Small phone problems can become frustrating fast, especially when you need a flashlight, your screen stops responding, or an app begins acting strangely. Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones offer several shortcuts that make these everyday fixes easier, even before you unlock the device.
The same phones also include tools for cleaning storage, controlling connected devices, and adding security protections. Here are the most useful settings to know, starting with the fastest ways to turn on a flashlight.
Turn on the flashlight without unlocking your phone
On a Google Pixel, swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings. Tap the flashlight icon to turn it on, then tap it again to switch it off. If the button is not among the first options, tap the pencil at the bottom of Quick Settings, press the plus button on the Flashlight icon, and move it toward the top of the menu.
Pixel phones also offer a hands-free option. Say “Hey, Google” without unlocking the phone, then follow it with “Turn on the flashlight.” You can also assign the flashlight to Quick Tap by opening Settings > System > Gestures > Quick Tap to start actions and enabling Toggle Flashlight. After that, double-tap the back of the phone to activate it.
Shaking a Pixel will not turn on its flashlight. That was an old Motorola feature, although third-party apps can add the ability to switch on the flashlight by shaking the device.
You can also place the flashlight on the lock screen. Long press the lock screen, tap Customize at the bottom, scroll to Shortcuts, and choose the flashlight icon. Samsung Galaxy phones provide a similar option through the Quick Panel, which opens when you swipe down from either top corner. If the flashlight is missing or out of place, tap the kebab or pencil icon while the panel is open and rearrange the controls.
Samsung also lets you change the two buttons at the bottom corners of the lock screen. They are typically the Phone and Camera icons, but you can long press anywhere on the lock screen, choose one button, and replace it with the flashlight. If editing does not work, open Settings > Lock Screen & AOD > Enable Touch and Hold to Edit.
What to do when the screen stops responding
A frozen app can make a screen appear broken because touch input must pass through the processor before it reaches the app. A crash can stop that process. Physical damage, such as a fall, can also leave the screen unresponsive and may require professional repair.
Start by checking for cracks or other damage, then remove the screen protector, case, gloves, USB-C or Lightning accessories, and stickers covering the screen or sensors. Clean the display with a slightly damp microfiber cloth, keeping moisture away from the phone’s openings.
If the screen still will not respond, force restart the phone. On Android, the standard process is holding the power button for 30 seconds until the device restarts, although the exact process can differ by manufacturer. Safe mode can help identify a third-party app as the cause. Force restart the phone, then hold the volume down button when the manufacturer’s logo appears. If “Safe mode” appears in the bottom-left corner and the screen works, a third-party app is likely responsible.
On an iPhone with Face ID, press and quickly release volume up, press and quickly release volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. This could take longer than 10 seconds. An iPhone 7 or 7 Plus requires holding the side and volume down buttons together, while an iPhone 6s or earlier requires the Home button plus the side or top button.
Resetting settings is another option. Samsung users can open Settings > General management > Reset > Reset all settings > Reset settings. A factory reset wipes all data, so a manufacturer service center or credible independent repairer is the better next step if the problem remains.
Clear Android cache without deleting personal data
Android phones collect small background files called a cache. Apps and websites use them to load images, scripts, and page elements faster the next time you return. A large cache can contribute to sluggish performance, storage problems, app crashes, freezing, or inconsistent behavior.
Clearing the cache does not delete saved passwords, logins, pictures, documents, or game progress. Apps and websites may load a little slower the first time afterward because they must rebuild their cache, and the speed difference may be small. Clearing cookies is different: it can sign you out of websites that use those cookies to keep you logged in.
For Chrome, open the app, tap the three dots to the right of the address bar, and select Delete browsing data. Choose a time range; the default is 15 minutes, with options including the last 24 hours, the last seven days, four weeks, or all time. Under More options, select Cached images and files while leaving other data types clear, then tap Delete data. This browser cleanup can handle web-related slowdowns in under a minute.
For an individual app, the Settings route is faster when you already know which program is causing trouble. Samsung’s Device Care can spot and clear unnecessary cached files, while Google’s Files app offers cleanup suggestions for junk files and unused cache.
Useful Samsung tools for connected devices and security
Samsung’s One UI includes tools for using Galaxy devices together. Multi Control lets you connect a mouse and keyboard to one device, move your inputs between Galaxy devices and a Windows PC, type into text boxes, and drag files between devices. It can also share a mouse and keyboard between a phone and tablet without a PC.
Separate App Sound routes selected apps to specific outputs. For example, TikTok and Instagram can play through the phone’s built-in speaker while the phone remains connected to a car’s Bluetooth. Open Settings > Sounds and vibration > Separate app sound, choose an app, and select its output device.
Good Lock, available through the Galaxy Store, is Samsung’s customization suite. It contains downloadable plugins, 23 at the time of writing, including the Sound Assistant module. Its Multi sound setting controls which apps can play audio at the same time, while the “All apps” option stops apps from pausing other audio system-wide.
Auto Blocker adds security protections by preventing apps from outside the Play Store and blocking USB commands. Its Maximum Restrictions submenu can block device admin apps, USB connections beyond charging, automatic connections to insecure Wi-Fi networks, and 2G connections. Music Share, meanwhile, lets other devices use a Galaxy phone’s Bluetooth connection to send audio to a connected speaker. It disconnects a device after 10 minutes without audio by default, with options for five minutes, 30 minutes, or never.
Based on
- How to turn on the flashlight on your Android phone without unlocking it — engadget.com
- 5 Samsung One UI Features You Won’t Get With Other Android Phones — engadget.com
- How To Fix Your Phone Screen When It’s Unresponsive To Touch — engadget.com
- How To Clear The Cache On Your Android Device — engadget.com
