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Android Guides

  • Android 101
    • Dual SIM Android phones: Dual standby vs dual active
    • How to make two SIM cards always available in dual SIM dual standby Android phones?
    • How to auto rotate home screen in Android phones (use home screen in landscape mode)
    • Understanding Android battery usage
    • How to check version of Android in your phone or tablet?
  • Lollipop
    • How to enable Flash Player on Android Lollipop?
    • How to use quick settings in Android Lollipop?
    • How to use screen pinning in Android Lollipop?
    • How to use Android Lollipop’s notification and interruption?
    • How to use smart lock in Android Lollipop?
    • What’s battery saver in Android Lollipop?
    • How to use Android Lollipop guest user mode and multiple users?
    • Top 5 new features in Android Lollipop 5.1
    • How to bypass device protection in Android Lollipop 5.1 when you do a factory data reset?
  • Marshmallow
    • Top 12 new features in Android Marshmallow 6.0 for users
    • How to use system UI tuner in Android Marshmallow?
    • How to get Android Marshmallow 6.0 update for your device?
    • How to use micro SD card in Android Marshmallow?
    • How to use micro SD card as internal storage in Android Marshmallow?
    • How to use micro SD card as portable storage in Android Marshmallow?
    • USB options in Android Marshmallow
    • How to use Now on tap in Android Marshmallow?
    • How to manage app permissions in Android Marshmallow?
    • How to use Android Marshmallow text selection?
    • How to use redo and undo features in Android Marshmallow?
    • How to silence Android Marshmallow phones?
    • How to use Do Not Disturb (DnD) in Android Marshmallow?
    • How to manage app notifications in Android Marshmallow?
    • How to use Android Marshmallow RAM manager?
    • How to use application manager in Android Marshmallow?
    • How to manage, use and reset default apps in Android Marshmallow?
    • How to use Android Marshmallow battery optimization?
  • Nougat
    • Android Nougat 7.0 New Features
    • New features in Android Nougat 7.1
    • How to use split-screen mode (multi window) in Android Nougat 7.0/7.1?
    • How to use Android Nougat quick settings bar?
    • How to change display size in Android Nougat?
    • How to use data saver in Android Nougat?
    • Use Android Nougat call blocking to block unwanted calls and SMS without using any apps
    • How to customize quick settings panel in Android Nougat?
    • How to get Android Nougat update for my device? and when?
    • How to use new features of Android Nougat notification panel: bundled notifications, directly reply and notification control?
    • How to set up Android Nougat lock screen wallpaper?
  • Oreo
    • Top 10 New Features of Android Oreo 8.0
    • What’s new in Android Oreo 8.1: Android Oreo 8.1 vs Android Oreo 8.0
    • How to use picture-in-picture (PIP) mode in Android Oreo 8.0 and 8.1?
    • How to use notification dots (notification badges) in Android Oreo?
    • How to use notification snooze in Android Oreo?
    • How to use and manage notification channels in Android Oreo?
    • How to use smart text selection in Android Oreo?
    • How to play Android Oreo Easter egg game?
  • Pie
    • Top 20 new features of Android Pie (Android 9)
    • How to use the Android Pie navigation gestures?
    • How to use the screenshot shortcut to take a screenshot on Android Pie?
    • How to use overview selection in Android Pie?
  • Android 10
    • Top 10 new features of Android 10
    • How to use Android 10 dark mode (dark theme)?
    • How to use the Android 10 Emergency button?
    • How to Use Location Access Control in Android 10?

How to Use Location Access Control in Android 10?

You can easily control your privacy through Android 10 location access control

by editorl Leave a Comment

Use Location Access Control in Android 10Location access control is a new Android 10 feature that protects your privacy.

This Android 10 guide explains how the location access control in Android 10 protects your data, how to enter location access settings from location settings of from permission manager, and how to use location control on Android 10.

What does location access control in Android 10 do?

The location access control in Android 10 is an extension of the privacy controls in Android 10.

Previously in Android Pie (Android 9), app location access can only be changed from the application setting.  Users have to change the location access permission of each application one by one.

In Android 10, the Location Access control allows users to check, assign, and revoke location access for all apps in one centralised location.

This makes it easier for users to customise which apps can have access to the phone location.

Additionally, with the Android 10 location access control, it ensures external apps cannot easily view information about the phone’s location, and therefore enhances the privacy of the users.

How to enter the location access control page?

Firstly, you need to access Settings, as shown below, by tapping on the Settings icon in the Apps screen (App drawer), or Home screen.

Alternatively, you can access settings through the quick settings panel.

Accessing Settings through application Android 10 Quick Settings Panel

There are 2 ways to go to the location access settings page from the Settings page:

  • From the Location settings page
  • Through the Permission Manager

Method 1: Location settings page

In Settings, scroll down and tap on Location, as seen below, to access the location settings page.

Android 10 Settings

In the Location settings page, tap on App permissions, as shown below.

This will bring you to the location permissions page.

Android 10 Location settings Android 10 Location Access page

As shown above, in the location access control page, you can manage the location access (read on).

Method 2:  through Permission manager

In Settings, tap on Apps & notification.

Android 10 Settings

In the Apps & notification settings page, tap on Advanced to expand the list, as shown below.

Android 10 Apps manager Android 10 Apps manager

As shown above, tap on the Permission Manager to access permission managers of Android 10.

In Permission Manager page, tap on Location, as shown below.

This will bring you to the same location access control page.

Android 10 Permission manager Android 10 Location Access page

How to use location access control?

The location access age allows users to see which apps can view the phone’s location as well as apps that may require permission to use the phone location.… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android 10 Guides Tagged With: Android 10, Android 10 new features, Android 9, Android Pie, app permission, location access, location access control, privacy, privacy control, quick setting panel, quick settings, settings

How to use the Android 10 Emergency button?

Manage your emergency info and make emergency calls on Android 10

by editorl Leave a Comment

Emergency buttonThe Android 10 Emergency button may be one of the most popular new features that have made a comeback in Android 10.

This Galaxy Android 10 guide explains what the emergency button is, how to access the button and emergency information, how to use the emergency button and manage the emergency info. It also answers some questions you may have on this feature.

What is the Android 10 Emergency button?

The Emergency button is a shortcut for users to access the Emergency call page which allows users to do the following:

  • Dial Emergency numbers.
  • Access Emergency Information where you can view and input necessary medical information and emergency contacts.

The button can be accessed without unlocking the phone.

How to access the Android 10 Emergency button?

You can hold down the power button for about 2 seconds until the power menu appears.

In the power menu, as shown below, the Emergency button would be located right under the screenshot button (which was added in Android Pie).

Android 10 power button menu

How to use the Android 10 Emergency button?

Accessing the Emergency call page

Tap on the Emergency button to access the Emergency call page, as shown below.

The Emergency call page allows users to dial Emergency numbers and access the Emergency Information panel.

Android 10 power button menu emergency call page

The Emergency call page can also be accessed at the lock screen by tapping on the Emergency button, as shown below.

Android 10 Lock Screen

Manage Emergency Information

The Emergency Information panel allows users to access and edit medical information and emergency contacts.

The Emergency Information can be viewed without unlocking the phone and be useful in some critical moments.

For example,  medical personnel can identify the owner of the phone as well as their medical conditions without unlocking the phone. Hence making it easier for medical personnel to take necessary medical actions during an emergency.

In the Emergency call page, tap on Emergency Information twice to access the Emergency Information panel as shown below.

Emergency call page Android 10 Emergency Information

By tapping on the pen icon next to Medical Information, users can edit their personal medical information.

Medical personnel can view this information during an emergency without unlocking the phone and can take necessary medical actions.

Android 10 Emergency Information Android 10 medical information

Tapping on the Pen icon next to Emergency contacts will allow users to add emergency contacts.

The Emergency contacts can be contacted during an emergency without having to unlock the phone.

Emergency Information Panel Android 10 Emergency contacts

Can I move the position of the Emergency button?

Unfortunately, no.… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android 10 Guides Tagged With: Android 10, Android 10 new features, Android Pie, emergency button, lock screen, power menu, Samsung, screenshot shortcut

How to use Android 10 dark mode (dark theme)?

You can use the system-wide dark theme on Android 10 to save battery and protect your eyes

by editorl Leave a Comment

Android 10 dark modeAndroid 10 dark mode can be regarded as one of the best Android 10 new features.

The dark mode is not an unfamiliar feature for Android phones. It was introduced previously in Android Pie (Android 9).

This Android 10 guide explains the new features of the dark mode, shows you how to enable and use the dark theme in three different ways, and answers some questions you may have on this feature.

What is new in Android 10 dark mode?

Similar to the dark theme in Android Pie (Android 9), dark mode in Android 10 brings about the following benefits:

  • Improves visibility for users with low vision or are sensitive to bright lights.
  • Less eyestrain when using phones in low light environments.
  • Longer battery life as there is decreased power usage.

However, in Android Pie (Android 9),  the dark mode was not applied system-wide.

For example, in Android Pie (Android 9), the Settings menu remains white even if dark mode is enabled.

Now in Android 10, it can be applied to both the Android system UI as well as supported applications. This means that once dark mode is enabled, the entire Android system UI, as well as supported applications, will automatically switch to the dark theme according to the application’s settings.

How to enable and use Android 10 dark mode?

There are 3 ways to enable dark mode in Android 10:

Method 1:  through Settings

The first method to enable dark mode in Android 10 phones is through the Settings menu.

Step 1: Open Settings

To access Settings, as shown below,  tap on the Settings icon in the Apps screen (App drawer), or Home screen,  or through the quick settings panel.

Accessing Settings through apps screen Android 10 Quick Settings Panel

Step 2: Access Display settings

In Settings, scroll and tap on Display, as shown below.

Display Settings panel

Step 3: Enable the dark mode

In the Display Settings page,  you can find the option for the dark theme.

Tapping on it will turn on dark mode for the phone as well as all supported applications.

If the phone is already in the dark mode, tapping it will turn off dark mode.

Enabling Android 10 dark mode

Method 2:  Use Quick settings panel

Another way to enable dark mode in Android 10  is through the quick settings panel.

To access the quick menu panel, pull down the status bar twice.

Once in the quick settings panel, tap on the icon named dark theme to turn dark mode on, as shown below.… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android 10 Guides Tagged With: Android 10, Android Pie, battery saver, dark mode, dark theme, quick setting panel, quick settings, settings

Top 10 new features of Android 10

by simon Leave a Comment

Android 10 Android 10 is the first Android release without a desert name. But this does not prevent Google from adding many new features of Android 10.

This Android 10 guide explains the top 10 new features you can enjoy on your Android phones with Android 10 update. These new features include the dark mode, Live Caption, new navigation gestures, all sensors off, critical update from Google directly, focus mode, emergency button, privacy control, location access controls, and WiFi sharing.

Dark mode: the best Android 10 new feature

The dark mode is not new.

In Android Pie (Android 9), Google added the dark mode (dark theme). But it is only system-wide.

For example, the Settings page in Android Pie is still always white even you enable the dark mode on the phone.

As a new feature of Android 10, Dark mode is now system-wide, and Google leaves no stone unturned.

All system pages, including the Settings page, will use the dark theme once you enable the dark mode on Android 10.

You can enable/disable dark mode from Settings — Display — Display– Dark theme on Android 10.

By default, Google also added a quick setting button for the dark mode as shown below.

Please check this guide on how to use the new dark mode (dark theme) on Android 10.

Android 10 new features: dark mode, all sensors off

Live Caption

The Live Caption can automagically caption any videos, podcasts,  and audio messages with one tap.

Internet connection is not needed. Everything will be done locally on the phone.

So, many users think the Live Caption is one of the most practical new features in Android 10.

But this feature is not available in Android 10 now.  Google said it would be released later, very likely with the release of Pixel 4.

Pixel phones will first get this feature through a firmware update. Other Android phones will get this feature early next year through Google’s udpate.

New Navigation Gestures on Android 10

Android 10 now allows you to eliminate the navigation buttons.

In Android Pie, you still have the Home and Back buttons when using the navigation gestures as explained in detail in this guide.

In Android 10, Home, Back, and Recents (Overview) buttons are all gone if you choose to use the new navigation gestures.

Probably navigation gesture is one of the most controversial new features of Android 10.

Anyway, if you choose to use “full” navigation gestures on Android 10, you need to know these Android 10 navigation gestures:

  • Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to Home screen.
… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android 10 Guides Tagged With: Android 10, Android 10 new features, Android 9, Android Pie, Android update, app permission, dark mode, digital wellbeing, emergency button, focus mode, Google Play, live caption, location access, navigation bar, navigation button, navigation gesture, overview selection, power menu, privacy, privacy control, QR code, touchscreen gestures, turn off sensors, WiFi sharing

How to use Android Pie dark mode (dark theme)?

by simon Leave a Comment

use Android Pie dark mode (dark theme)Android Pie dark mode (dark theme) helps you alleviate eyestrain and save battery.

As a new feature of Android Pie, the dark theme may be affected by the night mode settings in the developer options. But this very likely will be resolved in Android Q.

This Android Pie guide shows you how to enable and use the dark theme on Android Pie phones, how to enable dark theme (dark mode) for individual apps, and explains the relationship between dark theme (device theme) and the night mode in Android Pie developer options.

Why Android Pie dark mode (dark theme) matters?

The default white (light) theme in stock Android looks cool during presentations.

But the white theme can be troublesome for you when you want to check messages in the darkness.

The dark mode (dark theme) is one of the most requested Android features. And Google partially delivered it in Android Pie.

You can expect at least the following 2 benefits from the dark mode:

  • Less eyestrain.  Most (not all) users will feel more comfortable when using the dark mode.
  • Longer battery life. For OLED screens (as in all Pixel phones), the battery saving can be substantial because  “black” pixels in the OLED panel use extremely low power and the “white” pixels drinks the most battery juice.  Even for an LCD screen, the reduced brightness in the dark mode saves battery noticeably in most scenarios.

Of course, some Android users may prefer the cleanness of the default white theme.

How to enable and use Android Pie dark mode (dark theme)?

You may follow these steps to enable Android Pie dark mode on your phone.

Step 1: Open Settings

You can open phone settings by tapping the Settings icon on the home screen (or the apps screen).

You can also tap the edit icon in quick settings to access phone settings.

Step 2: Navigate to Display Settings

As shown in the screenshot below, in the Settings page, tap Display.

enable and use Android Pie dark mode (dark theme) enable and use Android Pie dark mode (dark theme)

In the Display page, as shown above, tap Advanced.

Step 3: Change the device theme to dark

In the expanded Display settings page, tap Device theme to change the device theme.

enable and use Android Pie dark mode (dark theme) enable and use Android Pie dark mode (dark theme)

In the popout, as shown above, you can choose the device theme as:

  • Automatic (based on wallpaper).
  • Light.
  • Dark.

The default in most Android phones is Automatic. The phone will try to figure out whether it uses the light or dark theme based on the wallpaper used.… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android Pie Guides Tagged With: Android, Android 9, Android Pie, dark theme, developer options, night mode

How to use overview selection in Android Pie?

by simon Leave a Comment

use overview selection in Android PieYou can use overview selection in Android to quickly select text and images and share and use them without leaving the overview screen.

This Android Pie guide explains what overview selection in Android Pie is and steps of using this feature.

Please note, overview selection currently is only implemented in the Pixel launcher and works only on Pixel phones (all 3 generations).

What is overview selection in Android Pie?

Overview selection in Android Pie allows you to select text or images from the overview screen directly.  You can then paste or share the selected text or images.

Some actions, for example, calling or messaging may also be provided in the overview screen.

For images, Google Lens can be fired to check the image details, in addition to sharing the picture.

The most interesting feature is that the overview selection is not constrained by apps.

For example, you cannot copy some texts like the navigation menu inside the app. Some apps may do not allow you to copy their contents in the browser of the app. But now, in the overview screen, you can copy  ALL text as long as they appear on the overview screen.

Of course, as a security feature, some banking apps do not show any contents in the overview screen. In this case, you cannot copy.

The bottom line is that you can copy and share whatever you can see in the overview screen of the app.

In a nutshell, overview selection in Android Pie is an application of smart selection in the overview screen.

Steps of using overview selection in Android Pie

You may follow these steps to use overview selection in Android Pie.

Step 1: Enable overview selection

By default, overview selection is enabled in Android Pie on all Pixel phones.

In case you disabled it, you need to enable this feature before proceed.

As shown in the screenshot below,  you can tap and hold (aka long tap) any blank area on the home screen, then tap Home settings.

enable overview selection enable overview selection

In the Home screen settings, tap Suggestions as shown above.

Now, you can enable Overview selection as shown below.

Of course,  you can also disable it if you want.

Please note. the switch on the right side (and in blue) means the feature is enabled.

enable overview selectionNavigate to the overview screen

Step 2: Navigate to the overview screen

You can tap the Recents button to navigate to the Recents screen as shown above.… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android Pie Guides Tagged With: Android Pie, Google Lens, Home screen, Home screen settings, navigation button, navigation gesture, overview selection, Smart text selection

How to use the screenshot shortcut to take a screenshot on Android Pie?

by simon Leave a Comment

How to use the screenshot shortcut to take a screenshot on Android Pie?Android Pie (Android 9) added a new screenshot shortcut so that it is very easy to take screenshots in smartphones with Android Pie.

This Android Pie guide explains where to find the screenshot shortcut in Android Pie and how to use it to take a screenshot in Android Pie.

Why you may need the screenshot shortcut?

In all Android phones, the default method of taking a screenshot is pressing and holding the power button and volume down button simultaneously.

Using this button combination to take screenshots works on all Android phones and tablets. regardless of the version of Android.  Even on Amazon Fire tablets, you can take a screenshot with the power button and volume down button although Amazon tried very hard to de-Google in the Fire OS (which is based on Android).

The method is simple and easy if you “master” it.

The tricky part is that you need to press and hold the two buttons “simultaneously“. It means

  • If you hold the power button too early, you get the power menu (power button options).
  • If you hold the volume down button too early, you get the volume settings.

For many users who take screenshots only occasionally,  it is hard to control the timing.

So, a shortcut for taking screenshots is one of the most popular features in some Android phones.

Now, Google finally introduced the screenshot shortcut to take a screenshot on Android Pie.

Both new users and experienced users will find it very useful. Even your grandma can easily take a screenshot with the screenshot shortcut.

Where is the screenshot shortcut in Android Pie?

After hearing about this new Android Pie feature, Some Android Pie users tried to find the screenshot shortcut in the quick settings.

Of course, they cannot find it.

The screenshot shortcut is in power menu (aka power button options).

You can hold the power button for about 2 seconds to get the power menu /power button options as shown below.

Where is the screenshot shortcut in Android Pie

By default, the shortcut to screenshot is enabled in the power button options. Stock Android does not offer a standard method to hide/unhide it.

However, some Android manufactures may customize this feature and let you enable or disable the button.

How to use the screenshot shortcut to take a screenshot on Android Pie?

To take a screenshot, you just need to call out the power button options, then tap Screenshot as shown above to take a screenshot for the screen (without the power button options).… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android Oreo Guides Tagged With: Android Pie, Fire OS, power button, power menu, quick settings, screenshot, screenshot shortcut, shortcut, volume down button

How to use the Android Pie navigation gestures?

by simon Leave a Comment

Android Piese the Android Pie navigation gestures (Android 9) introduced a set of new navigation gestures to replace the navigation buttons. Of course, there are many new features in Android Pie as explained in this guide.

If you just switched to Android from iPhone, you will get used to these Android Pie navigation gestures very quickly. But if you prefer the three navigation buttons, you need some time to adjust.

This Android Pie guide explains how to enable Android Pie navigation gestures, how to disable them,  how to use them, and answer some questions you may have on Android Pie gestures.

Background of Android Pie navigation gestures

In Android OS, the navigation buttons had been an essential part. Since Android Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS, Android 4.0), on-screen navigation buttons (software based navigation button) has been introduced to replace the hardware capacitive buttons.

Although Google wanted to kill the hardware buttons in Android (FYI, all Google released phones including Nexus and Pixel phones only use on-screen navigation buttons), Android manufacturers, especially Samsung, are slow to move in this direction. For example, Samsung only started to remove the hardware buttons in Galaxy S8 and S8+ in 2017.

For new smartphone users and old people, the navigation buttons (hardware or on-screen) are very useful and intuitive.

But for experienced users and younger generations, gestures can be more productive.

In Android 9, Google decided to add navigation gestures to partially replace the on-screen navigation buttons.

Of course, the Android Pie navigation gesture is not a complete replacement to the old navigation buttons because:

  • Android Pie navigation gestures still need the home button. The back button will also appear automatically whenever necessary.
  • Android manufacturers can always customize the gestures, or even disable them and use the old 3 navigation buttons.

In the future Android releases (e.g., Android Q), very likely, Google will strengthen and navigation gestures.  In fact, in Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, the old navigation buttons were disabled, and owners have to use the Android Pie navigation gestures.

What are the Android Pie navigation gestures?

Android Pie navigation gestures are all based on the home button. Here is the list of supported gestures:

  • Swipe upwards from the home button to see recent apps. This is equivalent to tapping the Recent/overview button in the old 3-button system.
  • Swipe right from the home button to switch to the previous app.  In the old 3-button system, you need to get this in two steps: tap the Recent/Overview button, then tap the icon in the overview screen.
… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android Pie Guides Tagged With: Android 9, Android One, Android Pie, Home button, Moto X4, multiwindow, navigation button, navigation gesture, Nexus phone, Pixel phone, settings, swipe, touchscreen gestures

Top 20 new features of Android Pie (Android 9)

by simon 1 Comment

new features of Android Pie (Android 9)You will enjoy many new features of Android Pie (Android 9) once your phone is updated to Android Pie, or you get a new phone shipped with Android Pie.

Although Android manufacturers may customize or cripple some of the new features of Android Pie (9) in their devices, you will still enjoy a similar Android Pie experiences.

This Android Pie guide explains the top 20 new features of Android Pie (Android 9) most users will enjoy.

What is Android Pie (Android 9)?

Android Pie, aka Android P or Android 9, is the 9th major update of Android OS. It was officially released to the public on August 6, 2018.

As the successor of Android Oreo, many new features of Android Pie are expected in both of the user interface (UI) and the underhood.

Since the release of Android Icecream Sandwich (Android 4.0) in 2011, Google has released one major update of Android each year: Android Jelly Bean (Android 4.1)  in 2012, Android KitKat (Android 4.4) in 2013, Android Lollipop (Android 5)  in 2014, Android Marshmallow (Android 6) in 2015, Android Nougat (Android 7)  in 2016 and Android Oreo (Android 8) in 2017.

On the release date, only Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL received the Android Pie (Android 9) update.  Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are the first phones shipped with Android Pie.

Most Android vendors started to roll out Android Pie update for their flagship phones from October 2018.

Why do you care about the new features of Android Pie (Android 9)

For most end-users, user interface (UI) is one of the most important features.

Android Pie will not disappoint you.  There are tons of UI improvements.  Of course, unless you are using a Google Pixel phone or an Android One phone, the manufacturers may tweak these new UI features a bit.

This page highlights the top 20 new features of Android Pie that most Android users will be happy to enjoy.

For app developers, there are also many new features of Android Pie. For example, Android Pie now supports the Wi-Fi Round-Trip-Time (RTT). So you can take advantage of indoor positioning in your apps.

Anyway, updating your phone to Android Pie will rejuvenate your Oreo phone, which may look boring and work slower day-by-day.

#1 of the top 20 new features of Android Pie: new navigational gestures

Navigation buttons  (Home, Back and Recents/Overview) have been a standard feature in Android for a long time.… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android Pie Guides Tagged With: accessibility menu, adaptive battery, adaptive brightness, Android 9, Android Oreo, Android Pie, app actions, app timer, auto-rotate button, battery saver, battery usage, dark mode, device theme, digital wellbeing, doze mode, Home button, lockdown mode, multi-camera, multitasking, multiwindow, navigation gesture, new features, notification, overview selection, screenshot, Slices, smart lock, smart replies, split-screen view, text magnifier, volume control, Wind Down

How to use smart text selection in Android Oreo?

Smart text selection suggests you the most relevant app to use the highlighted text directly.

by editorl Leave a Comment

In Android Ore0 8.0 and 8.1, smart text selection was introduced by adding a dynamic (smart) option (based on text highlighted) to the text selection menu.

So, you can get one additional option (in addition to the normal text selection in previous versions of Android) to use the highlighted text directly without going through the copy and paste procedure.

This Android Oreo guide explains to you what smart text selection is, and how to use this feature with examples.

What is smart text selection?

Prior to Android Oreo, selection, copy, and paste are all independent of other operations.

For example, after you finish the text selection, Android simply put the contents in the clipboard and close the pop-out window. Later, you can paste the text in supported apps.

Smart text selection in Android Oreo gives you a suggested shortcut to specific apps, in addition to all other text selection options.

The suggested app shortcut is based on the contents highlighted.

For example, if you highlight a number, Android Oreo may think it is probably a phone number and therefore the phone app is suggested.

If you highlight an email address, smart text selection will think you may want to email this person, and therefore GMail app is suggested.

When you highlight an address, then Google Maps app will be suggested.

In Android Oreo, smart text selection can only suggest apps that can directly operate on the highlighted text.

In Android Pie, smart text selection can be used in the overview screen as explained in this guide.

How to use smart text selection?

Smart text selection is always enabled in Android Oreo.

There are no user-accessible settings for it. This means you even cannot disable it even if you do not like it.

Smart text selection in Android Oreo may suggest various apps such as Google Maps, GMail, Chrome and Phone.

Here are some examples of smart text selection for these apps.

Smart text selection for Google Maps

Android Oreo can detect addresses from highlighted phrases and suggest Google Maps as the following app to use the selected text.

When an address is highlighted, as shown below, Google Maps is placed before the cut/copy options in the copy/paste menu.

You have the option to use cut/copy/paste and other options normally as in text selection in Android Marshmallow/Nougat.

How to use smart text selection

If you tap Google Maps as shown above, your phone will bring you directly to Google Maps and display the address highlighted, as shown below.… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android Oreo Guides Tagged With: Android Oreo, Android Oreo 8.0, Android Oreo 8.1, Android Pie, overview selection, Smart text selection

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  • How to use tasks edge in Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+
  • How to silence Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?
  • How to use direct dial, direct message and contact shortcuts in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?

RSS Galaxy S8 Guides

  • How to use the new features in Android Pie update for Galaxy S8 and S8+?
  • How to use app shortcuts in Galaxy S8 Home screen in Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+?
  • Use notification dots/notification number badge in Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update
  • How to Install Galaxy S8 Android Oreo Update for Galaxy S8 and S8+?

RSS Galaxy Note 10 Guides

  • How to use the Dynamic Lock screen on Galaxy Note 10?
  • Galaxy Note 10 LED View Cover Guide and Review
  • Install S Note app and Extension pack on Galaxy Note 10
  • How to Use Galaxy Note 10 Camera App?
  • Galaxy Note 10 SIM Card Guide
  • How to use Samsung DeX for PC with Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+?
  • How to use Galaxy Note 10 Clear View cover (S View cover)?
  • How to charge Galaxy Note 10 battery?
  • How to use and remap Galaxy Note 10 Side key?
  • Galaxy Note 10 Layout

RSS Google Home Guides

  • Google Nest Mini vs Home Mini: what’s new and what’s not changed?
  • How to adjust alarm volume and timer volume in Google Home, Google Home Mini and Google Home Max?
  • Google Home Mini Guides
  • How to reset Google Home Mini?
  • How to use Google Home as a Bluetooth speaker?
  • How to rename Google Home?

RSS Moto G Phone Guide

  • Moto G8 Plus vs Moto G8 Play: Differences and common features
  • Official Moto G7 user manual
  • Moto G7 vs Moto G7 Play vs Moto G7 Plus vs Moto G7 Power: what are the differences?

RSS Samsung Galaxy S5 Guide

  • How to save photos to SD card on Galaxy S5?
  • How to use Galaxy S5 camera effects?
  • How to customize Galaxy S5 camera shortcuts menu?

RSS Moto X Owners Community

  • Official Moto X4 User manual (User guide for Moto X 4th Gen , Moto X 2017)
  • What’s new in Android Marshmallow update for Moto X (Moto X 2015, Moto X 2014, Moto X Style and Moto X Pure edition)?
  • Top 5 new features in Moto X 2015 (Moto X Style, Moto X Pure edition and Moto X Play) vs Moto X 2014

RSS Moto E Guide

  • Moto E4 vs Moto E4 Plus: major differences between Moto E4 and Moto E4 Plus
  • Moto E 2nd Gen (Moto E 4G): the best value-for-money smartphone in 2015

RSS Galaxy S4 Guides

  • Galaxy S4 User Manual and Handbook in Croatian (hrvatski)
  • Galaxy S4 User Manual and Handbook in Romanian (limba română)

RSS Galaxy S6 Guide

  • Android Nougat Update Guide for Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+
  • Official Galaxy S6 user manual with Android Nougat update
  • how to use widgets in Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge?
  • How to disable multi window in Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 edge and S6 edge+?

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RSS Drive In Singapore

  • Understand COE Price by 10 Simple Questions
  • How to convert a foreign driving license to a Singapore driving license?
  • How to get a Touch ‘n Go card as a Singapore driver?
  • What is covered in the car warranty in Singapore? What is not?
  • What is the Singapore Road Speed Limit?
  • How to register, collect and use Malaysia Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)?
  • Why are cars in Singapore are so expensive?
  • Drive to Malaysia
  • Car Maintenance and Servicing in Singapore
  • Driving in Singapore

RSS All About Chromecast

  • How to Chromecast Amazon Prime Video to your TV?
  • How to use VLC media player on PC to stream music and video to Chromecast and Chromecast Audio?
  • How to use VLC for Android to stream local media to Chromecast?
  • Chromecast Ultra vs Chromecast 2nd Gen
  • Chromecast Preview Program: Everything you need to know
  • How to launch Videostream (and other Chrome apps as well)?
  • How to play games on Chromecast from mobile devices (Android and iOS)?
  • How to use the new Chromecast app?
  • How to use Chromecast on Amazon Fire tablets (Fire HD, Fire HDX and Kindle Fire HDX)
  • How to stream local video to Chromecast?

RSS Headphone Guides

  • Top 10 new features of AirPods Pro (vs AirPods 2)
  • How to use Samsung Galaxy Buds?
  • What is active noise canceling (ANC)? How active noise-cancelling headphone works?
  • What are the differences among in-ear, on-ear and over-ear headphones?
  • Wireless Earbuds Guides
  • Sports headphone guides
  • Noise-canceling headphone guides
  • Bluetooth Headphone Guides
  • Headphone 101
  • Headphone Guide Pro: how to choose and use headphones

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