5 must-know Google Pixel tips and tricks you didn’t know
Google Pixel phones provide a simply clean version of Android, a stiffness on the camera frontend, and an AI built into the features. However, in addition to the classic features, several hidden gems go unnoticed by most users. Here are some lesser-known Google Pixel features that'll take your experience up a notch.
1.Call Screening: Allow Google to Answer for You
No one likes spam calls, and you might not know this, but your Pixel can answer them for you. Call Screen lets Google Assistant pick up the phone when a call comes in, transcribe what the caller is saying live, and even ask you if you want to answer.
How to enable:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot menu > Settings > Spam and Call screen > Call screen.
- Adjust how Google screens for spam and unknown callers.
- Now, when an unknown number calls, your Pixel will answer and ask the caller what they want. And if it’s spam, you can totally ignore it without even having to pick it up!
2.Recording App with Live Translation
Pixel phones already have a killer feature for students, journalists, and note-takers in the Recorder app. It records audio while transcribing speech into text at the same time, and it even works without an internet connection!
How to use it:
- Open the Recorder app.
- Tap the record button.
- The app will transcribe what you say in real-time.
- You’ll be able to search for individual words in the recording and create summaries (on newer Pixel models).
- This functionality makes taking notes a piece of cake, saving tons of time.
3. Adaptive Battery: A Longer Life Through AI
Google Pixel’s Adaptive Battery uses AI to learn your habits and apply power to the apps you’re most likely to use. Over time, it terminates background activity for less frequently used apps to help extend battery life considerably.
How to enable:
- Navigate to Settings > **Battery > Adaptive Battery.
- Turn it on.
- However, you’ll also start to see better battery performance as your phone learns your usage patterns.
4.Now Playing: Your Pixel Is Music Genius
Have you ever heard a song in a café or shop and wanted to know what it is? Now Playing: Pixel phones come with a native Now Playing feature that automatically detects the songs playing around you–and without an internet connection!
How to enable:
- Open Settings > Sound & vibration > Now Playing.
- Enable Identify songs playing nearby.
- From now on, if your Pixel hears music, it will passively show the name of the song on your lock screen. You can even view a history of songs it identified!
5. Flip to Shhh: Mute Your Phone on the Spot
Flip to Shhh is a simple but powerful feature for when you’re in a meeting or just need some quiet time. Simply put your phone screen side down on a surface, and Do Not Disturb mode will turn on automatically.
How to enable:
- Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
- Private listening: Tap Flip to Shhh and turn it on.
- It’s a seamless way to silence notifications without touching a button!
Final Thoughts
Daily life can be a challenge, but Google Pixel phones come optimized with intuitive, smart features that help make things easier. From filtering spam calls to transcribing voice recordings to auto-identifying music, these hidden gems guide you to make maximum out of your device.
What was the most surprising of these features? Let us know in the comments!