Google Pixel phones are known for their clean Android experience and industry-leading cameras—but those are just the highlights. Hidden within the software are powerful features that streamline your daily tasks, improve your privacy, and showcase Google’s AI-driven innovation. Whether you own a Pixel 6 or the latest Pixel 8 Pro, you’re likely missing out on tools that can dramatically improve how you use your device.
Here are 20 of the best hidden features on Google Pixel—and how to unlock their full potential.
Quick Tap
Quick Tap lets you double-tap the back of your Pixel to trigger specific actions—like taking a screenshot, launching the camera, toggling the flashlight, or even opening a favourite app. It’s highly customizable and a real time-saver once enabled.
How to enable: Go to Settings → System → Gestures → Quick Tap. From there, choose your preferred action.
Supported on: Pixel 4a 5G and later.
Flip to Shhh
Flip to Shhh is a useful gesture that automatically silences your phone when it’s placed face-down on a surface. It activates Do Not Disturb mode instantly great for meetings, study sessions, or quiet time.
How to enable: Navigate to Settings → Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls → Flip to Shhh and toggle it on.
Why it matters: Reduces distractions without needing manual interaction with your device.
Smart Storage
Running low on space? Smart Storage automatically removes local copies of media files that are already backed up to Google Photos. It ensures your Pixel always has room for what matters most.
How to use: Go to Settings → Storage, then tap on Smart Storage to turn it on and choose the removal frequency.
Bonus tip: Pair with high-quality photo backup settings in Google Photos for seamless cleanup.
Magic Editor
Magic Editor (Pixel 8+) lets you edit your photos like a pro. You can erase unwanted objects, reposition subjects, adjust backgrounds, and relight scenes—all powered by on-device AI.
Where to find it: Open a photo in Google Photos, tap Edit, then select Magic Editor if available.
Why it’s impressive: Edits look natural, and it works even on older photos.
Photo Unblur
Photo Unblur sharpens blurry photos—even if they weren’t taken on a Pixel device. Using the Tensor chip, it intelligently restores clarity and definition.
How to use it: Open a photo in Google Photos, tap Edit, then choose Tools → Unblur.
Use case: Perfect for improving scanned images or accidental motion-blurred shots.
Circle to Search
This powerful feature lets you circle or tap anything on your screen—images, text, or icons—to instantly search Google for more info. No copy/paste or app switching needed.
How to activate: Long-press the home button or gesture bar, then circle what you want to search.
Availability: Pixel 8 and newer, running Android 14+.
Google Lens in Overview
You can launch Google Lens directly from the app switcher by long pressing any image or text preview. Use it to translate text, identify products, copy text, or find similar images.
Why it’s useful: It works system-wide, turning any app into a visual search tool.
Live Caption
Live Caption automatically transcribes any media playing on your phone in real time—even without an internet connection. It works for videos, podcasts, voice messages, and even phone calls.
Enable it via: Settings → Accessibility → Live Caption.
Why it’s great: Makes content accessible for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and is handy for noisy environments.
Call Screening
Google Assistant screens incoming calls from unknown numbers, provides real-time transcriptions, and lets you decide whether to pick up. It’s one of the best ways to block spam and robocalls.
How to turn it on: Open the Phone app → Settings → Spam and Call Screen.
Bonus: You can customize how aggressive the screening is.
Private Space
Private Space allows you to hide specific apps behind biometric security. Think of it as a vault for your sensitive tools—like financial apps, journaling apps, or secure documents.
Enable via: Settings → Security & Privacy → Private Space (Pixel 8+ only).
Tip: You can choose whether this space appears in the app drawer or not.
Locked Folder in Google Photos
Store private photos or documents in a locked folder that’s invisible in your regular photo feed. Access requires your fingerprint or screen lock.
Find it in: Google Photos → Library → Utilities → Locked Folder.
Great for: IDs, private screenshots, or sensitive family photos.
Adaptive Sound
Adaptive Sound uses your Pixel’s microphone to measure the acoustics of your environment and adjust sound output in real-time. It makes audio fuller and more balanced.
Turn it on: Settings → Sound & Vibration → Adaptive Sound.
Pro tip: Works especially well with podcasts or music in echoey rooms.
Safety App
The built-in Safety app includes tools like Emergency Sharing, Car Crash Detection, and Scheduled Check-ins. It’s invaluable for personal safety, especially when traveling alone.
Open the app to explore setup options like emergency contacts and medical info.
App Hibernation
Pixel phones automatically detect unused apps and revoke their permissions, save battery, and clear temporary files.
View and manage: Settings → Apps → Unused apps.
Best for: Security-conscious users and anyone who installs lots of apps.
One-Handed Mode
Reduce screen size temporarily by swiping down on the bottom gesture bar—ideal for large phones.
Enable via: Settings → System → Gestures → One-Handed Mode.
Use case: Reaching top navigation menus or search bars with one thumb.
Now Playing History
Pixel devices can identify music playing in the background—even without Wi-Fi or apps like Shazam. It logs a full history of recognized songs.
Find it in: Settings → Sound & Vibration → Now Playing → Now Playing History.
Why it’s cool: Offline music recognition + instant playlist potential.
Battery Share (Reverse Wireless Charging)
You can use your Pixel to wirelessly charge other devices—like earbuds or phones—by placing them on the back of your device.
Enable via: Settings → Battery → Battery Share.
Supported on: Pixel 5 and newer.
Extreme Battery Saver
When enabled, this mode pauses background apps and limits most features to drastically extend battery life.
Enable via: Settings → Battery → Battery Saver → Extreme Battery Saver.
When to use it: During travel, emergencies, or when you’re away from a charger.
Real Tone
Real Tone enhances Pixel’s camera processing to capture more accurate and inclusive skin tones across all lighting conditions. It was developed in partnership with photographers and experts from underrepresented communities.
No setup needed: It’s built into the Pixel Camera app.
Smart Unlock
Smart Unlock keeps your phone unlocked when connected to trusted Bluetooth devices (like a smartwatch) or when you’re in a trusted location (like home).
Enable via: Settings → Security → Advanced → Smart Lock.
Great for: Reducing friction without compromising security.
Bonus Tools You Should Know
Digital Wellbeing Dashboard
Track screen time, app usage, and unlock frequency. You can also set app timers and focus mode schedules.
Where to find it: Settings → Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls
Recorder App with Smart Search
The Recorder app transcribes audio in real time, making your recordings searchable by keyword. Great for lectures, meetings, or brainstorming.
Pro tip: Works offline and supports export to Google Docs.
At a Glance Widget
More than a clock—it shows upcoming calendar events, commute times, weather alerts, and even package deliveries.
Customize it via: Long-press the widget → Customize.
Google Pixel’s hidden features reflect thoughtful engineering and real-world usefulness. Whether you’re looking to automate tasks, boost privacy, or unlock the power of AI tools, these smart functions make your Pixel more powerful than most people realize.
Enable just a few of these, and you’ll experience your device in a whole new way.
