6 Useful Android Tricks That Do No Require Root

A fundamental difference between Android and Windows as operating systems is that only Windows gives you full administrator privileges. For Android, you need to dive into the root process, which is primarily aimed at more advanced users. However, there are plenty of useful Android tricks that can be performed without the need for a rooted device.

• What is root, and why you don't always need it
• Apps in full screen
• Screen recording
• Android device remote management
• Controlling the computer via Android
• Saving battery
• Monitor Heart Rate

What is root, and why you don't always need it

Rooting is performed to unlock the full potential of your Android device. It is essentially the process of accessing the "super-user" account, which allows you to modify various system files.

Now the rooting process has become more difficult than in the past, especially since the release of Android 6.0. But apart from that, it also involves several risks. It can cost you the loss of your warranty, or even create a permanent damage to the device. For these reasons, root is not recommended for novice users.

There are countless applications on the Play Store that require root in order to work. Some of them need it for simple things like tethering, and others for more complex activities, like disabling ads.

Similarly, there are applications that allow you to control your device remotely, convert it into a heart rate monitor, and make it perform other Android tricks- and all of them without the risks of root.

So, as you understand, although root is very useful, it's not always necessary. These apps will be presented in this guide, and we'll see what they can provide us with.

Apps in full screen

One of the most useful Android tricks that does not require root is running apps or games in full screen. You could say that it is something similar to pressing F11 in your computer’s browser. This handy trick can be done with GMD Full Screen Immersive Mode. In essence, this app removes the status bar and navigation bar from the screen.

It should be mentioned that the app only works for Android 4.4 and above, and it is also recommended for devices with soft keys on the screen, such as Nexus, OnePlus One, LG G3, and more.

Once you have downloaded and installed the application, open it and tap on the General menu.

From there, enable the first option, which reads Notification. This way you will be able to choose whether you wish to enter Full Screen (or Immersive Mode) from the notifications panel.

There are three options for Immersive Mode: the first one hides both the status bar and the navigation bar, the second one hides only the navigation bar, and the third one does not hide either of them.

Screen recording

Most Android applications that allow you to record the device’s screen require root, but this does not apply to AZ Screen Recorder.

The app works on Android 5 Lollipop and newer. Unlike other apps, AZ Screen Recorder also allows you to process recorded videos from within the application.

It is also the only application that lets you pause the recording session and resume it later.

Additionally, you can change video resolution, bitrate, orientation, etc.

Android device remote management

One of the things that instantly causes panic is putting your hand in your pocket, and realizing that your phone is missing. This case can get a lot worse when you know that someone else can probably access your data now. Fortunately, there are a number of tricks on Android for taking control of the device remotely.

With Find My Device (formerly known as Android Device Manager), you can locate your Android device’s. In addition, you can lock it remotely, force it to perform a factory reset, or make it play a sound so that you can locate it.

You just need to install the app on your main device, and then in order to use its tracking features you need to install it in another Android device as well. After doing this, you need to go to the app and connect with your Google Account. Note that the location permission is necessary for the app to work.

There are 4 options:

• Location: You can view the last tracked position of the device, as well as its battery status.
• Play Sound: This option will make the device play a sound for 5 minutes at maximum intensity, even if it is in silent or vibration.
• Lock: The Lock option will lock down your phone so that known can access its contents while you’re trying to recover it.

• Erase: If you are certain that your device will not be found, or don’t want to risk having your files accessed, use the Erase feature. Once you tap on it, the device will reset to factory settings, which practically means that all your files will be deleted. When this process is completed, you will no longer have access to the device from this app.

It goes without saying that in order for these features to work, your device must be connected to the internet. The app works for Android 4.0+.

Controlling the computer via Android

Sometimes when enjoying a movie in your computer from your sofa or bed you might have to get up to adjust the volume. Another scenario is to leave the computer on in order to finish a task while you’re not around. In both cases, it would be really useful if you had a way to be able to remotely control the computer from your Android device.

Fortunately, there are Android tricks that allow you to do this easily and simply, but above all, with no root. While many apps give you access to the computer from your Android device without root, one of the best is Chrome Remote Desktop. To learn more about it and how to use it, read the following guide:

11 More Hidden Chrome Features That You Probably Didn't Know About

Saving battery

An issue that everyone is always concerned with regarding their smartphones and tablets is battery life. We would all like to have a 1000000mAh battery that is cheap and does not have the size of a brick.

However, since technology has not advanced this far yet, you can do a few things in order to make the battery last as long as possible. Unfortunately, battery-saving applications that actually work are very few, and for the most part they require the device to be rooted.

Here are a few basic things you can do to save battery life, which do not require root:

• Uninstall Bloatware: Bloatware are apps which are pre-installed by the manufacturer or the mobile network operator. You may not use them, but they are running in the background, consuming CPU, RAM, space on the SD card, and subsequently, battery as well. You should delete as many as you can, although some may require root to be removed.
• Turn off vibration: Vibration consumes a lot of battery, regardless of whether it comes from message notifications, calls or key tapping while typing.
• Use Flight mode: In cases where your battery is too low and you don’t want to turn off the device, you can activate flight mode. This will disable Wi-Fi, 2G/3G/4G, etc. and the battery will last a little bit longer.

For a more detailed article on saving battery in Android devices, read our guide below:

How To Prolong Battery Life In Android Smartphones

Monitor Heart Rate

Even if your device does not include come with built-in heart rate monitoring technology yet, it is very easy to integrate it. So, we will convert it into an oscilloscope easily, and without the need for root. It's definitely not as accurate as the devices used by doctors and hospitals, but it’s still one of the best Android tricks.

The technology behind heart rate monitors on Android devices is basically based on a light that observes the color changes underneath our skin, and monitors the amount of blood passing through. With Instant Heart Rate Monitor you can use the device’s camera to do just that.

All you have to do is put the tip of your index finger on the device’s camera, and in a few seconds it will show you your heart rate.

Do you have any other ideas for useful Android tricks that do not require a rooted device? If yes, let us know by posting in the comments section below!