25 Android Settings You Should Change to Get the Most Out of Your Phone

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Your Android phone is capable of far more than just surface-level calling, messaging, and internet browsing. The OS is simple enough for casual use, but it’s also remarkably deep, frequently besting iOS in debuting new features. If you want to use Google’s mobile OS like a pro, you just need to know where to find the advanced tools buried a layer or two deep. Our guide to Android shortcuts and pro tips will help you navigate these hidden tools like a champ. Since the OS is constantly evolving, we want to hear from you—share your favorite tips in the comments: You may see them in a future story update!

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1. Uninstall Apps You Don’t Need

Most Android phones come with a healthy helping of preinstalled apps. Many will be welcomed by nearly everyone—maps, email, browser, and so on—but there are undoubtedly some you don’t want or need. To remove or disable preinstalled apps, long-press the app icon, and then select App Info to open the management page. There, you can select Uninstall for removable apps or Disable to hide non-removable apps (such as the Google Chrome browser).

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2. Use Digital Wellbeing Features

It’s not the healthiest thing in the world to stay up all night texting and doomscrolling. You can effectively manage your time and boundaries by using Bedtime Mode to automate sleepy-friendly grayscale colors and Do Not Disturb to silence notifications at night. Likewise, Focus mode temporarily pauses distracting apps during the day, and Work Profile hides professional notifications and productivity apps when you’re off the clock.

If you need a quick break, some phones, including recent Motorola and Pixel handsets, turn on Do Not Disturb mode by simply placing them screen-down—a quick and easy way to get relief from disturbances.