In a world where apps dominate our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the hidden features that can enhance your experience. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, organizing your schedule, or managing your finances, many apps have hidden gems that can make life easier and more enjoyable. Here are some of the best-kept secrets in your favorite apps that you might have missed.

1. Custom Swipe Actions in Email Apps

Most of us are familiar with the swipe-to-delete or swipe-to-archive functions in email apps like Gmail and Outlook. But did you know that you can customize these swipe actions to suit your workflow? In Gmail, for example, you can set swipes to snooze emails, mark them as read/unread, or even move them to specific folders. Just head to your app settings, look for the “Swipe actions” section, and tailor them to your needs.

2. Reading Mode in Mobile Browsers

Reading articles online can be a cluttered experience, especially with ads and pop-ups vying for your attention. Fortunately, most mobile browsers, like Safari and Chrome, have a “Reading Mode” feature that strips away the noise, leaving you with just the text and essential images. In Safari, simply tap the “Reader” icon in the search bar. In Chrome, you can enable “Simplified view” under Accessibility settings, which will prompt the option to view pages in a cleaner format.

3. Secret Search Shortcuts in Instagram

If you’re an Instagram aficionado, you likely spend a lot of time browsing for new content. But did you know there are secret shortcuts that can help you navigate faster? When searching within the app, instead of typing out the full hashtag or username, try typing just the first few letters followed by an asterisk (*). This will pull up a list of all the relevant accounts or hashtags, saving you time and effort.

4. Hidden Calculations in Spotlight Search

iPhone users might know Spotlight as the go-to feature for finding apps, contacts, and files. However, it’s also a powerful calculator. You can perform basic arithmetic, convert currencies, and even calculate percentages directly from the search bar. Just swipe down on your home screen to open Spotlight, type in your equation, and the result will appear instantly.

5. Smart Suggestions in Google Photos

Google Photos is a popular app for storing and organizing photos, but it also has some smart features that often go unnoticed. For example, the app will suggest which photos to archive, create, or enhance based on your usage patterns. These suggestions are accessible by tapping the “For You” tab. Additionally, the app’s powerful search feature allows you to find photos based on locations, objects, and even text within images, thanks to Google’s advanced AI.

6. Offline Navigation in Google Maps

While many people rely on Google Maps for directions, not everyone knows that you can download maps for offline use. This is especially handy when traveling in areas with poor connectivity. To do this, open Google Maps, search for your destination, tap on the location’s name, and select “Download.” You’ll have access to turn-by-turn directions and location information without needing an internet connection.

7. Scheduling Text Messages in Messaging Apps

Sometimes, you might want to send a text message at a later time, whether it’s a birthday wish or a professional follow-up. Apps like Samsung Messages and Google Messages allow you to schedule texts to be sent at a specific time. In Google Messages, simply compose your message, tap and hold the send button, and choose the desired time for delivery.

8. Custom Reminders in To-Do Apps

To-do list apps like Todoist and Microsoft To Do are great for keeping track of tasks, but they also offer advanced reminder options that can be customized to fit your lifestyle. For instance, you can set reminders based on location (e.g., “Remind me to call John when I leave the office”) or recurring reminders for tasks that happen daily, weekly, or even yearly. Explore the settings to find these advanced features and tailor your reminders to your routine.

9. Voice Commands in Spotify

Spotify is the go-to app for music lovers, but did you know it also supports voice commands? Instead of searching manually, you can say “Hey Spotify” followed by your command, like “play my Discover Weekly” or “skip this song.” This hands-free feature is perfect for when you’re driving or busy with other tasks.

10. Password-Protected Notes in Note-Taking Apps

If you use apps like Apple Notes or Evernote to jot down important information, you might want to add an extra layer of security to sensitive content. Both apps allow you to lock individual notes with a password or biometric authentication. In Apple Notes, simply swipe left on a note and tap the lock icon. In Evernote, open a note, tap the three dots in the top right corner, and select “Lock.”

Final Thoughts

The next time you open your favorite app, take a moment to explore the settings and features you may have overlooked. These hidden gems can enhance your experience, streamline your tasks, and even introduce you to new ways of using the apps you already love. Happy exploring!