Google introduced Android 10 inSeptember 2019. Now over a year later, manufacturers are still rolling it out, like Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A on T-Mobile’s network that didn’t get Android 10 until October 2020. Android 11 may be the newest release, introduced inSeptember 2020, but seeing it across most Android devices will involve a similarly long rollout.
That means, for now, Android 10 is likely the default version installed on modern Android devices. There’s plenty to love with this release, like Focus Mode, which can make you more productive. Other features, such as Dark Mode, let you customize how your phone looks.
This guide aims to bring the best of Android 10 to the forefront so you can get the most out of your device. It’sbased on Android 10 installed on a Pixel phone, but we also include Samsung phones when the instructions differ.
Looking to get a hold of Android 10? Here’s how you candownload and install Android 10. If you’re waiting on an update from your manufacturer, you can keep an eye on ourAndroid 10 update tracker, and read through ourAndroid 10 reviewwhile you wait.
How to turn on the Dark Mode, and change Android’s overall theme
A systemwide Dark Mode was one of the headline additions to Android 10, so it makes sense it’s easy to switch on. It’s perfect for use at night, as it reduces the chances of burning out your Melatonin. You can find more about this mode in ourAndroid 10 Dark Mode guide.
Here’s how to switch it on (Google, Samsung):
Step 1:OpenSettings.
Step 2:TapDisplay.
Step 3:Tap thetogglenext toDark Themeto switch it on.
Change the icon styles, fonts, and color schemes
Here are the instructions for pure Android 10 phones:
Step 3:TapStyles and Wallpapers.
Here you can pick from the four preset themes, or create your own by choosing from the available fonts and icon styles.
The options are a bit more spread out. You can download and install themes through Samsung, or just change the font size and style directly on the device. You cannot change the app icons without downloading icon packs through the Galaxy Store.
To change the overall theme, do the following:
Step 2:TapThemes.
Step 3:Find and install a Theme or Icon Pack.
How to use Focus Mode
Part ofDigital Wellbeing, Focus Mode pauses apps that are distracting so you may focus on the task at hand. Flick it on, and Android will disable visual and audible notifications from apps you blacklisted, leaving you free to concentrate.
Here’s how to turn it on:
Step 2:Scroll down and tapDigital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
Step 3:TapFocus Mode. You may need to tapManage Your Datafirst.
Step 4:Add apps that you need to be muted.
Step 5:TapTurn On Now.
With Focus Mode on, a card appears on the Notification Shade. You can selectTake a Breakto temporarily disable Focus Mode, or tapTurn Off Nowto end the silence.
To add Focus Mode to the Quick Settings panel, do the following:
Step 1:Expand the Quick Actions panel.
Step 2:Tap thepencil iconin the bottom left corner.
Step 3:Tap theFocus Modeicon.
Note: you may access Focus Mode through the Digital Wellbeing app. If this app doesn’t appear in your app tray, read ourFocus Mode guideto find out how to add it.
The instructions are slightly different.
Step 2:Scroll down and tapDigital Wellbeing and Parental Controls.
Step 3:Tap theDigital Wellbeingcard.
Step 4:Scroll down and tap thePlus symbolunderFocus Mode.
Step 5:Enter a name for your Focus Mode and then tapSave.
Step 6:TapAddto choose the apps you want to be silenced.
Step 7:TapStartto begin.
As with pure Android, a card appears in the Notification Shade. Tap on the card and the Focus Mode display fills the screen. TapEnd Focus Modeto stop.
The Focus Mode icon already appears in the Quick Action shade.
How to turn on gesture navigation
Google first introduceda gesture navigation systemwithAndroid 9.0 Pie. but made significant improvements inAndroid 10. Here’s how to use it:
Step 2:Scroll down and tapSystem.
Step 3:TapGestures.
Step 4:TapSystem Navigation.
Step 5:Select an option:Gesture,2-Button, or3-Buttonnavigation.
It’s worth giving all three a test-drive, as it’s a heavily personal choice. To get more details on how each navigation system works, check outour Android 10 gesture navigation guide.
You won’t find the same three on Samsung phones, but here’s a close cousin:
Step 3:TapNavigation Bar.
Step 4:SelectFull Screen Gestures.
Step 5:TapMore Optionsshown underFull Screen Gestures(if available).
Step 6:TapSwipe from Sides and Bottom.
How to use Live Caption
Live Captionuses machine learning to add captions to any video or audio content. It doesn’t require an internet connection. To turn it on, do the following:
Step 1:With the media open, press eitherVolume key.
Step 2:Tap theLive Caption boxthat appears beneath the volume bar.
If you can’t see it, do the following:
Step 2:TapAccessibility.
Step 3:TapLive Caption.
Step 4:Make sureLive Caption in volume controlis toggled on.
Enabling this feature is somewhat different. However, it’s available only on specific phones.
Step 3:TapHearing Enhancements.
Step 4:TapLive Caption.
Step 5:Tap thetogglenext toLive Captionto enable this setting.
How to use the improved Smart Reply
Smart Replyreceived upgrades with Android 10. It provides contextual auto-responses in message notifications but now offers additional functionality.
For instance, if someone messages you a link to YouTube or Google Maps, you’re able to now open the link directly from your notifications. It works in SMS messages, but also works in other messaging apps like Facebook Messenger.
How to change app permissions
One of the biggest changes to Android 10 wasn’t a new feature, but a tightening of Android’s permissions system. Android 10 includes a dedicated area where you can see which apps have access to which permissions and make changes easily.
Location data is one of the most personal permissions you can lend to an app, and Google provided a new permission level just for location data. Here’s where to find and change permissions:
Step 2:TapPrivacy.
Step 3:TapPermissions Manager. Here you’ll see categories likeBody Sensors,Calendar,Camera, and more. Tap a category to see what apps have access to these components and adjust accordingly. For location-based permissions, continue on to Step 4.
Step 4:TapLocation.
Step 5:Find an app and set it toAllow only while using the appto stop it from accessing your location in the background.
How to share Wi-Fi details with a QR code
Sharing Wi-Fi passwords can be a pain, especially if you’re not keen on texting or writing down the information. Thankfully, you can easily share your current Wi-Fi connection with a friend by providing a QR code, which can be scanned by a friend’s phone. Here’s how to provide the code:
Step 2:Tap Network and Internet.
Step 3:TapWi-Fi.
Step 4:Tap on your current Wi-Fi connection.
Step 5:Tap theSharebutton with the QR code icon.
Step 6:Verify it’s you and a unique QR code appears on the screen.
Step 2:TapConnections.
Step 4:Tap theGearicon next to your Wi-Fi connection.
Step 5:Tap theQR code buttonin the bottom left corner and the code appears on your screen.
How to change screen rotation settings
You don’t always want the screen rotating automatically. For instance, if you’re browsing Facebook while lying on your side, you don’t want the screen to suddenly flip to a landscape view. Thankfully, you can turn auto-rotate off.
Step 3:Tap toexpand Advanced.
Step 4:Tap thetogglenext toAuto-Rotate Screen.
Alternatively, you can tap theAuto-Rotate buttonin the Quick Settings shade.
Android 10 also has additional features for auto-rotate haters which means you can leave it off forever. With auto-rotate off, you can manually rotate the display by turning the phone to the desired orientation, and then tapping the rotate button that appears in the bottom-right corner.
There doesn’t appear to be a toggle within the settings to disable auto-rotate. However, the Quick Settings and manual rotation buttons are intact.
How to trigger Google Assistant
You can use the hot words of “OK Google” or “Hey, Google” to verbally trigger the Google Assistant, or you can call the assistant up non-verbally. Depending on which device you have, you can do this in one of three ways:
When a panel pops up from the bottom with four pulsating dots in Google’s trademark colors, you’ll know the assistant is active. Icons for accessing Google Lens, the keyboard overlay, Google Assistant updates, and your daily newsfeed will also appear. Now you’re able to useall your favorite commands.
How to delete apps
Deleting apps clears up space on your phone and declutters your screen.Deleting appsisn’t much different than it was on the last version of Android, but there are a few things worth noting. You can still uninstall apps by deleting them directly from your app settings. Here’s how:
Step 2:TapApps & Notifications(justAppson Samsung phones).
Step 3:TapSee All [number] Apps(ignore this step on Samsung phones).
Step 4:Tap theapp you want to remove.
Step 5:TapUninstall.
You can also delete apps without digging into the settings. Here’s how:
Step 1:Open the app drawer.
Step 2:Long-press on theapp you want to delete.
Step 3:Drag it to the Home screen and then into the Uninstall trashcan at the top. On Samsung phones, tapUninstallin the pop-up menu instead.
