5 nearly hidden Android features you should already be using

I’ve been using Android since version 1.5, so it’s not often that a feature catches me off-guard. So you can imagine that when I do come across an unfamiliar Android feature, it’s an exciting moment.

For more casual (or newer) users of Google’s mobile operating system, there are probably several hidden gems waiting to be discovered within Android, and some of these can be very handy.

Also: Android 15 unveiled: Here are 8 exciting (or handy) features coming to your phone

I’ve curated five somewhat hidden Android features that I believe every user should at least know about — so when the time comes that you do need the feature, you’re ready for it.

Let’s dive into those features.

1. Share Wi-Fi via QR code

You may not give this feature a second thought, but allow me to set a scene for you. Say you’re having visitors for the holiday and you want to grant them access to your Wi-Fi network. Instead of making the password public (so anyone can use it), you could opt to share the Wi-Fi credentials via QR code. Not only does this simplify the process of adding another device to the network, it does so with a nod to security. 

How you do this is simple. Open Settings > Network & internet > Internet and tap the network you want to share. At the top of the resulting page, tap Share and verify it’s you via biometrics or password/PIN. A new page will open with a QR code for the selected Wi-Fi network. Then you can present the QR code to anyone for them to scan it with their phone, which automatically adds the network to their device. You could also screenshot the QR code, print it out, and make the printout available (so you don’t have to hand your phone around for people to scan).

2. Enable ‘Developer options’

Android’s “Developer options” menu isn’t just for developers. Anyone can enable this and gain access to a host of features, some of which are very handy. With Developer options enabled, you can configure the maximum number of Bluetooth devices allowed to connect to your phone, unlock your bootloader, enable automatic system updates, enable USB debugging, edit the graphics driver settings, force peak refresh rate, and much more. If you want power-user-level control over Android, Developer options should be enabled. 

To enable the feature, go to Settings > About Phone, scroll to the bottom of the page, and tap “Build number” seven times. Once you’ve done that, you’ll find Developer options in Settings > System. Tap that entry to reveal the new options.

3. Text translation

The holiday season means travel for some of us. If you’re traveling outside of your country, you might need a help translating text. Fortunately, Android is quite capable of translating text via the camera app. 

This is a very impressive feature. Let’s say you have a menu or some other bit of information you want translated. Unlock your Android phone and tap the Lens icon in the Search bar. Point your camera at what you want to be translated and tap the Translate button. Android will automatically translate the text and display it as an image (almost exactly how it’s laid out in the original document). You can then view the translated text, copy it to your computer, take a screenshot, or search for the translated text. You could use this feature for just about any situation where you need text translated automatically.

4. Use Extend Unlock

When I’m home, there’s no need for my phone to be locked because I’m not concerned a ne’er do well will grab my phone and steal my information. Maybe you live in a house with just your cat and you’re not worried that your fur friend will unlock your phone and fill your Amazon cart with treats.

In situations where physical threats to your phone are minimal, consider making phone access easier by enabling Extend Unlock (which used to be called Smart Lock) and adding your home as a Trusted Place. 

Also: The best Android phones you can buy: Expert tested

To do this, go to Settings > Security > More security & privacy > Extend Unlock. You’ll be prompted to verify that its you and then be presented with a description of Extend Unlock. On the resulting page, you can configure Extend Unlock for on-body detection, trusted places, or trusted devices. Tap “Trusted places” and — on the resulting page — add a new trusted place. Once you’ve done that, whenever you arrive at your trusted place, your phone will be unlocked automatically until you leave that location. 

Note that this can lead to security issues, especially if you have guests in your home. With that in mind, use this feature judiciously.

5. Set your medical information

Android allows you to store important medical information, such as name, height, weight, gender, blood type, date of birth, organ donor status, pregnancy status, medications, address, and medical notes. On the outside chance you ever need this feature, you’ll be glad you took advantage of it. 

To add your medical information, go to Settings > Safety & emergency > Medical information. On the resulting page, add whatever information you deem important. There are two caveats to this feature. First, emergency responders would have to know about the feature to use it. Second, those same responders would have to be able to unlock your phone to access it. 

To get around that, you can tap “Change setting” at the bottom and, on the resulting page, make the information available — even when your phone is locked — during an emergency call. To access it, you tap Emergency at the bottom of the dial pad (for the unlock screen) and then tap View Emergency Information. Even with these hurdles, it’s an important feature to have available, should the time arise that it’s needed.

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