There are over 6.9 billion smartphone users worldwide. So, are you using your mobile phone to it’s full potential? Today’s generation of smartphones comes with rich features to empower users with limitless functionality. While Apple played a vital role in pioneering smartphones, Google’s Android devices appear to dominate mobile computing platforms. Here are some helpful ways to drive maximum benefits from your smartphone.
Strengthen your privacy and security settings
It may be harder to get the most out of your device if your phone is not properly secured. With many cybercriminals loitering around the corner, taking your privacy and security seriously is advisable. Your smartphones could be vulnerable to third-party exposure; secure your device by setting up complex passwords and lock screen security features. Therefore, choose a PIN and draw a unique pattern to secure your phone from unauthorized users. If your smartphone supports fingerprint security, make good use of that barrier. It should be in your interest to protect vital files on your smartphone from being accessed by malicious people.
Backup your files automatically
As you configure tight security settings on your phone, ensure your system automatically backs up your important documents. Nothing is more disturbing than losing your files within the twinkle of an eye due to losing your smartphone. You can avoid regrets by leveraging Google’s Photos application to auto-backup your images; this app compresses your pictures with enhanced graphics. Google Drive offers users 15 GB for free storage of their files, and with this app, you can save copies of your files in different formats such as MP4, docx, Jpeg, png, and the like. If you want to increase your backup storage capacity, buy more gigabytes, and you are good to go. Preparing for worst-case scenarios starts with uploading your crucial files to the cloud. One missing document can affect you, so make sure you have a Plan B to recover your data if you lose your cellphones.
Wipe away redundant apps
Apps that are no longer essential to your life are worth uninstalling immediately. You don’t want to entertain the risks of keeping unwanted apps on your phone when your storage volume is limited. Android smartphones often have many preinstalled apps: Google Chrome browser, Gmail, and media players. While some pre-existing apps may prove useful, you can disable those that add no value to your life. For instance, why keep a podcast application on your phone if you are not into podcasting? Redundant apps only consume your space, slow down your computing power, and expose you to malware risks. Part ways with unnecessary applications and make better use of those freed-up megabytes. If stubborn factory-built apps don’t allow you to uninstall them, you can disable or hibernate them, so keep this in mind.
Make good use of digital well-being features
For Android users, bedtime mode helps you mute your device anytime. Features like Google’s Digital Well-Being Initiative can help you get the most out of your smart device. Finally, say goodbye to all-night texting and eye-straining. Enable dark themes when using bedtime mode and enjoy a stress-free smartphone.
Activate focus mode
Focus mode is another brilliant digital well-being feature that you can use to lessen distractions from your handset—silence notifications from noisy applications according to your defined timeframe. Frequent popping up of notifications can hinder your productivity at the workplace, so be smarter than your smartphone. Know when to take a break and when to scroll through and read messages. Your phone was built to improve your daily life, not to rob you of time to rest and recover for the next day’s task.
Use Google Assistant
Have you set up your Google OK? If yes, you have gone one step closer to harnessing the power of Google Assistant. Long-press your home button, go to Google Ok, and start giving your voice commands. This functionality is available to Android users running on Marshmallow or higher versions. Google Assistant only gets better at understanding natural languages, and you can integrate it with third-party services such as IFTTT. Automate your home, browse the web seamlessly, and read news conveniently with Google Assistant.
Simplify your contacts and media transfer
If you own multiple devices, transferring your contacts and media can become daunting when you don’t know the most convenient application to use. Find a reliable app to move your files and contacts from one phone to another without wasting time. Having your contacts synced across all your devices makes keeping in touch with people in your social circle easier. That said, Apple consumers will want to learn how to share an entire contact list on iPhone equipment. Unlike iOS systems which restrict users to Apple’s App Store, Android devices are pretty flexible. Most users will find the necessary file transfer apps they need on Playstore, so feel free to consider this. However, if you desire an app that’s not available on Google’s platform, you can always download it from other sources and install the APK.
It’s worth mentioning that some of the features above might not be accessible to you if you’re using an older phone (there are plenty of places to sell iPhone online or in-person these days if you need cash for an upgrade).
Try to use your phone’s search function
Every smart mobile device has an in-built search button to help users easily find particular apps and settings. However, a lot of users waste their time going through their phone menu when they can use the search function to quickly access their desired feature. You still probably waste more precious minutes trying to find your phone apps, contacts, and calendar entries. Instead of browsing through a tall list of items, directly type your search query and get quick results. If you use an iPhone, tapping into Spotlight Searching will ease your efforts to navigate your device, so feel free to consider this.
Overall, the average person spends at least 3 hours and 15 minutes daily on their phone exploring apps most of the time. Well, time is equal to money; every wasted second hampers your productivity. Think your smartphone is taking a huge toll on your daily life? Practice these hacks and get the most out of every minute on your phone.