Smartphones Tips and Tricks
In this digital age, our smartphones have become indispensable companions, helping us navigate through the complexities of modern life. Whether you’re an avid tech enthusiast or just looking to make the most of your device, you’re in the right place. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your smartphone as we delve into a treasure trove of tips and tricks. From optimizing performance to discovering hidden features, this blog is your go-to resource for elevating your smartphone experience. Join us on this journey, and let’s unravel the secrets that will transform the way you interact with your pocket-sized powerhouse!
Smartphones aren’t just a phone these days. It’s also a camera, an e-reader, and even an alarm clock. But if you’re not using yours to its full potential, you’re missing out on some beneficial but straightforward smartphones tips and tricks that you should know about. Here are ten of them to get you started!
Find my Lost Phone
Keeping track of your phone can be a challenge, especially if you misplace it often. If your phone is lost or stolen, don’t panic; instead, use one of these apps to help find it. Multiple apps are available on all major platforms (Android, iPhone, and Blackberry). These apps will allow you to see where your phone is currently located on a map and remotely lock or wipe your device if it falls into someone else’s hands.
Find My Device is Google’s Android app that allows you to track down a lost or stolen phone is a great place to start. Launch it, then sign in using your Gmail account, and you can see exactly where your phone is on a map. Remotely lock or wipe your device with a single tap as well.
Use Gestures to Capture Pictures
Using gestures on your Smartphone can make taking pictures easier. When you hold up one finger in front of your phone, it’ll take a picture with just one touch. If you want to create a group shot, try holding up two fingers instead of one for a picture that includes everyone! If you need to switch focus from one object to another, tap where you want to focus.
Use gestures such as pinch, rotate, and swipe to zoom in. Using gestures is a great way to magnify things to better view details. If you pinch your fingers together on your phone while looking at an image, it will be larger. Rotate two fingers across your screen to see that image from all angles; if you need something closer, flick your fingers towards yourself. To zoom out, swipe away from yourself with one finger.
Set Mobile Data Limits
Did you know that setting limits on your mobile data use can save you a lot of money? By setting these limits, you’ll be able to avoid overages. If you’re worried about going over your plan’s data limit, consider using a Smartphone monitoring app like My Data Manager. For example, they provide an estimate of how much internet usage your phone uses per day and even give tips on how to reduce it.
Turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off to Save Battery
Your phone is constantly looking for nearby Wi-Fi networks, even when you aren’t connected to one. If you turn off your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, your phone will no longer be wasting battery looking for a signal. Turn them off in settings. On Android, go to Settings -> Wi-Fi; on iOS, tap Settings -> Wi-Fi -> Off. Swipe down from the top of your screen to turn it back on and select Wi-Fi or Bluetooth as appropriate.
Freeze Apps to Free More Space
Many smartphones are filled with useless apps that take up valuable storage space. Instead of constantly deleting apps, consider freezing them. This will lock your app, preventing you from using it until you unfreeze it, but at least it won’t be taking up any extra space in your phone or tablet. To do so, go to Settings > Application Manager > select an app > tap Freeze. Once frozen, you can remove an app permanently if desired by tapping Unfreeze after disabling it.
Set Up One Hand Mode
As smartphones continue to evolve in terms of size, their usability has become a focal point to accommodate users with varying preferences, whether they are right-handed or left-handed. The convenience of operating a phone with one hand has become a priority, and manufacturers have incorporated ingenious tricks to enhance this experience.
One common challenge users face is tapping apps on the home screen with a single hand, given the expansive size of modern smartphones. Fortunately, most smartphones now offer a solution in the form of a one-handed mode, designed to streamline interactions for users on the go. Activating this mode is a simple process that significantly improves the ease of handling your device.
To enable one-handed mode, access your smartphone’s settings menu and navigate to the Accessibility section. Depending on your device, you might need to explore submenus to find this option. Once in the Accessibility section, you should locate an option titled “One-Handed Mode.” This feature is tailored to optimize the user interface for single-handed operation, making it more accessible and user-friendly.
By activating one-handed mode, the interface of your smartphone is strategically adjusted, ensuring that you can effortlessly reach and interact with every element on the screen using just one hand. This not only enhances convenience but also minimizes the risk of accidental taps or drops when attempting to navigate your device with a single hand.
As smartphones continue to advance, the inclusion of features like one-handed mode demonstrates a commitment to user-friendly design, acknowledging the diverse needs and preferences of users. Embrace the flexibility provided by these tricks, and make your smartphone experience more comfortable and tailored to your individual habits.
Take a Photo While Recording a Video
Taking a photo while recording a video is quite simple. First, start by launching your camera app of choice. Some devices let you activate your front or rear camera with one tap, while others require that you open up your camera menu before tapping on a specific icon to switch cameras. Regardless of how you do it, make sure you’re in Camera Mode (not Video Mode) and then toggle over to Video Mode by pressing a button, sliding a slider, or swiping from left to right. Once you’ve switched over to Video Mode, tap once on your screen; doing so will take a photo at that exact moment without interrupting your video recording.
Use Three Fingers for Screenshots
If you’re holding your phone in one hand, then chances are you won’t be able to hit that power button without dropping it. Instead, use three fingers to take a screenshot. To do so, swipe down using three fingers on any page on your Smartphone. If done correctly, an image of your screen will appear in a notification bar at the top of your device. Remember that screenshots don’t save anything; they only capture what is on-screen at any given time so take care when taking screenshots with sensitive information on display.
Using Smart Assistant
An intelligent assistant is a smartphone or tablet feature that responds to voice commands. This feature can benefit those who have difficulty using touchscreens or keyboards. Press and hold your phone’s home button to use a smart assistant. If you’re using an Android phone, OK Google will automatically pop up on your screen. Open Siri by pressing home twice or holding down your lock button if you’re using an iPhone. You can use a smart assistant to call someone, look up a fact online, or turn off all of your lights in your house through a straightforward command.
The possibilities are endless. There is no limit to what you can do with these devices once they learn to recognize our voices. Once activated, say something like Call Michael at home, and voila, your favorite person will be dialing in no time.
Backup Photos Automatically
Smartphones have undoubtedly revolutionized the way we capture and store memories, but their limited storage space can pose a challenge. To overcome this hurdle, an effective strategy is to leverage the power of cloud-based solutions, such as Google Photos, for seamless photo backups. This ensures that you never run out of storage space on your device while preserving your cherished moments.
The process of automatically backing up your photos to your computer via Google Photos is a straightforward endeavor that requires just a few minutes of your time. Begin by signing in to your Google account on your smartphone, then navigate to Settings. From there, select “Backup & sync” and proceed to choose the option to back up photos (currently available for Android users).
The flexibility of this feature allows you to decide where you want to store these backups, offering convenience and customization to suit your preferences. By embracing this simple yet powerful technique, your smartphone’s memory will no longer be burdened by the accumulation of photos. Now, every new picture you capture will seamlessly and automatically be saved, ensuring that your device remains clutter-free, and you can continue to capture memories without worrying about storage limitations. Embrace the ease and efficiency of cloud-based photo backups and let your smartphone work for you.
In conclusion, with these essential smartphones tips and tricks you can unlock the full potential of your smartphone. While many individuals possess a smartphone, not everyone is acquainted with all the hidden features and shortcuts that can enhance their mobile experience. These smartphones trick and tricks will help you delve into these valuable insights to elevate your smartphone usage. Whether you’re a seasoned user or a novice, revisiting these hacks is always beneficial. By incorporating these intelligent smartphones tips and tricks, you’ll witness a significant improvement in the efficiency and enjoyment of your smartphone interactions. Feel free to contribute your own tips in the comments. We value the insights from our readers.
10 Tips For a Better Smartphone Experience