Smartphone Features You Should Be Using Right Now

Ever feel like your phone could do more but you don’t know where to look? Most smartphones ship with dozens of hidden menus, shortcuts, and settings that can make your device faster, smarter, and more fun. In this guide we’ll walk through the most useful features, why they matter, and how to activate them in just a few taps.

Boost Performance with Hidden Settings

Android and iOS both hide performance tweaks behind developer options or secret codes. For Android, go to Settings > About Phone > Build Number and tap it seven times to unlock Developer Mode. Once there you can turn off animations, limit background processes, and force apps to stay in RAM. These changes can shave seconds off app launches and make scrolling feel smoother.

If you’re on iPhone, head to Settings > Accessibility > Motion and enable Reduce Motion. This stops the fancy parallax effects that drain CPU cycles. You’ll still get the same functionality, just with a cleaner, faster feel.

Save Battery with Little‑Known Hacks

Battery life often feels like a battle. One simple trick is to use the hidden Battery Saver mode on Android: pull down the quick settings, hold the Battery icon, and set it to auto‑activate at 20% or 15% charge. On iPhone, enable Low Power Mode in Settings or the Control Center, and the phone will automatically throttle background activity.

Another underrated feature is the dark mode. Most OLED screens use less power when showing black, so turn on dark mode in Settings > Display and watch the battery last a few extra hours.

Don’t forget about hidden USSD codes. Dial *#*#4636#*#* on Android to open the ‘Testing’ menu where you can see real‑time battery stats, screen‑on time, and more. It’s a quick way to spot apps that are silently guzzling power.

Impress Friends with Fun Tricks

Want to wow your buddies? Try turning your phone into a remote control for your TV or laptop. On Android, open Settings > Connected Devices > Cast and select your TV. iPhone users can use the built‑in AirPlay feature from the Control Center.

Google Assistant hides dozens of commands that most people never hear about. Say, “Hey Google, tell me a joke in French,” or “Hey Google, open a hidden calculator.” These Easter eggs add a playful layer to daily use.

Lastly, there are secret Android launchers like Nova, Lawnchair, and Hyperion that let you redesign home screens, add gestures, and create custom icons. Install one from the Play Store, set it as default, and you’ll have a phone that looks and feels totally yours.

All these smartphone features are free, built‑in, or just a quick download away. Spend a few minutes exploring them and you’ll notice a faster, longer‑lasting, and more personalized device. Happy tweaking!