Avoid task killers
It is best to avoid task killers such as Advanced Task Killer. Android is designed to automatically pre-load certain applications, even if you don't load them yourself. If it starts to run low on memory, it will smartly unload the oldest running apps automatically.
Manually killing tasks will only mean they get loaded in memory again. Task killers can make the phone slow, laggy, or drain battery life more quickly.
Bookmark a contact on your homescreen
To bookmark a contact on your homescreen, long press on the home screen background and select Shortcuts. Then select Direct dial.
If you call someone regularly this can be useful as you will have a shortcut to them handily placed on your homescreen
Bookmark a web page on your homescreen
To bookmark a website on your homescreen, go into your browser and find the bookmark of the page you want to create a shortcut for.
Then long press on the bookmark and select Add Shortcut to Home.
If you regularly visit certain websites, this can be handy as you will have a shortcut to the site on your homescreen.
Create folders to tidy your Apps
If you find yourself with too many Apps on the homescreen, then you can create folders to organise them.
To start, simply press and hold on an App and drag it over the top of another App. The App should change colour/shape. Then release your finger and the two Apps will be combined into a folder.
You can then drag more Apps into this folder using the same process.
To give your folder a label, simply long press on the folder and you will be able to enter a name.
Double tap for a full stop (period)
While typing emails or notes, you can simply tap the space key twice and the phone will insert a full stop / period
Install new keyboard to improve accuracy
The standard Android keyboard is good, but not great. There are many third party keyboards available which will improve your typing speed and accuracy.
Go to the Android Market and search for 'Keyboard' to see some great alternatives, many of which are more accurate and make typing much easier.
A good one is GoKeyboard.
If you see a warning saying the keyboard will collect all information (including credit cards) just ignore this. This is just a security feature that Android shows for every third-party keyboard that you install.
Accents and special characters
If you want to type non-English letters (eg those with an accent), long-press on the relevant letter. A list of options will appear for you to select.
Access the scientific calculator
To access the scientific calculator, rotate the phone to landscape mode.
The calculator will change to a scientific one
Add email or phone number from text
To add an email or phone number to your contacts from a text message, you can long-press on the email / phone number. Then select Add to contacts
Add widget to the homescreen
To add a widget, go to the homescreen and press the Apps icon (the circle with 6 dots). Then you will see a list of your Apps with the word Apps and Widgets at the top. Press Widgets, then you will be presented with a list of available widgets.
To add a widget, press and hold on it and then position it where you want
Android Easter egg
There is an Easter egg hidden in the Android operating system. To see it, go to your Homescreen, then press Menu - Settings - About phone.
Then tap on the Android version option 5 times and you will get a surprise.
Sometimes it doesn't work, so try a couple of times. By the way don't expect to see an actual Easter Egg. That is just the name given to things hidden inside software or operating systems.
Auto focus the camera
When taking photos or videos, tap the screen where you want to focus on. The phone will automatically adjust the settings to improve the image or video
Bring up more predicted words
If you have word prediction enabled while you are typing, you can long press the middle word that is suggested. This will bring up a menu allowing you to select various other suggested words.
Browse websites in full-screen mode
If you want to browse in full screen mode, without the URL bar at the top of the browser, then you can enable this..
Open the standard browser and press Menu - Settings - Labs. Then put a check mark under Full Screen .
To get access to the browser options (that are now invisible), there is now a neat hidden menu. Slide your finger in from the left or right of the screen. A circular menu will appear with various options.
Capture a still shot while recording video
To capture a still shot while recording a video, simply tap the screen while you are recording.
This will save a still image.
Change keyboards
To change keyboards (if you have additional keyboards installed), you can switch between them by pressing the small keyboard symbol in the top left of your screen. You will need to be in keyboard input mode (i.e. typing something) for this to work.
Note: you need to have more than one keyboard installed for this to work
Change quick response texts
The phone has the ability to send quick response text messages if your phone is ringing but you can't answer it.
To change these, go to your Dialer App - Settings - Quick responses. You can only have 4 of them and you may need to edit existing ones.
Change the backlight screen timeout
To change the backlight screen timeout, go to Settings - Display - Screen. Then choose the screen time out duration.
You can also tell the phone screen to always stay lit when it is plugged in via USB. Go to Settings - Developer Options. Then check Stay Awake.
Change the screen brightness
To change the screen brightness, start from the Homescreen and press Menu - Settings - Display - Brightness.
Then choose the desired brightness setting. You can also select Automatic brightness to let the phone decide for you.
If you have auto-brightness enabled, you can also press, hold and slide the top notification bar left and right. The brightness will increase and decrease accordingly.
Check phone status and battery usage
To find out information about Signal Strength, Network Information, Remaining Battery Time and Battery Usage (by Application), go to your Homescreen - Menu - Settings - About Phone.
Check the firmware version
To check your firmware version, start from the Homescreen and press Menu - Settings - About Phone- software version
This should list your Android version, Build number and Model Number.
Copy files between your phone and PC using WiFi
To copy files between your phone and PC, go to the Android Play Market and download an app called AirDroid.
This is an extremely useful App that connects your phone to your PC wirelessly, allowing you to move files and many, many other things.
Copying iTunes songs to Android
If you have decided to ditch your iPhone in favour of Android, then there is a simple way to take your iTunes music, playlists and album art with you.
Simply go the Android Marketplace and download a Free App called Easy Phone Tunes. You will also need the computer version of the software, so go to http://easyphonetunes.com and download it from there.
Then, when that is done, turn your phone into a USB storage device (this will vary from device to device, but instructions are on the website).
Once your phone is connected to your computer, open the computer version of the software and select your device from the Easy Phone Tunes list. Then follow the instructions to Sync your media
Create folders in your Quick Launch bar
If you have used up all of your Quick Launch spaces, then there is a trick.
Once it is full, press and drag an App from the homescreen and move it over the top of an App in the Quick Launch area. Then release your finger. This will create a folder containing the original App plus the new one. This is a great way to have access to regularly used App
Create shortcut to websites on your home screen
To create a shortcut to a website on your homescreen, go to your browser bookmarks.
Then long press on a site and select Add shortcut to Home
Customise your favourites tray
At the bottom of each homescreen is your favourites tray, which consists of 5 icons. You can customise it by adding icons to the tray. If it's full however, you will first need to remove some.
To remove an icon, simply press and hold an icon. Then drag it to your desktop.
Then to add a new one, simply drag an icon from your homescreen to the favourites tray.
Enable / disable vibrate / haptic feedback when you type
To disable / enable vibrate (also called haptic feedback) when you type or press the screen, go to Settings - Language & input - Settings.
Then uncheck Vibrate on keypress.
Enable sideload of Apps
If you want to install Apps outside of the Android Market (called sideloading), then go to Settings - Security - Unknown sources.
Note: use at your own risk.
Help, I have forgotten my unlock pattern
If you have forgotten your custom unlock pattern, then don't panic.
After 5 unsuccessful tries a button should appear saying 'Forgot pattern'. Press this and you will be asked to enter your Gmail username/password.
The phone will then ask for a new unlock pattern. If you don't have a Gmail account, then you might have to either call your carrier or factory reset your phone.
Hide folders or files
If you want to hide folders or files from being index or displayed, simple put a . (full stop / period) before the file or folder name.
Make volume / music louder
WARNING: Making your volume or music louder can damage your hearing.
Most phones have their volumes limited by local laws to protect our hearing. There is a way to boost your volume however. Go to the Android Market and download an App called Volume+ (Sound Boost). There is also a free version called Volume+ Free.
You will need to root your phone for this App to work.
Make your phone run faster
Here are the top 5 tips to make your phone run faster:
1) Use only essential widgets on your homescreen - each widget consumes memory and processing power which can slow your down your phone.
2) Uninstall apps that you don't use - after awhile your phone can get cluttered as some Apps are designed to always run in the background. If you rarely use an App, then uninstall it to free up memory and CPU resource.
3) Install Apps to your phone memory - if you have an SDCard, always install Apps to the phone memory, which can be accessed faster. If you have Apps on the SDCard, then move them back to the phone memory with an App called Move2SD available from the Play Market.
4) Use Static rather than Live wallpapers - Live wallpapers consume processing power and memory. Unless you really must have them, uninstall them.
5) Kill tasks occasionally - Some Apps will run in the background indefinitely unless you kill them. Most of them won't cause a problem, but it pays to check your running tasks from time to time. Hold down your Home key and check the Task Manager.
One last thing: Don't use Task Killers. Android manages tasks very well and Task Killers just make your phone unstable and can slow it down further
note this guide is mainy to help the people who didnt recieved a manual instructions booklet along with their phone like my country(INDIA)
SUPPORT THE SOFTWARE DEVELOPER'S IF YOU LIKE THE GAME / APP BUY IT
Wow thanks! Im gonna uninstall my task killer now.
Good job! Some of this are well known but many aren't so it should be sticky subject for all who are coming into Android from wherever hey are coming.
The taskkiller part should be put in red
Another one: manage your contacts in gmail. It is bscked up accesible from anywhere and so convenient. Much easier to edit from the computer after all.
Sent from my GT-I9100T using XDA
Awesome thread op. Thank you very much!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
The calculator one only applies to the HTC calculator. In the AOSP on you swipe to the right to access advanced functions.
Sent from my HTC Wildfire using xda premium
nejc121 said:
The calculator one only applies to the HTC calculator. In the AOSP on you swipe to the right to access advanced functions.
Sent from my HTC Wildfire using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i have htc one v soo made a compilation of what has been known to me and what is facts
if anyone with new tips pls post here soo tht i can add to the op to help others
and also a request pls statehow to take screen shots on your device's because it's different on each device
dont just say thanks hit thanks if i helped
a true lfc supporter
and a former symbian lover
sent from my awesome HTC One V running rc 2.0 by CKPV5 -using xda premium
SUPPORT THE SOFTWARE DEVELOPER'S IF YOU LIKE THE GAME / APP BUY IT
Thanks paarthdesai. Did not know about the 'double spacebar to get a period'.
Another software to connect to computer is 'Software Data Cable'.
---------- Post added at 12:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:11 PM ----------
Is there a way to save the dictionary on the sdcard and restore after full wipe/flashing custom rom?
the guide which I look for..sometimes I tend to forget small things and this guide could recall back
paarthdesai said:
yes i have htc one v soo made a compilation of what has been known to me and what is facts
if anyone with new tips pls post here soo tht i can add to the op to help others
and also a request pls statehow to take screen shots on your device's because it's different on each device
dont just say thanks hit thanks if i helped
a true lfc supporter
and a former symbian lover
sent from my awesome HTC One V running rc 2.0 by CKPV5 -using xda premium
SUPPORT THE SOFTWARE DEVELOPER'S IF YOU LIKE THE GAME / APP BUY IT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock ICS screenshot is Vol- and power.
I think some HTC phones have home and power
Sent from my Ainol Novo7 Elf using xda premium
k1p2n3g4 said:
Thanks paarthdesai. Did not know about the 'double spacebar to get a period'.
Another software to connect to computer is 'Software Data Cable'.
---------- Post added at 12:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:11 PM ----------
Is there a way to save the dictionary on the sdcard and restore after full wipe/flashing custom rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
backup the dictionary app via titanium backup app+ data
that should work
dont just say thanks hit thanks if i helped
a true lfc supporter
and a former symbian lover
sent from my awesome HTC One V running rc 2.0 by CKPV5 -using xda premium
SUPPORT THE SOFTWARE DEVELOPER'S IF YOU LIKE THE GAME / APP BUY IT
Very nice tips. Add one more, use Greenify App which silently hibernate your apps. It can save much battery and memory. A must have app.
Thanks
Handy tips
Thanks for the handy tips. Didn't know you could double tap for a full stop.
Should also include a homescreen icon for some websites. =]
Thanks! That task killer thing is really interesting!
* How to remove navbar
Youtube link (Korean language): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOa3uX4CY2s
1. Rooted device
2. Install Root Browser : Play Store
3. Install Handy Soft Keys : Play Store
4. Open Root Browser
5. system folder -> build.prop file click -> edit
6. type "qemu.hw.mainkeys=1" on the bottom without " "
7. Go Android setting -> Accessibility -> Handy Soft Keys -> On
8. Reboot system
* My Gesture Shortcut Launcher
Youtube link (Korean language): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc45IdaWvDs
1. Root is not required
2. Download My Gesture Shortcut Launcher : Play store
You just stroke a phone with your own gesture mark and the phone will remember where to take you.
Your favorite apps, internet pages, contact numbers by calling or texting people or even your phone settings !!!
- Facebook? Just write 'f'.
- Calling to someone? just add your gesture to call
that person or to text other person.
- WI-FI On Off? Let’s make ‘W’ for this.
How to use is really simple:
1. Select a category from [Internet / Application / Contact / Phone Setting ]
2. Select an item from the list
3. Create a gesture for the item
4. Turn on My Gesture (The icon will stay on the top layer when turned on)
5. Click on the icon
6. Draw a gesture
7. The desired app/internet/calling/texting/settings will be available instantaneously!!!
AllLock - the universal locker app to lock everything in your smart phone
The best all-in-one locker app available on Play Store and compatible with all Android version(4+) till date.
With AllLock, you can :
★ lock any apps(Whatsapp, Facebook, Gallery etc. including Games as well)
★ lock any media(Photos, Videos, Audios)
★ lock incoming phone calls(all or calls from selected numbers)
★ lock your system(Settings, install/uninstall and more)
★ logs the activity after entering the wrong password more than 3 times
★ unlock your data by scanning your fingerprint(only for devices with fingerprint scanner)
☞ Unlike other locker and valut apps which only hide your photos/videos that can be easily seen by any file explorer or by connecting phone to PC, AllLock encrypts your private data to make sure that nobody can access it without unlocking it.
With AllLock, you need not to worry when someone took your phone and he/she may accept/reject your important phone calls, or they start browsing your private photos.
Now you can share your phone with your kids without worring about any system setting changed or some message send to unknown number accendiently.
Features
• Lock any apps using pin
• Lock any media(photo, video, audio)
• Lock system settings
• Detects and logs intruder activity
• Custemize lock screen theme
• Hide AllLock icon from launcher
• Lock screen auto-unlock policy
• Lock incoming calls(selected or all)
• Lock installation/uninstallation of apps
• Minimal use of resources(RAM and battery)
• And Lots of More features
• Easy-to-use app with Material design
■ FAQ
1) Why it requires accessibility service?
A) On Android 5+ devices, accessibility services are required to detect and lock apps. Without it, AllLock may not work properly.
This service is not required for older Android version.
2) What can I lock with AllLock?
A- You can lock everything in your phone like apps, medias, settings, phone calls etc.
3) Can I also lock system apps?
A- Yes, you can lock all system or user installed apps.
4) How to change pin?
A- Open AllLock, Settings, Change pin.
5) Why to enable admin rights?
A- You can enable admin rights so that nobody can force-stop or uninstall AllLock without your permission.
6) How to open AllLock after hiding launcher icon?
A- Try any of the below options:
- Open AllLock from notification bar.
- Goto settings, App, AllLock, Manage Space.
7) How to change pin?
A- Open AllLock, Settings, Change pin
8) How to open AllLock if I forget my pin?
A- On AllLock pin screen click forget, answer your question to change pin.
9) How to set password recovery details?
A- Open ALlLock, Settings, Password recovery
10) How to check if someone tried to access my phone?
A- Open AllLock, Settings, Show logs.
11) Is this app compatible with my phone?
A- This app works on all devices running on Android 4+.
■ Permissions usage explanation
• GET_TASKS - To get running app details. This permission is required only for Android running on Kitkat or below.
• RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED - To auto start app on device boot. This permission is required only for Android running on Kitkat or below.
• READ_PHONE_STATE - To check for incoming calls and block them, if enabled.
• SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW - To block system resources for blocked incoming calls.
• REORDER_TASKS - To bring AllLock app on top when a locked app is launched.
• WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE - To lock media items(photos, videos, audios).
• INTERNET and ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE - To send crash reports to me.
• READ_CONTACTS - To get contact list to block incoming calls.
Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gagan.applocker
To report any bug/suggestion or want to help me in translation/app design then you can:
Use Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/646454415368000/
Email id: [email protected]
Chgangelog:
04-01-16
* Bug fixes and enhancements
31-12-15
* Initial release
* Fixed crash while locking apps.
Play store link attached
To Whom It May Concerns !
I would like to introduce OneTouch Launcher for Android, a cool tool for Android devices (running Android 4.0 - API 15 and up)
How many moves/gestures do you often make to adjust volumes or start an app ? With OneTouch Launcher you will need just one touch to complete anything (well, almost, you will see)!
OVERVIEW
- You can organize apps into group tabs and launch any of them easily from a launch panel that appears upon touching the start handle.
- One-touch mode is even more convenient than usual : keep your finger touched and swipe to the desired function on the panel, when releasing the finger the desired app will launch (or the desired action will be performed).
- The start handle can be placed anywhere on screen that you want. If it is located near an edge it will be docked along that edge as a thin bar for easily swiping out.
- OneTouch Launcher for Android handles 4 kinds of content: application shortcuts, file shortcuts, link shortcuts, and a control center command actions.
MAIN FUNCTION
- OneTouch Launcher for Android works like a Start Menu popup from a Home Button, with app groups being shown in customizable tabs.
- Besides categorizing applications for easy access, you may also create shortcuts to any file or folder on your device and put them onto start menu panel for easy starting/opening.
- You may also create url links and put onto Start Panel for quick access: web url, sms composing urls with ready-filled recipients, phone call url to any phone number, mail composing url with ready-filled recipients. With this link function, all your frequent actions are just one touched away.
- System command actions are also made for you convenient use: turn off screen, screen orientation setting, switch flash-light on and off, launch calculator app, launch calendar app, open system setting panel, start google assistant (Android L), pull down notification bar, take a screen shot (Android M), launch camera app, adjust media volume, adjust ring volume, go back, go home, open recent applications screen.
- Hidden feature: Keep you finger touched over a volume command button of OneTouch launcher panel a bit, you will be able to adjust that volume by swiping left and right. Moveover, pushing your finger toward the top of your screen, this adjustment will be faster. With this feature, volume adjustment are done in just one move !
- This "long touch for more" feature also works on app shortcuts and screen orientation lock button
PERMISSIONS
For functional purposes of OneTouch Launcher for Android, following permission may be requested at appropriate circumstance:
- Appear on top: OneTouch Launcher for Android must be granted with this permission to show the start handle and the panel - this is essential for it to work.
- Storage access: in case you want to post your screen shots onto Gallery, you should allow this. This also enhances file shortcut creation function because you can then access more places on your storage when creating file shortcuts.
- Do not disturb mode: in case you want to adjust ring volume to low level
- Accessibility service: this should be turned on for following things: pull down notification bar, navigating back (for use with a browser), open recent apps screen.
- Device Administrator: in case you want to lock the screen with admin lock function. Note that this permission will have to turn off before force stop or uninstall OneTouch Launcher for Android.
- Make phone calls: this is used when you want to make a phone call from link.
- Access phone book: in case you want to add people from phone book into call-phone-link or sms-composing-link.
- Camera : this is to activate flash light in old android version device
- Start at boot time: this is to auto-start on boot
PRIVACY POLICY
By accessing or using the application, you agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy as well as our Terms of Use (“Terms”) and incorporated by reference into this Policy, and include applicable limitations on damages and disputes. IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND OR YOU DO NOT AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND THIS PRIVACY POLICY, YOU ARE PROHIBITED FROM USING THE APPLICATION. If you are using the application for an organization, you agree to the Terms and to this Privacy Policy on behalf of that organization. We understand and respect the importance of privacy.
What Information we collect: We do not collect any personal information.
How We Use or Share Information : We do not collect any personal information. The contact phone book is read to create links for you on the go, we don't use this information.
Cookies and Tracking: We DON’T use cookiers, don't track or use any of your information.
We DO use your camera to turn on flash light as needed.
If you have any question regarding this privacy policy, please contact us for clarification.
Enjoy OneTouch Launcher for Android !
App allows you to create another system which can be accessed with a unique password or fingerprint. Was taken from a realme GT 2 Pro but so far works great on the 8T. Once the app is installed go into settings then tap privacy then the privacy tab and you will now see an option called system cloner. Follow the prompts to create the clone then once in the new system install the app again so that you have access to the various options in the new system. Only bug I have noticed is that two of my quick access tiles (for my vpn app and show taps option) disappeared from the drop-down menu of the main system after creating the new system and had to be set again.