Android tips: connecting phones to TVs and hidden shortcuts

Android smartphones can be linked to a television to enjoy a larger display. The simplest method uses a USB‑C to HDMI cable, which mirrors the phone screen on the TV if the device supports video output. Wireless options include screen‑mirroring tools such as Samsung Smart View, Google Cast and Motorola Smart Connect, which require both devices to share the same Wi‑Fi network. For media‑only playback, the Cast function sends video or audio to the TV while the phone remains free for other tasks, and works with apps like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Spotify and TikTok.

Android also contains several hidden shortcuts that speed up daily use. Pressing the power button twice can launch the camera instantly, even from a locked screen. Long‑pressing app icons reveals quick actions, such as composing a new email in Gmail or navigating home in Google Maps. Users can copy text from recent‑app previews, access quick‑settings tiles, run split‑screen mode, use the Circle‑to‑Search gesture, and share files via Quick Share. These built‑in features improve efficiency without needing extra applications.