6 hidden Android features that can make everyday use easier

I’ve used Android since 2009, so it’s rare that a feature still catches me off guard. When I do find something new, it feels like a small victory.

For more casual users, or people who are newer to Google’s mobile platform, there are probably plenty of useful features hiding in plain sight.

I’ve pulled together five lesser-known Android tools that I think every user should know about.

1. Share Wi-Fi with a QR code

This may not seem especially exciting at first, but it can be a huge help when guests need access to your network. Instead of giving out your password, you can share Wi-Fi credentials through a QR code. That makes it easier to connect another device while also keeping your network more secure.

To do it, open Settings > Network and Internet > Internet, then tap the network you want to share. On the next screen, select Share and confirm your identity with biometrics or your PIN/password.

A QR code will appear for that Wi-Fi network. The person you want to connect can scan it with their phone, and the device will join automatically. You can also take a screenshot, print it, and leave it out for others to scan without handing over your phone.

2. Turn on Developer options

Android’s Developer options menu is not just for programmers. Anyone can unlock it and gain access to a wide range of helpful settings.

Once enabled, you can change the maximum number of Bluetooth devices allowed, unlock the bootloader, allow automatic system updates, enable USB debugging, adjust graphics driver settings, force the peak refresh rate, and more. If you want deeper control over Android, this menu is worth enabling.

To turn it on, go to Settings > About Phone, scroll to the bottom, and tap Build number seven times. After that, Developer options will appear under Settings > System.

3. Translate text with your camera

If you’re traveling or need help understanding text in another language, Android can translate it through the camera app.

It works especially well for menus, signs, and other printed material. Open your Android phone, tap the Lens icon in the Search bar, aim the camera at the text, and select Translate.

Android will translate the text and show it in a way that closely matches the original layout. From there, you can view the translation, copy it, take a screenshot, or search within it. It is useful in many situations where you need quick translation.

There’s also the official Google Translate app, which can translate spoken language as well. If you travel to places where you do not speak the local language, it is especially valuable.

4. Use Extend Unlock

When I’m at home, I usually don’t feel the need to keep my phone locked all the time, especially if the risk of someone taking it is low.

In situations like that, you can make access easier by turning on Extend Unlock, formerly known as Smart Lock, and setting your home as a Trusted Place.

To set it up, go to Settings > Security & privacy > More security & privacy > Extend Unlock. After verifying your identity, you’ll see the feature’s options.

From there, you can use on-body detection, trusted places, or trusted devices. Choose Trusted places, add a location, and your phone will stay unlocked while you are there. It will lock again when you leave.

That said, this can create security risks, especially if other people are in your home. Use it carefully.

5. Add your medical information

Android lets you store important medical details such as your name, height, weight, gender, blood type, birth date, organ donor status, pregnancy status, medications, address, and medical notes. If you ever need it, you’ll be glad it’s there.

To enter this information, go to Settings > Safety & emergency > Medical information, then fill in the details you want to keep. There are two limitations: emergency responders must know the feature exists, and they may need to unlock your phone to view it.

To make it easier to access, tap Change setting at the bottom and allow the information to be visible during an emergency call, even when the phone is locked. From the lock screen, tap Emergency on the dial pad and then select View Emergency Information.

Despite those hurdles, it remains an important feature to set up in case it is ever needed.

6. Use the Gboard clipboard

The Gboard keyboard includes a powerful clipboard feature. When it is turned on, you can copy text and images, keep them for up to an hour, save and edit clips for later use, and pin items so they stay available.

You do need to enable the Gboard clipboard manually. If you do not, Android will keep using the standard built-in clipboard. I prefer the Gboard version because it offers much more flexibility. To switch it on, open the keyboard in any app, tap the clipboard icon, and turn the feature on.