If you ask many proud Samsung owners why they choose Android over Apple, you may hear some variation of the following phrase: phone freedom.
While iPhone is great for protecting you against viruses and is probably the more intuitive of the two systems (always a debatable topic), those who enjoy experimenting with their tech get a kick out of some of the cool features and hacks you can implement on an Android. Here are three life-changing Android hacks you never knew about, shared by experts.
Enable Developer Options on Android
Developer options is a hidden menu in Android that provides advanced tools and features to developers, says Ivanov Dragos, an Android developer who channels his creativity into writing about copywriting on his blog, wordlab.io. “Enabling it can give you access to some additional settings that can be useful for power users or advanced users,” he says.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the phone’s “Settings”
- Scroll down to “About phone” or “About device”
- Find “Build number” or “Build version”
- Tap on it multiple times (7 times, to be precise)
- A message will appear saying “You are now a developer!”
- Go back to the main settings page and find “Developer options” (usually located at the bottom)
- Tap on it to enable it and access the advanced settings and features.
“Rooting”
Rooting is a process that involves getting root access to the device, which allows the user to gain access to the system files and data, explains Matt Kerr, tech expert and CEO/founder of Appliance Geeked. “This can be done in a variety of ways, such as using a tool like SuperSU or KingoRoot, which can be downloaded from the internet,” Kerr says. “Once the user has root access, they can then gain access to the system files and data, which can be used to modify the system, install unofficial applications, and even remove pre-installed applications.”
In other words: rooting gives you so much more control over your device and how it operates.
Vysor
“My favorite android hack is an app called vysor. You have to turn on developer mode to use the app, but it allows you to connect your phone to the computer and use it from anywhere in the world,” says Aaron Perkowitz, ex-fund manager and CEO of bestcryptos.io. “This is helpful when traveling abroad and you want to use texts and calls without racking up large fees. All you need to do is download the app, set it up on your phone and computer and leave it at home when you go on vacation.”
It’s important to keep in mind that hacking your Android can come with its own set of risks.
“Android hacks can be dangerous, but they can also be very useful if used correctly,” Kerr says. “It is important to be aware of the different hacks that are available and how to protect yourself against them. By understanding the different types of Android hacks, you can make sure your device is safe from unauthorized access and that you are able to take full advantage of the features and capabilities that come with your Android device.”
