Three settings to change on your new Android right away – including a way to never miss a notification again

SO, you’ve recently unwrapped a sparkly new Android handset?

Or, eyeing one up in the sales? Well, there’s three settings you must change on your device to truly make it ‘yours’.

1

Lock screen

First things first – get rid of the default wallpaper lock screen.

If you’ve got a Google Pixel 8 or 8 Pro – you’ll be able to use Android 14’s brand new generative AI wallpaper feature.

If you’ve just got a new Samsung – then you may be able to access this nifty AI perk in a couple of weeks.

Generative AI is an artificial intelligence model that can generate high quality text, images – and in this case – wallpapers, at the drop of a hat.

All users need to do is give it a few text-based prompts, such as ‘floral sketches’ or ‘3D rendering of a galaxy’.

The AI suggests prompts to users to make things slightly easier.

It gives users the power to create their own unique wallpapers designs using AI – where no two wallpapers are alike.

Of course, there are a few restrictions, including a limited selection of categories to choose from and the fact that it only works with an internet connection.

Once you’ve got your dream wallpaper ready, simply follow these instructions:

1. On your lock screen, press and hold the clock.
2. A button to Customize lock screen appears at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select this, then unlock your phone.
4. This takes you to the Wallpaper & style page in settings, making it easy to trick out your phone’s lock screen.

Auto-confirm unlock

This feature is a must-have if you’re all about time efficiency.

Every Google Pixel phone in existence has forced its users to tap an extra button confirming their passcode.

Meanwhile Samsung and iPhone users glide through, with their handset automatically unlocking after receiving the correct code.

Android 14 finally fixed this on Pixel devices, and it’s easy to activate.

Here’s how:

1. Go to the Settings menu, then select Security & privacy.
2. Select Device unlock.
3. Tap the gear icon next to PIN to adjust your screen lock settings.
4. While you’re here, it’s worth turning on Enhanced PIN privacy. This setting turns off flashing animations when typing your PIN, making it difficult for onlookers to see the code.
5. Toggle on Auto-confirm unlock. You’ll need a PIN that’s six digits or longer to activate it.

Flash notifications

While flashing notification LEDs have largely disappeared from Android devices, this year’s sparkly Android 14 has switched those tides around.

With Android 14, users can use their phone’s torch as a makeshift notification trigger.

It’s definitely a love-or-hate feature, so skip past this one if you’re sensitive to lights or overly obnoxious notifications.

However, it can be helpful for those who are looking for a visual notification reminder, over an audible one.

To set it up, here’s how it’s done:

1. From the main Settings menu, find Notifications.
2. Scroll down to General, then tap Flash notifications.
3. Toggle on Camera flash. If you’re curious how notifications will look, tap the option below for a preview.
4. If you want something a little more subtle, activate Screen flash. Your display flashes the color of your choice (it’s yellow by default) when something new comes into your phone.