10 Smartphone Features You Probably Didn’t Know About

Smartphones have become an important part of everyday life. People use them to make calls, send messages, take photos, browse the internet, work, study, watch videos and access countless apps.

But many smartphone users only use a fraction of what their devices can actually do.

Depending on the phone model and operating system, there may be useful features hidden in settings or overlooked because they are not used regularly. Discovering these features can make your smartphone more convenient, productive and easier to use.

Here are 10 smartphone features you may not know about.

1. Split-Screen Mode

Many Android smartphones allow users to display two compatible apps on the screen at the same time.

For example, you could browse a website while taking notes in another app, or read a message while checking information elsewhere.

The steps for activating split-screen mode vary between devices, and some apps may not support it.

If your phone supports the feature, it can be a convenient way to multitask without constantly switching between applications.

2. Screen Recording

Your smartphone may have a built-in screen-recording feature that allows you to record activity on your display.

This can be useful when creating a tutorial, demonstrating how to use an app or showing someone how to perform a particular task.

On many smartphones, the screen recorder can be accessed through the quick settings or control center.

Keep in mind that some apps may prevent certain content from being recorded for security or copyright reasons.

3. Emergency Information

Many modern smartphones provide options for storing emergency information.

Depending on your device, you may be able to add emergency contacts and certain important information that can be accessed from the lock screen or emergency interface.

This information can potentially help someone contact a person you trust if you are unable to do so yourself.

Because the available options differ between devices, check your phone's emergency or safety settings to see what is supported.

4. Find Your Lost Phone

Losing a smartphone can be stressful because it may contain personal photos, contacts, messages and access to important accounts.

Fortunately, modern smartphones generally offer built-in device-finding services.

Depending on the platform and settings, these services may allow you to locate your phone, make it play a sound, lock it remotely or erase its data if necessary.

It is important to set up the relevant feature before your phone gets lost.

5. Scan QR Codes With Your Camera

You may not need a separate application to scan QR codes.

Many modern smartphones can recognize QR codes directly through their built-in camera or camera-related features.

QR codes can provide links to websites, menus, forms, tickets and other digital information.

However, be careful when scanning unfamiliar QR codes. Check the website address before entering passwords, payment information or other sensitive details.

6. Turn Your Phone Into a Mobile Hotspot

Many smartphones can share their mobile internet connection with other devices through a feature called a mobile hotspot or personal hotspot.

This can be useful when you need to connect a laptop, tablet or another device to the internet but do not have access to Wi-Fi.

However, using a hotspot can consume mobile data and battery power quickly. If you use it regularly, keep an eye on your data usage and battery level.

7. Search Directly Inside Settings

Smartphone settings can contain a large number of options, and finding a particular feature manually can sometimes be frustrating.

Instead of opening every menu, use the search function within the Settings app when your phone provides one.

For example, searching for words such as “battery,” “notifications,” “permissions,” “screen recording” or “hotspot” can help you find relevant options more quickly.

This simple feature can save considerable time.

8. Use Voice Commands

Many smartphones include voice-assistant features that can help users perform certain tasks without typing.

Depending on your phone and settings, you may be able to use voice commands to make calls, send messages, set reminders, search for information, create appointments and perform other tasks.

Voice commands can be particularly useful when your hands are busy or when typing is inconvenient.

9. Share Your Location With Trusted Contacts

Smartphones and some messaging applications allow users to share their location with selected people.

This can be useful when meeting friends or family, coordinating a journey or allowing someone you trust to know where you are.

However, location information is sensitive. Only share it with people or services you trust, and remember to stop sharing when you no longer need the feature.

10. Customize Your Quick Settings

Many smartphones provide quick-access controls for frequently used features.

On Android devices, these are commonly found in the Quick Settings panel, while iPhones provide similar shortcuts through the Control Center.

Depending on the device, you may be able to customize these controls so that frequently used features are easier to access.

You might find shortcuts for functions such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data, flashlight, screen recording and other tools.

Customizing these shortcuts can save time because you do not always have to open the full Settings menu.

Conclusion

Smartphones can do much more than make calls, send messages and run social media applications.

Features such as split-screen mode, screen recording, device tracking, QR-code scanning, mobile hotspots and customizable shortcuts can make everyday smartphone use more convenient.

However, not every phone has exactly the same features. Options can vary depending on the manufacturer, phone model, operating system and software version.

That is why it is worth exploring your smartphone's settings from time to time. You may discover useful tools that have been available on your device all along.

The next time you feel that your smartphone cannot do something you need, check its settings first. You might be surprised by what you find.