8 Built-in Android Features to Help You Stay Productive

Android devices are packed with features that can help you maximize your productivity. Whether you're a professional or a student, these productivity-focused features can help.

1. Focus Mode

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If you don't want notifications to bother you when you're busy, enable Focus Mode on your Android device. Unlike Do Not Disturb, which silences your phone and all calls, messages, and notifications, Focus Mode lets you mute specific apps. This way, you won't miss important notifications and can significantly reduce distractions.

You can even set a schedule for when you work or study during specific hours, so that Focus Mode automatically turns on during those designated times. If you really want to maximize your productivity, there are also specific Android apps you can download to help you stay more focused.

2. Bedtime Mode​​​​

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There's nothing worse than lying in bed, almost falling asleep, only to be woken up by loud notifications. Since we don't always remember to manually mute notifications, using Bedtime Mode on Android devices is a real lifesaver.

When you turn on Bedtime Mode, your phone will mute and the wallpaper will dim. The screen will also turn black and white, which is great if you tend to use your phone as you get ready for bed. You can also turn on Do Not Disturb for Bedtime Mode, which ensures that only callers and starred contacts can reach you. Like Focus Mode, you can set a schedule for selected days and times, and configure it to turn on when you charge your phone after 9pm.

3. Split Screen Mode

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One Android feature that is often used for seamless multitasking is Split Screen Mode. This feature is useful when switching between two apps, such as Chrome when searching for a flight and the Calendar app to check your schedule. Split Screen Mode allows you to view both apps at the same time without having to switch back and forth.

Both apps must be open in the Recent Apps overview to use this feature. Then, tap the app icon at the top of the screen and select Split screen . Select the other app and you'll be able to see two screens. To view just one app again, drag the bar in the middle to the bottom or top of the screen.

4. Quick Share​​​​​

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If you've used AirDrop on your iPhone, Quick Share on Android devices works similarly. Like AirDrop, you can use it to send just about anything, from videos to documents, to nearby contacts. It works on devices running Android 6.0 or later, so this is a feature you'll have access to unless you bought your smartphone before 2015.

5. Voice Typing

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Whether you're on the go and can't type or just prefer talking to typing on a small screen, Voice Typing is a game changer. You can use it to send emails or take notes while walking the dog or doing housework.

To use it, open any app where you can type, like Keep or Gmail. Tap the area where you normally type. Locate the microphone icon and select it. When you see the "Speak now" message, you can start saying whatever you want to be converted to text.

6. Google Assistant/Gemini

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Getting ready for work but want to know the temperature outside? Want to look up a recipe without stopping what you're doing? Google Assistant (or Gemini if ​​you've switched) can help.

There are a lot of things you can use Google Assistant for, from doing quick calculations to playing music or podcasts on your phone, checking traffic on your route, and more. To activate Google Assistant, hold down the Home button or say "Hey Google." Then you can ask any question or speak a command.

7. Pin the app​​​​

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This feature can be useful if you open an app and want to avoid accidentally opening another app or page. It's useful in public places, especially in professional settings, if you're handing your device to someone.

Pinning apps ensures that they can only see that specific app, thus protecting your privacy and ensuring you can keep working.

8. One-handed mode​​​​​

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Large phones are all the rage these days. But while they offer an immersive viewing experience, they can often be difficult and inconvenient to use or navigate between apps on your phone, especially on the go.

To use this feature, navigate to Settings > System > Gestures . Turn on the toggle for One-Handed Mode . Once you do, you can pull the screen within reach by swiping down on the bottom edge of the screen.

There are so many things you can do with your Android device. And integrating these features into your daily life can help you focus better and make the most of your time.

Samuel Daniel

Update 15 January 2025