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How to setup and use a VPN on your Android smartphone
Setting up a VPN on Android is very simple, and it only takes a few minutes.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an essential tool to keep your internet activity private and secure. It can help you browse the web privately, mask your actual location while browsing the web for added privacy, unblock certain geo-restricted websites and content, and more. There's no shortage of VPN providers out there, so there are plenty of options across different platforms. Most of the best VPNs out there charge you a monthly or an annual fee, but you can pick from our selection of the best free VPNs to get started. Almost all these VPNs have an app that you can use on your Android phone, and here's how to set it up.
I use these apps and services to make my Mac play nice with an Android phone, and you should too
Android phones and Macs are not a match made in heaven, but they can work very well together.
Apple's new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models have brought some noteworthy improvements over their predecessors, but they haven't convinced me to ditch my Android phone just yet. I am hoping Apple will bring even bigger changes next year, which is why I've decided to stick with my trusty Pixel 7 and the Galaxy S23 for now. I am not too pumped about that as a Mac user, though, because Apple's Mac computers don't necessarily play nice with Android phones and vice versa.
Best voice recording apps in 2024
Don't like the built-in recorder in your phone? Try these alternatives instead.
Voice recording is one of the most underrated features of a smartphone. From recording hour-long lectures to capturing conversations and interviews, a voice recording app can make your lives easier in more meaningful ways than you can imagine. Even the sheer convenience of recording your flashes of inspiration with a voice note instead of jotting them down on a piece of paper or typing on your phone can't be understated. Not to mention, they can also be a great alternative to the best note-taking apps if you're tired or simply not in the spirit of typing.
Android's Quarterly Feature Drop brings better At a Glance, Image Q&A, and more
Android's Quarterly Feature Drop is here, but it's not to be confused with a Pixel Feature Drop.
Android 14 is just on the horizon, but Android's own Quarterly Feature Drops are still chugging along. This quarter's feature drop brings plenty of useful new features to all Android users and should come to all supported devices in the coming weeks and months. Note that an Android Feature Drop is not the same as a Pixel Feature Drop, where Pixel-related drops are only for Google's own Pixel phones.
How to install Android 13 on Google Pixel and other Android devices
For those who need it, here's some help
The latest stable version of Android, Android 13, has officially seen its public release back in August 2022. As expected, if you’ve got an eligible Pixel smartphone, you can get in on the fun right now by downloading the Android 13 release for your device. Google also provides Generic System Images (GSI), which means the latest version of Android can be booted on non-Google Project Treble-compatible devices as well.
How to download Android 13 for Google Pixel and other Android devices
Google has officially kicked off the Android 13 QPR3's stable version rollout. You can download the release right now and give it a try!
Google officially launched the stable version of Android 13 on August 15, 2022. For lucky owners of the Pixel 7a or any devices as old as the Pixel 4a, you’ll also be among the first to see what Android 13 QPR3 has to offer, as the company has already started rolling out the update on these phones. The Pixel Fold and the Pixel Tablet are also eligible to get regular monthly security updates on top of Android 13.
Best email apps for Android in 2023
If you're tired of using Gmail on your Android phone, then consider trying these alternatives to see which one you like better.
One of the best parts of being in the Android ecosystem is the sheer volume of apps on the Play Store. While some users may see it as overwhelming, we would rather look at this situation in a positive light — there are a lot of amazing applications for us to try. Be it camera apps, podcast apps, games, music, or email apps, there are a lot of options to choose from.
Android 14 has a wallpaper problem
If you like to use third-party apps to customize your wallpaper, then you may be in for a shock if you're on Android 13 or newer.
Google has always made out as if it was committed to privacy, and over the last few Android releases, it would be hard to argue the contrary. The company has clearly been trying to improve the security of its platform while also adding new features in Android 13 and Android 14, but not every change has been a good one. In fact, one such change that the company is touting (quietly) as a security improvement seems to have been implemented by accident, and makes it so that third-party apps can't really access your wallpaper.
Best Android apps in 2023
There are millions of apps on the Google Play Store, but these are the ones we think deserve a spot on your Android phone.
The Google Play Store has millions of apps and games that you can download to make the most of your Android phone. Finding the best ones from the lot, however, can be a bit challenging because many of them are duds that don't necessarily deserve a spot on your phone. If you are new to the world of Android and don't know where to begin, then you've come to the right place. I've put together a list highlighting the best Android apps and organized them into different categories like essential, customization, audio, and video apps, and more, making it easier for you to find the right ones and get started.
How to clear app cache on Android
Wiping the app cache can free up disk space and speed up your Android phone.
You might come across a variety of opinions when reading up on whether you should or shouldn’t clear your app cache. Most people insist you leave it to the Android operating system to handle it, while others choose to clean up their app cache occasionally to free up disk space and reduce the risk of crashes. Some people assume clearing the app cache only helps entry-level devices and is not meant for high-end smartphones like the Samsung S23 Ultra, but there are benefits to all types of Android phones.
Microsoft Surface Duo gets Pixel experience with Android 13
An extremely dedicated developer has brought an updated Android experience to Surface Duo.
The Microsoft Surface Duo was an interesting device when it launched, giving users a foldable phone experience produced by two independent screens. The device originally shipped with Android 10, and while the company has issued a number of updates for the handset, Microsoft really hasn't offered the best software support during the life of the device, with sparse updates when compared to its competitors. Thankfully, the Surface Duo was updated to Android 12L towards the end of 2022, but now, it looks like Android 13 is being made available through unofficial means, which could potentially extend the handset's life.
How to block spam callers on your phone
Bombarded by countless spam calls daily? Here are all the ways you can block spam callers on your phone.
Whether it's a telemarketer or someone impersonating the IRS, spam callers can take up quite a bit of your precious time, if not more. Despite constant efforts from the FCC and carriers, spam calls remain a major menace for most Americans. While there's no foolproof solution to block all spam callers on your phone, you can take a few measures to ensure you don't receive as many spam calls as you do currently. I'll go over some settings you should immediately change on your Android phone or iPhone to block spam calls and highlight a few apps that will help you easily identify spam calls.
Android 13 'Tiramisu': Everything you need to know about Google’s big 2022 update
Android 13 was unleashed upon the world last year, but it's still rolling out to devices, along with betas and bug fixes.
The most exciting thing about a big Android update is being able to follow a predictable pattern of releases to get a taste of all the new features. Google's Android 12 update marked the biggest visual redesign of the operating system since Android 5 Lollipop thanks to Material You. The new design philosophy, along with an exhaustive list of new features, makes Android 12 look and feel radically different from previous iterations.
Google's June update brings loads of features to Android and Wear OS
You can try several new features that are now available on Android and Wear OS.
It's been a few weeks since Google I/O 2023, and while we patiently wait for Android 14, the company has been rolling out new features and updates across its various platforms, delivering some of the things that we saw during the firm's developer conference. Google even rolled out the Magic Compose beta sooner so that users could get an early look. Now, the company is rolling out even more updates, which the company states will help users learn new skills, stay productive, and further protect themselves and their online identities when using Android smartphones, tablets, and even Wear OS smartwatches.
Best icon packs for Android in 2023
Pick one of these icon packs for your Android launcher and start customizing the look of your home screen.
You get a ton of options when it comes to customization on Android phones, but using a fresh set of icons is a guaranteed way to change the overall look of your device quickly. You can always pair them with other customization for your home screen, like changing the launcher, wallpaper, widgets, etc., but simply getting a new set of icons for your Android home screen can also make a huge difference. Finding the right icon pack, however, can be a bit tricky due to the sheer number of options that are available on the Play Store. Not all the icon packs are worth considering, which is why we wanted to highlight some of the best ones you can grab for your device right now. So here are the best ten best icon packs you can download from the Google Play Store right now.
Android used to unleash my creativity in ways iOS doesn't
I'm a big Apple fan, but there are still some things I miss about using Android.
If you're a regular XDA reader, then you're likely aware of the deep respect I have for Apple products and the tight ecosystem that ties them together. What many of you don't know, though, is that once upon a time I was an Android enthusiast and tinkerer. And while I don't see myself returning to Google's platform anytime soon, if ever, I do have to acknowledge that Apple products can actually limit the imagination of their users.
Android 13 QPR3 Beta 3.2 update brings plenty of connectivity fixes to Pixel devices
Google has pushed the Android 13 QPR3 Beta 3.2 update, bringing more improvements, with a focus on connectivity fixes.
Android 13 QPR3 Beta 3.2 is rolling out to select Google Pixel smartphones. The over-the-air (OTA) update brings a wealth of new bug fixes, with most focusing on connectivity issues. Google states that this update is for select devices, which means you currently must have an eligible device running Android 13 QPR3 Beta. If your device is running a different version of the OS like the Android 14 Beta, you will not see this update, and you will not have access to it.
Android 13 QPR3 Beta 3.1 rolls out to Pixel devices
The latest beta patch brings plenty of worthwhile bug fixes.
A new beta patch has rolled out to Pixel smartphones, with Android 13 QPR3 Beta 3.1 landing on select devices. The update is rolling out a wide variety of fixes and improvements over-the-air (OTA) for Pixel phones running Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2 or Beta 3. The update will come in as T3B3.230413.006 /.A1, but if you've updated to the Android 14 beta, you will not see the update.
Android 13 QPR3 brings back Wi-Fi password sharing through screenshots
When you take a screenshot of the QR code page, all you get is a blank screen.
Most people have probably had to share their home’s Wi-Fi password with friends by looking at the credentials sticker on the bottom of the router. However, if you use an Android device, the simplest way is to share the details directly through a QR code or a screenshot of the QR code. The problem is that Google removed the feature in Android 13 QPR2, leaving users with a blank screen instead. Realizing the change is probably not the best move, Google is bringing it back in the Android 13 QPR3 Beta update.
Android 13 QPR3 Beta 3 brings fixes for Wi-Fi calling, display behavior, UI, and more
The Android 13 QPR3 Beta 3 has arrived for supported Pixel devices.
A new update has been rolled out to beta users, bringing Android 13 QPR3 Beta 3 to eligible devices. The new update brings fixes for the UI, Wi-Fi calling, display behavior and more. With the latest update, there will be a slight change in the way the update is distributed, with those on still on the Android 13 QPR3 Beta receiving this update, while those on Android 14 will continue down a different path.