1. 🛡️ Activate Advanced Protection Mode

With Android 16, Google introduces Advanced Protection to safeguard against theft, malicious apps, and unsecured Wi-Fi threats. This feature automatically locks your device during potential thefts, blocks downloads from unverified sources, and avoids insecure 2G networks. Additionally, it provides warnings for non-HTTPS websites in Chrome.

2. 📶 Detect Fake Cell Towers with Android 16

Android 16 includes a new Mobile Network Security section within the Safety Centre in Settings → Security & Privacy. It offers a network notifications toggle to alert users when switching between encrypted and unencrypted networks and a 2G network protection toggle, allowing users to disable the less secure 2G connectivity.

3. 🧠 Use Gemini AI for Smarter Control

Starting July 7, 2025, Google’s Gemini AI will begin replacing Google Assistant on Android devices. Gemini will control device features and apps like Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities, performing tasks such as sending messages, initiating calls, setting timers, and controlling media playback—even when the Gemini Apps Activity setting is disabled

4. 💤 Set Apps to Sleep Mode

Prevent resource-heavy apps from draining your battery by setting them to sleep mode. This feature restricts background activity, conserving battery life and improving performance. Navigate to Settings > Battery > App Power Management to enable this feature.

5. 🧘‍♂️ Enable Digital Wellbeing Features

Android’s Digital Wellbeing suite helps you manage screen time and reduce distractions. Features like Bedtime Mode turn your screen to grayscale and pause notifications at designated times, while Focus Mode pauses notifications for selected apps to help you concentrate.

6. 🔐 Utilize Smart Lock

Smart Lock keeps your device unlocked in trusted situations, such as when connected to a specific Wi-Fi network or when it’s in your pocket. Set it up via Settings > Security > Smart Lock

7. 📺 Cast Your Screen

Share your screen with a larger display using the Screen Cast feature. Pull down the Quick Settings menu, select Screen Cast, and choose the device you want to cast to.

8. 👥 Set Up Guest Access

Protect your personal information when someone else uses your phone by enabling Guest Mode. Go to Settings > System > Advanced > Multiple Users and enable “Add Users from the Lock Screen.”

9. 🔔 Turn On Notification History

Never miss a notification again by enabling Notification History. Go to Settings > Notifications > Notification History and toggle it on to view dismissed notifications.

10. 🎨 Customize Your Home Screen

Personalize your device by exploring home screen widgets, choosing a custom launcher, changing your icons, and customizing your notification shade. These options allow you to tailor your device’s appearance and functionality to your preferences.

11. 🔋 Improve Battery Life

Maximize your battery life by enabling power-saving modes, reducing screen brightness, and disabling background data for non-essential apps. Regularly check battery usage in Settings to identify and manage power-hungry apps.

12. 🕵️‍♂️ Use Find My Device

If you misplace your phone, use Google’s Find My Device feature to locate, lock, or erase your device remotely. Ensure it’s enabled by going to Settings > Security > Find My Device.

13. 🖼️ Try Third-Party Icon Packs & Launchers

Customize your device’s look and feel by installing third-party icon packs and launchers from the Google Play Store. Popular options include Nova Launcher and Microsoft Launcher.

14. 🚨 Enable Emergency SOS

Stay safe with Android’s Emergency SOS feature, which can quickly call emergency services and share your location with emergency contacts. Set it up via Settings > Safety & Emergency > Emergency SOS.

15. 📸 Quick Access Camera

Capture moments swiftly by double-pressing the power button to open the camera app instantly, even when your phone is locked.