Hidden app shortcuts to make your life easier

Even if you’re a longtime Android user, you might not be familiar with app shortcuts, which could be your hidden key to unlocking more productivity. Here’s a quick guide to different kinds of shortcuts and how to use them.

Note: Instructions and settings may vary by manufacturer and model.

Save valuable time with app shortcuts, which take you to an exact location within an app in just a tap – whether that’s setting a timer for your latest culinary creation or recording a voice note on the go.

To find available shortcuts, touch and hold an app on your home screen; this will pull up a menu of common functions that can be performed (aka shortcuts), if available. Tap a shortcut (like “New contact” or “Create new document”) to go directly to that action in the app.

Add a shortcut to your home screen for quick access by tapping and holding it, then dragging it where you want.

You can also easily access your most used apps from your lock screen by simply adding shortcuts to them – be it a handy flashlight or your fave social media app.

If you’re on a Samsung device, just go to Settings > Wallpapers and Style, then select the lock screen icon. You'll see your current app shortcuts at the bottom (often call and camera apps); tap one of them to select an alternative shortcut to swap in. On Pixel devices, tap Settings > Wallpaper & style > Shortcuts, then select the app you want to add a shortcut for.

Cut down on scrolling through your phone for apps by controlling it with your voice: Press and hold the side button (or the home button if you’re on a Pixel device), then say a command into the microphone, such as “Open YouTube” or “Take a selfie.”