Your smartphone is hiding superpowers you're probably not using. Many smartphone users may not be taking advantage of all available features, leaving powerful tools dormant that could transform how you work, rest, and manage daily life. These underutilized features aren't just tech gimmicks—they're practical solutions designed to streamline your digital experience, minimize distractions, and even improve your wellbeing. Let's dive into these hidden capabilities already sitting in your pocket, waiting to make your life easier.
Unlock Your Phone's Hidden Voice Assistant Powers
While voice assistants have become household names, their smartphone implementations remain surprisingly underutilized. Despite advanced AI capabilities, many users still manually tap through multiple screens for tasks that could be completed with a simple voice command.
Voice assistants can schedule appointments, send messages, set reminders, answer questions, and control smart home devices—all without touching your phone. In situations where your hands are occupied (cooking, driving) or when multitasking, voice commands transform your efficiency.
Setting Up Voice Commands Across Different Devices
Voice assistant preferences vary significantly among users. While Siri dominates the Apple ecosystem, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa lead in the broader smart device market. Here's how to get started with each:
- iOS (Siri): Go to Settings > Siri & Search > Listen for "Hey Siri" to enable hands-free activation.
- Android (Google Assistant): Open the Google app > tap your profile picture > Settings > Voice > Voice Match > enable "Hey Google."
- Samsung (Bixby): Swipe down from the top of your screen > tap the gear icon > Advanced features > Bixby > enable "Bixby Voice."
Pro tip: Many users don't realize you can create custom voice shortcuts for complex actions. On iOS, use the Shortcuts app to build voice-activated routines; on Android, use Google Assistant Routines.
Privacy Considerations
Many people express concerns about voice assistants potentially listening to private conversations. To address these privacy concerns, you can:
- Review and delete your voice history (in assistant settings)
- Disable the microphone when not in use
- Use the push-to-talk option instead of always-listening mode
Automation: Program Your Phone to Work Smarter
Smartphone automation features remain among the most powerful yet underutilized tools available. These features allow your phone to perform actions automatically based on triggers like time, location, or events—essentially programming your device to work for you.
Creating Your First Automation Routine
Both major operating systems offer robust automation capabilities:
- iOS: The Shortcuts app allows you to create automated workflows. For example, you can automatically enable Low Power Mode when your battery falls below 30%, or have your phone read you the weather and traffic conditions each morning.
- Android: Use the Routines feature in Google Assistant or third-party apps like Tasker (one of the most popular automation apps in the U.S. market) to create powerful automations.
Start with these beginner-friendly automations:
- Morning routine: At 7 AM, turn off Do Not Disturb, read you the weather forecast, and open your calendar
- Work arrival: When you reach your workplace, silence your phone and open your productivity apps
- Bedtime sequence: At 10 PM, enable Do Not Disturb, set an alarm, and activate dark mode
Battery Impact
Well-designed automations can potentially extend battery life by optimizing settings based on your usage patterns. Features like adaptive brightness and intelligent battery modes learn from your habits to maximize efficiency. However, it's worth noting that location-based triggers that constantly check your position can drain battery faster.
Focus Mode: Reclaim Your Attention in a Distracted World
According to a 2023 Asurion study, Americans check their phones about 144 times daily—roughly once every 10 minutes. Focus modes (called Focus on iOS and Digital Wellbeing on Android) help reclaim your attention by filtering notifications and limiting distracting apps.
Customizing Focus Modes For Different Activities
Create specialized focus profiles for different scenarios:
- Work Focus: Allow emails and messages from colleagues while blocking social media
- Study Focus: Block all notifications except from family members
- Fitness Focus: Allow health apps and music while blocking work communications
- Family Time: Block work emails but allow photos and messaging apps
On iOS, go to Settings > Focus to create and customize these profiles. On Android, use Digital Wellbeing under Settings to set up similar configurations.
The most effective approach is to schedule these modes to activate automatically based on time, location, or when opening specific apps—combining the power of focus modes with automation.
Sleep Settings: Transform Your Phone into a Sleep Ally
Sleep tracking features on smartphones have been steadily growing in popularity, reflecting an increasing interest in health and wellness. Yet many users aren't leveraging the full suite of sleep-related tools available.
Optimizing Sleep Settings For Better Health
Modern smartphones offer comprehensive sleep management features:
- Sleep schedule: Set consistent bedtime and wake times
- Wind Down mode: Automatically reduce blue light and limit notifications before bed
- Sleep tracking: Monitor sleep duration and quality using your phone's sensors
- Smart alarm: Wake you during your lightest sleep phase for a more refreshed feeling
On iOS, these features are found in the Health app under the Sleep section. Android users can access similar features through the Digital Wellbeing app and Clock app's bedtime features.
For optimal results, place your phone on your mattress (not under your pillow) and ensure it's charging overnight to prevent battery concerns. Many users pair these features with health apps for more comprehensive sleep insights.
Accessibility Features: Power Tools for Everyone
While often designed with specific needs in mind, accessibility features can benefit all users regardless of ability. Both iOS and Android have made significant strides in this area, offering tools that enhance the smartphone experience for diverse user groups.
Research shows that accessibility features, originally designed for people with disabilities, often improve usability for everyone. For example, closed captions benefit not only individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing but also those in noisy environments.
Beyond Disability: Accessibility For Everyone
- Screen readers: VoiceOver (iOS) and TalkBack (Android) can read content aloud—useful when cooking, exercising, or for anyone who processes information better through audio
- Magnification: Enlarge text and images temporarily for easier reading in poor lighting conditions
- Voice Control: Navigate your phone entirely by voice—perfect for multitasking or when your hands are occupied
- Live Caption: Android's automatic captioning for any media playing on your device helps in noisy environments or when you need to keep volume low
- Sound Recognition: Get alerts when your phone detects specific sounds like doorbells, fire alarms, or crying babies
These features can be customized to address specific needs across different demographics, from seniors who may prefer larger text to busy professionals who benefit from hands-free control.
Beyond the Basics: Specialized Features That Transform Industries
Your smartphone can do far more than manage your calendar and track your steps. Here are specialized applications that demonstrate the versatility of modern devices:
Industry-Specific Tools
- Healthcare: Apps like Epocrates provide medical reference information for healthcare professionals, while MyChart connects patients with their medical records and providers
- Education: Platforms like Kahoot! and Duolingo transform learning experiences through gamification and personalized instruction
- Creative Fields: Professional-grade photo and video editing apps enable content creation on the go
- Science and Research: Citizen science apps allow anyone to contribute to research projects by collecting and sharing environmental data
- Accessibility: Specialized apps like Be My Eyes connect blind users with sighted volunteers for visual assistance
Recent innovations have expanded these capabilities even further, with smartphones now supporting augmented reality applications for fields like construction and manufacturing, while specialized sensors enable environmental monitoring and advanced diagnostics.
Hidden Gems: More Features Worth Exploring
Beyond the core features discussed above, consider these additional underutilized capabilities:
- Wi-Fi calling: Make crystal-clear calls over Wi-Fi in areas with poor cellular reception
- Secure folder/app lock: Create a protected space for sensitive photos, documents, and apps
- Advanced camera modes: Features like night mode, portrait lighting, and RAW capture can transform your photography
- NFC capabilities: Use your phone for contactless payments and quick data sharing
- Cross-device continuity: Start tasks on your phone and finish them on your computer seamlessly
Start Small, Gain Big
The key to successfully adopting these underused phone features is to start with just one that addresses your most pressing need. Whether it's using voice commands during your commute, setting up a Work Focus mode to reduce distractions, or creating a bedtime automation to improve your sleep, implementing even one of these features can significantly enhance your daily digital experience.
Your smartphone already has the capability to make your life easier—it's just waiting for you to tap into its full potential. Consider your unique needs and usage patterns to determine which features will provide the most value for your specific situation. Which underused phone feature will you activate today?
