Getting a brand new cellphone — be it your first or the routine improve — might be overwhelming given the number of options there are to discover. We now have a couple of recommendations on find out how to arrange and get probably the most out of your new Google Pixel.

Replace the OS and all apps first

I do know you may wish to dive proper in, however ensure you’re working absolutely the newest OS. Go to the Settings app > System > Software program updates > System replace > Examine for replace. 

Whereas Android is putting in, open the Play Retailer > faucet your profile picture within the top-right nook > Handle apps & system > Replace all. Ensure that the default apps, like Pixel Digicam, don’t have an accessible replace.

At a Look

On the high of your homescreen (and lockscreen) is At a Look with day/date and climate. This part can’t be bodily eliminated. You may make it solely present the day and date, whereas there’s additionally the flexibility to show off particular person options. Lengthy-press on it for Customise after which faucet the settings gear icon. 

App grid

Under At a Look is the homescreen, with the Pixel Launcher providing the flexibility to regulate what number of apps seem per line. Lengthy-press on a clean spot for Wallpaper & model and also you’ll discover the App grid setting on the very backside. I like to recommend 5×5 to see probably the most content material, however there’s additionally 4×5, 4×4, 3×3, and a couple of×2. 

App shortcuts 

Moreover putting purposes in your homescreen, you’ll be able to place app shortcuts. For instance, long-pressing on the Chrome icon reveals two choices — New tab and New Incognito tab — that you could drag to your homescreen for one-tap entry. Different helpful shortcuts embrace:

• Google Maintain: New textual content be aware
• Google Pictures: View screenshots
• Play Retailer: My apps
• YouTube: Subscriptions
• YouTube Music: Downloads 

In the meantime, there’s one other sort of shortcut that may be accessed from the Widgets record:

• Android System Intelligence: Now Taking part in historical past
• Google app: Tune Search

Lastly, you’ll be able to put Google Password Supervisor in your homescreen. A method you’ll be able to launch it’s by looking out “password” within the Pixel Launcher for a “Google Password Supervisor” shortcut. After that record is open, go to the Settings tab for “Add shortcut to your house display screen.”

Use the Battery widget 

One system-level widget try to be utilizing is Battery. It will possibly take up a complete homescreen, however I prefer it most in a compact 5×1 configuration that may nonetheless present your cellphone, Watch, and Buds. Moreover displaying proportion, it gives one-tap entry to Settings > Battery, the Pixel Watch companion, and Pixel Buds settings, respectively. It saves you from needing app icons for the latter two.

Lastly, if this widget is in your essential homescreen, contemplate turning off Battery proportion within the standing bar. 

Strive the Conversations widget

In the event you use the Messages app shortcut for a selected contact, give Conversations a strive for one thing extra outstanding and dwell.

Different notable widgets

In the event you use Fitbit, strive the Materials You Steps Widget in lieu of the particular app icon. This widget might be as small as 1×1 whereas nonetheless displaying a rely that updates all through the day. 

Google Maintain’s Fast seize widget might be shrunken right down to a 5×1 (or 4×1) line for people who don’t need a Materials You form on their homescreen. Ditto in case you’re a heavy Google Drive consumer (fast actions). 

Google Calendar (schedule) and Duties (Record) have good dense widgets that allow you to get data with out having to open the apps.

The Google Pictures Your reminiscences widget gives an excellent dose of nostalgia all through the day. It most likely doesn’t warrant a spot on the primary homescreen however undoubtedly in subsequent ones.

Fast Settings

Customise Fast Settings, particularly the primary 4 slots which might be at all times seen when swiping down for notifications, to ensure they’re truly helpful for you. In the event you’re not often switching Wi-Fi networks, change Web with one thing extra helpful. Ditto with Bluetooth in case your cellphone is fairly good at connecting to the suitable accent. 

Some QS Tiles you may wish to elevate embrace: Flashlight, Google app’s Tune Search or Shazam (third-party app), Calculator, Studying mode, and TV Distant (Google TV).

Tip: As an alternative of utilizing a spot for Alarm, you’ll be able to faucet the time within the top-left nook to open the Clock app to that tab instantly.

Lockscreen shortcuts 

The ultimate shortcuts to concentrate on are in your lockscreen, with a long-press required. You’ll be able to have two within the bottom-left and -right corners, with the choice a bit restricted: Digicam, Do Not Disturb, Flashlight, House, Mute, QR code scanner. Video digital camera, and Pockets. There’s additionally the flexibility to have one or each areas be clean. 

Fast Faucet 

This may be one other shortcut if it labored constantly. You will have the flexibility to double-tap the again of your cellphone beneath the digital camera bar to: Take screenshot, Entry your digital assistant, Play or pause media, See latest apps, Present notifications, Toggle flashlight, or Open app. That mentioned, it’s best to give it a attempt to see if it really works for you: Settings > System > Gestures > Fast Faucet to begin actions.

My concern is how not each double-tap will set off the set motion. I’ve additionally had play/pause activate when placing down my cellphone on agency surfaces. If Fast Faucet isn’t correct for you, it’s greatest to simply disable and keep away from accidents.

Gboard

Moreover customizing your Gboard Theme, you’ll be able to customise the shortcuts that seem within the ideas row. Faucet the two×2 grid icon within the top-left nook and drag to rearrange. You’ll be able to take away every little thing from that strip to have a minimalist look. 

Battery: Restrict to 80% + Saver notifications 

With Android 15 QPR1 (December replace), Google launched a Restrict to 80% Charging optimization. Maxing out at 80% is nice you probably have a chance to cost your cellphone at the very least as soon as through the day, like you probably have a wi-fi charger at your work desk. In the event you solely cost on the finish of the day, I don’t suppose 80% is sufficient to final you.

I’d additionally suggest going to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver > Schedule and reminders.

Pixel Digicam: Fast entry controls

Go to Digicam Settings > Fast entry controls to have sliders for White Steadiness, Brightness, and Shadows on the left/proper edges of the display screen after a faucet.