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Tasker
AT&T logo with a muted sound icon on a smartphone.
HOW TO
05/19/2021 10:29 pm

How to Disable the Startup Sound on Any Android Phone

Android's open source nature means it gets modified quite a bit. First, the phone manufacturer will add their customizations, then your carrier will add even more on top of that. Between the two, someone almost always adds a startup sound so that you and everyone around you will hear their jingle ev ...more

Command line interface on a smartphone display.
HOW TO
01/06/2021 7:28 pm

How to Send ADB Commands to Your Own Phone Without a Computer or Root

There are three tiers to Android customization: things you can do by default, things you can do with ADB, and things you can do with root. While root is still pretty tricky to get, ADB mods just got a lot easier. Back in Android 9, Google added a feature that allowed you to wirelessly send ADB comma ...more

Definition of Android and App from a glossary or dictionary.
NEWS
11/12/2020 10:41 pm

The Big Android Dictionary: A Glossary of Terms You Should Know

Android comprises an entire ecosystem of apps, games, functions, and features, so it would only make sense that it has its own lexicon. Words, phrases, and acronyms that didn't exist ten years ago are now used in an off-the-cuff style by developers and support technicians across the web. As the plat ...more

HBO Max app interface on a tablet displaying content options and sharing features.
HOW TO
10/08/2020 9:15 pm

How to Bring Back the Screenshot Button in Your Power Menu on Android 11

Android 11 has a new power menu with integrated contactless payment cards and smart home toggles. It's definitely futuristic — so much so that it pushed out a tool many of us use in the present: the screenshot button. In prior versions, you could long-press your power button and a handy "Screenshot" ...more

Android 10 logo with green robot icon.
NEWS
04/28/2020 2:01 pm

Android 10 is Officially Here with 60 Huge New Features

|Choose Your View: Quick Bullet Points | Detailed Descriptions Android's newest major update is a special one — it's the tenth full version of the world's most commonly used operating system. The latest release, dubbed simply Android 10 (codename Android Q), was first showcased as a beta back in Mar ...more

Screenshot of a phone settings menu showing security and location options.
HOW TO
03/01/2019 8:00 pm

20 Privacy & Security Settings You Need to Check on Your Google Pixel

Android's settings menu is actually pretty daunting. There are options for nearly everything, so in the sea of various menus and submenus, it's easy to overlook important privacy and security settings. On Google's Pixel phones in particular, there are 20 such settings that you should double check. A ...more

Mobile phone displaying a messaging app notification with greenery in the background.
HOW TO
12/26/2018 9:52 pm

How to Block Notifications While You're Using the Camera on Your Android Phone

Imagine this: you have your finger poised to take the perfect picture — a once in a lifetime opportunity, like a solar eclipse — and you are suddenly caught off guard by a buzz, then "ding!" You look down at your phone to find your perfect pic ruined by distortion from the vibration, all because of ...more

Event management application interface on a smartphone.
HOW TO
12/19/2018 9:17 pm

Everything You Need to Know About Tasker Profiles

When you hear people say that Android is more flexible than iOS, it's because of things like Tasker. You can do virtually anything with the venerable automation tool, from saving battery life to controlling your smart home with your fingerprint. But before you get to that, you'll need a good underst ...more

Smartphone screen displaying installation options and app details.
HOW TO
10/31/2018 10:00 pm

All the Reasons You Should Root Your Phone

Rooting. As an Android user, I'm sure you've heard the word once or twice. According to Kaspersky, 7.6% of all Android users root — but for the 92.4% who don't, we wanted to talk to you. Rooting allows you to remove barriers and open Android to a level of unprecedented control. With rooting, you can ...more

Smartphone with a stylus on a textured surface.
HOW TO
10/02/2018 8:19 pm

How to Remap the Bixby Button on Your Galaxy Note 9

Despite a very vocal distaste for Bixby, Samsung continues to push their voice assistant on customers. For many, the button is not only a waste, but placed perfectly for accidental presses. While it appears Samsung has no intention of giving up on Bixby, with the help of an excellent app, you can ge ...more

Smartphone screen displaying various apps over a background of dollar bills.
HOW TO
08/03/2018 10:47 pm

11 Micro-Gig Apps to Earn Extra Income Right from Your Phone

The gig economy is thriving, and if you aren't already making money with your phone, you could be missing out on easy residual income. Some people just want extra cash, and some even manage to completely ditch the 9–5, enabling them to work at their own pace and set their own hours. There's an ever- ...more

Smartphone displaying task edit menu with settings options.
HOW TO
05/31/2018 11:46 pm

The First Thing You Need to Learn About Tasker — How to Create Tasks

There are two core components to any Tasker automation: A profile and a task. Profiles are basically a set of conditions that must be met before Tasker will do anything. Tasks, on the other hand, are the actions Tasker will perform when your profile's conditions have been met. Think of them like tri ...more

Smartphone home screen displaying various app icons.
NEWS
12/29/2017 1:22 am

100+ Apps iOS Users Need on Their iPhones in 2018

While there aren't as many ways to customize your iPhone like there is on Android, there are still a lot of apps out there that can help streamline and enhance your experience beyond Apple's own default options — and we've hand-picked over 100 essentials. No matter if you've been using an iPhone for ...more

Mobile device displaying an article from The New York Times about saving articles to Pocket.
HOW TO
12/28/2017 12:24 am

IFTTT 101: How to Find & Set Up Applets

IFTTT (short for If This, Then That) is an amazing piece of software that automagically links actions on your phone with online services and real-world objects. For example, an applet could read: "if you come home, then turn on Wi-Fi." IFTTT goes further than just using simple smartphone functions, ...more

Collection of various application icons displayed on a digital screen.
NEWS
12/23/2017 1:44 am

100+ Apps Android Users Need on Their Phones in 2018

Whether you're new to Android or you just haven't kept up on the app scene lately, we hand-picked over one hundred essential apps that are all designed to improve your experience. From custom launchers and icon packs to weather apps and file explorers, there's something for everyone in this list. Mo ...more

Smartphone on a wooden surface displaying the time 1:43.
HOW TO
11/22/2017 7:51 pm

How to Get the OnePlus 5T's Face Unlock on Any Phone

The OnePlus 5T was just released, and it's packing several new useful features. While many OnePlus 5 buyers are feeling frustrated with the quick release cycle, lots of fans are still clamoring to buy the new device. Aside from the larger screen, most of the buzz around the 5T has centered around th ...more

Mobile application interface with menu options displayed.
HOW TO
10/03/2017 2:23 am

Tasker 101: How to Import Tasks & Profiles

Regardless of what you're trying to accomplish with Tasker, there's a good chance that someone else has already walked through the same steps. If you're unfamiliar with creating tasks and working with profiles, simply importing someone else's work would be a great shortcut. After all, there are 2 bi ...more

Tasker app settings on a mobile device showing options for automation features.
HOW TO
09/30/2017 2:12 am

Tasker 101: 5 Useful Profiles to Help Get You Started with Android Automation

When it comes to automation apps on Android, Tasker is still the king of the hill. For a price of $2.99 on the Google Play Store, it's a great buy for any would-be tinkerer that would like to get into automating actions on their Android device. Then, when you consider that there's a free 7-day trial ...more

Mobile app interface showing task management options.
HOW TO
09/28/2017 5:57 pm

Tasker 101: How to Create an Exit Task

When you create a profile in Tasker, it will run a task as soon as all of the conditions in your profile are met. But what happens when the profile's conditions stop being met? By default, nothing will happen, but if you create an exit task, the automation tool will run that instead. Exit tasks are ...more

Smart speaker on a wooden surface.
HOW TO
05/05/2017 12:05 am

How to Send Text Messages from Google Home to Any Contact

If you use the Google Assistant on your Android device, you can easily send a text message to any one of your contacts. But even though that same Assistant is powering the Google Home, you can't use the smart speaker to accomplish the same task — at least, not without some tinkering. There's an offi ...more

Mobile phone displaying a Bluetooth settings menu with a blurred background of a restaurant.
HOW TO
02/03/2017 11:21 pm

How to Set Volume Levels to Change During Scheduled Times on Android

Different times call for different ringtone volumes. When you're at work or school, you need your phone to be quiet so it doesn't make a disturbance—but when you're at home or out and about, the volume should be turned back up so you don't miss any important notifications. Some phones let you set vo ...more

Close-up view of a smartphone's back with a fingerprint sensor.
HOW TO
02/01/2017 2:51 am

How to Use Your Fingerprint Scanner to Do Almost Anything with Tasker

We recently covered an app called Fingerprint Quick Action that let you use your fingerprint scanner to expand your notification tray like the Google Pixel, along with a few other actions. It's definitely a useful mod, but there's a similar app can make your fingerprint scanner do almost anything—li ...more

Smartphone displaying "Gadget Facts" on a textured background.
HOW TO
01/14/2017 2:07 am

How to Enable True Stereo Sound on Your Pixel XL

One of the only downsides to the Pixel XL is that Google's flagship phone does not have stereo speakers. But if Android's awesome development community has taught us anything over the years, it's that limitations like these can be bypassed with some creative software tinkering. Developer chdloc has ...more

Mobile device displaying a colorful mobile game with a strategic layout.
HOW TO
10/17/2016 4:42 pm

Never Get Raided Again in Clash of Clans for Android Using This Hack

Clash of Clans is one of the most successful games ever to come out for Android and iOS. It has been downloaded over 50 million times from Google Play alone, and shows no signs of decline. Part of its success is the constant need for players to sign in to avoid being raided and losing their precious ...more

Mobile interface displaying weather, Wi-Fi, and calendar apps.
HOW TO
10/14/2016 8:03 pm

Change Your Wallpaper Automatically by Time, Day, Location & More

Imagine if you combined Tasker with your favorite live wallpaper—that's roughly the gist of a new app from developer feedK. With this one installed, your home screen background will finally be aware of its surroundings. Don't Miss: Top 8 Free Wallpaper Apps for Android After a little setup, the app ...more

636022243869012227.jpg
HOW TO
09/03/2016 3:15 am

Auto-Mute Group Chat Notifications Before They Get Annoying

If you have any group chats going, you're surely familiar with this scenario: One person sends a picture, then, within 30 seconds or so, all other participants chime in with one-word responses like "Cute," or "Awesome." It's a social nicety, so you have to expect this behavior, but that doesn't make ...more

Mobile app interface with menu options for managing tasks.
HOW TO
08/05/2016 12:44 am

Finally, an App That Makes Automating Android Tasks Easy

When it comes to Android automation apps, Tasker has never had much competition. But considering how difficult it can be for a novice user to get the hang of things, and factoring in Tasker's drab and complicated interface, there's definitely room for another developer to step in with a Tasker alter ...more

A smartphone displaying an app interface next to a five-dollar bill.
NEWS
07/14/2016 9:45 pm

10 Great 99 Cent Apps You Need on Your Android Right Now

These days, there are Android apps for every budget—forgive me if that sounds like a car commercial, but that's just the way things are in the age of the smartphone and tablet. You've got apps that require monthly subscriptions, paid apps that will run you a $30 one-time installation fee, and even g ...more

Smartphone screen displaying signal and battery indicators.
HOW TO
06/10/2016 12:34 am

How to Stop Notifications from Interrupting Your Music

There are few things more annoying in life than getting interrupted—especially when you're in a groove, jamming out to your favorite song. If we can all agree on that sentiment, then why is it that our phones mute the music we're listening to for a few seconds whenever a notification comes in? Lucki ...more

Android logo with a mosaic pattern of various app icons on a red background.
HOW TO
04/29/2016 7:30 pm

6 Great Apps for Android That iPhone Users Can't Have

Smartphones have become such a big part of our lives these days that they're now closely associated with our personal identities. No longer is it Ford versus Chevy, rock versus rap, or PC versus Mac—now, you're either an Android person or an iOS person. Don't Miss: 10 Things That'll Annoy Android Us ...more

Smartphone screen displaying a music volume slider.
HOW TO
03/06/2016 7:41 am

How to Make Your Volume Buttons Control Media Volume by Default, Not Ringtones

The volume buttons on the side of most Android devices—also known as the volume rocker—make it easy to adjust sound output without having to dig around in any settings menus. But the trouble is, they control notification and ringtone volume by default, and will only adjust media volume after a song ...more

Illustration of a gear with a lightning bolt, surrounded by various icons representing productivity and technology.
HOW TO
02/12/2016 12:41 am

How to Make Apps with Tasker That Anyone Can Use

When anyone brings up Tasker, the first topic that always gets discussed is how powerful the Android automation app can be. But all of that power can be overwhelming for some people, so even if you're a Tasker pro, it's hard to share your awesome creations with friends that don't quite understand wh ...more

Smartphone screen displaying backup settings with a schedule for 3 AM.
HOW TO
12/18/2015 11:51 pm

How to Automatically Back Up Everything on Your Android

NANDroid backups are one of the best reasons to root your Android device and install a custom recovery. They're essentially a snapshot of your phone's entire operating system and all installed apps, so if you ever screw something up when installing a flashable ZIP or custom ROM, you can restore your ...more

A smartphone displaying app listings on a screen.
NEWS
12/04/2015 6:36 pm

7 Must-Have Paid Apps for Android

Let's say you're flush with Google Opinion Rewards credits, or you just got a Google Play gift card for your birthday. This is a perfect opportunity to remove ads and unlock new features by upgrading some of your free apps to their paid counterparts, or to finally purchase that app you've been lusti ...more

A person holding a smartphone displaying colorful soundwave graphics on the screen.
HOW TO
11/13/2015 1:40 am

How to Add Ambient Background Music to Any App on Your Android

Newer gaming systems like the PlayStation 4 have a nice, subtle feature that goes a long way towards helping create a more immersive experience. Any time you're on the main menu or home screen, an ambient background music track is playing, which adds an aural appeal to an experience that would other ...more

Smartphone mounted in a car dashboard, displaying navigation directions.
NEWS
09/14/2015 11:52 pm

The 5 Best 'Car Mode' Apps for Android

In general, smartphones and cars don't mix—but this is mainly because you have to take your eyes off the road to poke around on your handheld gadget. In reality, the only difference between your smartphone and your car's FHWA-approved infotainment system is that the latter is mounted in a fixed posi ...more

Smartphone displaying app settings on a textured surface.
HOW TO
03/29/2015 6:52 am

How to Automatically Overclock Your Android When You Open Certain Apps

Deep down at the core of Android lies the system kernel, which serves as a bridge between software and hardware. Custom kernels can be installed in place of the stock offering, and these are generally optimized for better performance or increased battery efficiency. If you've installed a custom kern ...more

Nexus Player with sunset background
HOW TO
02/27/2015 10:12 pm

How to Force Apps Like Netflix to Show the Screensaver on Your Nexus Player

For some odd reason, the Netflix app likes to disable the Nexus Player's built-in screensaver. It doesn't use its own, it simply keeps your screen on indefinitely, which of course can lead to screen burn-in. This is not just an Android TV issue, as the Netflix app does the same thing on Roku and sma ...more

A person holding a smartphone displaying a video on social media.
HOW TO
02/11/2015 9:01 pm

Get iOS 8's Reachability Feature on Android for Easier One-Handed Use

When Apple released their plus-sized iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models, it only made sense that they would include a one-handed feature to accommodate the larger displays. That particular feature is called Reachability, and with just a quick double-tap of the Home button, the screen shifts to the bottom ha ...more

Mobile device mirroring a Windows screen.
HOW TO
01/09/2015 5:19 pm

Use Your Android's NFC Reader to Turn Your Computer On

NFC, or near-field communications, is a hardware feature that has been built into most Android phones for the last four years. It's essentially a low-power data connection that can be used to initiate a quick command by bringing your device within range of a compatible receiver, be it tap-and-pay wi ...more

Samsung smartphone displaying a notification panel with connectivity icons.
HOW TO
11/26/2014 12:03 am

Schedule Bluetooth, Data, Wi-Fi & Other System Settings on Android

Before you head to class, work, or sleep, you're probably doing the same thing over and over again—toggling off system settings like Wi-Fi, sound, data, or brightness, depending on the circumstances. Schedules and routines can help increase efficiency, so while you abide to a particular schedule, so ...more

Screenshots of a mobile app interface displaying settings and features.
HOW TO
08/30/2014 2:02 am

Condi Is Like Tasker for Your Android, Only Easier

No matter whether you're a seasoned Android veteran, or just starting to get into the scene, you have probably heard of Tasker, the king amongst all the various automation tools available. Tasker is great for keeping your phone loaded up with the perfect settings no matter the situation, but it's ha ...more

Smartphone displaying Google search interface on a laptop keyboard.
HOW TO
07/30/2014 12:17 am

How to Make Google Now Obey Custom Voice Commands—Even Without Root

It seems like custom Google Now commands are a dime a dozen these days. With Commandr for Google Now giving non-rooted users their first taste of custom voice commands just a couple weeks ago, you may wonder why we're covering this subject again. Unlike Commandr, the app AutoVoice allows you to ente ...more

Smartphone displaying Google search interface.
HOW TO
07/16/2014 4:32 pm

How to Fully Control Your Galaxy S5 with Google Now Commands—No Root Needed

Google Now is a wonderfully powerful service—with its predictive cards and voice search, it serves as a great starting point for any searches you need done. In fact, Samsung liked it so much that they decided to build the "Okay, Google" hotword detection right into the Galaxy S5's stock launcher. Us ...more

Mobile phone displaying a map with a blue location marker.
HOW TO
06/25/2014 5:35 pm

How to Automate Settings Changes on Your Nexus 5 for Different Locations

We live, work, and play in drastically different environments, so it only makes sense that we'd want our Nexus 5 smartphones to automatically adapt to our needs when in certain locales at certain times. If you're at home, you want Wi-Fi enabled so that it will connect automatically. When you're out ...more

Smartphone displaying a Google search interface on a wooden surface.
HOW TO
06/21/2014 1:47 am

How to Get Custom Hotword Detection to Launch Any App on Your Nexus 5

The release of the Nexus 5 marked the debut of the Google Now Launcher. Even with an integrated Google Now page on your home screen, the most talked-about feature was actually the always-listening functionality. From anywhere on your home screen, this function allowed you to say "Okay, Google" to tr ...more

Data usage graph displaying usage from April 1 to April 30, with a highlighted figure for April 24-30 indicating about 425MB used.
HOW TO
05/24/2014 12:25 am

How to Automate Wi-Fi & Data Connections to Extend Battery Life on Your Galaxy S3

It's been over two whole years since the Samsung Galaxy S3 was released, so let's face it—our beloved GS3, once an iconic heavyweight in the tech arena, is almost as washed up as Sylvester Stallone. Mine has been suffering from bouts of lag, and the battery just isn't lasting like it used to. Even o ...more

Smartphone displaying battery status with AA batteries nearby.
HOW TO
05/11/2014 5:46 pm

How to Automatically Control WiFi to Conserve Battery on Your Nexus 5

If you've ever used the automation app Tasker, then you know exactly how powerful the tool can be. If you haven't, suffice it to say that there's virtually nothing on your Android phone that Tasker can't automatically do for you. If you're looking to save some battery life on your Nexus 5, Tasker ca ...more

App menu with options: Install, Download, Photos, Apps.
HOW TO
03/18/2014 4:08 pm

The Easiest Way to Access Recent Files & Photos on Your Nexus 7

If you use your Nexus 7 like me, then you're constantly downloading APKs, installing new games from Google Play, taking a million photos, and using multiple apps at the same time. While my device can handle all of this with ease, keeping track of all this activity has become a new task of its own. W ...more

Smartphone displaying time on a clock face background.
HOW TO
02/14/2014 5:10 pm

How to Set Your PIN Unlock to Auto-Sync with the Current Time on Your Galaxy S4

From personal photos and videos to online banking passwords saved in your web browser, your phone has all kinds of sensitive data that needs to be protected. One of the best things you can do for your Samsung Galaxy S4's data is have a lock screen with a hard-to-guess PIN or password. Even if you do ...more

Android character in a plaid shirt and glasses.
HOW TO
12/12/2013 12:56 am

How to Automate Simple Tasks on Your Samsung Galaxy S3 Without Using Tasker

Automation applications bring the future a little closer. If you've seen Minority Report or other futuristic sci-fi movies, the intrigue of having your electronics work independently is something we can all appreciate. While smartphones continue to improve and push the limits of current technology, ...more

Stormtrooper helmet replicas in various stages of design.
HOW TO
07/28/2012 8:57 pm

DIY Stormtrooper Helmet, Plus 10 More Ways to Reuse Old Milk Jugs

When it comes to milk, my family consumes anywhere between two and four gallons every two weeks. That's about four to eight gallons every month. That's a lot of milk—and a lot of empty milk jugs! Instead of simply tossing them in the recycling bin, why not get creative and make something useful out ...more

HOW TO
07/10/2011 3:00 pm

How to Silence Phone Calls from Annoying Friends and Spammy Callers

Everybody has them. You can say you don't, but it's probably a lie. There's at least one person on your mobile phone that you never, ever want to pick up the phone for. When they call, you cringe and immediately hit the silent button. They're annoying. Overbearing. You hate them, but yet you love th ...more