Android Tips and Tricks

Get free unlimited storage for all your photos & videos.

1. Open the Google Photos App and tap the ≡ menu in Google Photos
2. Tap “Settings.”
3. Select “Backup & sync.”

Turn on batter saver mode to help your battery last longer.

1. Open your device’s Settings app. Tap “Battery.”
2. Tap the menu with three dots at the top right of your screen, then tap “Battery saver.”
3. At the top of your screen, set the switch to ‘on’. The top and bottom of your screen will turn orange when battery saver is turned on.
4. To turn on battery saver automatically when your battery is low, tap “Turn on automatically” and select “at 5% battery” or “at 15% battery.”

Update your phone’s look with new wallpaper.

1. Tap and hold anywhere on your Home screen that is not occupied. A list of options will appear.
2. Tap a wallpaper source, such as “Live Wallpapers.” You can download additional wallpapers on Google Play.
3. To set a wallpaper, tap “Set wallpaper” or, for other images, drag the blue dots to determine the cropping and tap “OK.”

Set up voice search to use your phone hands-free.

1. Open the latest version of the Google app.
2. In the top left corner, tap Menu ≡, then “Settings,” then “Voice,” then “‘Ok Google’ detection.”
3. Make sure “From the Google app” and “Always on” are switched ‘on’.

Check today’s weather (and the five-day forecast) with Now cards in the Google app.

1. Open your device’s Settings app.
2. Tap “Search & Now,” then “Now cards.”
3. Turn “Show cards” on.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the setup.

Use Android Device Manager (ADM) to find the approximate location of your device and when it was last used.

1. Sign into the Android Device Manager website at www.google.com/android/devicemanager, and ensure your current mobile device is selected.
2. From here, you can see the approximate location of your device. You can also lock the phone, erase your data, or ring your device. Your phone will ring for up to five minutes even if it’s on silent.
3. To quickly find your phone in the future, you can always ask Google to “find my phone.”

Listen to free, curated online radio for everything from working out to working late.

1. Open the Google Play Music app.
2. Select what you’re doing or how you’re feeling and select the kind of music you want to hear.
3. Rock out or chill to the radio station that matches your mood.

Get a notification when it’s time to leave for work, using real-time traffic and transit info.

1. Travel updates are automatic with Now cards. To turn on Now cards, open the Google app and tap “Now card.”
2. Turn “Show cards” on and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the setup.

Get notifications when your packages are sent and delivered.

1. Google automatically pulls tracking info from Gmail. To turn on Now cards, open the Google app and tap “Now card.”
2. Turn “Show cards” on and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the setup.

Access your photos, presentations or PDFs on the go with the Google Drive app.

1. Open the Google Drive app and search for the files you need.
2. You can also easily create new files or edit and share existing ones.
3. New or old, all are safely stored in Drive and available on any other device with the Drive app.

Create a shared calendar with your friends.

1. Click “Create new calendar” under the “My Calendars” tab.
2. Set up your Calendar to fit your needs (name, description, time zone, etc.).
3. Share your calendar with your friends to start coordinating hangouts.

Cast your Android phone or tablet screen to the TV, so you can see your favorite apps, photos or anything else, exactly as you see it on your mobile device—only bigger.

1. Before you cast, ensure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Cast device and that you have the latest verision of the Google Cast app.
2. Open the Google Cast app. Select “Cast Screen” from the menu and tap “Cast Screen.”
   

Watch your movies and shows on your phone or tablet. No Internet required.

1. Ensure you have the Google Play Movies & TV app on your device, then open it.
2. In the Google Play Movies & TV app, open “My Library.”
3. Tap the download icon next to your shows and movies (you need Internet for this part) and they’ll be ready to watch next time you’re offline.

Upload up to 50,000 songs and play them from your devices with Google Play Music.

1. Upload your songs (up to 50,000 of them) to Google Play Music for Chrome or Music Manager.
2. Once you’ve added your music, you can listen to songs through the Google Play Music app on your device.