Most people use their smartphones for calling, messaging, social media, payments and photography. But modern phones are capable of doing far more than these everyday tasks.
Several useful features are hidden inside Android and iPhone settings, and some can improve privacy, security, battery life and even help you find your device when you think it is lost.
Here are seven smartphone features worth checking today.
1. Your phone can alert you when an unknown tracker is following you
Bluetooth trackers are useful for finding keys, luggage and other belongings. But the same technology can potentially be misused to track people without their knowledge.
Modern smartphones can detect certain unknown Bluetooth trackers that appear to be travelling with you. If you receive an unfamiliar tracker alert, don't ignore it.
Check the notification carefully and follow the instructions provided by your phone to identify the device.
2. You can stop apps from constantly accessing your location
Many apps ask for location access even when they don't need it all the time.
Instead of automatically selecting "Always Allow", check whether the app actually requires continuous access.
For many applications, options such as "While Using the App" or "Ask Next Time" provide a better balance between functionality and privacy.
3. Your phone can tell you which apps are draining the battery
If your battery suddenly starts disappearing much faster than usual, don't immediately assume that the battery itself has gone bad.
Open your phone's battery settings and check which apps have consumed the most power.
An app that is unexpectedly using a large amount of battery in the background could be worth updating, restricting or uninstalling.
4. Emergency information can help when you can't use your phone
Most modern smartphones allow users to configure emergency contacts and medical information that can be accessed from the lock screen.
This can be extremely useful in an emergency because someone assisting you may be able to contact your designated emergency contact without needing your phone's passcode.
Check your phone's emergency or safety settings and configure the information you are comfortable sharing.
5. You can protect sensitive photos and files
Phones increasingly offer locked or hidden areas for sensitive content.
Instead of leaving private documents, photographs or screenshots mixed into your normal gallery or file storage, consider moving them into the secure or locked section supported by your device.
However, remember that security features vary between phone manufacturers, so check exactly how your particular device protects this content.
6. Your phone can automatically identify spam calls
Spam and fraudulent calls have become a major nuisance.
Many smartphones and calling applications can identify suspected spam numbers and warn you before you answer.
Turn on the relevant caller-ID and spam-protection feature available on your device. But don't treat the warning as perfect protection—fraudsters can use new or spoofed numbers.
Never share OTPs, passwords, banking PINs or card security information over an unsolicited call.
7. You can locate a lost phone even when you're not sure where you left it
The major smartphone ecosystems offer device-finding services that can help locate a missing phone.
Depending on the device and settings, you may be able to see its approximate location, make it play a sound, lock it remotely or erase its data.
The important part is enabling the relevant feature before the phone goes missing.
A few minutes of setup can make a big difference
Smartphones have evolved into highly sophisticated personal devices, but many people use only a fraction of their available features.
Take a few minutes to review your location permissions, emergency settings, battery usage, privacy controls and device-finding options.
These aren't flashy features, but they can become extremely valuable when something goes wrong.
Your phone isn't just a communication device anymore—it is also a camera, wallet, navigation system, security tool and personal data vault. Knowing how to control these functions can be just as important as knowing how to use them.
