These days we practically live with our phones glued to our hands, but the reality is that many people are missing out on a good portion of what they can do. Today's smartphones are veritable mini-computers : they can be used for work, study, health monitoring, travel, payments, games, taking stunning photos, and much more… but we tend to stick to the basics.
If you've ever said, "I can't do it right now because I'm not at my computer," chances are you're not truly taking advantage of your smartphone's potential . You can also learn how to connect your phone to your PC to work independently. In this practical and straightforward guide, you'll learn, step by step and without any jargon, how to configure, organize, and get the most out of your phone so it becomes your daily assistant instead of just a device for checking WhatsApp.
First steps: organize your mobile phone so it's not a mess
Before we get into advanced tricks, it's a good idea to tidy up your phone a bit. A well-organized set of icons, folders, and wallpaper makes all the difference when it comes to quickly finding what you need.
On Android and iOS, you can create folders by dragging one icon on top of another on the home screen. This is where it makes sense to group apps for work, studies, social media, productivity tools, banking, and so on. The idea is that, in a pinch, you have your most critical apps at hand without having to search through pages and pages.
It's also important to choose a suitable wallpaper. Avoid overly busy or brightly colored backgrounds , as these make it difficult to see icons and text. Opting for cleaner, more discreet backgrounds helps make everything more legible and easier on the eyes.
The next step is to remove unnecessary files. Don't hesitate to uninstall any apps you don't use , including many that come pre-installed by the manufacturer and can be removed or disabled. In addition, almost all phones include a cleaning app to delete temporary files, duplicate photos, and other accumulated junk.
A good habit is to also check apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. Configure them so that not all photos, videos, and audio are downloaded automatically , but only what you choose. This way, you'll avoid filling up your memory with memes you're not interested in.
Essential apps and tools you can't do without
Once the groundwork is cleared, it's time to decide what you want to have readily available. Your smartphone should cover work, daily tasks, and leisure , and for that you need a minimum set of well-chosen apps.
We receive documents from all over the world every day: email, messaging apps, links… That's why it's essential to have document readers and editors like PDF, Word, or Excel . Ideally, you should use apps that allow you not only to open them, but also to sign them, fill out forms, rearrange pages, or compress them for quick sending.
The most popular format right now is PDF, especially for contracts, invoices, medical forms, and official documents. Online tools like PDFGuru let you organize, split, sign, and edit PDFs without taking up extra space on your phone or having to install anything large.
Banking apps are also essential. Being able to pay bills, make transfers, or check transactions from your phone saves you from queues, travel, and hassle. The same goes for utility company apps (electricity, gas, water), which allow you to monitor consumption and bills.
Finally, it's almost essential to have your favorite social media and messaging apps well organized : they're not just for gossip, but also for sharing files, working remotely, managing projects, selling products, and providing customer service. SMS messages simply aren't enough for all of this.
Android tricks to customize the screen and interface
Modern Android phones offer a huge number of options to customize everything to your liking. Much of this customization is concentrated in the Display and Wallpaper section within the system settings.
One of the classic features is dark mode. When activated, most menus and many apps switch to black or dark backgrounds , which is easier on the eyes and, on OLED screens, helps save battery. If you want to go even further, see how to configure automatic dark mode . You can turn it on and off whenever you want or schedule it to activate automatically at night.
Another very interesting feature is the ability to adapt system colors to your wallpaper . Android analyzes your background and generates a color palette that it applies to buttons, menus, and even the icons of many apps if you enable "themed icons." The result is a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing interface.
From that same menu, you can adjust the home screen's app grid. Varying the number of rows and columns determines how many icons fit on the home screen , ideal for those who prefer a more compact layout or, conversely, large, spacious icons.
Finally, you have the option to change the size of the screen elements. You can increase or decrease the size of text, icons, and other controls from Settings > Display > Screen size and text, which is very useful if you have vision problems or a large screen.
Internal search engines and fast system navigation
One of the most time-saving features, and one that many people overlook, is the system's general search function . On many Android devices, simply swiping down on the home screen opens a search bar that searches apps, contacts, documents, settings, and more.
You also have a search function within the app drawer : as soon as you start typing an app's name, it appears immediately, which is great if you have dozens of apps installed. It saves you from scrolling through screens like it's an endless photo album.
In the Android Settings menu, there's another dedicated search function that's pure gold. Instead of wading through endless system menus , you can type "smart battery," "dark mode," "Smart Lock," or whatever, and you'll go straight to the option you're looking for, even if you don't know which section it's in.
Additionally, the gesture navigation bar lets you switch between apps by swiping the bottom line to the side . With a quick gesture, you can navigate between recently opened apps without returning to the home screen.
Language per app and one-handed accessibility
Starting with Android 13, you can do something very convenient: set each app to a different language . If, for example, you prefer to have the system in Spanish but a learning app in English, you can configure this in Settings > System > Languages > App languages.
On larger phones, another important aid is one-handed mode. This mode shrinks the interface and moves it to a lower corner so you can reach almost everything with your thumb without any acrobatics. It's usually activated in Settings > Accessibility > System controls > One-handed mode.
If you're not comfortable with touch gestures, Android still lets you revert to the classic three-button navigation system (Back, Home, and Recents). You can change this in Settings > Accessibility > System navigation by selecting "3-button navigation".
You can also increase the screen's touch sensitivity if you're using a thick tempered glass screen protector. By enabling the "Increase sensitivity" option in Settings > Display, you'll improve the panel's touch response.
Notifications: master them so your phone doesn't master you
A well-configured phone isn't the one that makes the most noise, but the one that only notifies you about what really matters . For this, Android has many specific options within Settings > Notifications.
With Android 13, when you open a newly installed app for the first time, the system asks if you want to allow it to show notifications . This is a great way to curb spam from the start. You can always change this later in the app menu.
In Settings > Notifications > App settings, you'll see a list of all your apps. From there, you can completely disable annoying notifications or fine-tune the type of alert you want (only important messages, no sound, etc.). Additionally, if you need to manage them from your computer as well, learn how to manage notifications from your PC.
There's also a notification history feature you can enable. If you often accidentally delete notifications or are late reading them , this feature shows you recent notifications even if they're no longer in the notification bar. You can activate it in Settings > Notifications > Notification history.
For specific conversations (WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS, etc.), Android lets you mark certain chats as priority. In the Conversations section of Notifications, you decide which contacts are "VIP," so their messages are highlighted or, conversely, relegated to the background without notifications.
Privacy on the lock screen and player control
The lock screen is one of the areas that attracts the most attention. That's why Android lets you hide sensitive notification content when your phone is locked. In Settings > Privacy > Lock screen notifications, you can choose to only show the app name and sender, but not the message text, or even disable notifications altogether.
If you find the persistent media player in the notification bar annoying, there's a solution. You can unpin the player by pressing and holding on it, then going to Settings to disable the "Pin media player" option. This will prevent it from remaining there when you're not listening to anything.
Another interesting option is silent notifications. Android places them in a separate section for less urgent matters. If you don't want to see these silent notifications at all , you can hide them in Settings > Notifications by enabling "Don't show silent notifications in the status bar."
Quick functions from the settings bar
Swiping two fingers down from the top of the screen reveals the quick settings. Here you can turn Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data, flashlight, airplane mode, and a host of other shortcuts on or off . The best part is that you can arrange them however you like.
Tapping the pencil icon (or a similar one, depending on the manufacturer) puts you into edit mode. From there, drag the shortcuts you use most often to the top and hide the ones you don't need. If you frequently use dark mode, the flashlight, or the screen recorder, place them in the first row.
Android 13 also includes a QR code scanner directly in the quick settings . This means you no longer need a separate app to read QR codes for menus, websites, or Wi-Fi networks: simply tap the QR icon, point your camera at it, and you're done.
These quick access options also often include "Home" or "Device Control," which allows you to manage smart bulbs, plugs, speakers, and other home automation devices connected to your Google account, without having to open the Home app.
Battery: how to stretch it as much as possible
We'd love for batteries to last like those in phones from 20 years ago, but with giant screens and resource-guzzling apps, we have to be more precise. Besides dark mode, Android includes several tools to improve battery life.
In Settings > Battery, you can enable the "battery percentage" to see the exact level next to the icon in the top bar—much more useful than a simple little picture. From there, you can also access "Smart features preferences."
The so-called "Smart Battery" feature analyzes your usage patterns to limit the power consumption of apps you rarely use . When activated, the system reduces background processes for these apps, extending battery life without you having to worry about anything.
If you travel or share Wi-Fi with many people, you can even limit your phone's download bandwidth. In Developer Options (which you activate by tapping repeatedly on Build Number), there's a "Network download rate limit" setting where you can cap the maximum speed your phone will use on a Wi-Fi network.
Smart Lock and smart unlocking on trusted sites
To save you from constantly entering your PIN or fingerprint, Android includes Smart Lock. This feature keeps your phone unlocked under certain trusted circumstances : when you're at home, when you have it with you, or when it's connected to a specific Bluetooth watch or device.
In Settings > Security > Advanced settings > Smart Lock you can choose between keeping the device unlocked while on the move, trusting a location (for example, your home) or nearby devices like your everyday smartwatch.
Another useful option for specific situations is pinning an app. Pinning apps locks an app in the foreground so that whoever uses your phone can't exit it without entering their PIN or pattern. It's activated in Settings > Security > Advanced settings > Pin apps, and then used from the recent apps view by tapping the app icon and selecting "Pin".
Privacy: location, camera, microphone, and data
Privacy is another key aspect. On Android, you can manage location access very granularly on a per-app basis . In Settings > Location > App location permissions, you choose whether each app can always access your location, only when in use, or never.
In addition, many apps allow you to use "Approximate Location" instead of precise location. Disabling precise location in apps that don't need to know your exact location (such as weather or news apps) will give you an extra layer of privacy.
In Settings > Privacy, you'll see two key toggles: "Camera access" and "Microphone access." If you turn these off, no app will be able to use them until you turn them back on . It's a quick way to ensure there's no unwanted eavesdropping or recording without getting bogged down in individual permissions.
You can also uncheck the "Personalize using app data" option. Doing so reduces the amount of information apps share with the system to personalize recommendations, helping to limit tracking and profiling.
Digital Wellbeing and Time Management
Mobile phones are addictive, we all know that. To help you control that usage, Android includes the Digital Wellbeing section , usually found in Settings.
On the main screen, you'll see how much time you've spent on your phone, how many times you've unlocked it, and how many notifications you've received throughout the day. From there, you can set usage limits for certain apps, silence notifications during specific times, or activate sleep modes to avoid being disturbed.
Complement this function with time management and reminder apps , which help you prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and control how much time you spend on social media, games, or streaming.
Widgets and data trackers on the home screen
Widgets are small, interactive panels that you can place on your home screen. When used effectively, they transform your phone into a powerful control center . For example, you can have widgets for your calendar, to-do list, weather, quick notes, or music player.
Another very useful type of widget is the mobile data usage tracker . If you travel a lot, are a content creator, or use a lot of data per month, these widgets show you how much you've used and which apps are consuming the most. This allows you to adjust your usage before running out of data or exceeding your plan.
When you go abroad and need to buy a SIM or eSIM, knowing how much data you usually use per day will help you choose the right plan and avoid surprises on your bill.
Camera and photos: shortcuts to not miss the moment
The camera is one of the star features of any mobile phone. Android and manufacturers add many tricks to make taking photos quick and easy, without having to search for the app.
On most devices, double-pressing the power button automatically opens the camera , even if the phone is locked. It's perfect for capturing a spontaneous photo.
You can also use your voice with Google Assistant: by saying “Hey Google, take a photo” or “take a selfie ,” your phone opens the camera and takes the picture after a short countdown. Ideal for group photos or when your hands are full.
If you want to look good in selfies, always use the front camera designed for portraits , as it usually enhances the foreground better and blurs the background more flatteringly.
In addition, in the Accessibility section, many mobile phones allow you to activate flash notifications , so that the flash blinks when a call or message comes in, which is very useful if you have your phone on silent, face down on the table.
Scan documents and share WiFi in seconds
For more "serious" tasks, your smartphone can also handle it. Almost all current camera apps include a document scanner mode . You take a picture of a piece of paper, and the phone corrects perspective, crops the edges, and improves contrast so it looks like it was scanned on a desktop scanner.
If for whatever reason your phone doesn't have that mode, you can use apps like CamScanner or other scanning solutions available for Android and iOS , which also allow you to generate PDFs, split pages, and share them directly via email or messaging.
Sharing your Wi-Fi password is no longer a hassle. From the settings of the network you're connected to, you can tap "Share" and display a QR code that any guest can scan with their camera to connect instantly. Many phones also offer the option to share via Nearby, sending the settings to another nearby Android device.
Screen recording and text and image extraction
Another very practical function is the ability to record what happens on the screen . From the quick settings bar, by tapping on “Record screen,” you can show someone how to do something on your phone, save a game , or capture a video that is playing.
Before you start, a small window usually appears where you choose whether to record with system sound, microphone audio, or both , and whether to show screen taps. When you're finished, the result is saved as a video in your gallery; if you want to adjust the audio, see how to record your screen with sound.
In the recent apps view (the cards of apps you've used), Android allows you to do something very interesting: select text or images without opening the app . By tapping "Select" or holding on some text, the system detects the content and lets you copy it, share it, or search for it directly on Google.
If a photo appears, you can hold your finger on it and Google Lens will activate, allowing you to copy, save, share, or even analyze it—all without opening the original app. It's a very useful trick for saving steps.
Gesture control, double tap, and power button
Many phones allow you to "wake" the screen with two taps when it's off. This lets you see the time and notifications without picking up the phone or pressing any physical buttons. If you have facial recognition, some models will even unlock the phone by detecting your face after these taps.
Another interesting gesture is pressing and holding the power button. Traditionally, this opened the power menu, but now you can configure it to launch Google Assistant . This can be changed in Settings > System > Gestures > Press and hold power button.
If you prefer the option to turn off and restart using that button, you can disable its use for the assistant and return to the classic behavior in that same menu.
Comfortable reading and mobile phone use in special conditions
When reading in the dark, even the lowest brightness setting on your phone can be uncomfortable. Android includes a setting called "extra dimmed" or ultra-low brightness that reduces the screen's brightness below the standard minimum. It's usually activated from the quick settings panel or from Settings > Accessibility > Vision enhancements.
For those who need to keep their phone on silent but still receive notifications, the aforementioned flash notification is a great help . Every time a call or message comes in, the rear flash blinks for a few seconds so you'll notice it even in noisy environments.
There's also a feature that uses face orientation detection for automatic screen rotation. Instead of rotating only when the phone is in landscape mode, it takes into account whether your face is facing you directly or sideways, so it doesn't force the screen to rotate when you're lying in bed.
Apps for travel, leisure and personal use
Your smartphone can also be your best travel companion. Map, transport, and hotel or flight booking apps let you organize a complete trip: find accommodation, buy tickets, check bus or train schedules, and order a taxi or ride-hailing service without raising your voice.
On a personal level, it's always useful to have health, fitness, and wellness apps that monitor daily steps, workouts, sleep, or even blood pressure with compatible accessories. This also includes e-readers, media players, and meditation apps.
For the more creative side, you can install more advanced photo and video editors than the ones that come pre-installed. With them, you can retouch images, create collages, prepare presentations for class or work, create videos for social media , or design more professional content for social networks.
Properly configured and with the right tools, your mobile phone transforms from a simple chat device into a true command center for your daily life : it helps you work, study, organize, navigate, communicate, sign documents, scan papers, monitor your health, and manage your time. All it takes is a little time to review settings, clean up unnecessary apps, install what you really need, and take advantage of all these features that, often, were there from day one without anyone ever explaining them to you.
