5 Android tips and tricks that will change the way you use your smartphone

1. Give two fingers to quick settings

You probably know that swiping down from the top of your Android handset's home screen will launch the notifications menu. Did you know though that throwing a second finger into the mix brings quick settings to the fore? No, didn't think so.

Saving precious seconds and a second swipe, the double-digit motion puts Wi-Fi controls, screen casting options and Bluetooth shortcuts at your fingertips with literally zero hassle and minimal effort. Handy.

2. Extend your phone's battery life

Android 6.0 might have introduced the battery-boosting Doze feature, but if you're still waiting for your Marshmallow-flavoured fix, there are still plenty of ways to enhance your handset's staying power. Under the Battery controls in Settings, your phone should have a Power Saver Mode option.

Enable this to reduce background features and survive that night bus ride home. Helping eke out your depleted power supply, this will set your emails to fetch and turn off some of the 76 apps that send you notifications every 30 minutes.

3. Fill your phone with hundreds of free apps

You aren't limited to Google's Play Store for filling up that freshly purchased handset. If you're an app fanatic but don't like parting with your cash, Amazon Underground is the service for you.

Simply in return for signing up, you'll get loads of normally paid-for apps totally free of charge. Meaning you can enjoy things like Monument Valley, Cut the Rope and everyone's favourite animal impersonator, Goat Simulator, without loosening those purse strings. They aren't going to hit you for costly in-app purchases either, and many have their bonus content offered up without charge: when we say free, we mean it. So think of all that spare cash you can now blow on Clash Of Clans instead.

4. Avoid bill shock by controlling your data usage

Unless you've got deep pockets, you're not going to want to go over your monthly data allowances. But worry not, if you do, Android's got your back again - and your wallet's too.

Visit Settings >> Data Usage. Not only can you see a graph of how much data you've churned through over the past month – based on the time frame of your contract, not the calendar month – you can set self-imposed data limits and warning markers.

5. Hide your embarrassing bits from friends

There are certain things on your phone you probably don't want others to see. You browser history, embarrassing taste in music and the results of your endless selfie practice for a start. Fortunately, you can keep this mock-inducing content to yourself, even when letting mates use your phone.

'How?' We hear you ask with just a hint of desperation in your voice. Drag down the quick settings menu (with two fingers like we showed you), and tap the user icon in the top corner. Here you can 'Add a guest' and limit access to only what you're comfortable with people seeing.