20 Amazing Tips, Tricks & Hacks for Android and iPhone
Discover the top Android tips and iPhone hacks to supercharge your smartphone experience. Whether you’re a power user or just getting started, these actionable guides cover hidden features, customization shortcuts, advanced privacy, and much more!
How to Customize Your Android Home Screen Like a Pro
Take full control of your Android device’s home screen! Start by installing a custom launcher like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher. These give you access to advanced layouts, gestures, and icon packs.
- Use Widgets: Add weather, calendar, music, or custom widgets for instant access to information.
- Apply Icon Packs: Change the look of all your app icons for a totally revamped style.
- Set Up Gesture Controls: Launch apps, open notifications, or trigger search with simple swipes.
- Hide Unused Apps: Remove clutter by hiding or grouping apps in folders.
For a unique aesthetic, browse sites like Google Wallpapers for backgrounds, or use dynamic wallpaper apps.
Unlock Hidden iPhone Features with Back Tap
Did you know you can double-tap or triple-tap the back of your iPhone to enable shortcuts? This Back Tap feature (iOS 14+) lets you quickly access actions like taking screenshots, launching apps, or toggling settings.
- Go to Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Back Tap.
- Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap.
- Assign shortcuts like Camera, Control Center, or even custom Shortcuts!
Combine this with Apple Shortcuts for limitless possibilities.
Effortlessly Transfer Files Between Android and iPhone
Transferring files across Android and iPhone doesn't have to be complicated. Tools like SHAREit, Send Anywhere, or Snapdrop work over WiFi and don’t need internet!
- Install the app on both devices (from Google Play and App Store).
- Select the files you wish to send.
- Follow the on-screen connection instructions.
For one-off quick transfers, try Snapdrop in your browser on both devices.
Speed Up Your Android Phone Instantly
Does your Android seem sluggish? Try these proven tricks:
- Disable Animations: In Developer options, reduce window and transition animation scales to .5x.
- Clear Cache: Use Storage tools or an app like Files by Google to clean old app data.
- Uninstall Unused Apps: Remove bloatware and unnecessary updates.
- Restart Regularly: A fresh reboot resets system resources.
For deeper enhancements, consider a lightweight launcher or resetting device settings annually to eliminate software junk.
Boost iPhone Privacy with These Secret Settings
Apple’s privacy controls are powerful if you know where to look!
- Go to Settings → Privacy.
- Check Location Services for each app—set to "While Using" or "Never" where possible.
- Disable Significant Locations to stop precise tracking.
- Set App Tracking Transparency to Deny for all apps.
For more, review Apple’s privacy guide for advanced options.
Android Audio Hacks: Maximize Your Volume and Sound
Wish audio was louder on your Android phone? Try these tips:
- Check Volume Limiter: Some phones limit max output for safety. Look for “Volume Limiter” in Sound settings.
- Use Built-in Equalizer: Most devices let you increase bass or treble. Find in “Sound & Vibration” settings or use apps like Wavelet.
- Install a Music Booster App: Apps like VLC or Sound Amplifier can boost volume above system limits.
Use headphones designed for high volume if you still need more output!
Prolong Your iPhone Battery Life with Smart Charging
Keep your iPhone battery healthy by enabling Optimized Battery Charging:
- Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health.
- Toggle Optimized Battery Charging ON.
When your phone is on the charger overnight, iOS pauses charging at 80% and finishes closer to your wakeup time based on AI learning.
Bonus: Use Low Power Mode to squeeze out hours of extra use when needed!
Hide Photos and Files Privately on Any Android Device
Keep sensitive photos or files hidden using your Android's built-in features!
- Google Photos Locked Folder: Secure private photos so only you can access them (from Library → Utilities → Locked Folder).
- Secure Folders: Samsung users can use the Secure Folder app, protected with biometrics.
- Third-party File Hiders: Use apps like KeepSafe or File Hide Expert for all file types.
For extra safety, don’t sync private folders to the cloud!
Lock Down Your iPhone with Customizable Face ID
Take your iPhone security up a notch by customizing Face ID:
- Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode.
- Set up an alternate appearance for trusted family or for different looks (glasses, masks).
- Double-check which apps can use Face ID under Other Apps.
- Enable Require Attention for maximum security—your phone only unlocks when you look at it directly.
Always use a strong fallback passcode for protection.
Automation Magic: Use Android Routines to Save Time
Automate everyday tasks with Android routines! Apps like Tasker or Google Assistant Routines let you chain actions:
- Mute your phone automatically during meetings.
- Turn on WiFi when you get home or leave work.
- Send scheduled "I'm home" messages or reminders.
- Customize Do Not Disturb based on events or locations.
Take Pro-Level Photos with Your iPhone’s Camera
Unlock hidden camera features for stunning results!
- Use Burst Mode: Hold the shutter for rapid-fire photos (great for sports or pets).
- Edit with Depth: On iPhone XR/11+, adjust background blur in Portrait mode after the shot.
- Access Hidden Grid: Enable Grid in Settings → Camera for perfect composition.
- Shoot in RAW: iPhone 12 Pro+ can shoot ProRAW for advanced editing flexibility.
For best results, clean your lens, use AE/AF lock, and experiment with third-party apps like Halide or ProCamera.
How to Use Split Screen for True Multitasking on Android
Get more done by running two apps at once:
- Open the first app.
- Tap the Recent Apps button.
- Tap the app icon at the top of the preview, then tap Split screen.
- Select the second app from your app list.
Resize each app by dragging the divider. Not all apps support multitasking, but most system and major apps do!
Sleep Better: Use iPhone’s Night Shift and Wind Down Features
Reduce eye strain and get better sleep by enabling Night Shift (warmer colors at night) and Wind Down (disables distractions before bed).
- For Night Shift: Settings → Display & Brightness → Night Shift.
- For Wind Down: Settings → Health → Sleep → Wind Down.
Set your device to automatically shift display colors and mute notifications before bed for an improved night routine.
Unlock Android’s Hidden Developer Options for Advanced Tweaks
Enter the secret Developer Options menu for advanced control:
- Go to Settings → About phone → Tap ‘Build Number’ 7 times.
- Return to Settings, and you'll see Developer Options.
- Speed up your device by decreasing animation scale values.
- Enable USB debugging for custom recovery or ADB commands.
- Force apps into dark mode—great for battery and eyes!
Tip: Use with caution—changing the wrong option can cause instability.
Master iOS Shortcuts: Automate Everyday Tasks on Your iPhone
The Shortcuts app lets you automate actions and routines—no technical skills needed!
- Quickly create text templates for messages or emails.
- Convert photos to PDF with a single tap.
- Change phone settings like Bluetooth or WiFi with one shortcut.
- Trigger automation based on location, time or incoming messages.
Explore the Shortcuts Gallery for endless pre-made ideas.
Block Annoying Ads System-wide on Android
Say goodbye to pesky ads in apps and browsers:
- Install Private DNS: Go to Network & Internet → Advanced → Private DNS and enter “dns.adguard.com”.
- Use an Ad-blocking Browser: Brave or Firefox Focus have built-in ad blockers.
- Advanced Option: Non-root users can use AdGuard or Blokada (download from their websites, not Play Store, for full functionality).
Enjoy cleaner browsing and longer battery life!
Set Up Guided Access on iPhone for Focus or Kid Mode
Guided Access lets you lock a single app on screen—perfect for kids or undistracted focus.
- Go to Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access and enable it.
- Set a passcode.
- Open your chosen app, then triple-click the Side or Home button.
- Adjust which features are accessible (touch, motion, keyboard, etc.).
To end Guided Access, triple-click and enter your code. Great for lending your phone worry-free!
Boost WiFi Speed and Reliability on Android Devices
Slow or unstable WiFi? Here’s what you can do:
- Switch WiFi Frequencies: Use 5GHz for less interference (Settings → WiFi → Advanced).
- Forget and Reconnect: Old connection profiles can slow things down—try a fresh connection.
- Disable "WiFi+ Bluetooth Scanning": Saves battery and may reduce lag (Location menu).
- Reset Network Settings: Fixes persistent issues (Settings → System → Reset options).
Always keep your system and router firmware up-to-date!
Personalize iMessage with Effects and Secret Codes
Make your texts stand out on iPhone’s Messages app:
- Type keywords like “Happy Birthday” or “Congrats”, and watch secret animations appear.
- Press and hold the send button to add bubble effects (loud, gentle, invisible ink) or screen effects (fireworks, confetti, lasers).
- Customize Memoji stickers and pin important conversations to the top of Messages.
It’s a fun way to add personality and celebrate special moments!
Clone Apps on Android: Use Two Accounts with App Twin/Parallel Apps
Want to use two WhatsApp, Messenger, or Instagram accounts on one phone? Use the built-in App Twin (Huawei/Honor), Dual Apps (Xiaomi), Parallel Apps (OnePlus/Oppo), or try Parallel Space from the Play Store.
- Open Settings and search for “App Twin” or "Dual Apps”.
- Select which apps to duplicate.
- Access cloned apps from your home screen—they’re fully independent!
- For unsupported phones, use Parallel Space.
Great for work/personal separation, or managing multiple accounts.