7 Essential Tips and Tricks for the Android User

Whether you're a new Android user, or a seasoned pro, there's probably something you don't know about your Android device. There's so many different way to set-up your Android and so many features available, it's hard to know what all you can do. Here are seven essential tips and tricks to get you started:

1. Set your mobile data limit

I used to work at a telecommunications company, and you wouldn't believe how many people don't know how to do this. That's why it's ranked as the #1 tip. Data is so expensive if you go over, so it's worthwhile to know. Here's how to set your mobile data limit:

via Hongkiat

1. Go to Settings > Data Usage
2. Set your data limit by dragging the orange line upward to reflect how much data you want to be capped at each month.
3. Set your data usage cycle for your billing cycle.

Source: Hongkiat

2. Add a word to the dictionary

If you have a name that's difficult to spell, or your job uses some crazy terms that no one else uses, you definitely know what it feels like when your device corrects you. Instead of throwing your phone across the room, learn how to add a word to the dictionary when using Gmail:

via InformationWeek

1. In Gmail, type out the word you want to add to the dictionary.
2. Long press on the word > Select Add to Dictionary

If Add to Dictionary doesn't pop up, there should be an option to select the word where your corrections usually pop up.

Source: InformationWeek

3. Disable app notifications

Do you constantly receive annoying notifications? Not only are they irritating, but they actually drain your phone's battery. If you want to turn them off, here's how:

1. On any of the unwanted notifications in the notification bar, long press the notification for a message box to appear.
2. Tap App Info > Untick Show Notifications > OK

via Hongkiat

Source: Hongkiat

4. Turn off auto-correct

It's irritating to spell out a word, only to have your phone correct you. Then, of course, you have to type it in again. As an Android user, I use swipe and it is one of the most frustrating things ever. Here's how to turn off auto-correct:

via Hongkiat

1. Go to Settings > Language & Input
2. Tap on the settings icon next to your keyboard.
3. Find Auto-correction and tap on it
4. Select Off

Source: Hongkiat

 

5. Send a custom text message when you decline a call

If you're driving, or just plain busy, you can decline a phone call while sending the caller a custom text message if you use Android 4.0 or later. Here's how to do it:

via InformationWeek

1. Go to Settings > My Device
2. Select Call
3. Select Set up call reject messages
4. Choose one of the pre-existing messages or click on Create to make your own

Source: InformationWeek

6. Google Sky Map

This is pretty much the coolest free apps available, and best of all, it's Android-exclusive. Download the app in the Play Store and point you phone towards the night sky. You'll see a map of the constellations, plants, and objects that are actually in the sky where you are pointing. So cool!

via The Christian Science Monitor

Source: The Christmas Science Monitor

7. Use your Samsung phone as a Samsung TV remote

via Samsung

Download the Samsung TV Remote App from the Play Store to control your Wi-Fi enabled Samsung TV models using your phone. If you've lost your remote, just use your phone to control the volume and change the channels on your TV.

Source: Samsung

Collage source: InformationWeek

 

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