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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?
  • 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 navigation gestures in Android 10?
    • How to share Wi-Fi using QR codes in Android 10?
  • 11
    • Top 11 new features of Android 11
    • How To Use Live Caption in Android 10 and Android 11
    • How to play Android 11 Easter Egg game (Android Neko Cat game)?
    • How to use dark theme scheduling in Android 11?
    • How to use native screen recorder in Android 11?
    • How to use notification history and notification logs in Android 11?
  • 12
    • Top 12 new features of Android 12 you should know
    • How to quickly snooze notifications in Android 12?
    • Extra Dim in Android 12: The Definite Guide
    • How to update to Android 12?
  • 13
    • Top 10 New Features of Android 13

settings

Extra Dim in Android 12: The Definite Guide

How does Extra Dim in Android 12 work? How to customize and use Extra Dim?

Last updated on: May 23, 2022, first published on: May 22, 2022 Leave a Comment

Extra Dim in Android 12: The Definite GuideExtra Dim is a less-known yet very useful new feature in Android 12.

It is not included in our top 12 new features in Android 12 because Extra Dim is a “niche” feature for very specific scenarios (if you often use the phone in a dark environment), not because it is not important.

Extra Dim is often misunderstood by even many professionals. Therefore, many users are confused the Extra Dim with the brightness control.

This Android 12 guide explains what the Extra Dim in Android 12 is, how it works, how to use it in Android 12, and corrects some common misunderstandings about Extra Dim in Android 12.

What is Extra Dim in Android 12?

Sometimes, you may feel the phone screen is too bright in a dark environment (e.g., in a theatre). However, the brightness level is already set to the minimum level or auto-brightness (adaptive brightness) is already on.

Basically, you are stuck on that uncomfortable brightness level.

Extra Dim, which was introduced in Android 12,  is designed to solve this issue for you. It can further reduce up to 50% of the brightness of the screen for you.

In Android 12, Google implemented Extra Dim as an accessibility feature to further reduce the “brightness” of the screen below the minimum level specified by the hardware vendor.

This may sound ridiculous. How can the brightness be lower than the minimum level specified by the hardware vendor?

So, here is the catch. When Extra Dim is activated,  the colour range will be reduced.

In other words, you get a dimmer screen at the price of the accuracy of the colours. Read on.

As this is a built-in accessibility feature in Android 12, none of the Android vendors has changed this feature.

In addition to the entry in the accessibility settings,  a quick setting button for Extra Dim can be found in most Android 12 phones (e.g., in Galaxy S22).

How does Extra Dim in Android 12 work?

To understand how Extra Dim works, we need to know a bit (just a bit) about the colour and brightness.

Each colour on the screen has a value. For example, if the screen can only display 256 colours (8bit; most smartphone screens actually can display 16,777,216 colours or 24bit), the black colour will have a value of 0, and the white 255. The colour range is then 0-255.… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android 12 Guides Tagged With: accessibility menu, adaptive brightness, Android 11, Android 12, Android 12 new features, battery usage, extra dim, Galaxy S22, One UI, Pixel phone, quick setting panel, quick settings, Samsung, settings, shortcut

How to update to Android 12?

Everything you need to know on getting the Android 12 update

Last updated on: February 13, 2022, first published on: February 13, 2022 2 Comments

How to update to Android 12?Android 12 was officially released on October 4, 2021. But many Android device owners are still waiting for the update and want to know how to update to Android 12.

This Android 12 guide explains why some Android devices got the Android 12 update already, some are still waiting for it, and some will never get it. The guide also shows how to check the Android 12 update for your device and how to update your phone (or tablet) to Android 12.

Why am I still waiting for the Android 12 update?

When Android 12 (Snow Cone) was released to the public on October 4, 2021, these were only the “core” of the new Android OS.

Unlike Windows, Android releases the source code, not the executable. The drivers for the components of your Android device, e.g., the touchscreen, the sensors, the modem, are usually not included.

So, before the new Android OS code is compiled with the drivers for the components, the source code of Android 12 is actually useless for your phone.

To make it worse, you have to wait for the manufacturer of your Android device to build the executable because most of these drivers are proprietary. You cannot do it by yourself.

So, it will take the manufacturer some time to test and build the new “firmware” for your phone. In fact, Google released the Android 12 build for Pixel phones on October 19, 2021. These are the first Android phones with Android 12 updates.

Some big manufacturers, like Samsung, are deeply involved in beta testing and usually have more resources to put everything together to roll out the Android 12 update. So, you will get the Android 12 update for your device within 2-3 months. Older devices may also get the Android 12 update, although the update usually comes later than newer devices.

Some middle-tier Android vendors, like Motorola (or its parent company Lenovo), are reluctant to invest resources on sold devices. They care more about getting quick money (sell new devices). They may roll out the Android update on a few latest models.

Smaller Android vendors may not have enough resources to build a new OS for older devices, and therefore, these devices will NEVER get the Android 12 update.

How about the unofficial Android 12 update?

Building the latest Android OS for older devices normally requires even more resources than for newer devices due to some compatibility (with some new features) issues of “a few” old components used in the older devices.… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android 12 Guides Tagged With: Android 11, Android 12, Android 12 new features, Android update, Google, LineageOS, Motorola, quick settings, Samsung, settings

How to use notification history and notification logs in Android 11?

You can use notification history in Android 11 and notification log to check dismissed notifications.

Last updated on: December 25, 2020, first published on: December 25, 2020 Leave a Comment

Android 11 Notification iconWith the Android 11 update, a new feature, notification history, has been introduced, allowing users to track the notifications on their devices even after being dismissed.

In addition to the notification history introduced in Android 11, stock Android also allows you to access full notification logs through a Settings widget.  It is a somewhat hidden feature.

This Android 11 guide will explain what the Android 11 notification history is, the difference between notification history and notification log,  how to use it and answer some questions you may have about the notification history.

What is the Android 11 notification history?

Since the feature of snoozing notifications was introduced in Android Oreo(Android 8), it has allowed users to organise their notifications on their devices and prevent notifications from cluttering. However, there are times when you may accidentally dismiss an important notification before checking it out. Therefore you may want to check the notification history or the full notification logs.

The Android 11 notification history is essentially a feature which allows users to track their notifications and view all previously dismissed notifications on their devices.

This feature is useful for decluttering the notification panel under the quick settings menu.

Users can always refer to the notifications history to look up some important notification that may have been missed.

In the notification history, the time and date at which the notification was sent are also recorded so users can view time-limited notifications that may have been missed.

Difference between notification history and notification log

Notification history and the notification logs were designed for different purposes.

  • Notification history is only available in Android 11 (and later). Notification log is available through a Settings widget from at least Android Gingerbread (Android 2.3).
  • Notification history only offers notifications in the past 24 hours.  Notification log includes notifications since the last reboot.
  • Notification history only shows notifications that have been shown in the notification panel. Notification log has all notifications including the hidden (not shown in notification panel) notifications.
  • Tapping any notifications in the notification history will open the corresponding app. Tapping and holding (long tapping) the notification will direct you to notification settings for the corresponding app. But if you tap notifications in notification log, you may get different results in different versions of Android. In Android 11, it directs you to the notification settings for the corresponding app. The long-tapping and tapping gestures work identically in the notification log page.
… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android 10 Guides, Android 11 Guides, Android Oreo Guides, Android Pie Guides Tagged With: Android 10, Android 11, Android 9, Android Oreo, dark theme, do not disturb, Home screen, Home screen settings, location access, navigation gesture, notification history, notification log, notification panel, Notification Snooze, settings, widget

How to use dark theme scheduling in Android 11?

Last updated on: December 16, 2020, first published on: December 16, 2020 Leave a Comment

Android 11 Dark themeDark theme has been a well-received feature in Android phones since it was first introduced Android Pie (Android 9) and improved greatly in Android 10. In Android 11, new features have been added to optimize and improve the user experience of Android dark theme.

This guide explains the new features in the Android 11 dark theme, how to use it, how to customize it, and how to schedule so that dark theme is turned on and turned off automatically.

What’s new in Android 11 dark theme?

In Android 10, Dark theme was introduced to be applied system-wide on both the Android system UI and apps running on the device.

Now in Android 11, scheduling has been added to Dark theme.

With scheduling, the phone will automatically switch to dark theme mode according to the user’s schedule settings. This reduces the hassle for users to switch between light mode and dark mode on their phones during the day.

There are 3 types of schedules users can apply to their phones Dark theme and will be explained later on in the post:

  1. None.
  2. Turns on at a custom time.
  3. Turns on from sunset to sunrise.

How to access Android 11 Dark theme settings?

There are 2 ways to access the settings for the Android 11 Dark theme:

  1. Through Settings
  2. Through the quick settings panel

Method 1: Through Settings

The first way to access the settings for Dark theme is through Settings.

Access Settings either through the quick settings menu or by tapping on the Settings icon in the apps menu.

Quick Settings Panel Android Apps menu

In Setting, tap on Display to enter the display settings.

Android 11 Settings

In the Display settings, tap on the Dark theme to enter the settings for it.

Do not tap on the switch as it only turns on/off Dark theme on the device.

Android 11 Display Settings

Method 2: Through the quick Settings menu

Another way to access the settings for the dark theme in Android 11 is through the quick settings panel.

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

Once in the quick settings panel, hold down on the icon named dark theme as shown below.

Quick Settings Panel

By default, the icon is not found in the quick settings menu; you can add the icon to the quick settings by tapping on the edit icon and dragging the needed icon to the quick settings panel.

How to use dark theme scheduling in Android 11?

… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android 11 Guides Tagged With: Android 10, Android 11, Android 11 new features, Android Pie, dark mode, dark theme, quick settings, settings

How to play Android 11 Easter Egg game (Android Neko Cat game)?

Last updated on: December 14, 2020, first published on: December 14, 2020 3 Comments

Android 11 Easter Egg game: Neko catAndroid 11 has returned with an Android Easter Egg game. For each major version of Android from Android Gingerbread, an Easter Egg has always been included as a mini-game in the Android System with Android 10 being an exception.

In previous Android systems, such as In Android Lollipop and Marshmallow, the Easter egg game is usually an entirely new game. However, the Android 11 Easter Egg has brought back the beloved Android Neko game that was initially introduced in Android Nougat.

This guide will explain what the Android 11 Easter Egg game is, how to access it and how to play the game (Android Neko Cat game).

What is the Android 11 Easter Egg game?

For Android 11, its Easter Egg is called the Android Neko game. The game works in a similar way as it does in Android Nougat, with the main objective of the game being having users collect cats by providing them with food, water and toys.

Unlike the previous Easter Egg games, the Android 11 Easter Egg is not played in the Quick Settings but rather in the Device Controls under Power menu.

How to access the Android 11 Easter Egg?

Like the previous Easter Egg games, the Android 11 Easter Egg game need to be enabled through the phone Settings.

The following steps will show how you can enable (and disable) the Android 11 Easter Egg game via Settings.

Step 1: Access Settings

Enter Settings either through the quick settings panel or by tapping on the Settings icon in the apps menu, as shown in the two following screenshots.

Quick Settings Panel Android Apps menu

Step 2: Access Android Version

In Settings, scroll to the bottom of the Settings menu and tap on About phone as shown below.

Android 11 Settings

In the About phone page, scroll down until you see Android version and tap on it.

Make sure that it says 11 under Android version, if not you will be unable to access the Android 11 Easter Egg game. (Please refer to this guide on how to update your android version)

Android 11 About phone

Step 3: Access the Easter egg

After tapping on Android version you’ll be brought to a page which allows users to view the information about the Android system.

Tap on Android version 11 rapidly to access the Android 11 easter egg. A green dial should appear as shown below.

Now, you are ready to enable and play the Easter Egg game.… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android 11 Guides Tagged With: Android 11, Android Easter egg, Android Nougat, Android version, easter egg, Neko Cat game, power button, power menu, quick settings, settings

How To Use Live Caption in Android 10 and Android 11

Last updated on: December 12, 2020, first published on: December 11, 2020 1 Comment

Android Live Caption

Android 10 introduced the Live Caption feature, initially for selected Pixel phones, to automatically caption any audio being played.  Later, most Android vendors implemented it in Android 10 phones (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Note 20).  Google further improved this feature in Android 11.

This Android 11 guide explains what Live Caption is, when you need to use it, how to use it, and how to customise it in Android 11 and Android 10 phones.

What is Live Caption?

Live Caption is a new feature that has been added to phones with Android 10 and up.

When the feature is enabled, the phone automatically detects audio being played and captions them on the phone in real-time. You can use the Live Caption even if the phones audio is being muted.

Live Caption generates real-time caption according to the audio that’s being played. The feature is supported by most Andriod apps but may be unavailable for some media and calling apps.

When to use Live Caption?

Live Caption in Android 10 and Android 11 can be used to caption the audio from the following such as:

  • Audio messages
  • Phone calls
  • Videos
  • Podcasts
  • Recordings

Anyway, you can use this feature to caption most audios on Android 10 and Android 11.

How to turn on Live captions?

By default, Live Caption is not enabled in most Android phones.  You can turn on (and turn off)  it at any time. The captions will only show when speech is detected.

Live Captions in Android 10 and Android 11 can be turned on through 2 ways:

  1. Using Android Settings;
  2. Using the volume button.

Through Settings

You may follow the following steps to turn on Live Caption (or turn off) on your phone via Settings.

Step 1: Open Settings

Enter Settings either through the quick settings panel or by tapping on the Settings icon in the apps menu, as shown in the two screenshots below.

Quick Settings Panel Android Apps menu

Step 2: Open sound panel

In the Settings page, tap on Sound as shown.

Settings

Step 3: Tap on Live Caption

In the Sound settings, scroll down to the Live Caption tab and tap on it to enter Live Caption page.

Sound setting page

Step 4: Enable Live Caption

In the Live Caption page, you can turn on/off this feature and change the captions’ settings.

Tap on the switch as shown below to turn Live Caption on.

Tap again to turn it off.

Live caption settings Live caption settings

In this page, you can also access the Live Caption settings, as shown above.… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android 10 Guides, Android 11 Guides Tagged With: Android 10, Android 10 new features, Android 11, Android 11 new features, hide profanity, live caption, Live Caption in volume control, quick settings, screenshot, settings, volume control, volume down button

How to share Wi-Fi using QR codes in Android 10?

You can generate a QR code for your WiFi and share it with friends

Last updated on: December 13, 2019, first published on: December 14, 2019 Leave a Comment

hare Wi-Fi using QR codes in Android 10In Android 10, Wi-Fi sharing via QR code (Quick Response code) is a new feature which allows users to share Wi-Fi networks with friends by generating a QR code instead of announcing the Wi-Fi password.

This is helpful if you prefer keeping the password of your Wi-Fi network secret when sharing the network with others.

This Android 10 guide shows you the detailed steps of sharing Wi-Fi through  QR code. Some frequently encountered questions on sharing Wi-Fi using QR code were also answered.

How to share Wi-Fi using a QR code in Android 10?

There are at least 2 ways to share Wi-Fi using a QR code in Android 10:

  • Through the Settings app.
  • Through the Quick settings panel.

Through Settings

Step 1: Open Settings

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

Of course, you can also tap the gear icon in the quick settings panel.

Accessing Settings through application

Step 2: Access Network and internet page

In the Settings page, tap on Network & internet, as seen below.

Android 10 Settings

Step 3: Turn on Wi-Fi

If the Wi-Fi is not enabled, you need to switch on the Wi-Fi by tapping on the switch, as shown below.

You could skip this step if WiFi was enabled already.

Android 10 Network settings

Step 4: Access the network details

In the network settings page, tap on Wi-Fi.

Then, tap on the name (SSID) of the Wi-Fi that you want to share.

Android 10 Network settings Android 10 Wi-Fi settings

Step 5: Generate a QR code

In the network details page, tap on the Share icon, as shown below.

Before the QR code is created, you will need to verify your identity by inputting the password for the phone.

Once the QR code is created, others can scan it to connect to the Wi-Fi network.

Android 10 Network details QR code example Share WiFi through QR code in Android 10

For example, as shown above, a QR code was generated and ready for share.

Through Quick Settings panel

You can also access the same sharing page from the quick settings panel.

Swipe down twice from the top of the screen to open the Quick settings panel.

In the quick settings panel, tap on the Wi-Fi icon to switch on the Wi-Fi, if it is not enabled, as shown below.

share Wi-Fi using QR codes in Android 10  through Android 10 Quick Settingsshare Wi-Fi using QR codes in Android 10 through Android 10 Quick settings

Once WiFi is connected, you can then press and hold the Wi-Fi icon, as shown above.

Then, tap on the name of the Wi-Fi, as shown below.

Android 10 Wi-Fi settings

Now, you can access the same network details page, and use the Share button to generate QR code as discussed earlier.… Read the rest

Filed Under: Android 10 Guides Tagged With: Android 10, Android 10 new features, camera app, QR code, quick setting panel, settings, WiFi sharing

How to Use Location Access Control in Android 10?

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

Last updated on: December 8, 2019, first published on: December 8, 2019 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 Android 10 dark mode (dark theme)?

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

Last updated on: December 17, 2020, first published on: December 3, 2019 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.

In addition, now in Android 11, scheduling has been added to Android Dark theme. With this new feature, devices can automatically switch between dark and light mode according to its settings, reducing the hassle for users to manually switch between the 2 modes. Check out this page to learn more about what’s new in Android 11 Dark theme.

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.… 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

How to use the Android Pie navigation gestures?

Last updated on: June 2, 2019, first published on: January 27, 2019 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

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  • How to Use and Customize Galaxy S21 Side Key?
  • How to hide Galaxy S21 password and PIN when typing?
  • How to power on, power off, and reboot Galaxy S21,even when the phone hangs?
  • How to use Galaxy S21 quick settings panel?

RSS Galaxy S20 Guides

  • How to Use Enhanced Processing on Galaxy S20 with Android 11 update?
  • How to access, use, and customise widgets on Galaxy S20 lock screen and AOD screen with Android 11 update for Galaxy S20?
  • How to update Galaxy S20 to Android 11?
  • How to use Galaxy S20 lockdown mode?
  • Top 11 new features in Galaxy S20 Android 11 update
  • How to use Galaxy S20 recovery mode?
  • How to use 5 different shooting methods for Galaxy S20 camera?
  • How to use and customize power mode on Galaxy S20?
  • A Complete Guide Of Galaxy S20 Assistant Menu
  • How to manage location services on Galaxy S20 to protect your privacy?

RSS Galaxy S10 Guides

  • Top 10 new features in Android 10 update for Galaxy S10
  • Top 5 new features added in Galaxy S10 September Update
  • How to move apps to the micro SD card to free phone storage on Galaxy S10 ?
  • Galaxy S10 wireless charging guide
  • How to use app folders on Galaxy S10 Home screen and Apps screen?
  • How to enable and use Galaxy S10 developer options?
  • How to hide suggested apps on Galaxy S10? and how to stop Finder uploading your data to Samsung servers?

RSS Galaxy S9 Guides

  • How to use the floating keyboard on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?
  • How to use the night mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?
  • Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX cable
  • How to use Multi Window on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
  • How to pin files to Galaxy S9 Home screen (add file shortcuts to Galaxy S9 Home screen)?
  • How to show photos on Galaxy S9 Home screen?
  • How to use Galaxy S9 always-on display (AOD) on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
  • How to use Galaxy S9 themes to customize the look and feel of Galaxy S9 and S9+?
  • How to use quick setting buttons on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
  • Understand and use Galaxy S9 notification number badge (notification dots, app icon badge)

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 S7 Guides

  • How to show brightness control above notification panel in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge?
  • How to use Galaxy S7 camera voice control?
  • How to use Galaxy S7 S View cover (for S7 and S7 edge)?
  • How to access and use Galaxy S7 developer options?

RSS Galaxy Note Guides

  • Top 11 disappointments of Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
  • 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?

RSS Google Home Guides

  • How to Use Quick Gestures on Nest Hub 2nd Gen and Nest Hub Max?
  • Nest Audio Guides
  • Google Nest Mini vs Home Mini: what’s new and what’s not changed?
  • Nest Hub Guides
  • How to adjust alarm volume and timer volume in Google Home, Google Home Mini, Nest Audio and Google Home Max?
  • How to reset Google Home Mini?

RSS Moto G Guides

  • Moto G8 vs Moto G8 Power vs Moto G8 Power Lite vs Moto G Power vs Moto G Stylus vs Moto G Pro vs Moto G fast: What are the differences?
  • Moto G8 User Manual for Moto G8 Plus and Moto G8 Play
  • Moto G8 Plus vs Moto G8 Play: Differences and common features

RSS Samsung Galaxy S5 Guide

  • How to save photos to SD card on Galaxy S5?
  • How to add widgets to Galaxy S5 home screen?
  • Galaxy S5 battery guide

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 Guides

  • How to use Moto E6 camera?
  • How to use SIM cards on Moto E6, E6 Plus, E6 Play, and E6s 2020?
  • How to remove Moto E6 back cover (including Moto E6, Moto E6 Plus, Moto E6 Play)?
  • Official user manual for Moto E6, Moto E6 Plus, Moto E6 Play, and Moto E6s

RSS Galaxy S4 Guides

  • Samsung Galaxy S4 Manual for T-Mobile
  • Samsung Galaxy S4 User Manual in Russian (ру́сский язы́к)

RSS Galaxy S6 Guide

  • Official user manual for Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+ with Android Nougat update
  • 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+?

RSS Kindle Fire For Kid

  • How to Use Dark Theme on Fire Tablets with Fire OS 8?
  • How to use Quick Settings on Fire tablets?
  • How to take a screenshot on a Fire tablet without using any apps like a pro?
  • Fire Tablet Buying Guide
  • How-to Guides for Fire tablet

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RSS Drive In Singapore

  • Top 5 rules of driving in Singapore safely and legally during COVID-19 Circuit Breaker period
  • 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

RSS All About Chromecast

  • Chromecast 4th Gen (Chromecast with Google TV) is coming!
  • 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?
  • How to play games on Chromecast from mobile devices (Android and iOS)?
  • How to use Chromecast Audio to stream music? and how to control Chromecast Audio?
  • How to use Ethernet Adapter for Chromecast?
  • How to stream photos and videos on OneDrive to Chromecast?
  • How to use Chromecast on Amazon Fire tablets (Fire HD, Fire HDX and Kindle Fire HDX)
  • A Guide to Chromecast Offers
  • All About Chromecast: a community for Chromecast owners

RSS Headphone Guides

  • AirPods Pro 2 New features explained
  • What is Samsung Seamless Codec? 4 things you should know about this new codec
  • How to use widgets to check battery levels and control Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, and Galaxy Buds?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro: which one should you choose?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2: Top 8 improvements and new features of AirPods 3
  • How to Use and Adjust Force Sensor on AirPods Pro like a Pro?
  • Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: the Top 8 Pros and Cons
  • 4 ways to check Galaxy Buds Live battery level
  • How to manage Galaxy Buds Live in Galaxy Wearable App?
  • How to use touch control on Galaxy Buds Live?

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