These 4 crucial Android settings are disabled by default; I can't live without them

Jon Gilbert is a technology journalist with five years of experience covering mobile technology. He's covered smartwatches, tablets, smartphones, and Android accessories. He's attended CES to explore unique hardware like the Pebble Round 2 or Mudita Kompakt. His daily mobile tech life revolves around Pixel devices, which he has used since the Pixel 2 XL. Jon loves exploring the latest Android features, but is highly sceptical of anything related AI. 

Every Android phone is set up so you can start using it immediately with minimal fuss. After all, manufacturers want onboarding to be as smooth as possible to make a positive first impression.

But some settings are disabled by default when they should be opt-out instead. No matter what Android device I set up, I always enable these settings first for the best experience.

Advanced Protection ought to be part of the setup process

It's the quickest way to protect your phone and its data

Android 16 launched in 2025 with a comprehensive security upgrade that, for some reason, was disabled by default. This feature, called Advanced Protection, provides the best protection for your phone's data.

I understand why Android disables it by default; Advanced Protection is a complex set of features that some people won't want.

However, at the very least, it should be included in the setup process on new Android phones. Here's how to enable it:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Security and privacy.
3. Tap Advanced Protection.
4. Toggle on the Device protection switch.

Advanced Protection isn't a single feature; it's a toggle that enables several Android security features (many of which you can enable separately).

These features cover everything from Theft Detection Lock (which locks your phone when motion indicates theft) to Chrome browsing (which warns you before you visit non-HTTPS sites).

It blocks unknown sources from installing apps and turns off Watch Unlock. These and other features can be inconvenient, but it's a small price to pay for total device security.

The best part about Advanced Protection is that after I turn it on, I never have to think about it again. So, after setting up any Android device, I go straight to the Security and privacy settings to toggle it on.

Comfort View makes eye strain a thing of the past

It's so good, I can't believe Google doesn't enable it by default

Comfort View is technically a Pixel-exclusive feature, but other manufacturers like Samsung offer similar tools.

Everyone should use Night Light, which reduces blue light from your screen at night. It's a brilliant tool that improves sleep quality, but it's a little too extreme for daily use.

Comfort View reduces blue light, but not to the same extent as Night Light. I've been using it since May when it launched, and I don't notice the change anymore.

When I temporarily disabled it for this article, I realized how blinding my Pixel's screen is.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Display and touch.
3. Tap Comfort Filters.
4. Toggle on the Comfort View switch.

I use the Dynamic setting; otherwise, the effect is a touch too orange during the day. Samsung Galaxy owners can enable a similar feature by turning on Eye Comfort Shield in the Quick Settings panel.

Background processes aren't necessary and waste memory

Notifications are slower, but the trade-off is worth it

Background processes refer to cached data that isn't currently being used. By default, Android keeps a set number running in the background at all times, but it isn't necessary.

In my experience, disabling this feature can add up to 10 seconds to the wait time for incoming notifications, and some apps take a second or two longer to open.

However, I also freed up 2GB of RAM and noticed a boost in my Pixel's battery life and performance.

This setting is buried in Android's developer settings. After these are enabled, search for the Background process limit option.

By default, Android sets it to Standard limit. Instead, enable No background processes by selecting the radio button.

Enabling this setting helps me get the best performance from my Android device.

Animation speed shouldn't be set to 1x

Change the speed to avoid delays when opening apps

The Developer options also have an Animation scale setting. This setting adjusts how fast Android animations play out, including when apps open.

So even if Android loads an app instantly, it might take longer to play, creating an unnecessary delay.

This setting noticeably improves app opening speeds on any device, from flagships to budget phones.

In developer options, find the Window animation scale, Transition animation scale, and Animator duration scale settings.

Set each of these settings to Animation scale .5x.

That's it. Turning animations off completely is technically faster, but it creates abrupt and irritating transitions.

Over time, I made my Android phone unrecognizable

These are certainly not the only Android settings I modify over the lifetime of a phone, but they are the settings I enable first.

Ideally, manufacturers would include them in the setup process of new phones, but thankfully, enabling them all takes less than a minute.