Hidden Gems or Wasted Tech? The Least Used Smartphone Features Uncovered
Smartphones are marvels of modern engineering, packed with features that most users don’t even realize exist. While manufacturers constantly compete to add new tech, not every addition becomes a hit with users. Some features remain buried deep in settings menus, unnoticed and underutilized. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the least used smartphone features, explore why they go unnoticed, and whether they’re worth revisiting.
📱 Why Some Smartphone Features Go Unused
Lack of Awareness
Many users are simply unaware of certain features. Tech-savvy users may explore every setting, but the average person uses only the basics.
Poor Implementation
Sometimes, the feature may sound useful in theory but lacks practical implementation or is buggy, causing users to ignore it.
Redundancy
Some features are redundant due to the availability of better third-party apps or tools that perform the same function more efficiently.
🔍 Most Overlooked Smartphone Feature
1. NFC (Near Field Communication)
What It Does:
NFC allows for contactless data sharing, pairing, and payments by simply bringing two devices close together.
Why It’s Overlooked:
- Often disabled by default.
- Users may not understand its purpose.
- Mobile payments aren’t universally adopted in some regions.
Should You Use It?
Yes, especially for fast payments (Google Pay, Apple Pay) and easy Bluetooth pairing.
2. Digital Wellbeing & Screen Time Monitoring
What It Does:
Tracks screen time, app usage, and offers features to limit device addiction.
Why It’s Overlooked:
- Users may avoid facing how much time they spend on their phones.
- Hidden in settings under non-obvious names.
Should You Use It?
Definitely! It helps maintain a healthier balance with technology.
3. Wi-Fi Direct
What It Does:
Enables fast file sharing between devices without needing an internet connection.
Why It’s Overlooked:
- Confused with Bluetooth or standard Wi-Fi.
- Requires both users to know how to access and use it.
Should You Use It?
Yes, especially when sharing large files without mobile data.
4. Infrared (IR) Blaster
What It Does:
Turns your phone into a universal remote for TVs, air conditioners, and other IR-compatible devices.
Why It’s Overlooked:
- Newer phones are dropping this feature.
- Most people use smart remotes or voice assistants instead.
Should You Use It?
If your device supports it and you lose remotes often — it’s a hidden lifesaver.
5. One-Handed Mode
What It Does:
Shrinks the screen interface to make it easier to use with one hand.
Why It’s Overlooked:
- Hidden in accessibility or gesture settings.
- Users often don’t realize they have this option.
Should You Use It?
Yes, especially on phones with screens larger than 6 inches.
6. SOS Emergency Features
What It Does:
Allows quick dialing of emergency services and sending your location to emergency contacts.
Why It’s Overlooked:
- Users don’t expect emergencies.
- Not configured during setup.
Should You Use It?
Absolutely. It could save your life.
📲 How to Discover & Activate These least used smartphone features
Explore Settings Deeply
Take 15 minutes to explore your phone’s settings. Most hidden features are found under “Advanced”, “Connectivity”, or “Accessibility”.
Use Search Within Settings
Most phones allow keyword search in settings. Try searching “NFC”, “one-handed”, or “emergency” to find options quickly.
🔍 Most Overlooked Smartphone Features (Expanded)
7. Clipboard History
What It Does:
Some Android skins and third-party keyboards (like Gboard or SwiftKey) offer a clipboard history that saves multiple copied texts.
Why It’s Overlooked:
- Users assume only the last copied text is saved.
- Clipboard access is hidden behind long-press menus.
Should You Use It?
Yes, especially for productivity — it saves time when copying multiple bits of information, such as passwords, texts, or links.
8. App Pinning
What It Does:
Allows you to “pin” an app to the screen, so others can’t exit it without your permission — great for lending your phone to kids or friends.
Why It’s Overlooked:
- Tucked away under security or accessibility settings.
- Not self-explanatory unless you’re tech-savvy.
Should You Use It?
Absolutely, if you often let others use your phone temporarily.
9. Built-in Screen Recorder
What It Does:
Lets you record screen activity, including audio, without needing third-party apps.
Why It’s Overlooked:
- Many users don’t realize it’s built-in.
- It’s hidden in quick settings or not enabled by default.
Should You Use It?
Yes, especially helpful for tutorials, capturing bugs, or saving video calls.
10. Back Tap Gestures (iOS & Some Android Skins)
What It Does:
Double or triple-tapping the back of your phone can trigger actions like taking a screenshot or opening an app.
Why It’s Overlooked:
- Requires activation in accessibility settings.
- Many users are unaware it exists.
Should You Use It?
Yes — it’s a quick and clever shortcut for daily actions.
🔒 Security Features Often Ignored
11. Secure Folder / App Lock
What It Does:
Lets you hide private apps, files, or photos behind extra authentication.
Why It’s Overlooked:
- Users think a screen lock is enough.
- Setup might seem complicated at first.
Should You Use It?
Definitely — especially for privacy-conscious users or shared devices.
12. Guest Mode / Kids Mode
What It Does:
Provides a limited interface for other users without accessing your data or apps.
Why It’s Overlooked:
- Buried in system settings.
- Users don’t think about it until a sharing scenario comes up.
Should You Use It?
Yes, especially when letting kids or guests use your phone safely.
🧠 Behavioral Reasons for Ignoring Features
Habit Over Convenience
People tend to use phones in ways they’re comfortable with — even if a feature could make their experience smoother.
Tech Anxiety
Some users fear breaking something or complicating their usage, so they avoid exploring advanced settings.
Overload of Features
Smartphones ship with dozens of features and pre-installed apps — many of which get ignored due to choice fatigue.
🚀 Quick Tips to Make the Most of Your Smartphone
🔄 Keep Software Updated
New features and refinements often come with updates — staying current ensures you’re not missing out.
📚 Watch Tutorials or Read the Manual
Most brands provide guides or YouTube tutorials to demonstrate lesser-known features.
⚙️ Customize Quick Settings
Add useful shortcuts like screen recorder, dark mode, or hotspot to your quick menu for easier access.
📌 Summary Table: Most Commonly Overlooked Smartphone Features
| Feature | Reason It’s Ignored | Benefit if Used |
|---|---|---|
| NFC | Disabled, misunderstood | Faster payments, quick pairing |
| Digital Wellbeing | Avoidance, poor placement | Healthier screen habits |
| IR Blaster | Less common in modern phones | Remote control convenience |
| App Pinning | Hidden in settings | Privacy when sharing phone |
| Screen Recorder | Not easily visible | Content creation, troubleshooting |
| Back Tap Gestures | Needs manual setup | Quick access to functions |
| Guest Mode / Kids Mode | Buried in settings | Safer sharing |