Android guides and tutorials

Android is the most flexible operating system in the world, but that flexibility often comes with a side of frustration. Whether you’re using the latest flagship or trying to keep an older device running smoothly, I know that "out of the box" settings aren't always the best for your privacy or your battery life.

Get the most out of your smartphone or tablet with my library of Android guides and tutorials. Learn how to clear app cache, empty trash, enhance your privacy, hide apps, change hidden settings, and much more.


Guides and tutorials

Browse my collection of Android guides and tutorials.

How to lock & hide files on Android (Safe folder guide)

Learn how to set up and use Safe folder in Files by Google to lock, hide, and encrypt private photos, videos, and documents on your Android phone or tablet.

How to enable 3-button navigation on Google Pixel (step-by-step)

Tired of gesture swiping on your Google Pixel? Learn how to bring back the classic 3-button navigation bar (Back, Home, Recent) in under a minute.

How to disable Bixby button & change to power button on Samsung

Frustrated with Bixby opening when holding the power button? Here is how to change it back to the power menu on your Samsung Galaxy phone or Galaxy Tab.


How to change Google Gemini button to power button on Pixel

Frustrated with Gemini or Google Assistant opening when holding the power button? Here is how to change it back to the power menu on your Google Pixel.

How to block ads on any Android phone or tablet (no app)

Learn how to block ads on any Android phone or tablet without downloading extra apps. Stop ads in Chrome, Samsung Internet, and apps using built-in Private DNS.

How to disable Google Entertainment Space on an Android tablet

Learn how to disable Google Entertainment Space and remove the left-swipe screen from your Android tablet in a few quick steps.

How to scan a QR code on your own Android screen or screenshot

Can't point your camera at your own screen? Here is how to scan a QR code from a screenshot or image stored on your Android phone or tablet.

How to fix slow app installs & updates on Android & Samsung

Are Play Store apps taking forever to install or update? Learn how to fix slow app downloads on a Samsung Galaxy and other Android devices step-by-step.

How to add a WhatsApp chat shortcut on Android

Learn how to add a WhatsApp chat shortcut to your Android home screen in under 30 seconds. Includes step-by-step instructions and quick troubleshooting.

Enhance your WhatsApp privacy on Android with these settings

Lock down your WhatsApp on Android. Step-by-step guide to hiding online status, disabling read receipts, locking chats, and silencing unknown callers, and more.

How to clear app cache on Android without losing personal data

Learn how to clear app cache on Android to free up storage and fix crashing apps without losing personal data. Step-by-step guide for all Android devices.

How to open a ZIP file on a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to open a ZIP file on a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet.

How to open a ZIP file on an Android phone or tablet

These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to open (unzip) a ZIP file on an Android phone or tablet.

How to change the navigation button order on a Samsung phone

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to change the navigation button order on a Samsung phone (e.g., the 'back' button from right to left).

How to stop your Samsung phone from killing background apps

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to stop your Samsung phone from killing background apps.

How to empty trash on Android (Pixel & Samsung devices)

Learn how to empty the trash bin on your Android phone or tablet. Fast step-by-step guides for Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and other stock Android devices.

How to block someone on WhatsApp without opening their message

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to block someone on WhatsApp without opening and reading their message. The steps also work for unknown numbers.

How to hide apps on a Samsung phone or tablet (step by step)

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to hide apps on a Samsung phone or tablet.

How to turn off the news feed (Discover) in the Google app

Tired of distractions? Learn how to turn off the Google app news feed (Discover) on your Android phone or tablet in 5 simple steps.

How to turn off Google News notifications on Android

Learn how to quickly turn off or customize Google News notifications on any Android phone or tablet (Samsung, Pixel, Motorola) using system or app settings.

How to change screenshot format JPG to PNG on a Samsung phone

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to change the screenshot image format from JPG to PNG on a Samsung phone.

How to disable Samsung Free and remove it from the home screen

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to disable the Samsung Free app and remove it from the home screen on your Samsung smartphone.

How to use Private DNS on an Android phone or tablet

How to enable secure Private DNS on an Android phone or tablet. Encrypt your internet traffic and block ads with this quick step-by-step guide.

How to set up DNS on any Android phone or tablet

A straightforward step-by-step guide to setting up custom or private DNS on any Android phone or tablet to improve your speed and privacy.

Fix: Reddit app not loading and showing thumbnails on Android

This step-by-step tutorial will show you what to do when the Reddit app isn't loading and showing thumbnails.

How to disable picture-in-picture on a Samsung phone

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to disable picture-in-picture on a Samsung phone.

How to convert a JPG or PNG image to PDF on Android

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to convert a JPG or PNG image to PDF on an Android phone or tablet.

How to access blocked websites on Android (6 safe methods)

Blocked by a school or work Wi-Fi filter? Learn 6 free, secure ways to safely access blocked websites on any Android phone or tablet with or without a VPN.

How to disable 'WhatsApp Web is currently active' notification

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to disable the 'WhatsApp Web is currently active' notification on a Samsung phone or tablet.

How to enable developer options on a Samsung phone or tablet

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to enable developer options on a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet.

How to activate the built-in antivirus on a Samsung phone

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to activate the built-in antivirus on a Samsung phone.

How to uninstall Secure Folder on a Samsung phone or tablet

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to uninstall Secure Folder on a Samsung phone or tablet.

How to disable device security on a Samsung phone or tablet

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to turn off device security (also known as device protection or app protection) on a Samsung phone or tablet.

How to get the Google search bar back on a Samsung phone

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to get the Google search bar back on the home screen on a Samsung phone.

How to assign a ringtone to a contact on a Samsung phone

This tutorial will teach you step by step how to assign a ringtone to a specific contact on a Samsung phone.

How to disable Google Assistant on any Android phone or tablet

These step-by-step tutorials will show you how to completely turn off Google Assistant and remove it from the home button on any Android phone or tablet."