Essential Pixel Phone Setup: Five Features to Enable on Day One

Setting up a new Pixel phone is straightforward, similar to other Android devices. The initial process involves signing into your Google account, installing preferred apps, choosing a wallpaper, and configuring basic settings. However, the real customization begins after this initial setup. This guide highlights five essential features I enabled on my Pixel on day one, along with several others worth exploring.

1. Flashlight Shortcut: Instant Illumination

The flashlight is a frequently used feature on any smartphone. Whether you’re searching for lost items in low light or dealing with a power outage, quick access is crucial. The Pixel’s lock screen shortcut provides just that.

Enabling this shortcut places a flashlight icon directly on your lock screen. A simple tap and hold activates the flashlight, and another tap turns it off. This saves several steps compared to unlocking the phone, pulling down the notification shade, and then activating the flashlight.

To enable this shortcut:

1. Go to Settings > Display & touch > Lockscreen > Shortcuts.
2. Tap the flashlight icon to add it to your lock screen shortcuts. You can place it on either the left or right side and add a second shortcut if desired.

2. Bedtime Mode and Do Not Disturb: Digital Detox for Better Sleep

Many people use their phones in bed, often hindering sleep. Combining Bedtime mode and Do Not Disturb helps mitigate this. Bedtime mode dims the screen and switches to a grayscale display, reducing eye strain and making the phone less visually appealing. Do Not Disturb silences notifications and limits calls, reducing the urge to check your phone. This combination encourages a digital detox before sleep.

I’ve set mine to activate at 11 PM and deactivate at 8 AM, an hour after I wake up. This also discourages phone use immediately after waking.

To set up Bedtime mode:

1. Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls > Bedtime mode.
2. Configure your desired start and end times, and customize other settings as needed.

3. Quick Tap: Double-Tap Functionality for Enhanced Efficiency

The Quick Tap feature allows you to perform actions by double-tapping the back of your phone. I’ve configured mine to open a frequently used app. While I could use the power button (which is typically configured to launch an app by default), I’ve remapped the power button to access the Power menu, allowing for alternate functionality.

While the sensitivity might require a slightly firmer tap than ideal, it functions reliably most of the time.

To set up Quick Tap:

1. Go to Settings > System > Gestures > Quick Tap to start actions.
2. Choose from options such as launching your digital assistant, taking a screenshot, controlling media playback, displaying notifications, turning on the flashlight, or opening a specific app.

4. Data Warning and Limit: Budget-Conscious Data Management

For users with limited data plans, monitoring data usage is crucial. The Data warning feature provides notifications when your data usage approaches a specified threshold, prompting you to reduce consumption before exceeding your limit. I’ve set up both a warning and a hard limit to prevent unexpected charges.

This feature is invaluable for preventing overage charges.

To set up data warnings and limits:

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
2. Select the SIM card you wish to manage.
3. Choose the "Data warning & limit" option and configure your desired settings.

5. Now Playing: Automatic Song Identification

Music lovers often find themselves wanting to know the name of a song playing in the background. Traditionally, apps like Shazam are used for song identification. However, the Pixel’s Now Playing feature automatically identifies songs playing nearby and displays them on your lock screen, eliminating the need for a separate app.

This feature works automatically once enabled; simply review the identified songs and artists in the settings.

To enable Now Playing:

1. Go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Now Playing.
2. Here you’ll also find your Now Playing history.

Additional Useful Pixel Features

Beyond these five, several other features warrant consideration:

• Notification History: Tracks notifications you might have accidentally dismissed, providing a helpful record of missed messages or alerts.
• Charging Optimization: Allows you to choose between Adaptive Charging (optimizes charging based on your usage patterns) or a charging limit (such as 80%), potentially extending your battery’s lifespan.
• Cross-device services: Simplifies sharing your mobile internet connection between your devices.

Ultimately, personal preferences dictate which settings are most useful. Experiment with different options to customize your Pixel for optimal usability.