Andy Walker / Android Authority
Features like split-screen mode, Quick Share, and various battery optimizations are more or less common knowledge amongst Android users. But Google’s OS has so many features, it’s easy for some to fly under the radar — especially since they can be buried deep within the settings.
A lot of the features I use regularly aren’t talked about as much as they should be, partly due to the fact not everyone is aware that they even exist. I want to change that by sharing five underrated Android features I think deserve more attention.
I’ve added instructions on how to use them and where to find them, but keep in mind that some may not be available on all devices, while others may be located in a different folder due to the differences in Android versions and skins.
App pinning
Joe Maring / Android Authority
We’ve all been there: You want to show someone an album with your vacation photos, an interesting app you just discovered, or have them try the latest game you downloaded, but you’re worried that they will start going through your phone.
The idea of a friend or a family member going through my messages and search history makes me feel uncomfortable, to say the least, which is why I use App pinning in cases like these.
App pinning basically “pins” the app to the screen, meaning the person holding the phone can’t close it or open a new one. If they tried, they would have to unlock the phone with a fingerprint or a PIN, which is something only I can do since it’s my phone. Problem solved.
To enable App Pinning, head to Settings > Security & Privacy > More security & Privacy > App pinning. To pin an app, bring up the multitask screen, tap on the icon of the app you want to pin at the top of its preview, and then select the Pin option.
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