15 Secret Mobile Settings You Should Know in 2025

Unlock powerful hidden settings on your smartphone to enhance privacy, speed, battery life, and performance. These Android and iPhone settings are underutilized but extremely useful in 2025.

1. Developer Options

Enable Developer Mode via Settings > About Phone > Tap Build Number 7 times. Adjust animation speed, background process limits, and more.

2. Battery Usage Insights

See which apps are draining your battery. Go to Settings > Battery > Usage. Helps identify battery hogs.

3. Force 4x MSAA for Better Graphics

In Developer Options, turn on ‘Force 4x MSAA’ to boost gaming visuals (uses more battery).

4. App Permissions Control

Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager. Limit camera, mic, and location access for each app.

5. Screen Pinning

Settings > Security > Screen Pinning. Lock your phone to one app — great for kids or sharing your device temporarily.

6. Hidden iPhone Back Tap Shortcut

Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. Double-tap to open camera, take screenshot, or launch any shortcut.

7. Digital Wellbeing Dashboard

See how much time you’re spending on each app and set limits. Found in Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.

8. Nearby Share (Android) or AirDrop (iPhone)

Share files instantly without internet. Turn it on from quick settings panel or Settings > Google > Devices & Sharing.

9. Emergency SOS Settings

Android: Settings > Safety & Emergency. iPhone: Settings > Emergency SOS. Auto-call emergency services with button combinations.

10. One-Handed Mode

Android 12+: Settings > System > Gestures > One-Handed Mode. iPhone: Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Reachability.

11. Autofill Password Manager

Settings > System > Languages & Input > Autofill. Use Google or a secure third-party password manager to save credentials.

12. Call Recording (if legal in your region)

Some Android phones allow call recording under Phone > Settings. iPhone users may need third-party apps.

13. Background App Refresh

Disable to save battery. Android: Settings > Battery > Background activity. iPhone: Settings > General > Background App Refresh.

14. Wi-Fi Sharing via QR Code

Android: Settings > Wi-Fi > Tap network > Share. iPhone: Auto shares with nearby Apple devices when they try to connect.

15. Clipboard History

Android 12+: Tap and hold in a text field > Clipboard to view copied history. Use with care for privacy.