10 steps to improve your user experience on Android

Android is a complete system, full of hidden resources. For some, knowledge is necessary in order to activate them, for others, they are simple actions that can be carried out easily. Find out how to optimize your user experience on Android with these 10 gestures.

1. Tap notifications to access the app settings

Most users already know that you can delete a notification by swiping it left or right. However, other actions can be performed if you keep pressing the notification for a few seconds. Take the test yourself: tap on a notification then click on one of the icons that appear on the right.

The possibilities are different depending on the devices and versions, A long press allows you to configure the notifications of the application.

2. Use quick access

From Jelly Bean, Android offers the ability to access quick system shortcuts and your notifications by simply swiping the screen down. This simple gesture saves you time by activating, deactivating or modifying certain settings.

3. Double click to select words

With the arrival of Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the famous copy-paste mode has been optimized. You can select a word, phrase or text with a double-click or by pressing the content you want to select for a few seconds. You will then be able to see on the screen the words Copy, Share, Select all, web search and the three horizontal lines. This last option allows you to activate the assistant or translate without having to leave the screen.

4. Get safe mode in a few steps

Like computers, Android devices are also capable of booting into safe mode. In general, this emergency tool can be very useful, for example during a crash or in the event of a problem with an Android application that does as it pleases. To access Safe Mode, press and hold the physical Power button. Once the "Switch off" option is displayed on the screen, long press on it to unlock the menu. To conclude, all you have to do is press "Yes" to restart in secure mode. Note that this tip does not work with all brands of smartphones.

5. Navigate between the different tabs of Chrome

Are you one of the users who have a lot of tabs open when they browse the Internet? Note that with Chrome, it's very easy to switch from one tab to another. Just click on the number of the number of open tabs in the upper right corner of the screen to access an old tab. You can also close these by swiping them on the left or right side.

6. Zoom into any hidden corner of the system

To zoom on Android, simply double-click on images, web pages or any other compatible content. But there is a way to use this function for any application. Go to Settings> Accessibility to activate the enlargement gestures function. Once the functionality is activated, you can zoom in and out by pressing the screen 3 times. To pan, swipe two or more fingers across the screen. You can pinch two fingers to adjust the zoom level.

7. Change the size of the Google keyboard (Gboard)

Decreasing the keyboard size can be useful to improve the user experience. It is also something that some manufacturers are implementing on large screen devices to better manage the smartphone with one hand.

To change the size of the Google keyboard, you must hold the Enter button (the arrow at the bottom right) for a few seconds, then select the icon that shows a hand and voila. Easy, right?

8. Remove icons from your desktop

Did you know that on Android, you can delete apps directly from the system home screen? To do this, simply press the icon you want to uninstall and place it in the upper right on the word "Uninstall". Please note, on some phones, this command may vary.

9. Double tap on the screen to zoom on Google Maps

Google Maps is one of the best apps from Google. However, if you have a phone with a large screen, it is not necessarily easy to access all areas of the map very easily. Be aware that you can use the zoom in such cases. Double click on the map and continue to navigate with one finger. The zoom allows you to reach the desired area and it's also an easier way to use the service.

10. Create your own gestures

If you don't like the default gestures, applications allow you to create your own gestures. My favorite app is All in One Gestures which fulfills the role quite well and allows you to create gestures to navigate the system from the user's choices.

Setting up All in One Gestures is easy. Just select the gestures you want and in which parts of the system they can be executed. Of course, this has an impact on the autonomy of your smartphone.

Do you know of other useful gestures? Feel free to share them in the comments.