Unlock the Full Potential of Your Google Pixel 9a: 10 Essential Settings to Boost Performance and Security
Are you getting the most out of your Google Pixel 9a? With its impressive AI tools, bright 120Hz display, and massive battery, this phone is already a powerhouse. However, to truly experience its full potential, you need to tweak a few settings. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 essential settings to boost performance, security, and overall user experience.
1. Smooth Display: Unlock Butter-Smooth Scrolling and Animations
By default, the Pixel 9a’s 120Hz OLED screen is set to 60Hz for battery conservation. To unlock its full potential, head to Settings > Display > Smooth Display and toggle it on. You’ll immediately notice a boost in responsiveness when scrolling through social feeds or navigating the UI.
2. Quick Tap: Customize Your Phone’s Gestures
The Pixel’s Quick Tap feature lets you double-tap anywhere on the back of the phone to trigger customizable actions. To enable it, go to Settings > System > Gestures > Quick Tap, then turn it on and choose your preferred shortcut. I set mine to toggle the flashlight, which comes in handy.
3. Adaptive Battery and Extreme Battery Saver: Stretch Your Phone’s Power
Pixels already have solid battery life, but Google’s battery-saving tools take it even further. Enable Adaptive Battery and Extreme Battery Saver in Settings > Battery > Battery Saver to learn which apps you use most and cut power to the rest.
4. Smarter Lock Screen: Turn Your Lock Screen into a Mini Command Center
The Pixel’s lock screen can become a mini command center if you turn on its smarter widgets. At a Glance can show flight info, weather alerts, calendar events, and more. To enable it, go to the Pixel Launcher, tap and hold an open space, select Home settings, and then tap the settings icon for At a Glance.
5. Now Playing: Identify Songs Playing Around You
The Pixel’s Now Playing feature auto-detects songs playing around you and displays that information on your lock screen passively. To enable it, head to Settings > Display > Lock Screen > Now Playing and activate Identify songs playing nearby.
6. App Suggestions: Surface Relevant Apps Based on Your Usage Habits
The Pixel Launcher can surface app suggestions based on personal context like location, time of day, and your usage habits. To enable it, tap and hold an open space on the home screen, go to Home settings > Suggestions, and enable Suggestions on Home Screen.
7. Offline Translation Tools: Unlock Real-Time Translation
Tensor-powered Pixels support offline translation tools. Live Translate lets you automatically translate text messages in real time. To enable it, go to Settings > System > Live Translate and Add a language.
8. Notification Settings: Keep Your Messages Private
By default, notifications appear on your lock screen, which means others might see your messages. To keep your messages private, go to Settings > Notifications and set Sensitive notifications to Off. For maximum privacy, select Don’t show any notifications.
9. Caller ID and Spam: Filter Out Robocalls and Junk
Pixel phones actively filter spam and unknown numbers. With Caller ID and Spam, Google flags robocalls and other junk before you even answer. To enable it, open the Phone app > Settings > Caller ID and Spam and enable See caller and spam ID.
10. Filter Spam Calls: Prevent Those Annoying Calls
If your Pixel shows the option to turn on Filter spam calls, I recommend activating it, which prevents those unwanted calls from reaching your phone.
By following these 10 essential settings, you’ll unlock the full potential of your Google Pixel 9a and experience a smoother, more secure, and more personalized phone. Whether you’re a power user or just looking to get the most out of your device, these settings will help you achieve your goals.