10 Hidden Smartphone Settings That Will Boost Your Productivity
Smartphones are more than just tools for calling, texting, and scrolling through TikTok. For many Ethiopians, especially students, freelancers, small business owners, and job seekers, your phone can be a powerful productivity hub—if you know how to use it well.
You don’t need to install expensive apps or buy new devices. Most smartphones, whether Android or iPhone, come with built-in hidden settings that can dramatically improve how fast you work, how focused you stay, and how well you manage your time and data.
In this article, we’ll show you 10 hidden smartphone settings you should activate today. These are easy tweaks you can apply right now, and they’ll make a huge difference in how much you get done each day.
1. Enable Focus Mode (Digital Wellbeing)
Where to find it:
Android: Settings → Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls → Focus Mode
iPhone: Settings → Focus → Choose from Work, Do Not Disturb, etc.
Focus Mode is a powerful tool for blocking distractions like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook when you’re working or studying. In Ethiopia, where slow internet and distractions can already make productivity a challenge, this setting is a game changer.
👉 Tip: You can create a custom Focus Mode just for studying, job hunting, or working online.
🔗 Learn more about Focus Mode from Google
2. Turn on Data Saver to Control Internet Usage
Where to find it:
Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Data Saver
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Low Data Mode
In Ethiopia, mobile data is expensive. Data Saver limits background app usage so your phone only uses internet when necessary. It helps you save data for essential tasks like sending emails, downloading job application forms, or uploading your CV.
🔗 See how to use Low Data Mode on iPhone
3. Use Screen Pinning to Stay on Task
Where to find it:
Android: Settings → Security → Advanced → Screen Pinning
Screen Pinning keeps one app “pinned” to the screen so you can’t leave it unless you enter your passcode. It’s useful when you want to give your phone to someone (like a client or student) without them opening other apps. You can also use it on yourself to avoid jumping from one app to another.
Example: Pin Google Docs or WPS Office when writing an article or updating your CV.
4. Activate One-Handed Mode for Faster Typing
Where to find it:
Android: Settings → System → Gestures → One-Handed Mode
iPhone: Settings → Accessibility → Touch → Reachability
Many Ethiopians use large-screen smartphones, which are difficult to use with one hand while traveling, especially in Addis Ababa minibuses or taxis. One-Handed Mode shifts the screen so you can easily reach everything with your thumb.
Great for replying to emails, chatting on Telegram, or taking notes while walking.
5. Customize Quick Settings for Productivity Shortcuts
Where to find it:
Swipe down from the top of your Android or iPhone screen → Tap the pencil/edit icon.
You can customize the shortcuts in the notification panel. For example, add screen recording, Do Not Disturb, hotspot, or focus mode so you can turn them on in one tap.
For job seekers: Add Nearby Share, Bluetooth, and File Manager so you can share your CV with clients or HR officers instantly.
6. Enable Notification History (Never Miss Important Alerts)
Where to find it:
Android: Settings → Notifications → Notification History
iPhone: This is automatic, but grouped in the Notification Center.
Did you accidentally swipe away a job alert or important email notification? With Notification History turned on, you can go back and check.
This is very helpful for freelancers on platforms like Upwork or Ethioworks, where missing a job alert can mean losing income.
7. Use “Bedtime Mode” to Improve Sleep & Focus
Where to find it:
Android: Settings → Digital Wellbeing → Bedtime Mode
iPhone: Settings → Focus → Sleep
In Ethiopia, late-night phone scrolling is a common productivity killer. Bedtime Mode turns your screen gray and silences notifications after a certain time.
Use this to sleep earlier and wake up fresh—ready to study, work, or hustle online.
8. Enable Clipboard History for Fast Copy-Paste
Where to find it:
Android: Use Gboard → Tap the clipboard icon
Samsung: Settings → General Management → Clipboard
iPhone: Clipboard is limited, but apps like Paste help
Clipboard history keeps a record of everything you copy—text, links, phone numbers—so you can paste them later.
For job applications, blogging, social media, or online freelancing, this saves you from switching apps over and over.
👉 Example: Copy your email address, ID number, bank info, and reuse them quickly in job forms.
9. Turn on Smart Lock for Trusted Locations
Where to find it:
Android: Settings → Security → Smart Lock
iPhone: Face ID/Touch ID is already optimized
Smart Lock lets your phone stay unlocked in trusted places like home, your office, or school. This helps you save time when checking messages, switching apps, or using your phone for tasks.
For example, if you’re typing a report, updating your website, or designing something with Canva, you don’t want to unlock the phone every 2 minutes.
10. Use Built-in Voice Typing for Faster Writing
Where to find it:
Android: Gboard → Microphone icon
iPhone: Keyboard → Microphone icon
In Amharic or English, voice typing lets you dictate instead of typing. This is especially helpful for creating blog posts, writing emails, or sending proposals when you’re too tired to type.
Great for students writing papers, freelancers drafting proposals, or content creators making captions.
👉 Tip: Use Google Docs Voice Typing for even more powerful transcription.
Bonus Tips for Ethiopians to Maximize These Features:
- Use Amharic keyboard (Gboard or SelamSoft) if you’re typing job applications or blogs in Amharic.
- Combine tools like Focus Mode + Clipboard + Voice Typing to create a writing environment on your phone.
- Use free office apps like WPS Office, Google Docs, and JotterPad for typing.
- Try productivity tools like Trello, Notion, or ToDoist for task management (many work offline).
- Set a weekly digital detox goal—disable distractions one day per week to refresh your brain.
Trusted Platforms Where You Can Use These Tricks:
- Jobmela.net: Local job portal for Ethiopian job seekers.
- Ethiojobs.net: Leading job site in Ethiopia.
- Upwork.com: International freelancing site where you can work from home.
- Telegram: Many local job channels and freelance gig groups are active here.
Final Thoughts
These settings are already on your phone—you just haven’t used them yet. Whether you’re a student, freelancer, side hustler, or entrepreneur in Ethiopia, these productivity settings are your free assistants. They don’t require data, money, or advanced tech skills.
Just a few minutes of setup could save you hours of wasted time every week.
Start with one setting today—maybe Focus Mode or Clipboard History. Try it for a few days. Then slowly explore the others.
The more efficiently you use your smartphone, the faster you’ll reach your goals—whether it’s getting a job, starting a business, passing an exam, or earning online.