10 Ways to Maximize the Use of Your Smartphone

Your phone has the processing power and access to hundreds of apps that can put a mainframe from years ago to shame. But the question is, are you making the most out of it?

The smartphone is the best thing that ever happened to the telecommunications industry. With hundreds of phone specifications, it can be difficult to use all of its functions. Nevertheless, the smartphone has, undoubtedly, made our lives easier.

Mobile phone technology is still evolving like most electronic gadgetry. But, for the here and now, below are five ways to maximize the use of your smartphone.

1. Customize it

You can still “mess” with your phone’s default settings. If you’re an Android user, you can automatically change the apps installed, add or subtract more. If there’s a PDF reader you prefer or a browser you like, you absolutely can download it on your phone.

It’s pretty simple. Your phone will most often ask you if you want to set a default app. If ever you change your mind, you can easily go to the settings menu and look for the default app and choose Clear Defaults. Just take note that the procedure is more or less the same across different brands and models.

There are numerous apps out there exclusively tailored for Android smartphones. You can even choose how your home screen looks or how your apps are organized. It’s really all up to you on how you personalize your phone apps, so don’t be afraid to explore

2. Welcome Google

Google is such a powerful search engine that it’s definitely good to have it on your mobile device. With a smartphone, you can easily integrate Google and have your Gmail, YouTube, Playstore, Calendar, etc., work seamlessly at your fingertips. Plus, with just a spoken “Ok Google”, Google’s voice assistant is right at the tip of your fingertips.

3. Track Your Data Use

If you’re constantly worried about exceeding your data plan, you shouldn’t be. Your smartphone has a built-in data tracker that keeps a record of how much data you’ve consumed. This can be found in the settings menu under the data usage heading.

4. Disable Useless Apps

Not every app that comes with your phone will be a feature you’ll be fond of or find useful. Sometimes the apps which are pre-installed on your phone are those you may not be using. You can either uninstall these apps or keep them from running by disabling them.

5. Conserve Battery Life

It’s essential for your smartphone to have a reasonably long battery life for when you need to conduct business using it, social media management, and for special emergency situations.

One way to conserve energy is by setting it on power saving mode, although doing so may automatically disable some features. This could give you an extra hour of battery life especially when you are in dire need to contact someone.

Here are a handful of other tips for you to conserve your phone’s battery life.

• Lower screen brightness. The easiest way to save battery is to reduce your screen’s brightness while enjoying its full functionality.
• Use Wi-Fi instead of 4G. WiFi uses 40% less power than 4G when browsing the Internet.
• Limit talk time. When you connect to a cellular network, it uses the GSM module, and it’s the most energy-consuming component of a smartphone.
• Download battery-saving apps. There are some root and non-root apps that identify and stop apps which wake your phone often. Battery-saving apps like Amplify and Greenify help control apps that are draining your battery life.

6. Invest in a Good Case

No one likes a phone full of dents and scratches. To preserve the value of your smartphone, invest in a good case and screen protector.

There are many options available for cases which will suit your taste. Just make sure that you choose function over design. Your goal is to limit any damage to your phone, and not just make it look good.

7. Check for Updates

To make sure your smartphone is running on the latest firmware, it is vital to keep it updated for maximum performance. If your phone is new, it’s better to check for updates since new devices have bugs that can only be solved through software updates. You will normally get update reminders from the manufacturer, so do not ignore them.

8. Swipe Down for Quick Access

Want to have quick access to Airplane Mode or your flashlight? Just swipe down the menu from the top right hand side of your phone for the Quick Settings Menu. It’s quite a basic tool, but most people don’t know how to go about it, or what it is for.

9. Try Multitasking

Today’s recent smartphones allow you to run two applications at the same time. To enable this feature, you have to tap and hold the “Recent Apps” button on your phone. This will prompt your phone to go into a split-screen for you to view the two apps running at the same time.

10.  Move Data

If you’re going to move your contacts from one phone to another, all it takes is a good sync. For an Android phone, you can simply sign in to your Google account on your new phone and sync your contacts.

There are also handy apps which can help you conveniently and quickly move or copy data from one smartphone to another, with options for moving/copying data between smartphones by the same manufacturer, or from two different ones.

There are still a variety of ways for you to maximize your phone. As technology continues to evolve, the list will keep on changing. What’s important is that you make use of the technology you have now through your mobile device, and treat it as an instrument to make your life better and easier.

About the Author

Al-moottil P Antony is a C-Suite Executive Support Professional for Zain, a leading mobile and data services operator with a commercial footprint in 8 Middle Eastern and African countries.