Smartphone Features You Probably Don’t Use, But Should

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Most of us use our phones constantly, yet only scratch the surface of what they can actually do. Buried inside settings and system apps are small tools that solve everyday annoyances — the kind that save minutes here and there, and mental energy everywhere else.

Here are a few worth revisiting.

Sharing Wi-Fi Without Saying the Password Out Loud

Did you know that both iPhones and Android devices can generate a QR code for your home network? Guests scan it with their camera and connect instantly — no typing, no spelling, no awkward repeats.

On iPhones, the process can be even simpler. If both people use Apple devices and are saved in each other’s contacts, the phone offers to share the network automatically when a guest selects it. One tap grants access. The password never changes hands.

Turn Reminders Into Actual Alerts

Reminder apps fail when they behave like normal notifications.

Recent versions of iOS allow reminders to trigger alarms instead. These alerts sound even if Focus or Do Not Disturb is enabled. It is useful for tasks that have real consequences if missed.

Android reminder apps also support precise timing, repeated alerts, and location-based reminders, depending on the device and app used.

Use Voice Assistants Instead of Tapping Around

You do not need to open any app to create reminders, alarms, or timers.

Voice assistants handle this well because the commands are simple and local. Saying “remind me to leave at 6pm”, “set an alarm for 7 tomorrow”, or “start a 20-minute timer” is often faster than navigating menus.

This works across iPhones and Android devices, and is especially useful when your hands are busy.

Set Timers From the Quick Menu

If voice commands are not ideal, timers can still be set without opening a clock app.

On iPhones, swipe down from the top right to open Control Centre, then press and hold the timer icon to set one immediately.

On Android phones, swipe down to open Quick Settings, tap the clock, and switch to the timer tab. These shortcuts can be customised if they are not visible by default.

Use Two Apps at the Same Time

Many Android phones support split-screen mode, including standard slab phones.

This allows two apps to stay open at once. Recent Android versions let one app take up most of the screen while keeping the second visible. It is useful for copying details, coordinating plans, or referencing messages while browsing.

iPhones do not support split screen, but iPads do, which remains one of their practical advantages.

End Group Chats With a Poll

Group chats generate discussion, not decisions.

Polling tools solve this. Apple’s Messages app allows polls inside group chats on recent versions of iOS. Other messaging platforms offer similar features.

Instead of scrolling through opinions, everyone votes once and the result is visible to the group.

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