5 Must Know Shortcuts for Android

You may never be fast enough when it comes to getting things done on your Android device. Indeed, Android features a series of handy shortcuts from taking photos to uninstalling apps.

Even though there are more of such shortcuts on the latest version of Android, most of them are likely to work on any iteration. Whether you’re very new to Android, or a superuser, here are five shortcuts you should be trying out right now.

5 Must Know Shortcuts for Android

1. Say “Okay, Google”

Once you set up the Google settings and say the “Okay, Google” hotword, you can interact with Android’s personal assistant, Google Now, whenever you want and on any screen.

There is no tapping required and you can even use this shortcut when your device is locked.

After saying “Okay, Google”, you can make a search (Who is the president of South Africa), set a reminder (Remind me to go to work at 7 AM) or control basic features on your phone (turn on flashlight).

To set up Google Now, follow these steps:
1. Open the Google Settings App
2. Tap on Search & Now
3. Tap on Voice
4. Turn on “Ok Google” detection.

2. Two Ways to Take a Screenshot

Taking a screenshot on your Android device is very easy. Here are 3 easy steps:

Method 1:

Press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons until you hear the “capture sound”

Method 2 (For Marshmallow and above):

Press and hold the Home button to launch Now on Tap. then tap the Share button next to the Google button. Your device will capture the screen and a menu will slide up with a menu of options for sharing or saving the image.

Method 3 (For CyanogenMod and similar custom roms):

Press and hold the Power button and select screenshot from the options. In a second or two, your device will snap a screenshot. You might have to activate this options in the Power button menu under the Settings app.

You can find your screenshots under the Screenshots folder in your Photo or Gallery app or in your notifications tray.

3. Reject Phone Calls with Custom Messages

Most of us know this feature exists, but many of us forget because we don’t get to explore in interface when we’re receiving a phone call.

All Android, phone have the ability to send pre-made texts to the person call you when you’re not reading to talk. You can do this by swiping towards the message icon

4. Call Contacts Directly from Home Screen

You can reach out to your favourite contacts with just a tap of a button. Press and hold your Home Screen, tap Widgets, and then look for the Direct Dial(1×1) widget.

Hold and drop the widget to your Home Screen and select your prefered contact. Tap on your contact to directly place a call.

5. T9 Dialing

Search for your contacts much faster by typing their names directly into the dialer a like T9 keyboard. For example, dialing “Dad” will be “323”.

5 Must Know Shortcuts for Android, what’s your favorite?