Google’s Pixel phones have several software features you may not find on other phones, especially when it comes to areas like language translation, answering calls and editing photos. If you’re a new Pixel owner, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Google currently sells five different Pixel models: the $349 Pixel 6A, $499 Pixel 7A, $599 Pixel 7, $899 Pixel 7 Pro and $1,799 Pixel Fold. But you may not need Google’s newest Pixels to make use of these features; several of them work on older devices, too. Keep in mind that some of these features might require a software update, or an update to Google’s apps and services.
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Switch to the selfie camera without pressing any buttons
You don’t have to tap any buttons to switch between the Pixel’s selfie camera and main camera. Simply open the Pixel’s camera app and twist your phone twice to flip between the cameras. If you’re not sure what I mean by “twist,” Google has a helpful animation to show you.
If you’re still having trouble, check your Pixel’s settings to make sure this feature is enabled. Open the settings app, choose System and select Flip camera for selfie.
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Have Google wait on hold for you
No one likes waiting on hold. If you have a Pixel 3 or later, you can have Google wait on hold and notify you when a representative becomes available. This feature, called Hold for Me, only works in English for devices in the US, Australia and Canada.
To have Google wait on hold, you’ll have to do two things: Activate the feature, and then turn on Hold for Me during the phone call. For the first step, open the Pixel’s Phone app and tap the three dots in the top right corner. Then, tap Settings, and Hold for Me. Tap the switch next to Hold for Me to make sure this feature is turned on.
Just be aware that Hold for Me may not work in every situation, and you can’t play music or other audio while it’s active. You’ll also want to make sure your phone isn’t on silent or vibrate mode. When you’re on a call and have been placed on hold, tap the Hold for Me button and press Start.
See how long you might have to wait on hold
Google can also estimate the amount of time you might have to wait on hold when dialing businesses in the US. It’s available on the Pixel 3A and later and works in English. Just open the Phone app, dial the number and you’ll be presented with an estimate of how long you may be placed on hold. The estimate may vary depending on the time of day.
Have Google show automated phone menus on screen
There are times when you might not want to listen to every single option in an automated menu when calling a business. If you have a Pixel 3A or later, you’ll be able to see these menu options on screen so that you don’t have to remember them all. The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro can also show certain menu options before they’re spoken on the phone call, Google says. I tested this by calling CVS and Allstate and, sure enough, Google was able to transcribe the spoken menu options in real time.
Open an app or take a screenshot by tapping the back of your phone
Add a handy shortcut to your Pixel phone with Google’s Quick Tap feature. This allows you to open an app, take a screenshot, play or pause media, or show notifications just by tapping twice on the back of your phone. It only works on more recent Google phones like the Pixel 4A 5G and later.
To turn on Quick Tap and customize its actions, open the settings menu and choose System. Then, select Gestures and Quick Tap. From here, turn Quick Tap on and select which action you’d like to perform when tapping the back of your device.
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Have Google screen your calls
Sick of robocalls? Google can hopefully help with its Call Screen feature, which works on all Pixel phones. When this feature is turned on, Google Assistant can answer an unknown call and ask who’s calling and why. It will automatically hang up if it’s a spam call, but you can see how the caller responded and decide to answer if it’s a real caller.
Google doesn’t screen calls from phone numbers that are saved in your contacts, and your Pixel won’t automatically screen calls when you’re using headphones or are connected to Bluetooth.
To set up automatic call screening, open the phone app and tap the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings and choose Spam and Call Screen. Make sure the switch next to See caller and spam ID is toggled on, and then press Call Screen.
From here, you can choose how Google screens calls. For example, you can set it to screen spam calls, possibly faked numbers, first-time callers, and private or hidden callers. Just tap one of these categories and choose the Automatically screen. Decline Robocalls option.
Looking for more Android tips? Be sure to check out our roundup of Android tricks to make your phone feel new again.
Article source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/google-pixel-tips-tricks-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-phone/#ftag=CADe34d7bf