10 Developer Options Settings You Should Know About

Top 10 Developer Options on Android Phones to Enhance Your Experience

Android phones have a hidden setting known as “Developer Options,” which grants users access to several advanced features that allow for greater customization of their experience. However, this option is not displayed by default in the phone’s settings to protect the average user from making changes that could negatively affect device performance.

To enable “Developer Options,” go to “Settings,” then tap on “About Phone,” followed by “Software Information,” where you’ll find the build number. Tap it 7 times in a row, and a confirmation message will appear saying, “You are now a developer.” Once this option is activated, you will have access to a wide range of advanced settings that can improve your device’s performance and flexibility. Here are the top 10 options in “Developer Options” that could change your experience:


1. USB Debugging

Enabling the “USB Debugging” option is one of the most important settings for developers or tech enthusiasts. With this option, users can connect their device to a computer and use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) commands to debug, run advanced commands, and install apps directly.

2. Default USB Configuration

This option allows users to customize how their Android phone connects to computers, whether it is for transferring files, photos, or just charging. You can select the preferred data transfer mode when connecting your phone to a computer, enhancing the overall user experience.

3. Animation Speed Adjustment

This feature allows you to adjust the speed of animations when opening or switching between apps. By reducing the duration of these animations, you can make your phone feel more responsive and faster.

4. Show Refresh Rate

Modern Android phones feature high refresh rate screens. Through the “Show Refresh Rate” option, users can view the current refresh rate of their screen, which can enhance the user experience, especially when watching content or using apps that require high display accuracy.

5. Always-On Mobile Data

This option keeps mobile data active even when the phone is connected to Wi-Fi. It can be useful when moving between networks frequently but may impact battery life if Wi-Fi is available consistently.

6. Running Services

This feature is similar to a task manager on a computer, allowing you to view active services and processes along with memory usage. If your phone is running abnormally, or you want to see which apps and processes are using up resources, “Running Services” is the place to go. You can terminate unnecessary processes to improve performance.

7. Force Dark Mode

Dark mode has become a popular feature among Android users. The “Force Dark Mode” option enables you to force unsupported apps to display in dark mode, improving the look of your device and helping to save battery life.

8. Show Bluetooth Devices Without Names

If you’re having trouble discovering Bluetooth devices, this option will display unnamed Bluetooth devices by showing their MAC addresses, which can make it easier to connect to devices that don’t have identifiable names.

9. Disable Absolute Volume

This feature separates the volume controls between your phone and Bluetooth device. If you’re having issues with the volume being too high or too low on your Bluetooth headset, disabling this feature can improve compatibility and give you more control over each device’s volume independently.

10. Don’t Keep Activities

This option is useful for developers testing their apps under various conditions, as it forces the system to destroy activities as soon as you leave the app. However, it is not recommended for regular users as it can negatively affect your phone’s performance if left enabled, especially on newer Android systems.


Conclusion

“Developer Options” are powerful tools that give advanced users the ability to customize and enhance their Android experience. However, they should be used with caution, particularly by average users, as some settings can impact the device’s performance. If you’re a developer or someone with a keen interest in technology, these options provide valuable tools for improving performance and tailoring the device to your needs.


Sources:

  • Android Developer Guide (Android Developers Website)
  • XDA Developers (Android Development Forum)
  • Android Central (Specialized Android Website)