Smartphone shortcuts are powerful tools that allow you to navigate your devices faster and more efficiently, consequently enhancing your overall user experience. However, many smartphone users aren’t leveraging these handy shortcuts and commands to improve their productivity. This comprehensive guide introduces a myriad of smartphone shortcuts you should know when using iOS and Android devices.
1. iOS Shortcuts
iOS Shortcuts can help streamline your tasks and operations. You can automate a sequence of actions using the iOS Shortcuts app available on iOS 12 and later versions.
1.1 Create Your Own Shortcut
Start the Shortcuts app and tap on the “+” sign. Click on “Add Action” and select from various categories like Apps, Favorites, or Scripting. Enter the relevant sequence, name the shortcut, and you’re done.
1.2 Use Pre-Made Shortcuts
If you aren’t comfortable building your own, use pre-made shortcuts. Go to the Shortcuts Gallery and choose from predetermined operations like “Calculate Tip”, “Log Water” to track your hydration, or “Heading to Work” to get route and traffic updates.
1.3 Use Siri Shortcuts
You can also create shortcuts for Siri under the Siri button in your settings. Speak your custom phrases to Siri, and your chosen operation will commence.
2. Android Shortcuts
Android is known for its customization. Make your Android experience swifter with these shortcuts.
2.1 App Shortcuts
To quickly access features within an app, long-press the app icon. A mini dropdown menu will appear with specific actions related to that app. This notably works with Google apps like Gmail, Maps, and Drive.
2.2 Home Screen Shortcuts
If you find an interesting article or page you want easy access to, tap the share button, select home screen, and an icon linking to that page will appear on your home screen.
2.3 Notification Log
Lost a notification? No worries, use the following method to access your notification log: long-press and hold a blank space on your home screen, click on widgets, find the ‘Settings’ widget, and then select “Notification Log”.
3. General Smartphone Shortcuts
These shortcuts are standard across multiple platforms and help streamline operations.
3.1 Switch Between Apps
For both Android and iOS, you can switch between applications without going back to the home screen. On iOS, swipe left or right on the bottom to switch, while Android users can swipe up from the bottom and hold.
3.2 Taking Screenshots
On an iOS device, press the side button and the volume up button simultaneously for a screenshot. Android users can press the power button and volume down button simultaneously.
3.3 Turn Off All Interruptions
A quick shortcut to staying distraction-free is enabling “Do Not Disturb” mode. On iOS, swipe down from the upper right corner and tap on the moon icon. Android users can swipe down from the top of the screen and select the “Do Not Disturb” option.
4. Advanced Smartphone Shortcuts
These advanced shortcuts often go overlooked but can greatly boost your productivity.
4.1 Access Hidden iOS Emoji Keyboard
To access a hidden emoji library on your iOS device, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Add New Keyboard > Japanese > Kana.
4.2 Schedule Texts on Android
Using Google Messages, compose your text, tap on the three dots in the top right corner, followed by “Schedule Send.”
4.3 Set Custom Vibrations on iOS
Furthermore, iOS users can better identify callers by setting custom vibrations. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Ringtone > Vibration > Create New Vibration.
5. Texting Shortcuts
The following texting shortcuts enhance your typing efficiency.
5.1 Voice Typing
Voice typing is a powerful tool available for both Android and iOS. Just click on the microphone icon in your keyboard and start speaking.
5.2 Enable Swipe Typing
If you’re using an Android or newer iOS device, swipe typing could be a game-changer. Glide your finger over the letters of the word you want to type.
5.3 Symbol Shortcuts
On your iOS device, simply hold down a letter to find alternate symbols associated with it. On Android, press the Symbols button beside the Space button to access a full range of symbols and emoticons.
In conclusion, knowing these smartphone shortcuts enhances your productivity by reducing time spent on routine tasks. They help in multitasking, setting reminders, managing work, and even during leisure activities. They allow you to seamlessly navigate your device, pulling up commands in an instant and increasing your effectiveness on your smartphone. Embrace these shortcuts and streamline your smartphone usage.
