Android is the most popular and versatile operating system for smartphones in the present scenario which is also evident through the fact that it accounts for almost 86% shares of sales in the smartphone market. The main reason behind such an escalated approach is being open source, flexible and highly customizable. Also, the availability of tons of applications by thousands of developers for the same is like icing on the cake.
Now, as an Android user, you might want to explore the endless possibilities for getting the maximum out of your Android device. Following the same, we are here with the best Android hacks and tricks you should know right now. These tricks and hacks will not only make you smarter but also change the way how you interact with your smartphone.
Also read: Best Android Apps Not on Google Play Store
Let us begin with the list of 10 best Android hacks and tricks.
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1. Install Linux on your Android Phone without Root
You might be surprised to know that it is literally possible to open the Linux interface and command prompt on your Android phone. Now, installing a Linux on Android has always been a tedious task and often requires root but here, we do have a way to do that without root or any special knowledge and skills.
By using Debian Noroot app, you can install Linux distribution Debian on your Android phone to get a few utilitarian things done. It is basically an operating system based on Linux which allows the user to install LibreOffice, GIMP, and other open source software through APT (Advanced Package Tool) and make use of the same.
To do this, you just have to install the Debian Noroot app from the PlayStore, then just open it like any other application and allow it to download the full package for complete installation. Once loaded fully, you will be welcomed by a mouse-oriented desktop interface where you can download and install certain programs or games just like on any other version of Linux. Nonetheless, there are endless possibilities to be explored in case if you』re bored with your Android.
Also read: Best WiFi Hacking Apps for Android
2. Use your LED flash and Camera for Heart Rate monitoring
Yes, it is possible to monitor your pulse rate without the use of any fitness tracker or devices with a dedicated heart rate monitor. At once, it might seem like a gimmick or joke for you but it does actually work to a certain extent.
Now, there are many apps available which let you track your pulse rate. The ones which actually work require your finger to be placed on the LED flash after which the app uses the camera to track color changes under your skin to monitor the amount of blood passing through.
Given that this is software dependent, don』t expect much accuracy and make sure that the LED flash on your phone doesn』t reside too far from the camera lens. Also, use a good application for the same like the Instant Heart Rate app which we have used here for best results.
3. Tweak the Status Bar using System UI Tuner
If in case you』re bored with your current status bar or plan of adding and removing certain options then you no longer need to rely on third party apps.
You just have to enable the hidden settings menu called as 「System UI Tuner」 which can be done by holding the settings gear present in the Notification toggle menu. On doing the same, the gear icon will start rotating followed by a toast message confirming that System UI tuner has been enabled.
Now, you will be able to see the System UI tuner menu in the settings app where you can specify what sort of icons you want to appear in the status bar like indication for orientation, networks, headphones (this ain』t enabled by default on some phones), etc. You can further tweak extra settings for Do Not Disturb mode, notifications and Always On Display (if supported).
However, this hidden setting may not be present on phones with custom UI like EMUI/MIUI and older android versions.
