Getting a new phone — be it your first or the routine upgrade — can be overwhelming given the variety of features there are to explore. We have a few tips on how to set up and get the most out of your new Google Pixel.
Update the OS and all apps first
I know you might want to dive right in, but make sure you’re running the absolute latest OS. Go to the Settings app > System > Software updates > System update > Check for update.
While Android is installing, open the Play Store > tap your profile image in the top-right corner > Manage apps & device > Update all. Make sure the default apps, like Pixel Camera, don’t have an available update.
At a Glance
At the top of your homescreen (and lockscreen) is At a Glance with day/date and weather. This section cannot be physically removed. You can make it only show the day and date, while there’s also the ability to turn off individual features. Long-press on it for Customize and then tap the settings gear icon.
App grid
Below At a Glance is the homescreen, with the Pixel Launcher offering the ability to control how many apps appear per line. Long-press on a blank spot for Wallpaper & style and you’ll find the App grid setting at the very bottom. I recommend 5×5 to see the most content, but there’s also 4×5, 4×4, 3×3, and 2×2.
App shortcuts
Besides placing applications on your homescreen, you can place app shortcuts. For example, long-pressing on the Chrome icon reveals two options — New tab and New Incognito tab — that you can drag to your homescreen for one-tap access. Other useful shortcuts include:
- Google Keep: New text note
- Google Photos: View screenshots
- Play Store: My apps
- YouTube: Subscriptions
- YouTube Music: Downloads
Meanwhile, there’s another type of shortcut that can be accessed from the Widgets list:
- Android System Intelligence: Now Playing history
- Google app: Song Search
Finally, you can put Google Password Manager on your homescreen. One way you can launch it is by searching “password” in the Pixel Launcher for a “Google Password Manager” shortcut. After that list is open, go to the Settings tab for “Add shortcut to your home screen.”
Use the Battery widget
One system-level widget you should be using is Battery. It can take up an entire homescreen, but I like it most in a compact 5×1 configuration that can still show your phone, Watch, and Buds. Besides showing percentage, it provides one-tap access 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 on your main homescreen, consider turning off Battery percentage in the status bar.
Try the Conversations widget
If you use the Messages app shortcut for a particular contact, give Conversations a try for something more prominent and live.
Other notable widgets
If you use Fitbit, try the Material You Steps Widget in lieu of the actual app icon. This widget can be as small as 1×1 while still showing a count that updates throughout the day.
Google Keep’s Quick capture widget can be shrunken down to a 5×1 (or 4×1) line for those that don’t want a Material You shape on their homescreen. Ditto if you’re a heavy Google Drive user (quick actions).
Google Calendar (schedule) and Tasks (List) have good dense widgets that let you get information without having to open the apps.
The Google Photos Your memories widget provides a good dose of nostalgia throughout the day. It probably doesn’t warrant a place on the first homescreen but definitely in subsequent ones.
Quick Settings
Customize Quick Settings, especially the first four slots that are always visible when swiping down for notifications, to make sure they’re actually useful for you. If you’re rarely switching Wi-Fi networks, replace Internet with something more useful. Ditto with Bluetooth if your phone is pretty good at connecting to the right accessory.
Some QS Tiles you might want to elevate include: Flashlight, Google app’s Song Search or Shazam (third-party app), Calculator, Reading mode, and TV Remote (Google TV).
Tip: Instead of using a spot for Alarm, you can tap the time in the top-left corner to open the Clock app to that tab immediately.
Lockscreen shortcuts
The final shortcuts to be aware of are on your lockscreen, with a long-press required. You can have two in the bottom-left and -right corners, with the selection a bit limited: Camera, Do Not Disturb, Flashlight, Home, Mute, QR code scanner. Video camera, and Wallet. There’s also the ability to have one or both spaces be blank.
Quick Tap
This would be another shortcut if it worked consistently. You have the ability to double-tap the back of your phone underneath the camera bar to: Take screenshot, Access your digital assistant, Play or pause media, See recent apps, Show notifications, Toggle flashlight, or Open app. That said, you should give it a try to see if it works for you: Settings > System > Gestures > Quick Tap to start actions.
My issue is how not every double-tap will trigger the set action. I’ve also had play/pause activate when putting down my phone on firm surfaces. If Quick Tap isn’t accurate for you, it’s best to just disable and avoid accidents.
Gboard
Besides customizing your Gboard Theme, you can customize the shortcuts that appear in the suggestions row. Tap the 2×2 grid icon in the top-left corner and drag to arrange. You can remove everything from that strip to have a minimalist look.
Battery: Limit to 80% + Saver notifications
With Android 15 QPR1 (December update), Google introduced a Limit to 80% Charging optimization. Maxing out at 80% is good if you have an opportunity to charge your phone at least once during the day, like if you have a wireless charger at your work desk. If you only charge at the end of the day, I don’t think 80% is enough to last you.
I’d also recommend going to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver > Schedule and reminders.
Pixel Camera: Quick access controls
Go to Camera Settings > Quick access controls to have sliders for White Balance, Brightness, and Shadows on the left/right edges of the screen after a tap.
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