Android

Storage, battery, connectivity and security settings on Android phones.

20 Articles

Concepts

Android version and security patch levelHow to see which Android version and security patch your phone has, how to update, and why the patch date matters.
App cache vs app data on AndroidThe difference between Clear cache and Clear storage (data) on Android, what each removes and when to use which.
Freeing up storage on AndroidWhere Android storage goes, the built-in ways to free space, and what to check before deleting photos, downloads or apps.

Android recovery modeWhat Android recovery mode is, how to open it with buttons, and what its options such as wipe and update do.
App hibernation (unused apps)How Android puts unused apps into hibernation, removes their permissions and frees space, and how to exempt an app.
Factory reset on AndroidWhat an Android factory reset erases, what to back up first, and how factory reset protection asks for your Google account afterwards.
Quick ShareHow Quick Share sends files between Android phones, tablets and Windows PCs nearby, its visibility settings and common problems.
Safe mode on AndroidWhat Android safe mode is, how to start it on Pixel, Samsung and other phones, and how to use it to find a problem app.

App permissions on AndroidHow Android runtime permissions work, how to review them per app or per permission, and what 'only while using the app' means.
Background battery usage (unrestricted, optimised, restricted)How Android limits apps in the background with the unrestricted, optimised and restricted battery settings, and when to change them.
Battery Saver and Adaptive BatteryWhat Android's Battery Saver and Adaptive Battery do, what they limit, and how to check which apps use the most battery.
Developer options and USB debuggingHow to turn on Android developer options, what USB debugging allows, and why to switch it off when you do not need it.
Private DNSWhat the Private DNS setting in Android does, the difference between Automatic and a provider hostname, and how to set it up.
USB tethering on AndroidHow to share an Android phone's mobile data with a computer over a USB cable, with the menu paths on Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei.
Wireless debugging (ADB over Wi-Fi)How Android 11+ wireless debugging connects ADB without a cable, how pairing works, and why it should be off when not used.

Android System WebViewWhat Android System WebView is, why it is updated through Google Play, and what to do when apps that show web pages crash.
Digital WellbeingWhat Android's Digital Wellbeing shows, how app timers, Bedtime mode and Focus mode work, and how to use the dashboard.
Find Hub (formerly Find My Device)How Google's Find Hub locates, rings, secures or erases a lost Android phone, and what must be turned on in advance.
Google Play ProtectWhat Google Play Protect scans, what its warnings mean, and how to check that it is on.
Google Play servicesWhat Google Play services does on an Android phone, why it uses battery and storage, and how to update or reset it safely.