Smartphones have become such a huge part of our everyday lives that it’s hard to imagine getting through the day without one. From staying connected with friends and family to managing our calendars, listening to music, taking photos, or even tracking our fitness goals, these little devices are constantly working in the background to help us stay organized and entertained. But as advanced as smartphones have become, most of us only use a fraction of their features. In fact, there are a bunch of handy tricks and hidden tools that can make your phone even more useful—if you know where to look. Some of these features are hiding in plain sight and can save time, boost productivity, or just make life a little easier.

Let’s start with a lifesaver in awkward situations: silencing your phone quickly. We’ve all been there—your phone starts ringing during a meeting, in a movie theater, or at a quiet event. Instead of fumbling to reject the call or apologizing loudly, just press the volume-down button. Your phone will instantly go silent without ending the call. It’s a simple trick that can save you from an embarrassing moment and help you stay polite in noise-sensitive environments.

Another useful tip is related to your phone’s camera. How many times have you tried to snap a quick picture only to miss the moment because it took too long to unlock your phone and find the camera app? Fortunately, most smartphones have a shortcut. If you’re using an iPhone, just swipe left from the lock screen to instantly open the camera. Android users can double-press the power button to launch the camera without unlocking the phone. It’s perfect for capturing spontaneous moments without delay.

Now let’s talk about widgets. These have evolved way beyond just showing the time or weather. Widgets can be added to your home screen to give you quick access to key functions, apps, or information. Want to glance at your calendar, control your smart home devices, or quickly check your emails or fitness stats? Widgets make that possible with just a tap. They’re customizable and can make your phone feel more personal and efficient.

If you’ve ever experienced dry eyes or headaches from too much screen time, you’re not alone. Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is real—and smartphones are a big culprit. One way to help your eyes is by turning on dark mode. This setting not only reduces glare and is easier on the eyes, especially at night, but also helps conserve battery life on OLED screens. Most major apps and operating systems now support dark mode, so it’s easy to apply it across your device. And don’t forget the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It gives your eyes a much-needed break.

Battery life is another common concern. If your phone seems to lose power even when it’s just sitting on the table, there are a few things you can do. First, turn on low power mode (iPhone) or battery saver (Android). These features automatically reduce background activity and screen brightness to extend battery life. Also, make sure to enable auto-brightness or manually lower your screen brightness—your display is one of the biggest power drains. Background app refresh can also be turned off for apps you don’t use frequently, which will help preserve energy. Lastly, check which apps are draining your battery the most and close or uninstall the ones you rarely use.

Keeping your phone running smoothly is just as important as knowing how to use it. Over time, phones can slow down due to software buildup or lack of storage. Clear out app cache regularly, limit background app usage, and free up storage space by deleting old files or apps you no longer need. Also, make sure your apps and operating system are up to date—updates usually come with bug fixes and improvements that can speed up your device and improve performance.

These hidden smartphone tips may not be on everyone’s radar, but once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. From silencing your phone in a flash to extending battery life and protecting your eyes, these small changes can make a big difference. Your phone is capable of much more than you probably realize, and with these tricks, it can become an even more powerful and reliable tool in your daily life. Give them a try—you might just find yourself using your smartphone in smarter ways than ever before.