7 Android Settings You Should Change for a Better Phone Experience

Android phones come with many settings that can improve your everyday experience, but some of them are easy to overlook. A few simple changes can help you reduce distractions, protect your privacy, save battery, and make your phone easier to use.

You do not need to install another app to make these changes. Most of the settings below are already available on your Android phone, although the exact names and locations may differ depending on your phone manufacturer and Android version.

1. Turn Off Unnecessary App Notifications

Too many notifications can quickly become distracting, especially when several apps are constantly sending alerts.

You can control which apps are allowed to send notifications and disable alerts that you do not need.

How to change it:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Notifications.
3. Choose App notifications or a similar option.
4. Select an app and turn off notifications you do not want.

Keep notifications enabled for apps where alerts are important to you, such as messaging, banking, or security apps.

2. Review App Permissions

Apps can request access to information and features such as your location, camera, microphone, contacts, and photos. It is a good idea to regularly review these permissions.

How to check permissions:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Privacy or Security & privacy.
3. Open Permission manager.
4. Select a permission such as Location, Camera, or Microphone.
5. Review which apps have access.

If an app does not need a particular permission to perform its main function, consider changing its access.

3. Turn On Battery Saver When You Need It

If your phone battery is running low and you still need your phone to last for several more hours, Battery Saver can help reduce power consumption.

To find the setting:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Battery.
3. Look for Battery Saver or Power Saving.
4. Turn it on when necessary.

Some Android phones also allow you to automatically enable Battery Saver when the battery reaches a specific percentage.

4. Use Dark Theme if It Is More Comfortable for You

Android includes a dark theme that changes supported parts of the interface to darker colors. Many people find it more comfortable to use in low-light environments.

To enable it:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Display.
3. Look for Dark theme or Dark mode.
4. Turn it on.

You can also schedule dark mode on some Android devices so that it turns on automatically at certain times.

5. Enable Automatic System Updates

Keeping Android and your apps updated can give you access to new features, bug fixes, and security improvements.

Check your phone's system update settings regularly and install available updates when appropriate.

To check for an Android update:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down to System or Software update.
3. Tap the available update option.
4. Follow the instructions if an update is available.

The exact menu can vary between Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, Tecno, Infinix, and other Android devices.

6. Turn On Find My Device

Google's Find My Device feature can help you locate, secure, or manage an Android device if you lose it.

Make sure the feature is enabled before you actually need it.

To check it:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Security or Google, depending on your device.
3. Look for Find My Device.
4. Make sure it is enabled.

Your phone generally needs to be powered on and connected to the internet for many location and device-management features to work.

7. Set Up a Screen Lock

A screen lock is one of the simplest ways to protect the information stored on your phone. Android devices can support different security methods depending on the model, including a PIN, password, pattern, fingerprint, or face unlock.

To set up or change your screen lock:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Security or Lock screen.
3. Select the available screen-lock option.
4. Follow the instructions to set it up.

Choose a security method that provides a good balance between protection and convenience for your needs.

Final Thoughts

You do not need to change dozens of Android settings to improve your phone experience. Reviewing notifications, app permissions, battery options, updates, device security, and other basic settings can make your phone more convenient and secure to use.

Because Android menus vary between manufacturers and versions, some of these options may appear under slightly different names on your device.

If you have not reviewed your Android settings recently, these seven are a good place to start.