Tag: internet

How to access the hidden Wi-Fi menu on your Samsung phone
This OneUI feature is perfect for fans of Samsung’s everything-but-the-kitchen-sink software strategy. Was one of the Samsung Galaxy phones’ best-kept secrets just revealed by a Reddit user? The most well-known aspect of OneUI, the software launcher that runs Samsung phones, is how many functions it has. Some of them are so buried or too many that you won’t utilize them at all.

The best hidden feature award can go to a new discovery. The function, known as “Connectivity Labs,” can only be accessed by a hidden gesture in the Wi-Fi settings on your phone. That’s cool, isn’t it?

Even more amazing are the features offered by Connectivity Labs, which include developer options, AI-powered mobile data switching, a home Wi-Fi assessment tool, and more. Here are some of the greatest features you should start utilizing, how to access them, and which Samsung models are compatible.

Opening Intelligent Wi-Fi settings

In order to access your Intelligent Wi-Fi settings, you must first launch the Settings app, hit the Connections tab, select Wi-Fi, then tap the three dots in the upper-right corner (to expand options), and then select Intelligent Wi-Fi.

You will then get a list of Wi-Fi alternatives that are adaptable.

Turning on Connectivity Labs

Scroll to the bottom of the Intelligent Wi-Fi page, then tap the software version (now known as Intelligent Wi-Fi 7.0.0) seven times to enable Connectivity Labs.

You should see a pop-up message indicating the number of taps required to activate Connectivity Labs as you continue to tap. The secret menu will then show up at the bottom of the site after that.

Connectivity Labs

A column of graphs showing the different bands, types, and networks your phone is linked to appears when you first launch Connectivity Labs. Additionally, there is a “Daily Average” ticker that shows how long your phone spends on Wi-Fi each day.

But the bottom half of this page has the main content. A list of helpful internet connection toggles, such as Wi-Fi 7 mode, Wi-Fi handover, network quality information, and more, can be found as you read down.

Although the most of the alternatives are specialized, I’ve been trying with all of them, and three are generally helpful:
- Home Wi-Fi inspection: This feature tests your Wi-Fi signal in real time, displaying connection strength fluctuations as you move around your house. I needed a convenient location for the monitoring hub after I recently placed new video security cameras across my property. After using the Wi-Fi inspection tool, I located a strong signal spot in my office and configured it.
- Switching to mobile data faster: Have you ever had slow internet because your phone was switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data while you were outside of a cafe or office building, for example, and you were on the edge of a public connection? If you select this option, the phone will immediately switch to mobile data if it senses that your Wi-Fi signal is waning. If you have an unlimited data plan, this is a fantastic alternative.
- Wi-Fi Developer Options: One of the most useful settings on this menu is “Nearby Wi-Fi information,” which provides a list of the signal strengths of your nearby networks. When there are several public Wi-Fi networks available, such as at an airport, and you want to know which one will provide the quickest surfing speeds, this can be helpful.
Although I have only touched the surface of Connectivity Labs’ potential, it is evident that there are many helpful tools available to make more exploration worthwhile. I strongly advise spending some time looking into these settings, experimenting with them, and figuring out which ones best suit your unique need for internet connectivity. The amount of control and optimization you may attain without spending any money may surprise you.
October 9, 2025
6 useful connectivity features you should know
Connectivity features enable communication between networks and devices. Numerous tools are available on Android, with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Near-Field Communication, and mobile hotspot being among the most widely used. There are very few users that do not utilize any of them in a given day.

You might be using a wireless connection to watch videos or pair your wireless headphones with your phone. You may be surprised to learn that there are more features available to improve your experience. Let’s examine your device’s settings in more detail and get you using them immediately.

Use QR code to share your internet connection

It’s uncomfortable to pause what you’re doing, type or speak out your Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot password, and ensure sure no one else can see or hear it. Use a QR code if you want to share it more quickly. Here’s how:

For wi-fi network
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- While your device is connected to a network, tap the information icon beside the network.
- Tap Share. You may need to enter your security method to continue.
- You should see a QR code. It’s a square filled with a black and white pattern.
- From the device you’re sharing to, access the QR code tile from Quick Settings.
- Scan the QR code to get access immediately.
Mobile hotspot password
1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet or Connection & sharing.
3. Tap Hotspot & tethering or Personal hotspot.
4. Tap the toggle button to enable hotspot.
5. Tap the tiny QR code icon beside the hotspot name. You should see the enlarged version after entering your security unlock method.
6. On the other devicce, access the QR code tile from Quick Settings and scan it to gain access.
Share files to iPhone wirelessly

It can be frustrating and difficult to move files and data between the iOS and Android environments. Due to Apple’s closed-off ecosystem design, cross-platform compatibility necessitates a significant amount of manual labor. Although it is incompatible with iPhones, Quick Share for Android is an alternative to Apple’s AirDrop. But on Android 15, OnePlus’ new Share with iPhone feature unites the worlds of Oppo, Realme, and OnePlus devices. Since the receiving device needs to download the O+ software in order to connect, the solution isn’t entirely native. Nevertheless, it’s quick and not too difficult. To utilize it, follow these steps:
1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Connection & sharing.
3. Select Share with iPhone. Then tap the toggle button to turn on the feature.
4. On the iPhone, install the O+ Connect app from the Apple App Store. Then open it and turn on Bluetooth.
5. Select the files you want to send from either phone.
6. You should see the detected devices while preparing to send them. Tap your preferred device.
7. Accept the transfer request on the receiving device. The files should arrive in seconds, depending on the size.
Use Wi-FI calling and texting

Signals from routine phone calls and texts travel through cell towers before they are received by the recipient. Connecting with individuals will be difficult if you’re in a rural location far from a cell tower or in a building with high walls. Use Wi-Fi calling instead for better outcomes. Your phone uses Wi-Fi to send a message or make a call over the internet, avoiding the cell tower, as long as you have access to a Wi-Fi network. To utilize it, follow these steps:
1. Ensure that Wi-Fi is turned on and you’re connected to a network.
2. Open the Google Phone app.
3. Tap the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner. Then select Settings.
4. Tap Calls.
5. Select Wi-Fi calling.
6. Turn on the toggle button beside Use Wi-Fi calling.
Use your phone as a PC webcam

The size of the camera sensor and lens is constrained by the tiny area in the top bezel of a laptop. PC cameras are typically blurry and uninteresting for proper video calls because of this. Thankfully, your phone has more space for wider apertures and larger sensors, which provide sharper images. With Android 14, you can now take advantage of that feature and use your smartphone as a camera. It was enhanced with Android 15’s high-quality mode. To enhance your virtual meetings using the functionality, take the following actions:
1. Connect your PC and phone with a USB cable. You should see a notification on your phone recognizing the connection.
2. Tap the notification and choose to use USB for Webcam.
3. Tap the HQ button in the upper-right corner of the call screen to use High Quality mode.
Activate Bluetooth automatically every day

iOS has had automatic Bluetooth activation for many years. It is only temporarily disabled when you disable it from the Control Center. Unless you disable the option from the settings menu, it reactivates. Keep it on if you’re constantly connecting to Bluetooth speakers, earphones, or even your automobile, even though most people find it annoying. The automation setting was first available on Pixel phones running Android 15, and it might eventually be available on other devices. Here’s how to make it active:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Connected devices > Connection preferences.
3. Tap Bluetooth.
4. Turn on the toggle button beside Bluetooth, then the button beside Automatically turn on tomorrow.
After you deactivate Bluetooth, it can now turn on by itself the next day. It probably tries to avoid interfering with your short-term preferences and believes you need it during your regular activity hours. As long as you aren’t actively using the linked device, it will drain the battery a little but not significantly. When no music is playing on the speaker or earphones you’re wearing, the connection remains in a low-power mode.

Android’s best-kept secrets

Every phone brand on Android has special features that are just waiting to be found, making it a labyrinth of capabilities. What you see on a Samsung may not be the same on a OnePlus or Pixel, and it’s precisely this diversity that adds excitement to the ecosystem. Digging behind those layers will reveal more hidden gems in productivity, privacy, accessibility, and multitasking.
May 12, 2025
Clean your browser junk files in a few steps.

Regularly clearing the cache and cookies in your web browser will help you get rid of unnecessary garbage files.

Much of the information that your Android phone’s web browser gathers from the websites you visit is unnecessary for it to be on your phone.

The information kept in your cookies and cache, regardless of whether you are using Samsung Internet, Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome, may come in handy occasionally. It is what keeps you signed into your accounts and enables you to swiftly access websites that you visit often. That is great, but your browser’s cookies and cache include a lot of unnecessary data that may even pose a privacy concern.

The reasons behind periodicaly clearing your cache and cookies

A large portion of the content that accumulates in your cookies and cache is just useless garbage. A portion of it might have come from single-visited websites. Some appear to be actively monitoring your browser history in order to provide you with adverts that are relevant to what you purchase or watch online. For example, after looking at a few stores, I keep getting advertising for buying glasses online, or I get ads from Amazon that just so happen to reflect what was last in my shopping basket.

It is a good idea to periodically clean your cache because of this. It enables you to delete data from your phone that you no longer require, particularly if one of the cookies on your phone has an unknown data tracker. You will have to log back into some of your favorite websites after clearing your cache, but it is a tiny annoyance to ensure that your phone is not accumulating unnecessary data.

The steps differ slightly depending on the type of phone and web browser app you’re using. Below, we’ll go over how to clear this data for Google’s Chrome browser (often the default for many Android phones, like the Google Pixel line), Samsung’s internet browser (often the default on the Galaxy phone series) and Mozilla’s Firefox browser.

Google Chrome

In the Google Chrome app for Android, you can clear your cache and cookies by first clicking the More button (shown by a column of three dots) in the top right corner of the browser, then selecting History, and then selecting Clear browsing data. Alternatively, you may access this by selecting Privacy and Security from the Chrome Settings menu, followed by Clear browsing data.

Additionally, Chrome has Basic and Advanced settings for deleting cookies, site data, cached files and pictures, and browsing history. You can choose to erase all of your information or just a portion of it, ranging from the recent 24 hours to the previous four weeks, using the Time range drop-down menu. You can also delete Saved passwords, Autofill form data, and Site settings by tapping Advanced.

Once you have decided what to remove, hit the blue “Clear data” button. If Chrome considers any websites to be “essential” to you, you may receive an additional prompt, and you will be able to accept before clearing. In the event that you do not receive the prompt, Chrome will clear as soon as you tell it to.

Samsung Internet

You can delete the cache and cookie data from your Samsung Internet browser in two distinct methods. You have two options for clearing: using the Settings app on your phone, or directly from within the browser.

To clear while in the Samsung Internet browser app, first tap the Options button in the bottom right corner represented by three horizontal lines, then Settings; scroll down to and tap Personal Data, then tap Delete browsing data to get a menu of options to delete. You can clear your Browsing history, Cookies and site data, Cached images and files, Passwords and Autofill forms in any combination. After tapping Delete data, you’ll then receive a prompt asking for you to confirm your choices before deleting.

You can customize what you want to erase the most by going through the browser app itself. Nevertheless, you may launch the Settings app, touch on Apps, scroll down to Samsung Internet, and then tap Storage if you want to access comparable choices from your phone’s settings menu.

There are distinct options to clear data and clear cache at the bottom of Storage. Choosing Clear data triggers a warning that all of the application’s data, including files, settings, accounts, and databases, will be permanently erased. Tapping Clear cache will instantly remove the cache. This “going nuclear” method should erase all leftover data, even though it does not mention cookies, allowing you to restart the Samsung Internet browser as if it were a fresh install.

Mozilla Firefox

You may empty the cache from within the Mozilla Firefox Android app, just like you can with Google Chrome. Once more represented by three vertically aligned dots, the More button is located to the right of the address bar. Tap it to access this function. Next, select Settings and proceed to the Delete browsing data section.

Of the three browsers we’re discussing here, Firefox gives you the most options under the Delete browsing data menu, allowing you to also delete any existing Open tabs, your Browsing history and site data, Site permissions and even your Downloads folder alongside Cookies and Cached images and files.

You can be more precise about the kind of data you want to erase, even though you are unable to select a time frame like you can with Chrome.

Additionally, Firefox offers a second option for users who want not to store their browser history once they close the program. There is a Delete browsing data on stop option in Settings that tells Firefox to remove any combination of these same settings each time the program is closed. This is a helpful function if you want to maintain your browser clean and, for example, not unintentionally give your browsing history to someone who could have stolen or otherwise obtained access to your phone.

February 25, 2024
Configure Android USB tethering on macOS
Even though Wi-Fi tethering is the most practical method for connecting an Android phone to a Mac, you may occasionally need to utilize USB instead.

However, USB tethering between Android and Windows is simple, but depending on the Android device you’re using, connecting it between Android and Mac can be more difficult. Here’s how to configure Mac OS for Android USB tethering.

Use the Built-In USB Tethering Option (if Supported)

A contemporary Android device running Android 12 or later may already have built-in support for USB tethering on macOS. To make it work, you might not need any additional strategies. For instance, on a Pixel 7 running Android 13, all you need to do is connect your phone to your computer to get started.
1. Unlock and connect your phone to your Mac via a USB cable.
2. If you’re using macOS 13, you may need to click to allow your phone to connect
3. A notification will appear on your phone labeled something like Charging this device via USB. Tap on it.
4. Under the USB Preferences screen that opens, set Use USB for to USB tethering.
Now that the issue has been resolved, you should be able to use your Mac to access the internet as usual. If you have a limited data plan and are using a 4G or 5G mobile data connection, be mindful of your usage.

If the notification doesn’t appear when you connect your phone, you can instead go to Settings > Network and Internet > Hotspot and tethering and toggle on USB tethering. This option will be grayed out if your phone isn’t connected to a computer using a USB cable, and remember that some of the menus may be slightly different depending on what phone you’re using.

To verify the connection on your Mac, go to System Settings (or System Preferences) > Network, where you’ll see your phone’s name listed with a green dot next to it.

If USB tethering on macOS isn’t supported on your phone and you can’t set up Wi-Fi tethering, you do have another option. However, this comes with a potential snag of its own.

Use the HoRNDIS Driver

The required driver is not present on older Android devices or those that lack built-in support for USB tethering on a Mac, which prevents the sharing of an internet connection. Fortunately, you can get it working by installing the third-party HoRNDIS driver. All Android devices are compatible with this driver, which is akin to the one used by Windows computers.

HoRNDIS is free and open-source and should work well in many cases. However:
- It hasn’t been updated since 2018, so may not support newer versions of macOS.
- It doesn’t work on Macs powered by Apple Silicon.
The discussions on the software’s Github page do include some workarounds to get HoRNDIS running on M1 and M2 machines. But it’s a complicated process that involves disabling your Mac’s System Integrity Protection, so is not suitable for most users.

Assuming the caveats don’t apply to you, here’s how to set up HoRNDIS on your (Intel-based) Mac.
1. Download and install the most recent version of HoRNDIS on your Mac (the PKG file).
2. It’s a good idea to reboot your Mac at this stage, although this may not be necessary depending on what version you’re using.
3. Now run through the steps we outlined above. Connect your phone via USB, tap the notification labeled Charging this device via USB, and set Use USB for to USB tethering.
You should now be able to connect to the internet. Go to System Preferences > Network, where you should see your phone listed with the green dot alongside it. This confirms that the connection is active.

To uninstall HoRNDIS, check the /System/Library/Extensions/ and /Library/Extensions/ folders and delete HoRNDIS.kext. Then reboot your Mac.

Using HoRNDIS is easy enough if your Mac is compatible. However, we’d only choose to use it if wireless tethering is not an option. You can troubleshoot your Android mobile hotspot to see if that helps.

USB Tethering on macOS Is Simple

If your Android phone doesn’t support USB tethering with a Mac natively, you’ll need to install a driver, but it’s simple to accomplish and functions as expected.

Sharing a data connection with a desktop or laptop from your phone is practical. However, you may share the connection from your Mac to other devices as well, so it doesn’t stop there.
November 19, 2022
Restrict apps data network usage in Android

Except for home Wi-Fi connections, all of our mobile data is limited. So, in order to avoid unnecessary consumption, we must adhere to restrictions, or we must opt for limited speed unlimited data. In the App settings, you can always limit the details. However, if you do not use the app with reduced data speed, you will need to use additional software to track and manage the app’s data speed consumption.

You can also use this app when you have limited bandwidth and want to prioritize essential apps. However, in order to manage the software, most of the available apps need root access. However, in this article, we will show you How to Limit Apps Data Network Use in Android Without Root.

Is network usage limit for apps needed?

We all use our smartphones for various reasons, and not everyone has unlimited storage. Some people don’t mind keeping their mobile data linked all day, while others will need to switch on the mobile network only when necessary. Since the beginning of time, smart devices and computers have been programmed to run certain applications in the background. These apps run in the background for a variety of reasons, and they, of course, make use of network data connections. So, if you have a restricted data plan, you may want to prevent those apps from running in the background to avoid wasting data.

This article explains the various possible ways to stop certain apps from using your mobile data or even connect to the internet (via WiFi) when you’re not using them. Interestingly, the methods explained in this article do not require you to root your device before they’d work.

How to limit data usage

You can restrict the bandwidth (network speed) of specific apps on your phone using certain mobile applications. If you have a restricted data plan or mobile network, this will help you save more data. It will also help to increase the internet speed; since there are only a few applications running, the speed will be significant and seamless.

Regardless, on rooted Android devices, you can use DroidWall to set the apps that should use your data and apps that should not. DroidWall packs a bunch of features, and it only works for rooted devices. But if your Android device is not rooted, try these apps below to limit your apps’ network speed and data usage.

Restrict background data

Apparently, all Android smartphones support an option in its Settings page that allows you to stop background apps from using your data. This feature is placed in different sub-menus in different phones. However, the best way to find it out is using the “Search” function.

In practice, most Android phones have a “Search Bar” in the settings page that allows you to quickly find a setting option. As a result, when you open the settings tab, tap on the search bar and type in “history info.” Select the appropriate settings option and switch on the function.

Once enabled, no app on your smartphone can connect to the internet unless you start it. Simply put, when you minimize your Facebook or IM app, it stops using your data to sync and stops sending you new chat messages – before you open it again.

This is the best option for many people, and it works pretty efficiently. You may not need to install a 3rd-party app anymore. Restricting background data works “device-wide,” which means it also stops background services from draining your capped mobile data. However, this feature may not be very effective; it is more effective when using the mobile network.

NoRoot Firewall

The name tells it all. This mobile application helps you build a firewall that restricts any app you select from using your network. It doesn’t require root access on the smartphone, and it is straightforward to use.

This app has some intriguing features, such as hostname/domain name filtering, fine-grained access control, and no questionable permissions on the firewall app itself. However, one of the most significant drawbacks of this app is its inability to support LTE; it is designed to support IPv4 rather than IPv6.

This app will function as a data privacy app, preventing such apps from sharing your personal data over the internet. It displays a warning on your smartphone whenever an app attempts to link to the internet; it is then up to you to ALLOW or DENY the app’s internet access.

Furthermore, this app lets you create firewall filter rules based on IP address, hostname, or domain name. It is safe to use and does not pose any harm to your privacy. This app is compatible with many Android devices; the requirements vary from device to device.

NetGuard

This is yet another mobile app that allows you to control how your applications use your mobile data. It also does not need root access, and the interface is simple to use. The NetGuard mobile app is recommended for people who want to limit their mobile data use by only allowing those applications to connect to the internet. This act will also help to shield one’s personal data from being accessed by snoops and prying eyes on the internet.

NetGuard is a sophisticated app that is available for free and is compatible with Android smartphones running Android 4.0 or later. Users can restrict access to the internet for specific apps through the home interface. Users can also prevent addresses from accessing WiFi or mobile network data. You will certainly handle your limited data with this app.

Furthermore, background apps drain the battery faster, and by limiting them, you can save more data while also preventing your battery from draining faster. In general, this mobile app is simple to use, open source, and the developers guarantee that it does not monitor your data.

Summing it up

For certain people, the “Restrict Background Data” choice could be the better option. However, for more advanced settings, you will need a third-party program, such as the two mentioned above. Some people, however, dislike limiting background data – even though they are on a restricted plan – because they enjoy receiving real-time alerts. It all comes down to personal preference, so here’s a question for you: would you prefer limiting background data Network Use through Android settings or using a third-party app for more advanced settings?

May 4, 2021
Samsung Internet gets grid layout for tab switcher and improved Galaxy Z Flip support

Just recently, Samsung Internet has had a major release that gave it autofill support from third-party password manager and a new Chromium engine, but the developers are already working hard on the next update, version 12.1. The latest beta browser adds a new grid view to the tab switcher, making it essentially the same interface that Google Chrome is already testing for many users.

After installing or downloading the beta for the first time, and hitting the tab switcher icon, you are greeted with a prompt asking how you would like to display your tabs: list, cards, or chart. The grid is their new one. Depending on your display size or the density you have chosen in your device settings, you will either see them as large, card-like squares showing you two tabs at a time, or an interface of two tabs next to each other, showing up to six website previews at a time. The latter only shows up for me when I select a less dense display size on my Pixel in device settings, but this may be different for Samsung phones.

The changelog also mentions the addition of a context menu to the tab bar, which you can activate in settings under Appearance -> Show tabs below address bar. It’s now possible to long-press these tabs to make said context menu appear, giving you options to close all tabs, close other tabs, and pin or duplicate the current tab.

N A blog post, Samsung addresses additional additions. Tablets have been given a new layout option, which allows you to shift the toolbar to sit next to the address bar, making the browser behave more like one you see on a desktop. When you watch a video on the Z Flip, you now have the option of showing the video in the top half of the screen and having your controls in the bottom half.

You can get the latest beta release on the Play Store or over at APK Mirror. The current version has been available since the end of June, but Samsung has only now published the changelog, which pointed us to the UI change.

September 2, 2020