Since I’ve been using Android since version 1.5, I seldom find a feature unexpected. As you can guess, it’s an exciting time for me when I do discover a new Android function.

Android likely has a number of undiscovered gems that are waiting to be found, and some of them may be useful for less frequent (or younger) users of Google’s mobile operating system.

I think all Android users should be aware of these five capabilities, which are a little buried.

Now let’s explore those features.

1. Use QR codes to share Wi-Fi

Even though you may not think twice about this feature, let me set the scenario for you. Let’s say you want to allow your guests to use your Wi-Fi network while they are here for the holidays. You might use a QR code to transmit the Wi-Fi credentials rather than making the password public (which would allow anybody to access it). This method not only makes connecting a new device to the network easier, but it also takes security into consideration.

Tap the network you want to share after selecting Settings > ‘Network and Internet’ > Internet. Tap Share at the top of the page that appears, then confirm that it is you using your biometrics or password/PIN.

The chosen Wi-Fi network’s QR code will appear on a new page. Give the person the QR code so they may scan it with their phone and join the network on their device instantly. To avoid having to pass your phone around for others to scan, you could alternatively take a snapshot of the QR code, print it off, and make the printout accessible.

2. Make ‘Developer options’ available

The ‘Developer settings’ panel on Android isn’t limited to developers. It has several functions, some of which are quite useful, and anybody may activate it.

You may change the graphics driver settings, force peak refresh rate, unlock your bootloader, enable USB debugging, enable automatic system updates, select the maximum number of Bluetooth devices that can connect to your phone, and much more when you have developer options enabled. If you want to have power user-level control over Android, you need activate developer options.

Go to Settings > About Phone, scroll to the bottom of the page, then hit ‘Build number’ seven times to activate the option. Following that, ‘Developer options’ will appear under Settings > System. To see the updated choices, tap that entry.

3. Translation of text

You may want assistance with text translation if you are going outside of your country. Thankfully, Android’s camera app can translate text very well.

This feature is excellent. Imagine that you need a menu or other information translated. Tap the Lens symbol in the search bar after unlocking your Android phone. Press the Translate button after aiming your camera at the object you want to translate.

The text will be automatically translated by Android and shown as a picture, almost precisely as it appears in the original document. After that, you have the option to search for the translated text, see it, copy it to your computer, or capture a screenshot. This functionality might be used to almost any scenario where automated text translation is required.

Additionally, there is the official Google Translate app, which can translate across languages and listen to voices. This app should be regarded as essential if you go to a country where the local language is not spoken.

4. Utilize Extend Unlock

I don’t have to lock my phone while I’m at home since I don’t worry about someone stealing my data.

If there aren’t many physical threats to your phone, you may want to add your house as a Trusted Place and enable Extend Unlock (formerly known as Smart Lock) to facilitate access.

Use Settings > ‘Security & privacy’ > ‘More security & privacy’ > Extend Unlock to do this. After being asked to confirm that it is you, you will get an explanation of Extend Unlock.

You may set up Extend Unlock for trusted locations, trusted devices, or on-body detection on the following page. On the screen that appears, tap ‘Trusted locations’ and add a new trusted location. Once you’ve completed that step, your phone will unlock itself once you go to your trusted location and stay there until you depart.

Keep in mind that this strategy may result in security problems, particularly if you are hosting visitors. Therefore, make careful use of this feature.

5. Enter your health information.

Important medical data, including name, height, weight, gender, blood type, date of birth, organ donor status, pregnancy status, medicines, address, and medical notes, may be stored on Android. You’ll be happy you used this function if you ever need it.

Navigate to Settings > ‘Safety & emergency’ > ‘Medical information’ to input your medical details. Add whatever information you think is necessary on the next page. This functionality has two limitations. In order for emergency responders to use the function, they must first be aware of it. Second, in order to access your phone, the same responders would need to be able to unlock it.

To circumvent that problem, choose ‘Change setting’ at the bottom and, on the screen that appears, enable the information to be accessible during an emergency call, even if your phone is locked. Tap View Emergency Information after selecting Emergency at the bottom of the dial pad (for the unlock screen) to activate this function.