Android settings Archives

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

5 Android App Permissions You Should Never Allow

Users should be cautious when granting permissions to applications on Android devices, as extensive access can lead to security vulnerabilities. Apps with accessibility permissions can perform actions like hacking passwords and altering device settings without user consent. Overlay permissions allow apps to display content over others, which can be exploited by malicious apps to trick users into providing sensitive information. Installing apps from unknown sources poses risks to device security and privacy. Usage data access enables apps to monitor user activity, which can be sold to advertisers. Granting access to contacts and SMS can lead to privacy concerns, as this information can be exploited by malicious entities. Users are advised to regularly review and manage app permissions to mitigate potential threats.

TrendTechie

April 30, 2026

Nano NAS из смартфона

Evenings spent with family watching series and movies can be challenging due to the logistics of accessing content, such as reliance on multiple laptops and cumbersome connections to the television. The author repurposed an old OnePlus 5T smartphone as a media server, utilizing its 64 GB of internal storage by managing content carefully. The setup involves installing Termux and creating a Linux-like environment using PRoot, allowing the phone to retain its dual SIM functionality while deploying media-sharing services. The software selected includes Alpine Linux, sshd, dms (a lightweight DLNA server), and transmission-daemon for torrent management. A step-by-step guide details the installation process, configuration, and tips for optimizing performance. The outcome is a cost-effective solution that transforms the smartphone into a compact DLNA server, accessible over the local network, enabling effortless downloading, sharing, and streaming of films.

AppWizard

April 28, 2026

These 3 Android Apps Can Block Ads On Your Phone

Users are increasingly seeking effective solutions to enhance their browsing experience in digital advertising, with some opting for methods beyond traditional ad-blockers, such as configuring a private DNS server to filter ads at the system level. This method can face challenges, including certain applications circumventing settings and networks blocking custom DNS configurations, which may lead to connectivity issues. DNS-based ad-blocking can disrupt app functionality or create voids where ads would typically appear. NextDNS offers customizable blocklists for ad-blocking and functions as a customizable endpoint, requiring users to set it up through Android's native DNS settings. It provides a dashboard with parental controls, tracking protection, and analytics tools, free for up to 300,000 queries per month. AdLock focuses on system-wide ad-blocking across various platforms and requires users to download the APK and subscribe for use on multiple devices, starting at .05 per month. It does not allow ads to be displayed and includes a safety check feature for potential threats. Total AdBlock, developed by Total Security Limited, offers free and premium versions, with the premium version providing full functionality, including ad-blocking on YouTube. It has a high effectiveness score on the AdBlock Tester tool and includes features like content blocking and direct support access. The curated list of ad blockers targets options that do not require root access and are cost-effective, designed to operate at the device level for Android users, as the default Chrome browser does not support extensions. Trustworthiness and reputation were key factors in the selection process, focusing on maintaining a clean browsing experience without invasive tracking mechanisms.

BetaBeacon

March 18, 2026

How to Sync Your Mobile Game Progress Across Multiple Devices

Cross-device sync is important for mobile gamers as it allows them to seamlessly continue their game progress across multiple devices. This feature is especially appreciated by social casino fans who can link their accounts via Facebook to ensure their progress is always backed up and secure. Troubleshooting common sync issues and following security best practices are also important to ensure a smooth gaming experience.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

GoPro Hero 4 Session: Android App Guide

To connect a GoPro Hero 4 Session to an Android device, first install the GoPro app from the Google Play Store. Ensure the camera is powered on and in pairing mode by pressing the button until the Wi-Fi icon appears. Open the GoPro app, add the camera, select "GoPro Hero 4 Session," and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to the camera's Wi-Fi network using the default password "goprohero." Once connected, the app provides features such as remote control, live preview, settings adjustment, media management, highlight tagging, and firmware updates. Common troubleshooting steps include ensuring Wi-Fi is enabled, forgetting the network, restarting devices, checking for interference, and updating the app and firmware. Tips for enhancing the GoPro experience include using the app for time-lapse photography, exploring Protune settings, creating short video clips, and regularly backing up footage.

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

‘FreeTube Android’ is an Android app that allows you to play YouTube videos for free without ads or login.

The FreeTube Android app, launched on February 9, 2026, allows users to stream YouTube content without advertisements or a Google account. It is a soft fork of the original FreeTube, emphasizing user privacy and ad-free viewing. The app is available on GitHub, with the current version being 0.23.12.1, and is still in beta, which may result in bugs and missing features. Users must enable 'Installation of unknown apps' in their Android settings to install the APK file named freetube-0.23.12.1-Android.apk. Upon launching, users encounter a clean interface and can customize settings, including data acquisition methods, theme, player display modes, and privacy controls. The app allows straightforward content searching and channel subscriptions, although the order of displayed videos may sometimes be unexpected. Overall, FreeTube Android offers a privacy-conscious alternative for watching YouTube videos without needing an account.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Minimal AF: This app rids your Android phone of all distractions

The Olauncher app has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 60,000 reviews on the Google Play Store. It features a minimalist interface that displays applications as plain text in a vertical list, allowing users to add only eight apps to their home screen. The app minimizes distractions by showing only the date, time, and total screen time, with a daily-changing background wallpaper. Users can lock the screen with a double-tap and access a settings menu by long-pressing an empty area. Olauncher integrates with Android’s Digital Wellbeing settings, allowing users to set daily time limits for specific applications. It is open-source, ad-free, and available for free download on the Play Store and F-Droid store, with a commitment to user privacy and no data collection.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

Chrome for Android just got its long-awaited dose of Google’s latest redesign

The Material 3 Expressive redesign has launched on Chrome for Android with version 141, featuring a modern aesthetic that aligns with other Google applications. Key updates include a redesigned three-dot menu with circular icons for actions like bookmarking and refreshing, a transformed Tab Grid with rounded elements and clearer groupings, and a dynamic color theme that adapts to the user's wallpaper. Additional enhancements include a segmented progress indicator with rounded corners and a star icon with a rounded square background for bookmarks. The update is server-side, meaning it may not be immediately available even if the Chrome version is 141 or higher. Users can try force-stopping the app to prompt the update.

BetaBeacon

September 4, 2025

I tested the Abxylute One Pro, and it nails game streaming (with a catch)

The Abxylute One Pro is a handheld device designed for game streaming with a large 7-inch FHD IPS screen, full-size controls, and a console-like software experience. It offers great streaming performance but struggles with local emulation compared to other handhelds at a similar price point. If you prioritize convenience and streaming over tinkering and emulation, the Abxylute One Pro is a great choice.

AppWizard

August 22, 2025

Google’s Critical Tool Gets an App—Android Users Should Download It

Google Password Manager has launched a dedicated app for managing saved credentials, enhancing user accessibility without navigating complex settings. The app is compatible with the Pixel 10 lineup and offers a user-friendly interface with three main tabs: Passwords, Checkup, and Settings. It includes features like alerts for apps and websites supporting passkeys and maintains strong security with end-to-end encryption. The app is currently in the initial rollout phase and is available for both phones and tablets on Android.