The Ultimate Guide to Avoiding Common Android User Errors

Android devices offer a plethora of impressive features, which can be both a boon and a bane. With so many options available, it's easy to miss out on some useful functionalities or even make mistakes while using them. Let's address these issues and optimize your Android experience.

Closing Apps Too Often

Closing apps on Android to improve battery life is a common misconception. In reality, it can actually have a negative impact on your device. Unlike a desktop operating system, Android is designed to effectively manage running apps in the background. It automatically closes apps that haven't been used in a while when resources are needed. Keeping apps open means that they don't need to start up fresh each time, which saves power and resources.

You should only force close Android apps if they’re misbehaving. Otherwise, it’s a much better practice to keep your hands off and let Android do its thing.

Being Too Generous With Permissions

When it comes to Android apps, there is a vast range of permissions that can be requested, ranging from access to location to body activity. However, it is crucial to be cautious when granting permissions, even though apps may make an effort to obtain access. It is always better to err on the side of caution.

When it comes to location access, Android offers the choice between "Precise" and "Approximate" location. It's highly recommended to opt for "Precise" whenever possible. Additionally, granting temporary permissions to apps is a good practice. If you know you won't be using a certain permission frequently, choose "Only This Time" to limit access. Android also has its own security measures in place, but staying vigilant and regularly checking which permissions each app is using is a proactive way to protect yourself.

Not Using a Third-Party Home Screen Launcher

One of the greatest advantages of using an Android device is the ability to customize almost everything to your liking. This includes the home screen, which can be easily replaced with a third-party launcher from the Google Play Store. Unlike the default launcher that comes with your phone, third-party launchers offer a plethora of personalization options that allow you to truly make your device your own.

For those looking for a launcher with a plethora of customization options, Nova Launcher and Niagara Launcher are both excellent choices. Nova offers an abundance of settings to tweak to your heart's content, while Niagara boasts a sleek and minimalist design that's particularly well-suited for larger devices. Simply head to the Play Store and search for "home screen launcher" to discover a wealth of launcher options to choose from. Changing your default launcher is typically a straightforward process, with most apps providing helpful guidance along the way. So why not take some time to experiment and find the perfect launcher for your needs?

Installing an Antivirus App

The Google Play Store has its own set of strict security protocols that screen every app for malware and viruses before they are made available for download. This ensures that the apps you download from the Play Store are safe and free from any malicious code. Additionally, Android has a sandboxed environment that isolates each app, preventing them from accessing other parts of the device without permission. This means that even if one app is compromised, it cannot infect the entire system. So, while it's always good to be cautious and mindful of the apps you download, you can rest assured that Android's built-in security measures are working hard to keep your device safe.

Google Play Protect carefully scans all apps published in the Play Store for malware, ensuring that they are safe for users to download. Even if you choose to sideload Android apps from sources outside of the Play Store, they are still scanned for malware to prevent any potential threats. Additionally, Play Protect monitors your browser activity for any suspicious sites. For most users, it is unnecessary to use an antivirus app as long as they stick to downloading apps from the Play Store and heed any warnings from their browser regarding potentially hazardous websites.

Not Exploring the Hidden Developer Options Menu

Unleash the full potential of your Android device with the hidden “Developer Options” menu. While this menu may seem designed for developers, it actually contains some features that could benefit the average user as well. It's worth taking a closer look.

You have the power to customize your phone's settings to your liking. For instance, you can switch on Dark Mode for all apps, tweak the animation speed to make your phone seem more responsive, access a task manager similar to the one in Windows, disconnect mobile data when you're connected to Wi-Fi, and more. Even if you don't need any of these features, it's still worth delving into the settings to see what else you can do.

Keeping Bloatware on Your Device

If you're frustrated with the amount of pre-installed apps on your Android device, you're not alone. While some of them may be useful, many are simply bloatware that take up valuable space. Thankfully, you don't have to put up with them.

Not Checking For App Updates Regularly

Keeping your Android apps up to date is crucial, as it guarantees their smooth functioning and addresses any security vulnerabilities. Fortunately, the Google Play Store provides multiple options to ensure that your apps stay current. One way is to manually check for updates on the Play Store at regular intervals, enabling you to update multiple apps simultaneously. Additionally, enabling automatic updates is a convenient way to stay on top of app updates without having to check manually, although it is still advisable to occasionally monitor the process.

Not Enabling Automatic Dark Mode and Night Light

In low-light environments, staring at a bright phone screen can be uncomfortable and disrupt sleep patterns. However, while the potential harm from blue light is debatable, Android offers various features to reduce eye strain at night. One such feature is the system-wide dark mode, which can instantly switch the entire user interface and many apps to a white-text-on-black-background theme. It is also possible to set dark mode to activate automatically at sunset, a convenient option for those concerned about eye strain and sleep quality.

Not Scheduling Do Not Disturb For Nighttime

While Dark Mode can change the overall theme of your device, it doesn't necessarily solve the problem of blue light exposure. Thankfully, Android users can rely on the "Night Light" or "Eye Conform Shield" feature to adjust the color temperature of their display to a warmer, orange hue. This helps to counteract the negative effects of blue light and can also be set to activate automatically at night.

Avoid the hassle of being abruptly awakened by unwanted notifications while you're in a deep slumber. Take advantage of the "Do Not Disturb" feature that's available on all Android devices, and configure it to switch on automatically during your sleeping hours.

While you're catching some shut-eye, it doesn't mean you have to be cut off from the rest of the world entirely. It's likely that there are certain individuals or applications that you'd want to be able to reach you no matter what. The "Do Not Disturb" feature can permit exceptions to come through while filtering out the less critical notifications. It's highly recommended to configure "Do Not Disturb" to activate automatically, regardless of whether you have a Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy phone. Setting it up just once will make a world of difference.

Using Cheap, Potentially Unsafe Accessories

It's always a good idea to have extra accessories for your Android phone at home. While your phone may have come with a charging cable and wall adapter, it's worth investing in additional ones. However, with the plethora of cheap options available on Amazon, it's important to be cautious and research before making a purchase.

It is crucial to consider the quality of USB-C cables, particularly since they are the preferred charging method for most Android devices. Although USB-C is generally reliable, there are still some concerns regarding its compatibility. In fact, using an uncertified USB-C cable can cause serious damage to your device. Therefore, it is essential to opt for USB-IF certified accessories to ensure your device's safety.

Moreover, using the wrong charging cable can also affect the Fast Charging feature of your device. Not all charging cables are compatible with Fast Charging, and using an incompatible one can prevent you from enjoying its benefits. Hence, it is crucial to invest in a good quality cable that supports the Fast Charging capabilities of your phone.