Forgotten android features: Hidden gems you're likely overlooking; or you probably forget to use!

Lets portray, you're rushing through a busy day, juggling tasks on your Android phone when suddenly, you remember that one feature you heard about but never really explored. You know the one—it was supposed to make your life easier, but it somehow slipped through the cracks. Sound familiar? With each new Android version, we're greeted with a slew of innovative features, some of which become indispensable, while others quietly fade into obscurity. But then, there are those features that land somewhere in the middle. They're incredibly useful but often forgotten, buried under layers of menus and settings.

Let's take a moment to rediscover seven hidden Android features that might just change the way you use your phone every day.

1. Fast app-switching

Picture this: you're in the middle of composing an important email when you need to quickly reference another app. Instead of fumbling through your open apps, you could effortlessly flick your finger along the bottom of your screen, instantly snapping back to the last app you used. It's like having a magical "Alt-Tab" on your Android, introduced way back in 2016 with Android 7. This gesture-based feature is still around, just waiting to save you precious seconds throughout your day. All you have to do is swipe right at the bottom of your screen—so simple, yet so often overlooked.

2. App shortcuts

Remember the time you needed to quickly check a message thread or start a new document but got lost navigating through menus? Enter App Shortcuts—a hidden gem in your Android arsenal. By simply long-pressing an app icon on your home screen or in your app drawer, you can access direct links to specific functions within the app. Want to jump straight into a Google Docs search or instantly upload a file to Google Drive? It’s just a press away. And here’s the kicker: you can drag these shortcuts directly onto your home screen for even faster access. It’s like having a personal assistant right at your fingertips.

3. Live caption

Imagine you’re in a quiet place—maybe a library or a meeting—and you want to catch up on a podcast or video. You can’t exactly blast the audio, right? That’s where Live Caption comes in, a feature that made its debut with Android 10. This tool transcribes spoken words in real-time, allowing you to read what’s being said without making a sound. Just tap the button that appears under your volume controls when any media is playing, and voila—instant captions. It’s a game-changer, whether you’re hard of hearing or simply trying to keep the peace.

4. Share menu pinning

We’ve all been there—scrolling through a long list of sharing options, trying to find the one app we always use. With Android 11, Google brought back the ability to pin your favorite apps to the top of your share menu. It’s a small feature, but it can make a big difference in your daily routine. By holding down on an app in the share menu, you can pin it for quick access, ensuring it’s always just a tap away when you need it. It’s a little like organizing your desk, making sure your most-used tools are always within reach.

5. App pinning

Let’s say you’re handing your phone to a friend to show them a photo, but you don’t want them snooping through your other apps. App Pinning, a feature introduced in 2014 with Android 5, is here to help. By pinning the app you’re using, you can lock your phone to that screen, preventing anyone from accessing anything else without your permission. It’s like putting up an invisible shield around your personal information, giving you peace of mind when sharing your device.

6. Split screen

You’re trying to compare two documents or reference a website while writing an email. Instead of switching back and forth, why not use Android’s split-screen mode? This long-standing feature lets you view two apps side by side, making multitasking a breeze. Whether you’re using Chrome to view two tabs at once or Gmail to draft an email while keeping an eye on your inbox, split-screen mode can boost your productivity like never before. It’s like having a dual-monitor setup, right in the palm of your hand.

7. Guest mode

Finally, imagine you’re lending your phone to someone—a friend, a colleague, or even a curious child. You want to make sure your personal data stays private, right? Guest Mode is your answer. Available on most Android devices (sorry, Samsung users), this feature creates a temporary, clean slate on your phone. The guest user can only access the basics, with none of your personal apps or data in sight. Once they’re done, you can simply remove the guest profile, erasing everything they did and returning your phone to normal. It’s the ultimate form of privacy protection, ensuring your phone remains yours, even when it’s in someone else’s hands.

So there you have it—seven hidden Android features that are just waiting to make your life easier. Go ahead, give them a try, and see how they can transform your day-to-day smartphone experience. You might just wonder how you ever lived without them.