3 handy Android features you may not know

Android comes with many settings and features that make using your phone more convenient and enjoyable. Here are three to check out.

Share your Wi-Fi with a QR code

No more remembering or fussing with passwords; simply scan a QR code to connect new devices to your home Wi-Fi. You can also share your mobile hotspot using this method.

1. Make sure your Android device is connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to share.

2. Go to Settings and tap Network and Internet or Connections, then Wi-Fi.

3. Tap the cog icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network, then tap the QR icon labelled “Share” or “QR code”.

4. A QR code will appear. Scan the code with whatever device you wish to connect to your Wi-Fi.

This works with mobile hotspots as well: simply tap the QR icon next to your hotspot name to get the QR code.

Multitask with split-screen apps

Make use of your screen real estate by using two apps at the same time—check your emails while browsing the web, chat on WhatsApp while ordering your dinner, and more.

1. Tap the recent button on the bottom navigation bar to launch the recent apps overview.

2. If you’re using gesture navigation, swipe up and hold to access the recent apps overview.

3. Swipe through your recent apps to an app you want to use in split-screen mode, and tap on its app icon.

4. Select “Split Screen“, then choose the other app you want to use.

5. Adjust the size of the windows by dragging the divider.

Keep apps pinned when sharing your phone

Prevent your friends or child from snooping through your phone or using other apps when you pass them your phone. Android’s screen pinning feature pins a single app to the screen so other users only have access to that one app.

Enable screen pinning

• On Samsung devices: Go to Biometrics and security > Other security settings and toggle on the switch for Pin windows.

• On other Android devices: Go to Security > Advanced > App pinning and toggle on the switch.

Use screen pinning

1. Launch the app you want to pin.

2. Tap the recent button on the bottom navigation bar, or swipe up and hold if you’re using gesture navigation.

3. In this view, tap the app icon at the top of the screen and select “Pin” or “Pin this app”. The app will be pinned.

4. To unpin, press and hold the back and recent buttons at the same time or swipe up and hold if you’re using gesture navigation.