10 Android Settings You Should Change to Make Your Phone Better

10 Android Settings You Should Change to Make Your Phone Better

Most Android phones come with a huge number of settings, but many people only change the obvious ones such as Wi-Fi, brightness, ringtone, or wallpaper.

The problem is that some of the settings that can make your phone more convenient, private, less distracting, and more efficient are hidden deeper inside the Settings app.

You also don't have to change everything on your phone. A good setup depends on how you use your device, the Android version you're running, and sometimes the phone manufacturer. Google itself notes that Android settings and the exact steps can vary between devices.

Google Help +1

In this guide, we'll look at 10 Android settings worth checking. For each one, I'll explain what the setting does, why it matters, and when you might want to change it.

You may find that some of these settings are already configured exactly how you want them. That's fine. The goal isn't to change your phone just for the sake of changing it, it's to make sure your phone is configured intentionally.

Let's get started.

1. Take Control of Your Notifications

Notifications are useful, but too many of them can quickly become distracting. Every message, promotion, news update, game reminder, or app alert competes for your attention.

Instead of allowing every app to notify you whenever it wants, take a few minutes to decide which notifications are actually important to you.

How to review your notifications

On many Android phones, open:

Settings → Notifications → App notifications

You should see a list of apps and whether they are currently allowed to send notifications. The exact menu names can differ depending on your phone manufacturer and Android version.

Go through the list and ask yourself:

Do I really need notifications from this app?

Is this notification useful or just promotional?

Do I need to know immediately when this happens?

Would I rather check this app manually?

For example, you may want notifications from your messaging and banking apps while turning off unnecessary promotional notifications from shopping, games, or other apps.

Don't turn everything off

The goal isn't to disable all notifications. Some alerts can be important, particularly notifications involving messages, payments, security, appointments, or other time-sensitive information.

Instead, reduce the noise while keeping the alerts that genuinely help you.

Why this setting matters

Controlling notifications can make your phone feel less overwhelming. It can also make it easier to notice important alerts because they aren't buried among dozens of less useful notifications.

Quick tip: If an app sends you an annoying notification, you can often press and hold that notification and select an option to manage or turn off that type of notification.

 

2. Review Your Battery Settings

Battery life is one of the things that can make a noticeable difference in how comfortable your phone is to use throughout the day.

If your battery seems to drain faster than expected, don't immediately assume that you need a new battery. An app running heavily in the background, a bright display, poor network conditions, or certain phone features can contribute to increased battery usage.

Check which apps are using your battery

On many Android phones, you can find battery information by going to:

Settings → Battery

Look for options such as Battery usage, Battery activity, or App battery usage. The wording and location can vary depending on your device.

This section can show you which apps and phone functions have been consuming the most power.

If you notice an app using an unusually large amount of battery even though you rarely use it, investigate its battery settings or consider whether you still need the app.

Use Battery Saver when you need it

Android also includes Battery Saver on many devices. It can help extend your remaining battery when you're away from a charger.

Battery Saver may limit or delay some background activity and other features in order to reduce power consumption. This means some notifications or background processes may not work exactly as they normally do while it is active.

You don't necessarily need Battery Saver turned on all the time. It's particularly useful when your battery is running low and you still need your phone to last longer.

Be careful with battery-saving advice

You may find many tips online claiming that closing every app, constantly clearing your RAM, or using aggressive battery-management apps will dramatically improve battery life.

Don't assume every tip is correct.

Modern Android devices already manage memory and background processes automatically. Instead, start by checking your Battery usage screen and identifying what is actually consuming your power.

Why this setting matters

Understanding your battery settings gives you more control over your phone. Instead of guessing why your battery is disappearing, you can use the information provided by Android to identify possible causes and make sensible adjustments.

Quick tip: If your battery suddenly starts draining much faster than usual, check Battery usage before installing another battery-optimization app. The built-in information may already help you identify the problem.

3. Adjust Your Screen Timeout

Have you ever put your phone down for a moment, only to find that the screen stays on for several minutes?

That's what the screen timeout setting controls. It determines how long your display remains on when you stop interacting with your phone.

On many Android devices, you can find it under something similar to:

Settings → Display → Screen timeout

The exact location and available time options can vary by phone and Android version.

Choose a timeout that works for you

If your screen stays on for a long time, reducing the timeout can help prevent unnecessary battery consumption and can also reduce the amount of time your phone remains visibly unlocked when you walk away from it.

For everyday use, a relatively short timeout such as 30 seconds or 1 minute is a reasonable starting point.

However, don't choose an extremely short timeout if it makes your phone frustrating to use. If you're reading a long article, following a recipe, studying, or referring to information without touching the screen frequently, a longer timeout may be more convenient.

There's a balance

A shorter timeout isn't automatically better.

If the screen turns off before you've finished reading or doing something, you'll constantly have to wake the phone again. The best setting is the one that gives you enough time to use your phone comfortably without leaving the display on unnecessarily.

Why this setting matters

Your display is one of the major consumers of battery power. Reducing unnecessary screen-on time can help you get more from your battery, while a shorter timeout can also reduce the amount of time your phone remains visible when you've stopped using it.

Quick tip: Try 30 seconds or 1 minute first. Use your phone normally for a day and see whether that setting feels comfortable.

 

4. Try Dark Mode

If you often use your phone in the evening or prefer a darker interface, Dark Mode is worth trying.

Dark Mode changes the appearance of supported parts of your Android interface and compatible apps from a predominantly light background to a darker colour scheme.

On many Android phones, you can find it under:

Settings → Display → Dark theme

You may also be able to turn it on or off directly from your phone's Quick Settings panel.

Dark Mode isn't only about appearance

Many people simply prefer the look of Dark Mode, but it can also make viewing a screen in a dim environment more comfortable for some people.

If your phone has an OLED or AMOLED display, displaying darker pixels can also use less power in some situations because individual pixels can consume little or no power when displaying true black. The actual battery benefit depends on the display, brightness level, apps you're using, and how much of the interface is actually dark.

Try scheduling it

Some Android devices allow you to schedule Dark Mode automatically for example, turning it on in the evening and switching back to Light Mode in the morning.

If your phone provides this option, scheduling can be more convenient than changing the setting manually every day.

Don't expect every app to change

Dark Mode doesn't guarantee that every app will use a dark interface. Some apps have their own theme settings, while others may not fully support a dark theme.

So if an app remains light while your phone is using Dark Mode, check the app's individual settings.

Why this setting matters

Dark Mode gives you another way to personalize your phone's appearance and can make the interface more comfortable for some users, particularly in low-light environments.

Quick tip: Try Dark Mode for a full day rather than switching it on for just a few minutes. You'll get a better idea of whether you actually prefer it.

 

5. Turn On Adaptive Brightness

Your phone doesn't need the same screen brightness in every situation.

A brightness level that works outdoors in bright sunlight may be unnecessarily bright when you're sitting indoors. This is where Adaptive Brightness can help.

On many Android phones, you can find it under:

Settings → Display → Adaptive brightness

You may also find the brightness control by pulling down the Quick Settings panel.

What does Adaptive Brightness do?

Adaptive Brightness uses information from your phone's ambient-light sensor to automatically adjust the screen brightness based on the lighting around you.

For example, your phone can increase the brightness when you're in a bright environment and reduce it when you're somewhere darker.

The exact behaviour can vary between devices.

Your phone can learn your preferences

On supported Android devices, Adaptive Brightness can learn from the manual brightness adjustments you make over time.

That means you don't necessarily have to keep correcting the brightness every time your phone changes it. If the automatic level isn't quite right, adjust it manually and continue using your phone normally.

Don't confuse Adaptive Brightness with a fixed brightness level

Some people turn Adaptive Brightness off because the screen occasionally becomes brighter or darker than they expect.

However, that doesn't necessarily mean the feature is bad. It is designed to respond to changes in your surroundings.

If you frequently use your phone in different lighting conditions, automatic adjustment can be more convenient than manually changing the brightness throughout the day.

Why this setting matters

Adaptive Brightness can make your phone easier to use in changing lighting conditions and may help avoid keeping the display unnecessarily bright.

Quick tip: Turn Adaptive Brightness on and give it some time to adjust to your normal usage. If the brightness isn't comfortable, manually adjust it rather than immediately switching the feature off.

 

6. Review Your App Permissions

When you install an app, you may give it permission to access certain parts of your phone, such as your camera, microphone, contacts, photos, files, or location.

But an app doesn't necessarily need every permission it requests.

For example, a simple calculator app may not need access to your contacts or microphone. Reviewing permissions helps you understand what apps can access and gives you an opportunity to remove permissions that are no longer necessary.

How to check app permissions

On many Android phones, you can go to:

Settings → Security & privacy → Privacy → Permission manager

Depending on your device, you may instead find it under something similar to:

Settings → Apps → [App name] → Permissions

The exact menu names can vary between Android versions and phone manufacturers.

Review permissions by category

Permission Manager can allow you to see which apps have access to categories such as:

Camera

Microphone

Location

Contacts

Photos and videos

Files

Calendar

Select a permission and review the apps that currently have access.

If you see an app with access that doesn't seem necessary for what the app does, investigate it and consider changing the permission.

Don't remove permissions blindly

Some permissions are necessary for an app's main features.

For example, a video-calling app may legitimately need microphone and camera access. A navigation app may need your location to provide directions.

Removing a permission can cause part of an app to stop working.

The goal isn't to deny every permission. The goal is to make informed decisions about which apps get access to which information.

Check permissions after installing new apps

It's easy to forget about permissions after tapping "Allow" during an installation.

Make reviewing permissions part of your occasional phone-maintenance routine, especially after installing an unfamiliar app or when an app's behaviour changes.

Why this setting matters

App permissions give you greater control over access to information and hardware on your phone. Regularly reviewing them can help you identify unnecessary access and improve your overall privacy.

Quick tip: If you don't understand why an app is requesting a particular permission, don't automatically approve it. Check what the permission is used for and whether the app genuinely needs it.

 

7. Review Which Apps Can Access Your Location

Location access can be extremely useful. Navigation apps need it to provide directions, weather apps can use it to provide local information, and other apps may use your location for features that depend on where you are.

However, not every app needs continuous access to your location.

That's why it's worth reviewing which apps can access your location and when they are allowed to use it.

How to review location permissions

On many Android phones, go to:

Settings → Location → App location permissions

You may see categories such as:

Allowed all the time

Allowed only while in use

Ask every time

Not allowed

The exact options and menu names can vary depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer.

Choose the appropriate access

If an app only needs your location while you're actively using it, you may not need to give it access all the time.

For example, a navigation app may need your location while you're using navigation, but another app that only occasionally needs your location may work perfectly well with access limited to when you're using the app.

Where available, Android may also give you the option to provide an app with approximate rather than precise location. Approximate location can be useful when an app doesn't need your exact position.

Don't disable location completely

Location services aren't inherently bad. They power useful features such as navigation, finding a lost device, location-based weather information, and emergency-related features.

Instead of turning location off completely, review which apps have access and what level of access they actually need.

Why this setting matters

Location information can reveal where you spend time and where you regularly go. Reviewing location permissions gives you more control over which apps can access that information.

Quick tip: Pay particular attention to apps that have "Allowed all the time" access. If an app doesn't genuinely need continuous location access, consider whether a more limited option would be appropriate.

 

8. Review Your Privacy Settings

Your Android phone contains a lot of personal information, from photos and messages to contacts, location data, and information about the apps you use.

Android includes several privacy controls that can help you understand and manage how your information is accessed.

Instead of waiting until there is a privacy problem, it's worth reviewing these settings occasionally.

Where to start

On many newer Android phones, you can find privacy controls under:

Settings → Security & privacy → Privacy

Depending on your Android version or phone manufacturer, the menu may look different or be located somewhere else.

From there, look for options related to privacy controls, permission management, microphone and camera access, and other forms of data access.

Check your camera and microphone access

Your camera and microphone are particularly important because they can capture information from your surroundings.

Android can provide indicators when an app is using the camera or microphone. On supported versions, you can also review which apps have permission to use them.

If an app doesn't need camera or microphone access for its main purpose, consider whether it should have that permission.

Look at your privacy dashboard

Some Android versions include a Privacy Dashboard, which can show you recent access to certain sensitive permissions.

This can be useful when you're trying to understand which apps have recently accessed information such as your location, camera, or microphone.

If you notice activity you don't recognize, investigate the relevant app and its permissions rather than immediately assuming something malicious is happening.

Check your Google privacy controls too

Some privacy settings aren't controlled entirely from the Android Settings app.

Your Google Account also has privacy and activity controls that allow you to review and manage information associated with Google services.

It's worth reviewing these controls occasionally, particularly if you've used your Google Account on the phone for a long time.

Don't try to disable everything

Privacy isn't about turning off every feature.

Some data access enables useful services, and disabling certain permissions or features can affect how apps work.

A better approach is to understand what information is being accessed, which app is accessing it, and why that access is necessary.

Why this setting matters

Regular privacy reviews help you stay aware of what your phone and apps can access. They also make it easier to spot permissions or settings that no longer make sense for the way you use your device.

Quick tip: Make a habit of checking your privacy settings every few months, especially after installing several new apps.

 

9. Keep Your Android Phone Updated

Software updates aren't just about getting new features or changing the look of your phone.

Updates can also include security fixes, bug fixes, performance improvements, and compatibility changes. That's why keeping your phone reasonably up to date is an important part of maintaining it.

Check for system updates

On many Android phones, you can check for updates through something similar to:

Settings → System → Software update

However, manufacturers use different menu structures, so your phone may show the option somewhere else.

If an update is available, read the information provided by your manufacturer before installing it. Major updates can sometimes require more storage space and may take some time to complete.

Don't forget Google Play system updates

Some Android devices also provide Google Play system updates separately from the main Android operating-system update.

You may find this under a section such as:

Settings → Security & privacy → System & updates → Google Play system update

Again, the exact location can vary by device.

These updates are part of Android's security and system-maintenance infrastructure, so don't assume that installing one major system update means every other update category is automatically complete.

Keep your apps updated too

Your phone's operating system isn't the only software that needs maintenance.

Apps installed through Google Play can also receive updates containing security fixes, bug fixes, and improvements.

Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile picture, and look for Manage apps & device or the equivalent option on your version of the Play Store.

You can then review available app updates.

What if an update isn't available?

Don't worry if your phone says that it is already up to date.

Updates are released according to the device manufacturer, model, region, and other factors. Older phones may also eventually stop receiving certain Android or security updates.

The important thing is to install legitimate updates when they are offered rather than ignoring them indefinitely.

Why this setting matters

Keeping your operating system and apps updated helps ensure that your phone has the latest available fixes and improvements for your device.

Quick tip: If you haven't checked for updates recently, take a few minutes to check both your system update and Google Play system update sections.

 

10. Turn On Find My Device

Losing your phone can be stressful, especially when it contains your photos, contacts, messages, accounts, and other personal information.

Android provides Find Hub (formerly known as Find My Device) to help you locate supported devices and take certain actions if your phone is lost.

Check that the feature is enabled

On many Android phones, you can find the relevant setting under something similar to:

Settings → Security & privacy → Find Hub

On some devices, you may see Find My Device instead, depending on your Android version and software.

You can also search for "Find Hub" or "Find My Device" using the Settings search bar if you can't locate it.

What can it help you do?

Depending on your device and circumstances, Google's device-finding service can help you:

Locate a lost device on a map

Play a sound to help you find it nearby

Secure the device

Display contact information on the lock screen

Erase the device remotely when appropriate

The available features can vary depending on the device and whether it is connected to the internet or otherwise able to provide its location.

Don't wait until your phone is missing

This is one of those settings that is much easier to appreciate before you need it.

Take a few minutes now to make sure the feature is configured and that you know how to access Google's device-finding service.

It's also important to keep your phone protected with a secure screen lock and to keep your Google Account recovery information up to date.

If your phone is lost

Don't immediately assume that you have permanently lost your device.

Use Google's device-finding service from another device and check whether your phone can be located. If you believe someone has taken the phone, avoid putting yourself at risk trying to recover it physically. Use the available security features and contact the appropriate authorities when necessary.

Why this setting matters

A lost phone can mean much more than losing an expensive piece of hardware. It can also mean losing access to important information and accounts.

Having a device-finding feature configured before something goes wrong gives you more options if your phone is lost or stolen.

Quick tip: Don't just turn the feature on and forget about it. Make sure you know which Google Account is connected to your phone and how you would access the device-finding service if you needed it.

 

Quick Android Settings Checklist

You don't have to change all ten settings at once. Use this checklist to quickly review your phone:

☐ Notifications ---Turn off unnecessary alerts and keep important ones.

☐ Battery --- Check which apps are consuming the most power.

☐ Screen timeout --- Choose a timeout that balances convenience and battery use.

☐ Dark Mode --- Try it and decide whether you prefer the darker interface.

☐ Adaptive Brightness --- Let your phone adjust brightness to your surroundings.

☐ App permissions --- Review which apps can access your camera, microphone, contacts, photos, files, and other information.

☐ Location access --- Check which apps can access your location and whether they really need that access.

☐ Privacy settings --- Review your privacy controls and recent permission activity.

☐ Software updates --- Check for Android, Google Play system, and app updates.

☐ Find Hub / Find My Device --- Make sure your phone can be located if it is lost.

A simple maintenance routine

You don't need to check these settings every day.

A quick review every few months can be enough for most people. You should also review them after buying a new phone, installing many new apps, or noticing unusual changes in battery usage, notifications, permissions, or other phone behaviour.

The goal is simple: know what your phone is doing and make the settings work for you.

 

Before You Change Any Android Setting

Before changing an important setting, remember that Android isn't identical on every phone.

Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, Tecno, Infinix, Motorola, OnePlus, and other Android devices can use different interfaces and menu names. Your Android version can also affect where a setting is located or which options are available.

So, if you can't find a setting exactly where this guide describes it, don't assume that your phone doesn't have the feature.

Instead, try using the search bar inside the Settings app. Search for terms such as:

Notifications

Battery

Screen timeout

Dark mode

Adaptive brightness

Permissions

Location

Privacy

Software update

Find Hub

Also, avoid changing several unfamiliar settings at once. Make one change, use your phone normally, and see whether you like the result.

If a particular setting affects an important feature, read the information displayed by your phone before changing it.

The best Android setup isn't necessarily the one with the most settings changed. It's the one that fits the way you actually use your phone.

More Android Guides From Everyday Digital Guide

Want to get more from your Android phone? You may also find these guides useful:

How to Free Up Storage Space onYour Android Phone

10 Simple Ways to Use Your Android Phone More Productively

How to Fix Common Internet Connection Problems on Android

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ONLINE ACCOUNTS WITH STRONG PASSWORDS AND BETTER SECURITY

 

Final Thoughts

Your Android phone already has many useful features built into it. The challenge is knowing where they are and deciding which ones actually make sense for the way you use your device.

The ten settings covered in this guide are a good starting point. You can use them to reduce unnecessary notifications, understand battery usage, control screen behaviour, manage app permissions, review location and privacy access, keep your software updated, and prepare for the possibility of losing your phone.

You don't need to change every setting immediately. Start with the ones that address a problem you currently have.

For example, if your phone feels distracting, start with notifications. If your battery doesn't last as long as you'd like, investigate Battery usage. If you're concerned about privacy, review app permissions and location access.

And remember: Android settings can differ between devices, so don't worry if your menus don't look exactly like the examples in this guide.

A few thoughtful changes can make your phone feel more personal, easier to manage, and better suited to your everyday life.

Which of these Android settings did you change-or discover-for the first time? Let us know in the comments.

For more simple, practical guides on Android, apps, smartphones, productivity, and everyday digital life, explore more articles from Everyday Digital Guide.

About Everyday Digital Guide

Everyday Digital Guide provides simple, practical guides to help you get more from Android phones, apps, productivity tools, and everyday digital technology. Our goal is to make technology easier to understand and easier to use.

 

Last Updated: August 2026

Android settings and menu names can vary depending on your device manufacturer and Android version. This guide may be updated as Android features and settings change.