Whenever you first unbox a Google Pixel, the expertise is clear and intuitive, however the default configuration barely scratches of what this {hardware} is definitely able to.
For months, I used my Pixel precisely how Google meant, but it wasn’t till I dug into the deeper sub-menus and developer choices that the system really clicked for me.
By transferring past the out-of-the-box defaults and fine-tuning how the software program handles every part from background processes to notification density, I’ve managed to rework my Pixel into an environment friendly powerhouse.
Allow swipe to begin search
Like lots of you, I not often scroll by way of my total app drawer; I’m a search-first person.
By default, opening the app drawer on a Pixel reveals you your grid, however you continue to need to faucet the search bar on the high to carry up the keyboard.
It sounds minor, however while you do it a number of occasions a day, these additional faucets add as much as numerous wasted movement. That’s why the Swipe as much as begin search toggle was a game-changer for me.
After I enabled this in Residence settings, the keyboard now opens up robotically the second I swipe up from the house display.
It eliminates that awkward attain to the highest of the cellphone and lets me begin typing instantly. I’ve turned my app drawer right into a lightning-fast command bar.
Tweak lock display notifications
One of many largest hurdles to sustaining a clear, skilled aesthetic on my Pixel — whereas staying productive — was the messy state of my lock display notifications.
Out of the field, Android tends to be a bit loud with the way it shows data. I discovered that my lock display was consistently cluttered with huge bubbles that confirmed an excessive amount of data.
To repair this, I made two particular tweaks that modified how I work together with my cellphone when it’s locked.
First, I switched my notification show to Compact. By default, the Pixel likes to indicate expanded views that take up an enormous quantity of display actual property.
Switching to the compact format retains every part neatly tucked away. Now, I can see icons for my pending alerts at a look with out having to scroll by way of a wall of textual content.
Second, and extra importantly for my privateness, I disabled delicate notifications. As a freelancer, I’m typically coping with shopper messages or private challenge alerts that I don’t essentially need anybody standing close by to learn.
By toggling this off, I nonetheless get the alert that I’ve a message from Proton Mail or a ping on LinkedIn, however the precise content material stays hidden till I take advantage of the fingerprint sensor. It’s the right center floor.
If you are at it, be certain that to tweak lock display toggles.
Allow Clear Calling
Clear Calling is without doubt one of the underrated options on Pixel telephones. As somebody who typically takes calls whereas on the transfer or in noisy environments, Clear Calling is a must have.
Since I enabled this within the Sound & vibration settings, the distinction has been huge. Right here, Google makes use of AI to enhance human voice whereas eradicating background chaos.
It’s solely on-device. I’m fairly explicit about privateness, particularly relating to my conversations, and this assurance provides me peace of thoughts.
Activate the Display screen Protector mode
The very first thing I did after unboxing my Pixel was slap on a high-quality tempered glass display protector.
Nevertheless, I rapidly observed a irritating aspect impact: The tactile magic of the display felt barely off. My scrolls weren’t as fluid.
Then I enabled Display screen Protector mode (discovered below the Show settings). The distinction was prompt.
By enabling this, the Pixel boosts the contact sensitivity of the panel to compensate for the additional layer of glass. It restores that easy, buttery-smooth scrolling I count on from a flagship.
It’d appear to be a small software program tweak, however the distinction is big.
Make the most of Non-public House
One of many main upgrades to my workflows has been the addition of Non-public House.
As a expertise author and freelancer, my cellphone is a mixture of private reminiscences and delicate enterprise knowledge.
I’ve all the time felt uneasy about having my banking apps, shopper paperwork, and work-related accounts sitting proper subsequent to my informal social media apps.
Non-public House solved that anxiousness by making a digital vault inside my Pixel.
What I really like about this function is the way it goes past a easy hidden folder. It’s a very sandboxed atmosphere.
Once I set it up, I selected to make use of a separate Google account for it, which suggests my work emails and incognito shopping historical past by no means bleed into my predominant profile.
In case you have used Samsung’s Safe Folder earlier than, you will see that your self proper at residence with Pixel’s Non-public House.
Nevertheless, Google can take some clues from the South Korean large and enhance the general implementation additional.
Add tiles from third-party apps
Whereas the Pixel’s default Fast Settings tiles are nice for toggling Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the true energy of that pull-down menu lies in its potential to behave as a launchpad for my total workflow.
By integrating third-party app tiles, I’ve turned my notification shade into a customized command heart.
The most important win for me has been with Microsoft To Do. As an alternative of opening the app, ready for it to load, after which clicking plus, I’ve added a New Process tile.
I’ve utilized this similar occasion entry logic entry my total digital toolkit. As an example, I’ve added a devoted tile to toggle my Proton VPN on or off immediately.
I’ve additionally added a brand new process toggle for Asana in order that I can add my challenge duties with a single faucet from the notification bar.
And since I want open supply instruments each time potential, I take advantage of an OSS scanner for my receipts and contracts.
Including its tile to my Fast Settings means I can go from a bodily piece of paper to a digital PDF in about three seconds.
For me, this isn’t nearly saving a couple of faucets; it’s about staying within the circulation. It’s a significant productiveness enhance that makes my cellphone like a high-speed workstation.
You should swipe all the way down to open the notification heart and swipe once more to open the enhancing menu. Now, scroll down, and also you shall see fast actions out of your put in third-party apps.
Make your Pixel model new
General, the fantastic thing about the Pixel expertise isn’t simply within the clear software program Google offers, however within the flexibility it provides to these keen to experiment.
It’s typically the smallest, most ignored toggles that ship main enhancements in how we work together with our units on daily basis.
So, what are you ready for? Whether or not you’re a long-time energy person or somebody who simply unboxed their first Google cellphone, implementing even a couple of of those adjustments will make the system really feel sooner, smarter, and extra private.
After making these adjustments, discover these productiveness apps to fly by way of your duties on a Pixel.