Boost Your Productivity: Customizing Android Quick Settings for Optimal Functionality

Android’s Quick Settings feature provides users with convenient access to vital controls, yet the standard arrangement often does not align with individual usage patterns. Fortunately, personalizing this layout is achievable through various strategies. Here’s a guide on how I optimized my Quick Settings and how you can enhance yours too.

Discover Unused Quick Settings Tiles

Begin by exploring the less-frequented Quick Settings tiles on your Android device. The default display varies between models depending on the manufacturer. For example, my Honor phone includes unique features like AI subtitles and a Link to Windows option, which are not present on my Google Pixel.

The initial setup often overlooks several functional tiles that could be more beneficial for your routine. Personally, I frequently rely on my phone’s Calculator. Instead of digging through apps, I’ve integrated a Calculator tile into my Quick Settings, allowing me to use it swiftly—even one-handed.

To add a new tile, simply swipe down from the top of your screen to access Quick Settings. Scroll down to reveal additional options and tap the Pencil icon located at the lower right corner.

Adding Calculator tile in Quick Settings on Android.

You will first see the currently active tiles. To find inactive options, scroll down. Look under the From system apps section, which generally has several choices, including the Calculator tile. Other devices might present this in a simple list format without categories. Just tap the tile to add it to your Quick Settings.

Incorporate New Tiles from Installed Apps

It’s important to note that many installed applications come equipped with Quick Settings tiles. For instance, I regularly use the NordVPN app and was pleased to discover it offers a dedicated tile for easier access.

On my Pixel device, I found this tile in the From apps you installed category. However, discovering it may require some exploration on different devices. On my Honor device, I spotted the NordVPN tile among the list of inactive tiles, using the app icon as a visual cue. Once activated, this tile allows for instantaneous connection to a random server simply by tapping it.

Adding additional Quick Settings tiles via installed apps on Android.

Design Custom Tiles with Third-Party Apps

If your commonly used applications lack a corresponding Quick Settings tile, fear not! You can utilize a third-party app like Tile Shortcuts to create custom tiles tailored to your needs.

Launch the app and tap the red + button at the bottom of the screen.

Adding a new custom tile in Tile Shortcuts app on Android.

Choose APP under Tile Type and select your desired application from the subsequent list.

Selecting a Tile Type in the Tile Shortcuts app.

Next, pick an icon for your tile, or upload a custom icon from your device’s gallery.

Choosing an icon for a new custom tile in Tile Shortcuts app on Android.

Return to Quick Settings and enter edit mode. Your newly created tile will now be available under From installed apps, marked with the number 1. Activate it and it will be featured in your Quick Settings, displaying the app’s logo.

Adding the first custom tile to Quick Settings on Android.

One of the standout features of Tile Shortcuts is that it enables users to create tiles for websites. Although this particular function requires a nominal one-time fee of $1.49, it proves invaluable for those frequently checking specific sites. Simply name your tile, add the URL, and press OK. I created a tile for MTE with its logo for easy identification.

Creating a website tile for Quick Settings using Tile Shortcuts app.

Your new tile will appear in the Quick Settings edit menu, marked with the number 2.

The paid version of Tile Shortcuts also provides features to create tiles for quick actions like initiating a WhatsApp chat, accessing your Contacts, or calling from the Dialer. You can even create a folder tile that includes your preferred apps, shortcuts, and/or websites.

Creating a shortcut folder quick tile using Tile Shortcuts app.

Adjust the Size of Your Quick Tiles

While some applications refresh the visual appearance of Android’s Quick Settings, I appreciate the original layout and opted not to modify it. However, Pixel users can make a valuable adjustment by resizing the tiles to better fit their preferences. Yes, you can reduce the dimensions of tiles, accommodating more within a single row.

In the Quick Settings edit panel, tap on a tile to reveal a handle on the right side. Drag this handle to the right to reduce the tile’s size.