Unlock your phone! 10 secret Android and iPhone tricks that will revolutionize your daily life

You probably use your smartphone to make calls, send messages, and browse social media. But beneath that surface, both Android and iPhone hide an arsenal of tools and shortcuts designed to make your life easier, more productive, and more secure. It's time to discover them!

Tired of wasting time on repetitive tasks? These tricks are for you.

1. Custom Predictive Texts (Keyboard Shortcuts):

• Android (Gboard): Go to Dictionary > Personal Dictionary. Add long phrases (your email, address, common answers) with a short shortcut (e.g., "@email" for "[email protected]").
• iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. Create similar shortcuts.
• Impact: You'll save precious seconds on every message or form.

2. Quick Access to Functions with Back Taps (Android 12+ and iPhone 8+):

• Android: Settings > System > Gestures > Quick Tap (may vary by manufacturer). Set up double or triple tap for screenshots, flashlight, opening an app, etc.
• iPhone: Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. Assign actions to two or three taps.
• Impact: Frequently performed actions instantly, without searching through menus.

3. Master Notifications with Channels (Android) and Scheduled Summaries (iPhone):

• Android: Long press on a notification > Settings. Turn off specific channels for an app (e.g., promotions from a shopping app, but still shipping alerts).
• iPhone: Settings > Notifications > Scheduled Summary. Group non-urgent notifications to receive at specific times.
• Impact: Fewer interruptions, more focus.

An orderly digital environment is key to efficiency.

4. App Libraries and Smart Folders:

• Android: Many launchers offer automatically categorized app drawers. Use folders on your home screen to group apps by function (work, networking, finance).
• iPhone: The App Library automatically organizes all your apps. Swipe to the bottom of the home screen to access it. You can hide entire home screens.
• Impact: Find what you need instantly, reduce visual clutter.

Your privacy is paramount. These settings are crucial.

5. Review App Permissions (Regularly!):

• Android: Settings > Privacy > Permissions Manager (or Security & Privacy > App Permissions). Check which apps have access to your location, microphone, camera, and contacts. Revoke any you don't need.
• iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security. Here you can view and adjust permissions by category (Location, Contacts, Microphone, etc.).
• Impact: Prevents apps from spying or using data they don't need.

6. “Find My Device” (Android) / “Find” (iPhone): Essential:

• Make sure it's activated. It allows you to remotely locate, lock, or erase your phone in case of loss or theft.
• Android: Settings > Security > Find My Device.
• iPhone: Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone. Impact: Your digital lifeline in case of loss.

"Knowing the little secrets of your smartphone isn't just for geeks; it's for anyone who values ​​their time and privacy."

A long-lasting battery is everyone's dream.

7. Extended Dark Mode:

• Not just on the system, but also on all apps that support it (WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, etc.). On OLED/AMOLED displays, it saves a ton of battery.
• Impact: More hours of use and less eye fatigue.

8. Identify “Vampire” Apps:

• Android: Settings > Battery > Battery Usage. See which apps consume the most battery.
• iPhone: Settings > Battery. Scroll to see usage by app.
• Action: Restrict background activity of the most greedy apps if you don't need their constant notifications.
• Impact: Significantly extends the duration of your charge.

Beyond social networks, there is a universe of apps.

9. “Digital Wellbeing” or “Screen Time” Apps:

• Both Android (Digital Wellbeing) and iPhone (Screen Time) have built-in tools to monitor your usage, set time limits for apps, and schedule Do Not Disturb or Sleep modes.
• Impact: Promotes more conscious and healthy use of your device.

10. Password Managers:

• Apps like Bitwarden (free and open source), 1Password, or Google/iCloud Keychain generate and store strong, unique passwords for each service.
• Impact: Dramatically improved online security without having to remember dozens of complex passwords.

Mastering these tricks and hidden features will transform your relationship with your smartphone. It will cease to be a source of distraction and become a powerful tool that works for you, saving you time, protecting your information, and improving your digital well-being. Explore, experiment, and customize!