted place. As soon as you’ve got accomplished that step, everytime you arrive at your trusted place, your telephone will likely be unlocked robotically till you allow that location.

Observe that this strategy can result in safety points, particularly when you have visitors in your house. With that in thoughts, use this function judiciously.

5. Set your medical data

Android means that you can retailer vital medical data, similar to identify, peak, weight, gender, blood kind, date of start, organ donor standing, being pregnant standing, drugs, tackle, and medical notes. In case you ever want this function, you will be glad you took benefit of it. 

So as to add your medical data, go to Settings > ‘Security & emergency’ > ‘Medical data’. On the subsequent web page, add no matter data you deem vital. There are two caveats to this function. First, emergency responders must know concerning the function to make use of it. Second, those self same responders would have to have the ability to unlock your telephone to entry it. 

To get round that difficulty, faucet ‘Change setting’ on the backside and, on the ensuing web page, make the knowledge out there, even when your telephone is locked, throughout an emergency name. To entry this function, faucet Emergency on the backside of the dial pad (for the unlock display screen) and then faucet View Emergency Data. 

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Even with these hurdles, it is an vital function to have out there should you want it.

6. Gboard clipboard

You won’t know this reality, however the Android keyboard (Gboard) has some spectacular clipboard features. As soon as enabled, you’ll be able to copy textual content and photographs (holding them on the clipboard for as much as an hour earlier than forgetting them), save and edit clips (so you’ll be able to reuse them later), pin clips (by touching and holding them), and extra. 

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It’s important to allow the Gboard clipboard manually. In any other case, Android will use the standard, constructed-in clipboard. I a lot choose the Gboard clipboard due to the prolonged features. You allow the clipboard by opening the keyboard (from inside any app), tapping the clipboard icon, and then tapping the On/Off slider till it is within the On place.

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