Maybe
you just purchased your first Android device--or perhaps you've had it
for a while but you suspect you aren't getting the most out of it.
Either way, you're in luck: There is so much available in the way of
tweaks, apps, options, and configurations that can make your device more
powerful and useful. Here are 10 of my favorite tips to help you get
the maximum benefit from the Android platform.
1: Use Google
If
there's one thing you should know about Android, it's that it's tightly
integrated with Google. If you don't take advantage of that
integration, you'll be missing out. I'm not just talking about Google
Drive, Calendar, Mail, Photos, etc. I also mean search. Google Now
is one of the most tightly integrated tools you will find on Android.
If you're not using it to its fullest extent, you're getting only a
partial glimpse of what the platform can do. Set up the Google Now
hotword (Can you say, "Okay Google"?) and learn the ins and outs of that
powerful digital assistant.
2: Set up auto backup
Most
likely, you've associated your Android device with your Google account.
You're getting your email and using Google Docs. But all that
information on your device is just sitting there... waiting for the day
when you lose the device or you drop it and a car zooms by and crushes
it to a final, heart-wrenching death. Yes, the cost of replacing a
device that doesn't have insurance and is still in-contract can be a bit
much. But what of the data? If you want to avoid such drama, be sure to
visit the Backup & Reset section of your device and set it up.
Android can back up app data, Wi-Fi passwords, other Google server
settings, photos, contacts, and more.
3: Install Tasker
If there was ever an app that can transform your Android experience, it's Tasker.
This app will make your device about as automated as a mobile device
can be. Set up automated tasks based on time, location, events, and
more. It's rare that I can say you won't find a more powerful, usable
tool for a mobile platform--yet, here it is. Tasker isn't free, but the
$2.99 price of entry is well worth what this app brings to your device.
If you don't believe me, take a look at the 26K+ 5-star reviews. Tasker
is that good.
4: Install a third-party home screen launcher
Don't
get me wrong: The stock Android launcher is good. Problem is, few
devices actually come with the stock Android home screen launcher. If
you're not fond of how you interact with your home screen, install my
all time favorite, Nova Launcher.
This launcher offers a perfect combination of look, feel, and function.
With gesture support and a clean interface, Nova is the way to go. But
if Nova doesn't float your boat, there are plenty of other home screen
launchers to fit just about every taste.
5: Upgrade
If
you're running an outdated version of Android, make sure you regularly
check for upgrades. Currently, the most up-to-date version of Android is
5.1. The difference between this and previous versions is nothing short
of astounding. With each iteration, Android gets better and better. The
only downfall is that not every device is capable of upgrading to the
latest version. If you're running an Android smartphone or tablet with
an outdated release, and you're near contract end, it's time to upgrade
your phone. If you want to get the most out of Android, you need to stay
up to date.
6: Install a file manager
There
will be a time when you need to locate a local file (such as a
download). When this time comes, the best way to do this is to use a file manager.
Some devices (such older Samsung devices) include an app called My
Files. Although serviceable, it doesn't offer nearly the power as, say, Astro File Manager.
Most modern mobile file managers have plenty of bells and whistles
(such as SMB or Bluetooth plug-ins), but most often you simply need to
locate a file on your Android directory structure. When you do, you'll
be glad you've installed one.
7: Password protect your lockscreen
Although
this won't add a lot in the way of features or power, it will protect
your data. Set up a password, PIN, or pattern to lock your lockscreen so
that prying eyes can't easily get into your data. Period. This should
not be up for debate. Yes, it might make it inconvenient. Yes, you're
now one more step away from getting on Facebook or taking a selfie. But
your data will thank you in the end. Again: Not up for debate. If, when
at home or at work, having to enter your password constantly is an
annoyance, you can (if your device is running Lollipop) set up trusted locations. Then you won't have to enter your password/PIN/pattern when you are within 500 feet of a trusted location.
8: Set up two-step authentication
You
might spy a theme here... security. But your mobile data is vulnerable.
There's no reason to hand over the keys to the kingdom in the event
that your device is lost. Password protecting your home lockscreen will
help prevent people from gaining access to your device. Take that one
step further and keep them from gaining access to the account that helps
power your platform: Google. If you set up two-step authentication, the only way to get into your Google account is with your account password and a four-digit code randomly generated by the Google Authenticator app. Do this. Now.
9: Make use of the new Gmail
If you've upgraded to Lollipop, you better get used to the Gmail app because Google has shelved the stock Email tool.
That's okay. Gmail has come a long way and can handle just about
anything you throw at it (even Exchange). What's best, Gmail doesn't
relegate your email to a universal inbox. Instead, you can now easily
switch between accounts by swiping right (from the left edge of the
screen) to reveal the sidebar. Tap on your account image at the top of
the sidebar to switch between accounts.
10: Switch to Hangouts
You
spend a lot of time messaging back and forth. On Android, messaging can
be in the form of SMS, Google Hangouts, and more. Make your life easier
and install the Hangouts app to combine all your SMS and Google
Hangouts chats into one outstanding tool. Hangouts
isn't just a convenient way to receive two types of chats in one
location--it's actually superior to the default SMS app. Why Google
hasn't done away with the standard Messages apps, I'll never understand.
Share your tips
There
are many ways to enhance your Android experience. These tips should go a
long way toward helping you work more efficiently, securely, and
productively on your mobile device.
