Google Pixel 8a tips and tricks (video)

The Google Pixel 8a is a powerful smartphone packed with features that can significantly improve your user experience. Many of these features are hidden or not immediately visible, but when discovered, they can help you get the most out of your device. In this article, we will discuss 20 tips and tricks that you can apply not only to the Pixel 8a, but also the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

Smoother display performance with 120Hz refresh rate

One of the standout features of the Pixel 8a is its 120Hz refresh rate, which delivers a smoother and more responsive image. To activate this feature, go to Settings > Display > Advanced > Smooth display. The higher refresh rate is especially beneficial when gaming and scrolling, providing a more fluid and immersive experience.

Turn your Pixel 8a into a high-quality webcam

With Pixel 8a, you can easily turn your smartphone into a high-quality webcam for your computer. Just connect your phone to your computer via USB and select the webcam option in the video conferencing application. This feature provides professional video quality for virtual meetings, making it a great alternative to traditional webcams.

Protect personal data with multiple user accounts

If you want to share your Pixel 8a with others, you can create multiple user accounts to protect your personal information. To set up guest accounts, go to Settings > System > Advanced > Multiple Users. This feature allows you to share your device without violating your privacy or revealing confidential information.

Remove background noise with Audio Eraser

The Audio Eraser feature on Pixel 8a allows you to effortlessly remove unwanted background noise from videos. To use this tool, open a video in Google Photos, tap Edit and select Audio Eraser. This feature improves the sound quality of your recordings, making them clearer and more professional.

Edit photos hassle-free with Magic Eraser

Magic Eraser is another powerful editing tool available on the Pixel 8a. It allows you to easily remove unwanted objects or people from your photos. To use the Magic Eraser app, open the photo in Google Photos, tap Edit and select Magic Eraser. This feature helps you create cleaner and more focused images without the need for complicated editing software.

Personalize your device with AI wallpaper

Pixel 8a’s AI Wallpaper feature generates unique, personalized backgrounds for your device. To access this feature, go to Settings > Wallpaper & style > Change wallpaper > AI wallpaper. This tool uses artificial intelligence to create custom wallpapers that match your style and preferences.

Easier navigation in one-handed mode

For users with smaller hands or those who often multitask, the Pixel 8a’s one-handed mode makes navigation much easier. To enable this feature, go to Settings > System > Gestures > One-handed mode. When enabled, this mode shrinks the screen, making it easier to use with one hand.

Instant access to applications with a quick tap

Quick Tap allows you to open specific apps by double-tapping the back of your Pixel 8a. Enable this feature in Settings > System > Gestures > Quick tap. This gesture control increases usability and provides a convenient way to quickly access your favorite apps.

Easy visual search with Circle to Search

The Circle to Search feature on Pixel 8a makes visual search a breeze. Just draw a circle around items on your screen and Google Lens will find them. This tool is especially useful for finding information about objects or text without having to type.

Quickly switch your camera with Flip to Selfie

Rotate to Selfie is a handy feature on the Google Pixel 8a that allows you to switch to the front camera by rotating the phone. Enable this feature in the Camera app settings to take selfies quickly and hassle-free.

• Instant Do Not Disturb with Flip to Silent: Activate Do Not Disturb by placing your phone face down. Enable this feature in Settings > Sound & vibration > Do not disturb > Flip to silent to avoid interruptions during meetings or quiet moments.
• Healthier sleep routine with Bedtime Mode: Reduce screen brightness and turn on Do Not Disturb mode on your schedule in Bedtime Mode. Configure this option in Settings > Digital Wellness & Parental Controls > Bedtime Mode to ensure a healthy night’s sleep.
• Avoid spam calls with call filtering: Use Google Assistant to monitor calls and share transcripts in real time. Enable this option in the Phone app settings to manage incoming calls more effectively.
• Save waiting time with Hold for Me: Let Google Assistant hold your place in the call queue. Enable this option in your Phone app settings to save time and reduce the frustration of waiting.
• Accurate battery tracking with battery percentage: View your battery percentage in the status bar by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Percentage for more accurate battery life tracking.
• Improved messaging with RCS chat: Enable RCS chat in the Messages app settings to see when messages are being read or typed for richer communication.
• Quick access with lock screen shortcuts: Customize lock screen shortcuts for quick access to your favorite apps. Select Settings > Display > Lock screen > Shortcuts to make your device more accessible.
• Tailored controls with the ability to quickly adjust settings: Rearrange the quick setting tiles by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the pencil icon. Customize quick settings for easier access to frequently used features.
• Better call quality with Clear Calling: Reduce background noise during calls with Clear Calling. Enable this option in Settings > Sound & vibration > Clear calls to improve call quality and make calls clearer.

By discovering and using these hidden features, you can unlock the full potential of your Google Pixel 8a, Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro. These tips and tricks are designed to improve usability, enhance multimedia capabilities, and provide better customization options, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable and productive smartphone experience.

Source and image source: Android Authority

Filed under: Android News, Guides, Mobile News

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