Our Android phones have gained many features over the years and updates. Currently, Google has achieved a very stable and aesthetic system with Android 14. Certainly, if you have a relatively recent mobile phone, this latest update is available.
It’s not that too much has changed, so upgrading to the new version doesn’t involve learning new things. However, there are default options that don’t convince me, and even sacrifice battery life. That’s why I tell you eight things I changed As soon as I updated my phone to Android 14.
Wi-Fi Preferences
In addition to configuring my home WiFi network to have Internet access and setting the APN for the mobile network. Android 14 includes some WiFi options that are somewhat useful, but they sacrifice an essential aspect for me: battery. This will depend, like everything on this list, on the manufacturer level of your mobile, but if you have a close to stock Android you can apply these changes.
Go to “Settings” > “Network & Internet” > “Internet” > “Network Preferences”. And deactivate both options: one activate WiFi automatically
Disable unnecessary connections
When we update our Android mobile, our data is retained, including settings, unless we apply a factory reset. The settings therefore remain new additions will come in default option.
So it’s practical review all settings to disable functions that we will not use immediately. So, roughly speaking, I deactivate Bluetooth, NFC, mobile data, vibrations… In this sense, to everyone’s taste, while trying to stay focused on “the functions that I don’t need now”.
Uninstall bloatware
Although Android 14 has a tool to combat bloatware, those unnecessary pre-installed apps that just take up space, not all devices with the latest version of Google’s operating system allow it. We nevertheless have “normal uninstallation” solutions if the system activates the button, or failing that the “Disable” option which at least clears the list of applications and allows them to take up less space.
In extreme cases, we encourage you to try the ADB method, through which you can delete all the apps you want
Change default apps
Swindle default applications, Android refers to those who open certain links and file types. For example, tapping a link sent to us via WhatsApp will open the browser. In my case, Microsoft Edge, so I take care of changing the default applications after the update.
To do this, simply go to “Settings” > “Applications” > “Default applications”. The must-haves for me are “Startup App” (the launcher), “Browser App” and “Digital Assistant”. I like to change launchers, opting for alternatives like the famous Nova. Then, in the case of the virtual assistant, I establish Copilot from Microsoft.
Disable automatic application startup
Although my phone’s performance hasn’t deteriorated yet, understandably after a recent update, the many apps it includes can abuse background processes. In the long run it will slow down, but fortunately we can choose which start automatically.
This setting is more typical of more intrusive layers like Xiaomi’s new HyperOS. I recommend using the search bar to locate the setting, commonly known as “Auto-start apps” or “Launch apps.” You will see a list in which the ideal is to deactivate the switches of the applications that we do not use so frequently.
Smart features don’t always help
It is increasingly common to find smart features based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. The Google Pixels are kings, courtesy of the Galaxy S24 family, even if these features aren’t always useful. When updating my phone I disabled two options which, although they had their own, did not interest me.
In “Settings” > “Sounds and vibrations” > “Adaptive sound”, we have an option that improves speaker sound, but to do this we must evaluate the noise in our environment. For this, I prefer to equalize the sound myself with one of these applications.
Finally, the smart battery feature will prevent our phone from cycling when we charge it at night. So he will finish it when we get up in the morning. However, this takes as reference the first alarm of the day, slow down afternoon loads. So for me it’s still a “filler” thing, here’s how I disable it:
Go to “Settings” > “Battery” > “Smart Charging”. The switch for this smart function is at our disposal. Remember to activate it again when you plan to use it.
Save battery in the most spectacular way
Autonomy problems continue to be talked about. The situation is no longer as alarming as it once was, at least in my experience, but that doesn’t mean that at any time I will need a little help. extra battery hours. This is why I opt for extreme savings mode, the least permissive with applications. And this is disabled at the factory.
This is not a problem, because by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver we can activate this alternative saving mode. As a smartphone it will be a bit deserted, but as a regular phone it will give us a few extra hours of battery life for end the day.
In Xataka Android | Has my phone been updated to Android 14? This website tells you
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