On this page
Modern smartphones are packed with sophisticated features that often go unused. Beyond the basic calls and texts, your device has hidden shortcuts and settings designed to boost your efficiency, save your battery, and drastically improve your daily experience. Ready to unlock the full potential of your handset? Here are the top tech tricks you should be using, whether you own an Apple, Samsung, or Google device.
The quick verdict
A handful of hidden settings can make your phone quicker to use and help its battery last. Set up text replacement shortcuts, limit charging to protect battery health, clear app caches on Android and use rapid camera access and back tap gestures. A well-maintained phone with a healthy battery also holds its value far better when you come to sell it.
Smartphone tricks at a glance
| Trick | Where to find it | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Text replacement | iOS: Settings > General > Keyboard | Saves typing your email or address |
| Quick Settings panel | Android pull-down panel | Puts favourite tiles within easy reach |
| Limit charging | iOS Battery Health, Samsung Protect Battery | Reduces stress on battery cells |
| Clear app cache | Android: Settings > Apps > Storage & cache | Frees space and speeds things up |
| Rapid camera access | Double-tap power or swipe on lock screen | Never miss a photo |
| Back Tap or Quick Tap | Accessibility on iOS, Gestures on Pixel | Turns the back into a button |
⏱️ Time-Saving Productivity Hacks
1. Use Text Replacement Shortcuts (iOS & Android)
Tired of typing out your email address or home address every time? Set up a simple text shortcut. On iOS, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. On Android, this varies, but it's usually under System > Languages & input > Personal Dictionary.
- Example: Set 'eml' to automatically expand to '[email protected]', or 'add' to your full home address. This saves several seconds on every interaction.
2. Customise Your Quick Settings Panel (Android)
Android's Quick Settings (the panel you pull down from the top) is incredibly flexible. You can rearrange tiles to put your most-used functions (like the Flashlight, Do Not Disturb, or a Focus Mode) within easy reach, often without having to open the main Settings menu.
🔋 Battery and Performance Lifesavers
3. Optimise Charging to 80% (Best for Battery Health)
Fully charging your battery to 100% every day causes stress on the lithium-ion cells, reducing the battery's overall lifespan. Many new phones now have settings to prevent this:
- iOS: Enable Optimised Battery Charging (Settings > Battery > Battery Health). Newer models offer an 80% Limit option.
- Android (Samsung): Look for "Protect Battery" (Settings > Battery > More battery settings). This limits the charge to 85%, significantly extending the long-term health of the cell.
4. Clear the App Cache (Android)
Over time, apps store temporary data (the cache) that can slow down performance. Clearing this cache is a quick way to free up space and speed up your device, especially for storage-intensive apps like Chrome or TikTok. Go to Settings > Apps, select the app, and choose Storage & cache > Clear cache.
✋ Hidden Gestures and Smart Features
5. Use Rapid Camera Access (iOS & Android)
Never miss a photo opportunity again. Both operating systems allow for instant camera access:
- Android (Samsung/Pixel): Double-tap the power button, regardless of whether the phone is locked.
- iOS: Swipe left from the lock screen, or set up a shortcut using the Action Button (iPhone 15 Pro series and newer).
6. Back Tap/Quick Tap Gestures (iOS & Android)
These features turn the back of your phone into an extra input button:
- iOS (Back Tap): Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. You can assign functions to a double or triple tap, such as taking a screenshot, locking the screen, or launching your favourite app.
- Android (Quick Tap): Available on many newer Google Pixel models. Settings > System > Gestures > Quick Tap to start actions.
♻️ Keep Your Phone Smart, Sustainable, and Valuable
Using these simple tricks helps keep your current phone running faster for longer. A well-maintained device, especially one with a healthy battery, retains its value far better than a neglected one, making it a sustainable and financially smart choice.
Ready to upgrade your device and take advantage of all the latest smart features? Find a premium, fully tested model when you buy a refurbished smartphone. Unlock the maximum value from your old, well-maintained handset by getting an instant quote and choosing to sell your old handset to Envirofone.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up text replacement on an iPhone?
On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement. You can set a short code such as 'eml' to expand into your full email address, saving several seconds every time.
Is charging my phone to 100% every day bad for the battery?
Fully charging to 100% every day stresses the lithium-ion cells and reduces battery lifespan. iPhones offer Optimised Battery Charging and, on newer models, an 80% Limit, while Samsung's Protect Battery limits charging to 85%.
How do I clear the app cache on Android?
Go to Settings > Apps, select the app, then choose Storage & cache > Clear cache. Clearing the cache frees up space and can speed up your phone, especially for storage-intensive apps like Chrome or TikTok.
What is Back Tap on iPhone?
Back Tap turns the back of the iPhone into an extra button. Find it under Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap and assign a double or triple tap to actions such as taking a screenshot or opening an app.
How can I open the camera quickly on my phone?
On Samsung and Pixel phones, double-tap the power button, even when the phone is locked. On an iPhone, swipe left from the lock screen, or use the Action Button on iPhone 15 Pro series and newer.
