Hidden Android features: tricks, codes, and secret settings to get the most out of your phone

Google has always been a company characterized by its inclusiveness. hidden details and little riddles in their products. From clues about the launch of new devices to hidden games and Easter eggs Scattered throughout its ecosystem, Android is no exception. Hidden behind the familiar menus are... hidden functions that can make a big difference in how you use your mobile phone on a daily basis.

Each version of the operating system incorporates new features designed for both basic and advanced users. Many of these are not immediately apparent or are initially intended for developers, but Anyone can take advantage of them if you know where to look for them. We're talking about tools to improve productivity, strengthen privacy, personalize the interface, better control notifications, or even use two apps at the same time without installing anything extra.

We often use our phones for years without taking full advantage of their features. It's common to keep using the same apps and settings, while ignoring powerful options already integrated into Android. Discovering these... hidden android features It will help you save time, write faster, share content more securely, or avoid distractions when you need to concentrate.

Before you begin, remember that many brands add custom layers to their phones, so Android options and menus may vary slightly. The steps are generally the same, but some sections may have different names or locations. If you can't find something, use the... Settings search engine writing a keyword (for example, “notifications”, “battery”, “security”, etc.).

Easter Eggs or Easter eggs in recent versions of Android

In each version of Google's operating system, they have been hiding hidden minigames and animations These are known as Easter eggs. Although many phones no longer use older versions, it's still very common to find devices running Android 9 and later. If your phone is one of those versions, it's worth taking a few minutes to discover these hidden features. hidden easter eggs:

Android 9 PieThis version has a kind of Hidden PaintSimilar to the classic Windows version. To access this function, you will need to go to:
1. Settings
2. System
3. Device Information
4. Android version (press several times until a pop-up window opens).
When you activate it, you'll see a screen with shapes and colors that you can... draw with your fingerChange the stroke thickness and experiment with the touch interface. It's not a professional drawing app, but it's a fun way to test the panel's responsiveness and have some fun.
Android 10: in some models with more advanced vibration systems you can also find hidden haptic feedback functions that make better use of these sensors. To access the main Easter Egg, do the following:
1. Settings
2. Device Information
3. Android version (click on it 10 times)
4. Next, double-tap the number “1” and move it to form a Q.
5. Next, tap the Android logo several times until the game appears.
This Easter Egg allows you to interact with the logo and explore a minimalist interface that combines graphic shapes with small vibration effects according to the model.
Android 11: the minigame Neko Cat It's an old favorite that returns in this version. The idea is to "attract" virtual kittens using water, food, and toys. To access this Easter egg, do the following:
1. Settings
2. Phone Information
3. Android version (press several times)
4. When the Android logo appears, you have to drag the white circle to the right to reach position 10.
5. Then return to the first position and remove your finger from the screen.
6. Return the control to position 11 and the logo of the new version will appear.
7. Then return to the phone's home screen and press and hold the power button to access the controls menu.
8. Tap the 3-dot icon that appears on the right side, approximately in the middle of the screen.
9. Select “Add controls”.
10. Tap on “View other apps”.
11. Select “Cat Controls”.
12. Select the three available options: Water bubbler, Food bowl and Toy.
13. Save the changes.
14. Return to the controls menu and tap each one to perform different actions. interact with the virtual cat.
The cats will appear in your notifications as if they were new "digital pets" and you can collect them as you interact with the controls.
Android 12In this version you will find a interactive clock With Material You design, which changes its appearance according to the wallpaper colors. To activate it:
1. Settings
2. Android version (tap 12 times without pausing)
3. The widget with the clock is now displayed on the screen, and its colors are based on your wallpaper.
Moving the hands to a specific time will unlock the Android 12 logo animation, consistent with the dynamic interface design and perfect for checking the smoothness of animations of the System.

Hidden feature codes on Android

More hidden Android features that you should know about, as they are very practical, are those that are activated from the You don't need to install anything: simply go to the dialer as if you were going to call a number and enter certain sequences. Many of these sequences grant access to advanced diagnostic menus, hardware tests, or internal device information.

To use them, open the Phone app, go to the dial pad and enter exactly Each string, including asterisks and pound signs. Some codes may not work on all models or may be disabled by the manufacturer or carrier. Use them with caution, especially those that modify device settings.

* # # 06: displays the number IMEI of your mobile.
## 4636 ## o * # * # * # * # 4636: sample usage statistics device information, network information, and battery details.
## 7594 ##: Turn off the device directly from the dialer.
27673855 #: Resets to factory settings (everything will be erased) and formats the storage. It's a code extremely delicateDon't use it if you're not sure.
* # # 7465625: check the SIM blocking and the network lock status.
* # # 9090: performs a device diagnostics at the system level.
##273282255663282##* o * # * # 273282 * 255 * 663282 * # * # *: create a Backup of certain files.
## 197328640 ## o * # * # * # * # 197328640: enter the test mode of the telephone.
# 0 #: access the service menu of the device (screen, sensors, etc.).
* # # 746: activates the mode depuration (debugging) of the system in some models.
* # # 0228: check the battery status and some electrical parameters.
* # # 7353: opens a menu of quick tests (audio, sensors, camera…).
* # # 301279: sample advanced information over the mobile network.
#3282727336*#: view statistics of mobile data usage.
* # * # * # * # 232339: performs the test WiFi connection.
* # * # * # * # 0842: test of vibration y screen brightness.
* # * # * # * # 2664: complete test of the touch screen.
* # * # * # * # 232331: test for the Bluetooth.
* # * # * # * # 1472365: rapid test of GPS.
* # * # * # * # 1575: complete test of GPS functionality.
* # * # 0 * # * # *: test for the LCD panel.
* # * # * # * # 0289: performs a audio test.
* # * # * # * # 34971539: shows detailed information about the mobile camera.

These codes are especially useful if you want check quickly If any physical component fails (speaker, microphone, sensors, touchscreen, etc.) or if you need specific data for technical support, remember not to share your IMEI or other sensitive information with strangers.

More apps to share

You've probably used the file or link sharing function many times through apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Gmail. When you do, Android displays a menu with several suggested apps, but the quick list is usually limitedThe good news is that you can pin your favorite apps so they always appear at the top.

If you would like to add an app with which to share content If it's not on that main menu, do the following:

Choose any type of file or link to share, and the on-screen sharing menu will open.
You'll see the menu with the icons of the pinned apps at the top and, below, a list with more available applications.
In the More Apps section, find the app you want to set as preferred. Press and hold its icon for a few seconds until a context menu appears.
Click on the option "Pin up" (or “Anchor”) and you’ll see that it appears among the main ones, so you can have it more readily available next time.

This little trick, combined with the other hidden features, allows you to build a fully customized sharing menu, tailored to the apps you actually use (for example, a task manager, a notes app, or a lesser-known cloud service).

Guest mode and additional users

Another of Android's hidden features is the Guest modeIt's not really hidden, but very few people use it, so it's often overlooked. With this mode, you can let someone else use your phone. clear limitations And without access to your personal data. It's ideal for children, family members, or friends to whom you occasionally lend your phone.

In guest mode No data or browsing history is saved nor apps installed by the other person. Furthermore, whoever uses the guest profile will also not be able to access your photos, messages, or private apps.

To enter this modeThe general steps are:

Settings
System
Advanced
Multiple users
Enable the option to allow multiple accounts on the mobile device.
Open the quick accounts menu (usually from the user icon in the quick settings bar or on the lock screen)
Click on the user profile
Choose Add Guest

You can also create many layers of customization additional permanent userswith its own app space, home screen, and settings. It's like having several phones in one, very useful if you share a device with someone else or want to completely separate personal and professional use.

Add subtitles with Live Captions

Google added the feature live captionsThis is one of Android's most practical hidden features for those who consume a lot of multimedia content. Thanks to it, you can add subtitles in real time automatically when you watch a video or listen to a podcast, even if the app doesn't have its own subtitles.

It helps if you have hearing problemsThis feature is useful if you're in an environment where you can't turn up the volume, or if you want to follow content in another language using the text. To activate it:

Play any video on your device, whether it's in an app, a browser, or on social media.
Press the volume down or up button.
Below the volume control you will see an icon of subtitles. Tap on it.
Activate Live Captions and you'll see a floating window appear with the text.

You can also configure it from Settings > Sound > Live Captionswhere you can change the language (if available), the style of the display, and other accessibility settings. Note that for now, this feature doesn't work on all models, but only on specific ranges such as Google Pixel and some series of Samsung Galaxy and other manufacturers that integrate this function.

Notification history

The next one on the list of hidden Android features is the notification historyWhen you receive notifications, you usually swipe or delete them without thinking. If you regret it later, you might not be able to see what they said. With this feature, Android keeps a record of everything that has arrived on your phone.

The history is very useful if you accidentally dismiss an important alert or if you want Review which apps interrupt you the most in your daily life. To access the notification history (available on Android 11 and later):

Settings
Notifications
Look for the entry “Notification History”
Activate it if it wasn't already active
From that moment on, every time notifications are generated you will be able to see them from this menu, even if you have deleted them from the main panel.

Combined with the options of priority of conversations And with the option to disable silent notifications, this history helps you better control which messages really deserve your attention.

Pause apps and control distractions

Another very useful Android feature when you want to focus on something important is the one that allows pause an appBy doing so, the app stops sending you notifications and its use is limited until you "reactivate" it. It's a perfect option for times when you're working, studying, or relaxing and don't want to be opening social media every two minutes.

The way to do it is simple:

Find the app you want to pause on your home screen or in the app drawer.
Press and hold on its icon until the context menu appears.
You will see a button appear that looks like a reloj de arena in the top area or in the menu. Tap on it.
Confirm that you want to pause the app. From then on, it will be temporarily "frozen".

On some mobile phones this function is integrated within Digital well-being or “Focus Mode,” where you can select multiple apps at once to block them during specific times (for example, Monday through Friday during working hours). Not all models include it exactly the same way, but the idea is always to help you reduce distractions with a single gesture.

Hidden game in Google Chrome

For fans of retro-style games and entertainment, one of the most well-known Easter eggs couldn't be missing. It's not part of the Android system itself, but it is in the web browser. Google Chromewhich comes pre-installed on most mobile phones. It is the T-Rex Game, a simple jumping and skill game starring a pixelated dinosaur.

To play this minigame when you don't have an internet connection:

Open Chrome.
Put your phone in airplane mode or disconnect it from the data network and WiFi, so that it does not have access to the Internet.
Try going to a website or doing a Google search.
You'll see a message like "No internet connection" appear, and above it, a tyrannosaurusTap on it to start the T-Rex Game.
The controls are very simple: tap the screen when you want it to jump to avoid obstacles. As you progress, the speed increases and the challenge becomes more difficult.

It's a fun way to make the most of downtime without an internet connection and yet another example of how Google integrates hidden little games in its most used applications.

Productivity features and shortcuts that are not very visible

Besides Easter eggs and hidden codes, Android includes a number of less visible features that can save a lot of time in everyday life. Many are designed to make everything more accessible and to prevent you from having to navigate through too many menus.

Internal search enginesAt the top of the app drawer, you usually have a search bar to quickly locate any installed app by typing its name. There's also a search bar in Settings which allows you to go directly to the option you need (for example, “dark mode”, “WiFi”, “smart battery”) without wasting time entering each section.
Pitcher shortcutsIf you press and hold the icon of many apps on the home screen, shortcuts appear to concrete actions (For example, a new note in a notes app, directly opening the front camera, or going to the captures folder in Google Photos). You can even drag these shortcuts to your home screen for quick access to the functions you use most often.
Personal dictionaryFrom Settings > System > Keyboard > Personal dictionary, you can create abbreviations that are automatically replaced by longer texts. Ideal for emails, addresses, or frequently asked questions.

All these features are integrated into Android without the need to install external tools and they allow you to adapt the mobile phone to your way of working.

Hidden privacy and security features

The latest versions of Android have significantly strengthened everything related to Privacy & SecurityAnd many of these options go unnoticed. Using them allows you to better control what your apps share and how information is displayed on screen.

Granular photo permissionsWhen you install an app that wants to access your images, Android lets you decide whether to grant it access. see all or only to those you manually select. This way, you can upload a specific image to an app without it seeing your entire gallery.
Precise or approximate locationIn Settings > Location > App location permissions, you can go into each app and disable the option. “Use precise location”This way, the app will know your city or approximate area, but not your exact address.
Complete camera and microphone blockingFrom Settings > Security and privacy > Privacy controls, you can use master switches to disable access to the camera and microphone for all apps at once. It's like you're "turning them off" completely until you turn those controls back on.
Security reviewIn the Security and Privacy section, you'll see a section where Android assesses whether you have key protections activated (screen lock, Play Protect, security updates, etc.) and tells you steps to strengthen weak points.
Extend unlock / trusted sitesFrom Security and privacy > More security and privacy > Extend unlock time you can indicate trusted places (for example, your home) or trusted devices (a watch or a car) where the mobile phone remains unlocked or is unlocked more conveniently.

By combining these options with guest mode, app pinning, and permission control, you can create a mobile phone much more private without giving up comfort.

Hidden features for customizing the interface

Android has always been characterized by offering a great capacity of visual customizationAnd many of those options are somewhat hidden in the settings. Taking advantage of them makes the device feel much more like your own.

Dark modeIn Settings > Display and touch settings > Dark theme you can activate an interface based on dark colorsThis feature can help save battery power (especially on OLED screens) and reduce eye strain in low-light environments. You can also schedule it to activate automatically at certain times.
Dynamic colors and Material YouIn Settings > Wallpaper and style, when you change your wallpaper, Android detects its color palette and adapts the system colors (menus, buttons, some icons) to make everything more visually consistent.
Thematic iconsIn that same section, it is possible to activate "Themed Icons" so that many apps adopt a uniform style adapted to the system's colors.
App gridThe "App grid" option within Wallpaper & Style > Home screen lets you choose how many rows and columns of icons you want, adjusting the size and number of visible apps on the desk.
Lock Screen CustomizationBy pressing and holding for a few seconds on an empty space on the lock screen, you can access the lock editor (depending on the version and manufacturer) to change the type of watch, shortcuts and other elements.
Backgrounds with emojisSeveral recent versions of Android include an “Emoji Workshop” for creating custom wallpapers combining emoticons and background colors.

In addition, many layers add extras such as screen fingerprint animationAdditional gestures or transition effects. All of this is part of those hidden features that, once you discover them, help the phone adapt much better to your preferences.

Hidden features for multitasking and advanced use

Android also includes several tools intended for those who want go one step further in productivity or in the simultaneous use of applications. Many of them are inspired by the world of computers and have been refined over time.

Split screenFrom the recent apps view (by swiping from the bottom to the center of the screen or using the recent apps button), you can tap the app icon and choose "Split screen" to position it. in the upper halfThen you select another app for the bottom half. It's perfect for, for example, watching a video while taking notes or having a chat open while browsing the browser.
Paired apps: in some versions of Android it is possible save combinations of two apps in split screen to launch them together whenever you want, which is very convenient if you always use the same pair (for example, email + calendar).
Text and images from the recent apps viewWhen you enter the carousel of open apps, in many layers you can select text directly from the preview or extract an image that appears in that thumbnail using Google Lens, without needing to open the app.
Anchoring (fixing) of applicationsFrom Settings > Security and privacy > More security and privacy > Pin apps, you can enable a feature that allows pin an app In the foreground. When you pin it from the recent apps view, the phone is "locked" to that app and you can only exit by entering your PIN or pattern. It's ideal for letting a child watch a video or play a game without them being able to leave.
Navigation by gestures or buttonsIn Settings > Accessibility > System controls you can choose between the classic three-button navigation or modern gesture navigation, selecting what you find most comfortable.
One hand modeFrom the same System Controls menu you can activate "One-handed mode", which lowers the interface to the bottom to make it easier to use on large mobile phones.

When you combine these tools with features like the screen recordingWith features like the ability to search by hovering over the screen or editing quick screenshots, Android becomes a very powerful platform for work and study from your mobile phone without needing to use a computer in many cases.

Hidden battery and performance features

Another category of hidden features that make a difference in daily use are those related to the battery and performanceAndroid incorporates several settings designed to make your phone last longer by preventing apps from consuming more resources than necessary.

Detailed battery usageIn Settings > Battery > Battery usage you can see how much screen time You've had power consumption since the last charge, and which apps are using the most energy. This information is key to detecting poorly optimized apps.
Battery saving and smart batteryFrom the same section, you can activate the saving mode and deploy the "Smart Battery" options, which analyzes your usage patterns to automatically limit the power consumption of the apps you use least.
Battery percentageAlso within the battery menu, you can decide whether or not to display the exact percentage in the status bar. Some people prefer to see it for finer control, while others hide it to reduce "anxiety" about consuming.
Application Archiving (in recent versions): Android allows you to "archive" apps you don't use much, freeing up much of the space they occupy but keeping the settings and personal dataWhen you reopen them, they download again and work as before.
WiFi bandwidth limitIn Developer Options (which you activate by tapping repeatedly on “Build number” in About phone) there is a setting called “Network download frequency limit” that allows cap the maximum download speed Use your mobile phone on a WiFi network to avoid overloading the network if you're downloading something large.

If you combine these features with good notification management and the use of dark mode, you can make your mobile phone... stay on for longer hours without giving up essential applications.

Hidden features for sharing connections and managing networks

Share internet Managing your Wi-Fi connection also holds some interesting tricks within Android. Several options are located in the network settings, but they aren't always fully explored.

Share WiFi with QR codeIn Settings > Network & Internet > Internet, if you tap the network you're connected to, you'll see a button "Share" which generates a QR code with all the network data. Another person simply has to scan that code with their mobile phone to connect without typing the password.
Nearby to share WiFiOn the same screen, many layers include an option to share network data via Additionalallowing access information to be sent securely to nearby devices.
QR code scannerFrom the quick settings (by pulling down the notification shade with two fingers) there is usually a shortcut called “QR Scanner” that opens the camera to read codes instantly, without external apps.

These features reduce the risk of errors when dictating long passwords and allow you to have a more comfortable control about who connects to your network.

Digital wellbeing and usage time control

Finally, one of the areas of Android with the most hidden features is... Digital well-beingUnder that name are grouped tools designed to make you aware of how you use your mobile phone and to enable you to reduce time that you pass on in certain apps if you deem it necessary.

Usage panelIn Settings > Digital Wellbeing and parental controls you will see a graph with the daily usage timehow many times you unlock your phone and how many notifications you receive.
app timersFrom this panel, you can set time limits for specific apps (for example, 30 minutes a day for a social network). When you reach the limit, Android blocks access until the next day.
Rest mode: allows you to define specific hours during which the mobile phone switches to silent mode or grayscale displayreducing stimuli before sleep.
Focus modeChoose "distracting" apps (social networks, games, etc.) and turn them off for a specific time period to focus on studying or working.

Along with app pausing, pinning a single app to the screen, and advanced notification management, these features make your Android a much more user-friendly tool. well-being and concentration.

Exploring Android's hidden features doesn't require being an expert or installing anything unusual: simply spend a few minutes delving into the settings and trying out each option. When you start using Guest Mode, launcher shortcuts, notification history, Live Captions, privacy controls, or advanced multitasking, your phone transforms from a simple messaging and social media device into a... versatile, secure and highly customizable tool that truly adapts to your way of using it.

The best secret Android tricks: shortcuts, privacy, and hidden features